The Convention Centre, Exhibition Centre and the Entertainment Centre were opened in the 1980’s as part of a transformation of Darling Harbour from an industrial docking port to an open public entertainment area.

The first project to be completed at Darling Harbour, the Entertainment Centre, is now a premier venue for basketball, concerts and other special events. With a capacity seating of 11,000 people it will host Volleyball during the 2000 Games. Its position as Sydney's largest indoor venue has been taken over by the Sydney SuperDome.

The Sydney Exhibition Centre was opened at Darling Harbour’s official opening in 1988 during Australia’s centenary celebrations. It is Sydney’s main venue for exhibitions and trade shows. During the Olympics it will be host to Boxing (seating up to 10,000 people), Fencing (seating up to 5,000 people), Wrestling and Judo (seating up to 9,000 people for each event).

Also opened in 1988 was the Sydney Convention Centre. It will host Weightlifting and will seat a crowd capacity of 3,800. Darling Harbour will also be a venue for parties and a celebration space, including entertainment venues like the Imax Sydney (with the world’s biggest cinema screen) and Sega World. Most people will simply relax in Tumbalong Park and soak up the great Australian sunshine.