  Darling Harbour Events
Sydneysiders love a water view but most of us arent lucky enough to live in apartments with sweeping harbour vistas. This, coupled with Australias warm climate may explain why we have a growing penchant for waterside leisure activities and events, writes Chloe Noel De Kerbrech.
Darling Harbour (now fondly known by its former and formal name Cockle Bay) was once feared by some of being a white elephant, that is, a venue that was built for the wrong - political / Olympic - reasons and one that would not gain the events interest or patronage required to sustain it.
Since 2000 however, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA), Darling Harbour Precinct Mgmt and venue owners in the area such as Sydney Convention Centre, lAqua and Dockside have proven there was never any need for such uncertainty. It seems that both nationally and internationally, the demand from event organisers for harbour-view and waterside events in Sydney is growing by the year.
Such is the recent popularity of external sites such as Tumbalong Park, and the Chinese Gardens for outdoor events, the SHFA has constructed a new and distinctive purpose built open-air event site on the waterfront side of Tumbalong Park titled Palm Grove.
Complete with a uniquely designed grassy chill-out area comprising of chocolate-stained wooden benches, raised bio-box, small VIP terrace, scattered palm trees and sufficient shade, this is a location worthy of a visit when sourcing an outdoor venue.
The location of the site is directly between the IMAX cinema and The Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre. Public access is permitted when the site is not in use and often you will see students, couples and tourists lazily sunning themselves or seeking shade while watching the ships dock in the quay. It is a well-designed and tranquil place to be.
Palm Grove is a triangular area widening as it meets the waters edge with glistening bay views, shade provided by the overpass and palm trees that loosely cover part of the space.
There is more than adequate power for large-scale events and a raised flat platform upon which truss structures, stages, seating and marquees can be safely constructed on the level. The capacity of the site is up to 1,000 people cocktail style.
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