The Rocks
The Rocks
The Rocks is one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. It is not hard to see why. Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on the western shores of Sydney Cove, The Rocks is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical signifiance. It is often described as “Sydney’s outdoors museum”.
The Rocks is the oldest area of Sydney and has recently undergone an amazing metamorphosis, the old district being transformed into a vibrant pocket of cafes and restaurants and interesting tourist shops and stalls. This has been achieved without destroying the area’s Old World charm and historic buildings. Sydney’s town planners have put in place a sensitive conservation program that has preserved the heritage and character of The Rocks and brought about an interesting fusion of modern amenities in an old and valued setting.
Most activities centre around walking, looking and eating. The Rocks is Sydney’s oldest preserved colonial district so the main emphasis is on the historical importance of the area. The Sydney Visitor Centre, at 106 George Street, is a logical and excellent starting point. This centre has a wealth of information on points of interest around The Rocks and provides free information and literature, as well as having souvenirs and momentos that can be purchased.
Eating Out
While wandering around the Rocks take the time out to enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner at the Italian Villiage restaurant.
Organised Walks
The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority publishes a wonderful booklet called The Rocks Self-Guided Walking Tour, which pinpoint 31 places of historical interest as part of a local heritage walk. You can buy the booklet at The Sydney Visitor Centre for $1.00. Along the way, walkers encounter a maze of narrow streets, laneways and interconnected sandstone cottages and terraces filled with shops, stalls, cafes and restaurants. The real enjoyment lies in simply walking around the streets and soaking up the atmosphere.
Entertainment
On weekends and at festival times, there is usually free entertainment, with outdoor concerts and street theatre. Many of The Rocks’ pubs offer live music – jazz, folk and pop. The Rocks Market operates every weekend, from 10am to 5pm each day, and until 6pm in summer months. Some 100 stalls are set up under a series of sail-like canopies, filling the lower end of George Street . The stalls are filled with a wide range of Australian gift ideas, homewares and collectibles.
Of special interest to children is the Puppet Cottage, in Kendall Lane, while grown-ups may be more interested in taking a look at the colony’s first windmill, up on Observatory Hill, or dropping in to Sydney’s oldest remaining pub, the Lord Nelson, built in 1844.
Galleries and Museums
Within The Rocks district the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Merchants House, Susannahs Place, and Cadman’s Cottage (at 110 George Street), which was built in 1816 as barracks for the crew of the governor’s boats and is Sydney’s oldest surviving dwelling.
How To Get There
Take a train to Circular Quay and walk along George Street towards the Bridge.
