Margot Date discovers there's plenty at her doorstep to keep her small tribe entertained.

It is just as well the harbour view rooms at the Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour have an exceptional view of the water and city lights. After three days of school holiday excitement my weary 11-year-old takes to bed with a migraine.

His seven-year-old sister is content to stretch out in the bath and then play with dolls on the other double bed in the large room. I lounge on the sofa under the window and I'm mesmerised by the lights of all those city buildings. A cheap and delicious Thai takeaway from the Darling Harbour food court is as good as anything from a sit-down restaurant.

Earlier that day, we had taken a monorail ride to Sydney Wildlife World. It was as much to get out of the pouring rain as to use this long-derided transport system but even critics have to admit that if you're on one side of Darling Harbour and need to get to the other, it is a fun way to travel, especially if you're a kid.

I had never heard of Sydney Wildlife World until Miss Seven saw it advertised on television and declared she would like to go there. A quick search online revealed a pricebuster combined ticket to visit Wildlife World and Sydney Aquarium. There were all sorts of combinations, including the clever deal for two children and one adult. You can see both attractions at once, or return at any time in the next 90 days. Buying online saved about 20 per cent on the regular admission.

On our way past the concierge desk at the Novotel we pick up two vouchers for photographs with a koala at the wildlife exhibit. Animal rights activists can scoff all they like but even in a downpour these koalas are a huge attraction. So popular that some eager visitors let themselves into the viewing area without paying and proceed to take their own photographs. But my two stood on a plastic stool to escape the muddy puddles and leaned in to have their photo taken with "Precious".

Before white settlement, this area was known by the Cadigal people as Tumbalong - a place where seafood is found. The white settlers called it Cockle Bay and in 1826, Sir Ralph Darling, the ninth governor of NSW, renamed the area after himself. In all the years I have visited Darling Harbour - either to walk through it to get to work, to attend shows at the Convention Centre, to shop, to visit attractions such as the Powerhouse Museum or the National Maritime Museum or to see Australia Day fireworks with Prince Charles - I have never stayed there.

As a holiday venue, especially with children, it is as easy as can be. Apart from the city sights just outside the window, there are plenty of attractions within walking distance. If you drive to the Novotel, you can park undercover, for $30 a day, and leave the car alone until checking out.

Inside, the hotel is big and busy, with restaurants, bars, an outdoor swimming pool, internet access in every room and 24-hour room service. There are loads of international and business travellers and then there are families like us, enjoying a quick getaway not that far from home.

Apart from being comfortable, our room is spacious, even with two double beds. There are interesting historical prints on the walls depicting life around the harbour and enough bedding and seating to lie around without getting in each other's way. There is a full-sized bath, although the hotel does encourage water saving with a four-minute timer on the bathroom wall to limit your shower.

Sometimes the best plans are those made at the last minute. Our room is $229 a night, booked that morning. Our only mistake is we didn't stay long enough to see everything on offer.

VISITORS' BOOK

Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

Address 100 Murray Street.

The verdict Better than functional. Comfortable room, great place to stay for Darling Harbour attractions.

Price $409 for a Pyrmont View Room, $619 for a deluxe harbour room. Check online for specials and packages that can save up to half the room price.

Bookings Phone 9934 0000 or see www.novoteldarlingharbour.com.au.

Getting there Murray Street is one back from Darling Drive.

Perfect for Business or attending functions at the convention centre, families wanting to explore Darling Harbour and the CBD.

Wheelchair access Yes.

When you're there Take in the city view, explore Darling Harbour, Chinatown, Sydney Fish Markets, cruise the harbour, shop.

Weekends Away are reviewed anonymously and paid for by Traveller.