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The Rocks is the birthplace of modern Sydney. With the arrival of European settlers in 1788, it was here that the convicts first set up house and shop. Discover the area’s rich colonial history as well as its contemporary position as a thriving entertainment precinct right by the spectacular Sydney Harbour.

Things to do

The big-ticket attractions here are the  Sydney Opera House  and the  Sydney Harbour Bridge, which you can walk up with BridgeClimb Sydney . If heights aren’t your thing you’ll be happy to hear the  Pylon Lookout also offers fantastic views of the harbour and beyond.

Credit: BridgeClimb Sydney

BridgeClimb Sydney , Sydney Harbour

The best way to discover The Rocks is on foot as you amble along cobbled streets and follow little laneways that house everything from markets to museums and galleries. Join  The Rocks Walking Tours or the  I’m Free Tours , which start at 6pm outside Cadman’s Cottage and go for 1.5 hours . You can also hire bicycles and pedal around the harbour foreshore.

The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour by Dreamtime Southern X  provides insights into the area’s Aboriginal history while The Rocks Discovery Museum , housed in a restored 1850s colonial sandstone warehouse, has interactive exhibits that range from pre-European settlement to modern times.

A Dreamtime Southern X tour with Margret Campbell

The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour by Dreamtime Southern X with Margret Campbell

The Rocks is a creative hub, home to the  Museum of Contemporary Art  and its cutting-edge exhibitions. Artisans display their creative wares at The Rocks Markets  on the weekend, which boasts more than 200 stalls. There’s lots more happening in this historic quarter, see the  events calendar  for details.

Markets set up in The Rocks against the backdrop of the Harbour Bridge, Sydney

View of Sydney Harbour Bridge , The Rocks

Eat & drink

As the first settled area in Sydney, The Rocks is also where you’ll find the oldest pubs in town –  The Fortune of War  opened in 1828, Lord Nelson Brewery in 1831, The Hero of Waterloo in 1845 and Harts Pub in 1899. Discover the area’s colonial-era pubs with Dave’s Pub Tours , which will let you in on their colourful history from the rum rebellion to the six o’clock swill.

The Rocks streetscape at night

Exploring the laneways of The Rocks at night

The Rocks has many more delicious  food and wine  experiences. Quay  is the pinnacle of fine dining,   Sake does delicious Japanese, MCA Cafe  and The Glenmore both dish up casual lunch with water views, La Renaissance  is a must for coffee and desserts, Maybe Sammy is world-famous for its cocktails,  and The Doss House is an underground whisky bar in a heritage building. 

For a comprehensive guide to eating and drinking in the rocks, click here .

The Doss House, The Rocks

The Doss House , The Rocks

Getting there

The Rocks is a short walk north along George Street from the city centre or you can take a train, bus or ferry to  Circular Quay . 

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A Globe Well Travelled

The absolute best things to do in The Rocks, Sydney

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I’ve spent a lot of time wandering around The Rocks while living in Sydney, both as a local and as a photography tour guide.

This area has a ton of colonial history and I find it to be incredibly scenic, with multiple locations that have great views of the city.

While researching a story for my university journalism class, I decided to use the opportunity to find out about the reliance on tourism in The Rocks. This popular inner-city neighbourhood sits next to the Overseas Passenger Terminal, where a grand portion of the cruise ship visitors passing through Sydney once came through. Businesses in the area were heavily invested in the tourism industry pre-pandemic, so in early 2020 when the flow of international visitors abruptly stopped, local workers were left without customers.

Visitor survey data from Tourism Research Australia shows that The Rocks received 2.9 million annual visitors in 2019 with overseas tourists representing roughly half. Most of the foreign guests hailed from the USA, China, UK, and Japan. Their disappearance during the pandemic had a significant impact.

Some locations that were crowded such as the waterfront cruise terminal, souvenir outlets, and historic attractions now seem ultra quiet without the steady chatter of international accents. However, when you look closely, it’s obvious that there are people working hard to revive The Rocks despite the fact that no cruise ships have docked here in over a year.

The Rocks is in the process of changing. In spots like the newly cordoned-off outdoor dining space along George Street, the air is buzzing with patrons and music making it feel even more lively than it did before. The whole area looks pretty different to what it did two years ago, but in my opinion, the change is absolutely for the better.

Here’s a video interview I did with Michael Collins, Tour Guide at The Rocks Walking Tours , to find out how his business is serving sightseers (as of May 2021) despite international border closures.

When I contacted Amy Leanfore, Senior Marketing Manager and spokesperson for the NSW government website therocks.com , she told me that a calendar of COVID-safe events including live music programs, weekend markets, public art, and free yoga and pilates was established to draw in a more local audience from within NSW and interstate. The creation of outdoor venue spaces was also arranged to promote the area as a dining district.

“The highly successful alfresco dining initiative has seen a number of retailers open their doors and spill out onto pedestrian areas, attracting many more customers to The Rocks to experience one of the most historic and beautiful parts of the CBD,” says Leanfore.

I also spoke to Steven Speed, General Manager of the WDS Hotel Group, while researching the impacts on venues in the area. He told me how the Fortune of War Hotel and other food and beverage businesses in The Rocks have adapted throughout the pandemic. Take a listen below.

While the cruise industry is temporarily halted and the Overseas Passenger Terminal sits empty, I found out that the Port Authority of NSW is using the time to undertake maintenance projects with minimal disruption. This will ensure the terminal can continue processing international tourists when cruise lines are given the green light to return to Australia (which will hopefully be soon!).

Government officials haven’t yet made a decision about when to reopen Australia’s borders, but as Sydney is a major gateway into the country for foreign visitors, many of these businesses in The Rocks are hopeful that it will be one of the first destinations in Australia to start receiving tourists from abroad.

“The Rocks is one of Sydney’s oldest and most-loved entertainment precincts and whilst the CBD has been severely impacted by COVID, it’s future is bright.” Amy Leanfore, Senior Marketing Manager for therocks.com

The Rocks activities map

The Rocks map guide:

  • T – Circular Quay (train station)
  • C – Overseas Passenger Terminal (cruise port)
  • 1 – The Rocks Walking Tours
  • 2 – Observatory Hill
  • 3 – Hickson Road Reserve
  • 4 – The Rocks Markets (Playfair Street)
  • 5 – The Glenmore
  • 6 – MCA
  • 7 – Fortune of War
  • 8 – Pylon Lookout

Things to do in The Rocks, Sydney:

If you’ll be visiting The Rocks once our state and international borders reopen, then you’re in for a treat. I really think that this area is a great place to spend a day in Sydney! I’ve compiled a list of all my favourite activities in the area, so here’s my suggestions for the absolute best things to do in The Rocks:

Public art found in The Rocks, Sydney

Take a walking tour

The Rocks is quite compact and full of small hidden laneways, which makes it a perfect place to see on foot. Ideally you should take a walking tour as the area is best appreciated when you really need to understand the history of the area to truly appreciate it. The Rocks Walking Tours offer daily guided tours which last 2 hours and take you to the important locations such as Cadman’s Cottage and the Nurse’s Walk.

Sydney, Australia

See the views from Observatory Hill

Technically Observatory Hill is just outside of The Rocks, but I think it’s close enough to count! This is by far one of my favourite spots in Sydney, and it’s also one that is less busy than other tourist spots as the 10 minute uphill walk from the waterfront deters people who aren’t willing or able to exercise. The small hill features a working observatory and weather station surrounded by a large grassy park. From up top, you’ll get a fabulous vista of the Harbour Bridge!

The Sydney Harbour Bridge as seen seen from Hickson Road Reserve in The Rocks

Take photos at the waterfront

I used to take photography tours around this part of the city, so I can attest that The Rocks has some of Sydney’s best photo locations . Hickson Road Reserve at the base of the Harbour Bridge is one of most popular as you get an up close view of this impressive Sydney icon. Follow the waterfront around the corner and stand in front of the Park Hyatt Hotel for another great photo spot which overlooks the Opera House.

If you’re interested in doing some more serious camera work in the area, book a photography tour of The Rocks where a professional guide will show you where to find all the best vantage points and teach you the best ways to capture them on your camera.

The Rocks Markets on Playfair Street, Sydney

Snack on street food at the markets

The weekend markets are a staple in The Rocks. Although they’re currently on hold due to COVID restrictions, these markets will be back soon with stalls along George Street, Playfair Street, and Jack Mundey Place from 10AM-5PM every Saturday and Sunday.

A new addition to the markets is Friday night trading which happens from 4PM-9PM each Friday evening. This is a great time to grab some street food in a variety of cuisines at a time when there are more locals around.

Beer on the rooftop of The Glenmore in The Rocks, Sydney

Head up to The Glenmore rooftop

In my opinion, The Glenmore is one of the best pubs in Sydney because of its killer rooftop bar! From here, you can look over the top of buildings in The Rocks towards the Opera House and admire the view with a beer in hand. Just don’t go up there when there’s a large cruise ship in port at the Overseas Passenger Terminal because those monstrosities do a great job of blocking the view. Grrr!

Indigenous artworks at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Sydney

Get your art fix at the MCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is my favourite of Sydney’s museums and galleries. It’s free to enter and has both permanent and temporary exhibitions (though some of the temp ones are ticketed). There are also some cool art installations outside on the promenade.

One underrated thing about the MCA is the view from the cafe on the top floor as you can look north towards the Overseas Passenger Terminal and Harbour Bridge. I’ve never ordered the food or drinks though so can’t vouch for that – I just head in for the free art and views!

Outdoor dining along George Street in The Rocks, Sydney

Visit Australia’s oldest pub

The Fortune of War claims to be Sydney’s oldest pub, however, this fact is contested as there are a few pubs in The Rocks that were founded at approximately the same time. Whether it’s actually the oldest is not really important though, as the cosy interior with its historic wooden bar is a genuinely good place to grab a drink.

You can also take your beverage outside to be seated in the new outdoor dining area along George Street, pictured above. Alternatively, hop on a historic pubs tour and you can visit all of the quaint old pubs in The Rocks over one evening!

Pylon Lookout, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia

Visit the Pylon Lookout

At the south end of Sydney Harbour Bridge, visitors can climb one of the massive stone pylons to get a 360 degree view of the harbour from the top. Although it costs $19 AUD to enter, I really love the vista from the Pylon Lookout and the fact that the observation deck is in the open air (no obtrusive fences!) make it yet another great photo spot in The Rocks. There’s also a small museum featuring info on the construction of the bridge on the inside of the structure.

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  • Things to do in The Rocks

As Australia’s oldest colonial neighbourhood, there are lots of fascinating things to do in The Rocks.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and loves exploring different parts of Australia.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today and has been a journalist for 20 years.

Last updated: November 22, 2023

A guide to visiting The Rocks, Sydney

Use the table of contents to jump down the article - or continue reading for all my tips for things to do in The Rocks in Sydney.

Dawes Point Reserve

Campbells cove, cadmans cottage, rocks discovery museum, nurses walk, susannah place museum, the big dig at the yha, observatory hill, pylon lookout, museum of contemporary art, circular quay, the best places to eat in the rocks, the best places to drink in the rocks, the best places to stay in the rocks.

Of all the moments in Australia’s history, I think it’s safe to say that the most pivotal was the day that the British sailor, Captain Arthur Phillip, arrived in Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788. (The date that the national holiday of Australia Day is now celebrated.)

He brought with him 11 ships full of convicts and settlers who had come to found the penal colony of New South Wales. The arrival of the First Fleet, as it is known, was the beginning of the country that you see today, after tens of thousands of years of Indigenous history.

This new colonial settlement of Sydney had two parts. On the eastern side of what is now called Circular Quay were the official buildings – places like the home of the governor, the parliament, the bureaucratic offices. (Some of these still exist and can be visited.)

The western side of the colony was where the convicts lived and the sailors drank. It was a ramshackle collection of homes, pubs, and warehouses.

This is the area that is today called The Rocks.

What is The Rocks?

From a historical point of view, The Rocks is one of the most interesting neighbourhoods of Sydney because it is the earliest part of the city and is full of significant heritage buildings. There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in The Rocks.

The narrow streets and alleys lead between the colonial sandstone buildings, many packed tightly together, with small bars and businesses hidden in nooks and around corners.

But don’t be fooled into thinking this is how the city would’ve looked 200 years ago. Because of the concentration of heritage in such a small area, The Rocks has also become one of the most touristy parts of Sydney. You need to look beyond the gift shops and overpriced restaurants to find the authenticity.

The Rocks is not a good representation of modern Sydney – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit it. Just approach The Rocks as you might when you visit any other historical site that has shops and cafes aimed at tourists.

And, to be fair, many of the shops here represent some of Australia’s best brands, so it can be a good spot to pick up some presents or souvenirs (even if it’s a bit more expensive than you may find elsewhere).

If you know what to do in The Rocks, it’s a great place to learn about the history of Sydney and those early days when the colony was growing and Modern Australia was starting to take shape.

To help you do that, I’ve got some suggestions for the best way to visit The Rocks in Sydney.

Visiting the Rocks in Sydney

One of the best ways to visit The Rocks is just to wander through the small streets and try to imagine what they were like when Sydney was founded. (You have to assume they were kind of revolting – just think about all the convicts and drunk sailors that spent their days here. Thank goodness for the council cleaners these days!)

There are also some great tours that will show you around the best sites and tell you all the stories about the history of The Rocks. This is an area where you’ll get a lot more out of having a guide to explain what you’re seeing.

If you’re interested in a tour of The Rocks, I would recommend one of these options:

  • This 90-minute walking tour of The Rocks covers all the main attractions with lots of fascinating commentary.
  • For a slightly longer experience, this 2.5-hour walking tour goes into all the convict stories that makes The Rocks so interesting.
  • The Rocks is famous for its pubs, and you can explore some of the best on this pub tour of The Rocks .
  • Or you can see even more with this half-day Sydney tour that includes The Rocks but also goes to some other neighbourhoods.

To explore by yourself, I would suggest some specific things to do in The Rocks that will give you a good overview of the area. I’ve marked them on the map below.

The Rocks is a small enough area that there’s no need to follow a particular route, but I’ve put together a suggested itinerary that you can follow.

Let’s start at Dawes Point Reserve, at the northern end of The Rocks. It was named after Lieutenant William Dawes, who was the First Fleet’s astronomer, because this is the area where the colony’s first observatory was set up.

It’s also where a gun battery was established to protect the colony from any naval attack, as well as other buildings. You can see the archaeological excavation of these original structures.

There is a cannon on the site but this isn’t one of the early ones from the First Fleet – this one was was built in England in 1843. Still, there’s some interesting things to see here (including a great view of the harbour).

From Dawes Point, walk around the water to Campbells Cove. This small cove was named after Scottish merchant Robert Campbell Senior, who loaded and unloaded his goods here.

The row of warehouses here called the Campbell’s Stores was built during the 1840s and 1850s and was originally used to store imports like tea, coffee, and sugar. Now they are used as shops and restaurants.

If it’s not out on the water, you’ll also be able to see the 1850s-style Sydney Tall Ship (that you can cruise on) moored here at Campbells Cove.

There aren’t many original buildings from the earliest part of Sydney’s history but one of them is Cadmans Cottage . It was built in 1816 and is said to be either the oldest or second-oldest house in Australia (depending on who you ask).

It’s built from sandstone and has been used over the years as a home for sailors, water transport headquarters, a water police station, and other things.

You normally can’t go inside but free tours are available from 9:45 to 10:15 on the first and third Sunday of each month.

The best spot to learn about this part of Sydney is at the Rocks Discovery Museum, a free museum in a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse.

It tells the story of The Rocks from pre-European days to the present and has a good collection of images and archaeological artefacts from the area.

Using audio, video and interactive exhibitions, the Rocks Discovery Museum focuses on the Indigenous heritage, the colonial period, the maritime history, and the transformation to a modern city.

The Rocks Discovery Museum is located at Kendall Lane, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW.

The Rocks Discovery Museum is open every day from 10:00 – 17:00. Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Entry to the Rocks Discovery Museum is free.

From the Rocks Discovery Museum, I would suggest heading to the next stop through Nurses Walk. This small alley got its name because it was the route that the nurses used to take to Sydney’s first hospital.

It’s got some interesting little shops and cafes – and there are also some signs to get a bit more information about the area.

Even after the early years of Sydney, The Rocks continued to be a part of the city where poorer people lived – in not always pleasant conditions. Picture working-class families with basement kitchens, tiny backyards, outdoor baths, and lots of rats.

The Susannah Place Museum tells their story. During the history of The Rocks, more than 100 families lived in these four terraces built in 1844. The museum gives you a great insight into their lives.

The Susannah Place Museum is located at 58–64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW.

The Susannah Place Museum is open every day from 14:00 – 17:00. You can only visit with a tour, which run at 14:00, 15:00, and 16:00.

Entry to Susannah Place Museum costs $15 for adults, $12 for concession, and $38 for a family. Children under 5 are free.

Entry to the Susannah Place Museum is included with the Sydney Museums Pass .

Just around the corner is the Sydney Harbour YHA, one the best hostels in Australia (and with probably one of the best hostel views in the world). The hostel is actually elevated a large archaeological site that covers much of the block.

The excavations here have found foundations from the early years of Sydney, including 30 homes and shops from as far back as 1795.

The archaeological site has been dubbed ‘ The Big Dig ‘ and it’s mainly used as an educational centre for school groups. But you can visit for free and see some of it yourself.

To get to my last suggested spot, Observatory Hill, you’ll need to go under the Harbour Bridge, through the cool tunnel on Argyle Street.

Sydney Observatory was built here in 1858 and is a sandstone building surrounded by a lovely garden. You can walk around the grounds and see the basic exhibitions for free.

If you’re interested, you can also do tours during the day and after dark to use the telescopes to look up into the stars. This is normally aimed more at school groups and families, and there’s more information here .

Other sites around The Rocks

You’ve now come to the end of my suggestions for things to see in The Rocks. But don’t worry – there’s still more to do!

Of course, there are lots of other historical buildings that you can see from the outside, there’s heaps of shopping, and there are places to eat and drink. So you can explore a bit more by yourself.

You’ll also get a different perspective by taking a guided tour of The Rocks. As well as hearing from an expert, there are some interesting themed options. I would recommend one of these.

Once you’re done with The Rocks, from here there are some other important Sydney landmarks you can visit, so let me tell you a bit more about them.

From near the YHA, you can take the stairs up to the walking path that goes across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From here, you can access to the Pylon Lookout .

There are 200 stairs to get to the lookout, which is 87 metres high. Along the way, there are three levels of exhibitions about the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is really interesting.

There’s an amazing view from the top of the southeastern pylon of the bridge and I think it’s worth going up.

The Pylon Lookout is accessible from the pedestrian pathway at the southeastern side of the Harbour Bridge.

The Pylon Lookout is open every day from 10:00 – 17:00. Closed Christmas Day.

Entry to the Pylon Lookout costs $19 for adults, $12.50 for concession, $9.50 for children aged 5-12, and children 4 and under are free.

You can also continue your walk along the Harbour Bridge for free. And back near the YHA is where you would start the BridgeClimb, if you are keen to do one of the city’s most iconic experiences!

On the edge of The Rocks, you’ll find one of Sydney’s best galleries – the Museum of Contemporary Art . It has an incredible collection of modern art from Australia and the world, presented in fascinating permanent exhibitions.

There are also temporary exhibitions that change regularly, plus a cafe with an outstanding view of the harbour and Sydney’s most iconic sights.

This is definitely one of Sydney’s best museums and I always love that fact that it’s free, so you can just pop in whenever you’re in the area.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 140 George St in The Rocks, with entrances from George St or from Circular Quay.

The MCA is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm. It’s closed on Mondays.

Entry to the MCA is free but you may need to pay for some of the special temporary exhibitions.

After you’ve visited The Rocks, you can continue your Sydney sightseeing by heading into Circular Quay, over to the Opera House, into the Royal Botanic Gardens, and up Macquarie Street to see the State Parliament, Mint, and Hyde Park Barracks.

Or you might like to stay in The Rocks for lunch or dinner, because you can get a meal or have a drink right next to the harbour.

I’ll be honest – as a local, The Rocks is not traditionally the first neighbourhood I would go in Sydney for a meal. The food can be great, but it’s generally overpriced and aimed at tourists.

But, having said that, things have improved a lot in recent years and, if you know where you’re going, you’ll find some great options here.

  • The Glenmore: For reasonably-priced pub food, the Glenmore is an old favourite and has a great rooftop for sunny evenings.
  • The Australian Heritage Hotel: Another popular pub, this one is famous for its pizza menu that has some unique topping combinations.
  • William Blue Dining: This modern Australian restaurant serves excellent food – but it’s cooked by trainee chefs. For this reason, it’s much cheaper than similar places. For just $46.50, you can have a three-course set meal, for example.
  • Sake Restaurant & Bar: An excellent Japanese restaurant with a cool interior design – but it’s not cheap.
  • Quay: This is one of Sydney’s top restaurants, with a modern Australian menu and incredible views. The ten-course tasting menu costs $295 dollars (drinks extra).

I know I’ve already mentioned a few times that The Rocks is quite touristy. But if there’s one thing that will bring the locals here, it’s drinking.

The Rocks has had pubs for more than 200 years and there are some cool new ones here. It’s quite a popular neighbourhood with nearby city workers for evening drinks.

Here are my suggestions for where to drink in The Rocks.

  • Fortune of War: This pub claims to be the oldest in Sydney (there are a few that also say they are) and it’s not very big. But it’s an authentic experience that’s more heritage than style.
  • Mrs Jones: If you want style, try Mrs Jones, which is a trendy modern bar with drinking and dining sections – and a popular terrace for summer afternoons.
  • Harbour View Hotel: I like the Harbour View Hotel because it’s just outside the main part of The Rocks and is a bit quieter. As the name suggests, it has an incredible view of the Harbour Bridge.
  • Grain Bar: This contemporary bar has an excellent selection of drinks (including whiskeys and cocktails) an is aimed more at the discerning drinker than the beer-swiller.
  • The Argyle: This is the biggest and most famous bar in The Rocks. It’s enormous and you’ll find groups of office workers here during the week and serious party types on the weekends.

When it comes to choosing the best area to stay in Sydney, The Rocks is actually quite a good option. It has a wide variety of accommodation from a hostel with a view to one of the city’s best luxury hotels.

Staying in The Rocks puts you amongst a fascinating neighbourhood full of history, but you’re still within walking distance to the city centre. You’re right next landmarks like the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and there’s easy public transport to other suburbs.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN THE ROCKS

You’ll find whatever you’re looking for in The Rocks, from backpacker to luxury, from historic to modern. For other areas, see my tips for the best hotels in Sydney .

sydney tourism rocks

For backpackers (and anyone, for that matter), the best hostel is the Sydney Harbour YHA , with incredible views.

sydney tourism rocks

Most rooms aren’t cheap this close to the harbour, but the Mercantile Hotel is comfortable and has good rates.

sydney tourism rocks

Right on the waterfront, Pier One Sydney Harbour has a cool modern design with an amazing view.

sydney tourism rocks

When it comes to luxury, one of the most famous hotels in Sydney is right here in The Rocks – the Park Hyatt .

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Top Things to Do in The Rocks, Sydney

M24KCA A full moon hovers over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The sky glows pink and blue as the sunrises.

The Rocks is among Sydney’s most vibrant tourist precincts, fusing quaint cobblestoned laneways and centuries-old colonial history with some of the city’s top modern eateries and best boutiques, bars and cafés. Discover the top 10 things to see and do in the most historic patch of the Harbour City.

Climb the sydney harbour bridge.

The iconic ‘Coathanger’ is one of Sydney’s most recognisable landmarks, and visitors can scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney on Cumberland St in The Rocks. You can book a BridgeClimb experience from as little as $168 for priceless views towering 134 metres above Sydney Harbour, and there will be even more packages – including express offerings and tours in Mandarin – available from October 1.

sydney tourism rocks

Stroll across the Harbour Bridge

sydney tourism rocks

Have a drink on the Glenmore rooftop

Another great-value vantage point for a spectacular vista over the water is the rooftop of the Glenmore Hotel, one of The Rocks’ favourite pubs . Climb three flights of stairs (and arrive early if you want a decent seat!) for a 180-degree panorama of the sparkling Sydney Harbour, providing pub patrons the perfect backdrop for their schooner and chicken schnitzel.

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sydney tourism rocks

Marvel at some modern masterpieces at the MCA

Melbourne might be Australia’s capital of art and culture but The Rocks is home to the country’s premier contemporary art gallery. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) – a grand Art Deco edifice next to Circular Quay – contains more than 4,000 Australian works as well as exceptional international and domestic exhibitions, attracting more than one million visitors through its doors every year.

sydney tourism rocks

Step back in time to Sydney’s colonial days

The Rocks is one of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhoods, housing the working classes since the British colonised the Australian continent in the late 18th century. And visitors can trace that history at a number of historic sites – The Rocks Discover Museum is brimming with artefacts and interactive exhibits, Susannah Place preserves four terrace houses built by Irish immigrants in the 1840s, and Cadman’s Cottage is considered to be Sydney’s oldest surviving residential building, constructed way back in 1816.

sydney tourism rocks

Dine at Australia’s best contemporary restaurants

The Rocks isn’t just full of old stuff – this corner of Sydney is also home to some of the city’s top modern eateries . Located in the upper level of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Peter Gilmore’s Quay serves an envelope-pushing menu with a side serving of water views, Saké plates up award-winning Japanese cuisine, Pony Dining pioneered the wood-fired grill in the Harbour City, and the Cut Bar & Grill is one of Sydney’s most mouth-watering steakhouses.

sydney tourism rocks

Enjoy a taste of France

The atmospheric alleyways of The Rocks are lined with lots of great cafés , including a handful with a distinctly French flavour. La Renaissance Patisserie and Café has been dishing up Parisian pastries since Bastille Day 26 years ago, and a minute’s walk around the corner, Creperie Suzette serves French-calibre sweet and savoury crepes and galettes. Across the border in Belgium, the Guylian chocolate café is another Rocks institution.

sydney tourism rocks

Nab a bargain at the Rocks Markets

The Rocks is at its quaint, charming best every Saturday and Sunday when the neighbourhood’s cobblestoned laneways are filled with the stalls of The Rocks Markets. Taking place every weekend between 10am and 5pm, the market brings together local fashion, handcrafted jewellery, independent artists, talented artisans and fragrant food stands, plus a food-only market on Friday nights after work.

sydney tourism rocks

Pick up a unique souvenir

If you didn’t spot something at The Rocks Markets, grab a souvenir at Squidinki, the suburb’s most unique and colourful boutique. This Nurses Walk store adds quintessentially Sydney designs to mugs, trays, bags, coasters, tea towels, notebooks, plates, playing cards and stacks of other memorable souvenirs, including ready-made Sydney Harbour gift packs to remember your time in The Rocks.

sydney tourism rocks

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Sydney Visitor Centre

Sydney Visitor Centre

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Everyday - 9am to 5pm

Map, showing Sydney Visitor Centre

New location: Sydney Visitor Centre now at Customs House, Sydney CBD

Located in a heritage building at Circular Quay it is within easy access of The Rocks, Sydney Harbour and The Sydney Opera House. Customs House is the only accredited visitor information centre in the Sydney CBD. Staff can provide you with maps , itineraries and a wide range of brochures on what there is to see and do in Sydney.

In the foyer is a 4.2-by-9.5-metre (14 ft × 31 ft) scale model of Sydney's city centre viewed through a glass floor.

Keep an eye out for the volunteer Sydney Ambassadors in the red shirts. They roam the streets of Circular Quay and The Rocks providing information and advice on what there is to see and do in Sydney.

Customs House Visitor Information Centre should be one of the first stops for all visitors to Sydney.

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We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of this land. We offer our respect to their Elders both past and present.

Sydney Expert

The Rocks Self-Guided Walk Sydney

A visit to The Rocks shows off historical Sydney at its best. This Rocks self-guided walk will help you discover Sydney’s colonial history in just a couple of hours. There is also ample opportunity to visit a couple of old pubs and take in stunning harbour views from the foreshore.

Stop 1. Circular Quay Station for the best train station view in the world!

Stop 2. the museum of contemporary art (mca), stop 3. cadman’s cottage, stop 4. visit the rocks discovery museum, stop 5. the rocks square, stop 6. visit foundation park, stop 7. observatory hill, stop 8 and 9. choose a pub on cumberland street and rest for a while, stop 10. the big dig site, stop 11. susannah place, stop 12. suez lane and nurses walk, stop 13. campbell’s stores, stop 14. tar-ra dawes point park, stop 15. overseas passenger terminal viewing platform, the rocks self guided walking tour map, guided tours of the rocks.

This page contains affiliate links. We may receive compensation, at no extra cost to you, when you click on or make a purchase using these links . You can find our full disclosure policy here .

Let’s start with the name given to this western side of the harbour. Why is this area called The Rocks? When the First Fleet arrived, they moored here against the very rocky shoreline, and the area quickly earned the nickname The Rocks. In time, the name caught on and began to appear on government maps.

The indigenous name for the Rocks is Tallawoladah, as you will see on new signage around the area. You will also note Ta-ra (Dawes Point), Warrane (Circular Quay)

Read Six Commonly Asked Questions About Aboriginal Sydney to learn more about the First Nations people of Australia.

So let’s get walking; the route below explores my favourite parts of this area. Allow about 2-3 hours for a stroll, although you could race around and cover it in a lot less. It depends on how often you stop for photos or beer!

Before we begin, you really should see this view. Even if you don’t come by train, as long as you have an Opal card, you can tap on, go up to Platform 2, take a photo and then tap back out without it costing a cent.

View of Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay train station

As you leave the station, you will walk to the left of the wharves, towards the park and large sandstone building; this art déco structure is the  Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) . Most of the exhibits here are free to visit.

sydney tourism rocks

Along with some fantastic modern art, there is also a rooftop cafe with very reasonable prices and superb views. A perfect stop if you feel you need some coffee or drink before you start on your walk. 

Discover more of Sydney’s Museums

Once you leave the MCA and the waterfront, head left into the small park and Cadman’s Cottage.

Rocks Self-Guided walk - Cadmans Cottage the Rocks

Cadman’s Cottage is the oldest surviving residential building in Australia. It initially sat right at the water’s edge until the government reclaimed the shoreline to build Circular Quay.

The cottage was named after its resident John Cadman, a coxswain in the colony, assigned to look after the ships. Sadly, because of its age and state of repair, it is no longer open to the public. Walk up Argyle Street using the stairs on the left-hand side of the building. This brings you to George Street. Cross the road at the zebra crossing on the corner and make your way to Argyle Street.

The Free Rocks Museum

The first corner on the right is Kendall Lane. Head down the lane until you come to The Rocks Discovery Museum . This museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm and entry is free.

It’s a small but impressive collection that covers Sydney from pre-European days to today.

sydney tourism rocks

This is a great place to get some context before you explore the back streets. It’s also really well set up for younger visitors with activity sheets to get them involved in the collection. Sadly, it is not wheelchair or pram accessible.

Pick up a self-guided tour map while you are here if you have trouble with my directions. Even if you are not one for museums, it’s an excellent example of the architecture of the time.

Once you exit the Museum, head back to the Visitors Centre and turn into Playfair Street. 

You are now in Rocks Square, where you will find an outdoor dining area, takeaway food shops and, of most interest, a set of terrace houses built in the early 1880s.

sydney tourism rocks

These days the terraces are home to shops and tour booking centres.

At the George Street end of the square is a sandstone sculpture, First Impressions, worth checking out.

Rocks Self Guided walk - Doorway to Foundation Park The Rocks

Use our map to find some of Sydney’s most historic buildings

After shopping, look for the narrow passageway between the shopfronts at 25 and 27 Playfair St. This leads to our next stop, Foundation Park.

Foundation Park is a bit of a secret gem; in fact, many Sydneysiders have never visited. The site is the remains of 8 terrace houses built in the late 1870s. In the early 1970s, the area was preserved and turned into a park. You can see some photos of the original terraces here .

Foundation Park The Rocks Self Guided Walk

From here, climb the stairs to Gloucester Walk and walk left along the street until you see the stairs that head up to Cumberland Street (they are next to the back of the Glenmore Hotel). Cross Cumberland Street and take another staircase to Observatory Hill.

Observatory Hill is a brilliant spot to check out the western side of the Harbour. From up here, you can see Miller’s Point, Barangaroo, and an alternate view of the Harbour Bridge.

Observatory Hill at golden hour The Rocks Self Guided walk

You will also find the Sydney Observatory, the S. H. Ervin Gallery and the National Trust. You can visit these buildings or sit awhile and take in the view.

After you have finished exploring here, head back to the staircase to Cumberland Street.

Decision time! By now, you are probably in need of a short break. Cumberland Street boasts two excellent choices, The Glenmore Hotel and The Australian Heritage Hotel.

Glenmore hotel rooftop bar the rocks

The Glenmore Hotel has a lovely rooftop bar with affordable food and a great view of the Opera House.

Australian Hotel The Rocks Self Guided Walk

The Australian Hotel is an excellent choice if you want to taste a couple of Aussie classics on a pizza. They have options with kangaroo or emu! They also do beer tasting paddles, although partaking in one of these might see your walk come to an end 🙂

We have a detailed article on the Pubs of the Rocks if you would like to explore more of their fascinating history.

The Big Dig excavation site is our next stop. Head south past the Australian Hotel till you reach the Sydney Harbour Youth Hostel.

The Big Dig site at the YHA Sydney

In the mid-1990s, when development of this site began, foundations of old shops and homes dating back to the 1790s were discovered. A team of 20 archaeologists went on to discover over 75,000 artefacts.

A selection of the items is on display in glass cabinets viewable in the foyer of the Sydney YHA. You can also explore the ground floor of the hostel where you can see the building’s foundations.

From here, walk through the walkway to Gloucester Street, and directly across the road to your left. You will find our next stop, Susannah Place.

I love  Susannah Place . Part of the Sydney Museums of History, the site features four homes in an original terrace building. They have preserved each house as it was across four different decades.

You can only visit on a free guided tour which are offered Thursday to Sunday and must be booked in advance.

If you don’t have time to join one, you can still visit the small shop on the corner. It sells a variety of items suited to the period and will give you an idea of the condition of the rest of the property.

sydney tourism rocks

Once you leave Susannah Place, walk down the stairs beside the shop and see the properties from the back – this site looks almost the same as it did 100 years ago.

Susannah Place Museum The Rocks Sydney

Continue down the stairs, officially called the Cumberland steps, to Harrington Street and turn left. Just south of the staircase you will find a lovely sculpture by Leonie Rhodes titled Child of the Rocks.

sydney tourism rocks

Turn back towards the harbour and cross the road. A hundred metres or so along you will come to the Mission Stairs and a sign saying Nurses Walk.

Officially called Harrington Lane, this walkway had been known as Suez Lane for over 150 years. The narrow lane filled with water after rains making it appear like a canal. The Rock was a pretty dirty spot so many joked it was sewers canal.

Suez Laneway in The Rocks

It was also a hot spot of crime and passion (of the paid sort).

About halfway along the street, turn right into Nurses Walk. This laneway was the direct route that the nurses took to Sydney’s first hospital. Today it is home to gift shops and cafes. The walkways feature signs for those wanting to know more about the history of this spot.

Nurses Walk the Rocks self guided walk

Now follow the passageway out to George Street and walk towards the Harbour Bridge end of the street. Along the way, do a bit of window shopping in the stores and cafes along the road. On weekends, a market runs along the far end of this street.

The rocks buildings

When you get to the corner of George Street and Hickson Road, take Hickson Road and walk down the stairs towards the water.

This beautiful old warehouse is called Campbell’s Stores and was built in 1839 to house tea, alcohol, sugar, and fabric that came into the port.

Campbells Cove The Rocks

These days it’s home to upmarket restaurants and function centres. The stores and the surrounding area has recently been restored.

Stop half way when you reach the Park Hyatt Hotel and stand close to the glass to capture this optical illusion.

sydney tourism rocks

Continue round the path until you reach the park under the bridge.

From here, you can follow the path around to Dawes Point and capture a shot of the Harbour Bridge and palm trees.

sydney tourism rocks

Retrace your steps around Campbell’s Cove to the Overseas Passenger Terminal and take the elevator to the fourth floor.

sydney tourism rocks

Take the stairs up another level, and you have a bird’s-eye view of Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge. Even if you can’t climb the stairs the view from the fourth floor is exceptional.

So there you are – you have finished your self-guided walk of the Rocks. On the Google map below, you will find all the stops plus an extended walk covering another dozen stops.

Open the map in My Maps to see the various options.

If you prefer a guided experience, there are lots of tours available in the area, including:

  • a 90 minute guided walking tour
  • a longer “ Ultimate Sydney ” walking tour
  • a haunted Sydney ghost tour ,
  • a very appropriate a Rocks pub tour , that is especially fun if you a solo traveller and fancy a night out,
  • illi-Langi The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour with Dreamtime Southern X
  • the Sydney Photography Tour .

There is also a free tour with I’m Free every evening at 6 pm.

If you have some energy left and want more, continue under the bridge to Walsh Bay and explore these old harbour wharves. Buses 431 and 433 head back to the city from George St near Lower Fort St or keep walking around to the brand new Barangaroo Reserve and the restaurants of Warrigal Walk.

21 thoughts on “The Rocks Self-Guided Walk Sydney”

Love the rocks area of Sydney. I would love do this self guided tour it would be amazing. So much history in this area of sydney. Plus my favorite german restaurant Lowenbrau keller is in the rocks

Great itinerary! I much prefer a (well informed) self guided walk than a tour and I’ve visited Sydney a couple of times and thought I had seen most of ‘The Rocks’ but you have shown me how wrong I was! Have bookmarked you post for my next trip to Sydney. Thank you!

I have been to Sydney twice. Both times just for a few days. Unfortunately we missed out on so many things you are writing about. were mainly in the Opera House area. What a pity ( I love to have those view on the Opera House) Well, next time 🙂

I’m embarrassed to admit that when I was in Sydney I missed quite a lot of these sights. I visited The Rocks but was distracted by the weekend market they have there, which is amazing. I guess I’ll have to go back now and use your post as my guide!

It’s easy to walk down George Street and be distracted by the markets or one of the many pubs lol but there is so much history to uncover I think it’s worth a little more time if you have some to spare next time. 🙂

I hope you get to come back and spend a bit of time in my favourite part of the city Arzo.

I have not been to the Lowenbrau for years, cause I am with visitors they want to try a local Aussie style place. Must pop in for a beer in your honor Mark 🙂 It has great outdoor seating for people watching.

En mi visita a Sydney, fue la parte que mas me gusto, junto con woollara.

This is such a neat tour! I did this yesterday with a group of my international students and they weren’t the only ones discovering new places, I learned a lot too. One of them told me that when we told them we were doing a walking tour that it was going to be really boring, but it was so much fun!

So glad they enjoyed it Sammie. It’s one of my favourite parts of the city and there are lots of hidden spots to find!

Another interesting post highlighting a few things that are new to me. I must do this walk soon. Thanks.

Followed most of this tour and it was a well laid out tour to give you a good idea of The Rocks.

Visiting Sydney with my family soon. I’m planning a trip to the Rock. This will be helpful. May I know how long it takes to complete the trip as per the Rocks Self-Guided Walk?

Hi YC You can cover this walk in an hour quite easily. 90 minutes would be comfortable allowing for photo stops.

I will be traveling with both my parents, 2 toddlers (4 years old & 1 1/2 years old) and my wife. My dad is using wheelchair but can still move around slowly with the help of crutches. If I push the wheelchair, may I know if Observatory Hill and Sydney Observatory are accessible by my dad? With the wheelchair, is it possible for us to reach the hill and the Observatory by foot?

I’ll be travelling with both my parents, 2 toddlers (4 years old & 1 1/2 years old) and my wife. My dad is using wheelchair but can still move around slowly with the help of crutches.

We plan to stop at the recommended attractions as per the Rock Self-Guilded Walk and to take photo.

If we follow the Rocks Self-Guided Walk and start the walk at 2pm. Do you think we will be able to complete the walk by 6pm? or possible to complete the walk earlier?

Appreciate your kind assistance.

Visitors using wheelchairs are able to access Sydney Observatory gardens, Space theatre, ground floor exhibitions and the East Dome telescope. There is no wheelchair access to the North and South telescope domes due to narrow and steep staircases in the heritage-listed buildings. Accessing the hill itself is not easy but it is possible. This map should help https://goo.gl/maps/qSEcuSXm2CjvabMF6

It is completely possible to complete the walk in 4 hours. I can do it in 90 mins so it really depends on how long you take at each stop.

How much time we should allocated for Museum of Contemporary Art if we just visit the free exhibits and take photo?

This is truly amazing! Doing your street art walk tomorrow but bookmarking this one for next week – thanks so much!

I hope you enjoy them both Caroline!

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sydney tourism rocks

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The Rocks Walking Tour

The Rocks Walking Tours

Historical walking tours in sydney, australia, explore sydney with the rocks walking tours.

The Rocks holds a unique place in Sydney’s colonial history as the birthplace of European Australia. An essential visitor destination, The Rocks promises to be a memorable Sydney experience.

Hear the legends and history of Sydney as you stroll the shoreline of the sparkling Sydney Harbour and wander down hidden alleyways, shady courtyards, and cobbled lanes. Discover what makes The Rocks tick on a Sydney heritage walk.

Featured Walking Tours

a couple of people that are standing in front of a brick building

Daily Tours

Discover the rich history of The Rocks on one of our informative and entertaining tours, departing daily at 10.30 a.m. & 1.30 p.m.

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Private Tours

With over thirty years of experience, we create bespoke tours through The Rocks that cater to your special requirements.

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Educational Program

We offer primary and secondary school groups comprehensive educational programs via guided walking tours.

The Rocks Walking Tour, established in 1978, is the oldest Sydney guided walking tour, and in fact, it’s the oldest in Australia.

In 1978, four friends with a passion for Sydney and its rich history had the dream of sharing that story. They knew that Sydney’s historic Rocks district would best tell the British story from the day they arrived in Sydney Cove, 26 January 1788.

After personally researching the historical material, writing the tours, developing and reviewing the routes they were ready to go.

Over 800+ Reviews on TripAdvisor

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I thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour today. Vickie, our guide was incredible knowledgeable, and brought the history to life. She was very thoughtful about the needs of her group and answered all questions with considerable ease. would thoroughly recommend.

Anne went above and beyond in giving us a tour of The Rocks. She had wonderful stories, a book of photos and answered all of our many questions. She even accommodated a couple using a walker offering then alternate routes to get them to our next to if there were stairs. it was our first trip to Sydney so it have us some historical context.

I highly recommend this tour. Even though I had explored the area a lot, I learned about some really out of the way places. Learning the European history perspective was really informative. Our Guide Brian was incredible! Thank you!

Such an informative tour- I Grew up in Sydney and Julie's commentary was a mix of things that I had forgotten and things that were new- she was fantastic. A Tour well worth taking

"The tour is fairly short about 1.5 hours. Brian has been doing the tour for many years and was a wealth of knowledge. You don't cover a lot of area but do get a lot of information. I would definitely recommend this tour!"

"We really enjoyed the Rocks tour, loved hearing about the history of this fascinating area. The guide was excellent and really bought the stories to life - absolutely recommended."

"If you are interested in history, this is a great way to start your Sydney trip. Our guide was knowledgable and friendly. Highly recommended."

"We had a wonderful couple of hours with our guide Anne, funny and informative. A very useful insight into early Sydney and The Rocks."

"If you are traveling to Sydney this is a must, I have been to Sydney hundreds of times and on this tour, I learned some new things and I saw parts of Sydney I have not seen before."

There is no better way to get up close and personal with the story of Sydney.

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sydney tourism rocks

Walk through The Rocks in Sydney

When last did you visit sydney’s rocks area.

I’ve walked through a couple of times in the last few years, but it’s ages since I really explored the area. Staying at the Sydney Harbour YHA provides me with the perfect base to rediscover The Rocks (known by the Gadigal people as Tallawoladah).

A Self-Guided Walk Through The Rocks

I’ve combined two self-guided walks for my Rocks discovery. Before leaving Platform Two of Circular Quay Station, I look out across the wharfs to the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Sydney Harbour must be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Platform 2 is a great place for to photograph Sydney Harbour

Walking through the Quay to George Street, I find myself in opposite The Fortune of War, Sydney’s oldest pub. It is surrounded by scaffolding, but signs indicate that it’s open for business. If it wasn’t too early in the day, I’d pop in for a pint.

A couple of doors down is the original police station, now a restaurant. A couple watch me from their veranda table as I read the information panels in the sidewalk. George Barrington was a pickpocket who became a Chief Constable at Parramatta. Other convicts became night watchmen and “many constables had been prisoners of the crown”.

The Rocks Sydney Heritage

Lanes and Walkways in The Rocks

An archway between the pub and the police station leads to Surgeon’s Court and the Nurses Walk. Little lanes and walkways lead off in all directions. It is well worth just following your nose and see where you end up.

I overhear another visitor asking her partner “Is this the way?” The Rocks covers such a small area and with the iconic harbour bridge visible most of the time it’s almost impossible to get lost.

Suez Canal Sydney was the home of The Push Street Gang

The shady characters depicted in silhouette on the narrow Suez Canal wall refer to The Rocks Push, a street gang that operated in the area. Fancy there being a Suez Canal here in Sydney. Apparently, it’s a play on the word ‘sewers’.

Soon I end up in Playfair Street.  Unfortunately, the Tea Cosy is closed today or I would stop for a cuppa with scones, jam and cream.

Foundation Park

Foundation Park is a new discovery. You might stumble across it in your wanderings or if you’re following my notes will find that 26 Argyle Terrace in Playfair Street leads to the fascinating park. 

Doorway to Foundation Park, The Rocks

The preserved foundations of eight small houses built into the sandstone cliff in the 1870s give an insight into the crowded living conditions of the time. Nestled between other buildings and minimally ‘decorated’ with metal chairs, tables and even a grandfather clock, this heritage site is worth a visit.  

Remains of homes from the 1870s in Foundation Park, The Rocks

From Argyle Cut to Observatory Hill

From here, it’s an easy walk to the Argyle Stairs and down to the Argyle Cut. Initially convicts were set to work here to chip away the sandstone and create a tunnel linking Millers Point and The Rocks. Their progress was so slow that eventually paid labour and explosives were brought in to complete the job.

Walking down Argyle Stairs to Argyle Cut

Through the tunnel and up the hill, Observatory Hill provides extensive views down the Parramatta River, across to Lavender Bay and the Harbour Bridge.

I’m too early to watch the yellow Observatory time ball drop two metres (this happens at 1pm). This visual time signal has informed mariners and city dwellers of the time for many years.

Looking across to North Sydney from Observatory Hill

Views of Sydney Harbour

I could easily stroll across the Harbour Bridge from here and/or go up to the Pylon Lookout (a less expensive option than the BridgeClimb) for more harbour views, but leave that for another day. Should you choose to take that option, be warned: the Pylon Lookout is up a flight of 200 stairs.

Instead I make my way down to the harbour foreshore. First, I check out the Glenmore Hotel. This hotel has a rooftop area with Opera House views and a reputation for pretty good burgers. The nearby Australian Heritage Hotel is known for its ‘Coat of Arms’ pizza featuring kangaroo and emu meat.

Stairs from Observatory Hill to Sydney Harbour Bridge

A little further down Gloucester Street Suzannah Place Museum is still closed due to COVID. Comprised of four ‘two up two down’ terraces, this museum provides a glimpse into the lives of the those who lived here between 1844 and 1990.

The Big Dig

Opposite Suzannah Place is The Big Dig. Yesterday, as a guest of the YHA, I joined the free Big Dig tour and with no other takers, ended up having a personal tour.

Non-guests or guests who can’t make the Monday morning tours can do a self-guided tour during daylight hours using the interpretation panels on the ground floor. It’s another place worth more than a cursory look.

The Big Dig in the Rocks has uncovered over one Million artefacts from 1795 to 1901

I meander through the back lanes to Dawes Point past the Harbour View Hotel (another with a rooftop terrace) and then begin to chuckle. 

In front of me is the decorative cast iron outdoor urinal or ‘pissoir’ which was relocated from Observatory Hill in the 1970s. A man wearing a Wallabies jersey tells me that “It is still operational. It’s a bit smelly though”.

The Museum of Contemporary Art

From there, I walk down to Campbells Cove with its row of Bond Stores, and on to Cadman’s cottage, the oldest building in the Rocks area.

Campbells Cove Sydney

Nearby at the entrance to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), I read more about an artwork I’ve passed many times but not looked at properly. The LED arrow points downwards, a drawcard to Instagrammers.

The work, Warrang, by Brook Andrew points to the colonial naval docks located beneath the work. Andrew says the poetry engraved on the forecourt “hints at lost or covered histories”.

Entry to the MCA is free and the café also has great views across the harbour.

More Harbour Views

For yet another but different harbour view, walk to the lift at the eastern end of Circular Quay which takes you up to the Cahill Expressway walkway.

Early Urinal in Dawes Point Sydney also called Pissoir

Exploring The Rocks is one way to uncover much of Sydney’s recent history. And it can be done without spending a fortune.

Note: I stayed as a guest of the Sydney Harbour YHA

Useful Information

Here are two other self-guided walks and helpful links :

  • The Rocks Self-Guided walk by Sydney Expert
  • The Rocks Walk by sydney.com.au
  • Australian Heritage Hotel
  • Suzannah Place Museum
  • Glenmore Hotel
  • Sydney Harbour YHA
  • The Tea Cosy
  • The Pylon Lookout
  • The Rocks Discovery Museum (closed when I went but worth a visit)
  • The Sydney Observatory

You can download the NOTES that I used for my Rocks Discovery HERE

That was a really nice read, l too love the Tea Cosy. I am just wondering if you have done The Coal Loader, l vaguely think you did a Waverton walk. That is my favourite place at the moment.

Thanks Fay. Yes, I explored the Coal Loader when I walked through Waverton. It was the first time I had been there – and I have been back more than once since.

This post brought back happy memories of our visit to The Rocks. You covered it well and highlighted the rich history of the area including the fun pubs, food and shopping options. Thanks Jo

Hi Bernadette, so pleased to bring back happy memories for you. You’ll have to come back!

It is lovely to meander through this historic area. A bit congested on the weekends with The Rocks Markets.

Yes, it is a lovely place to meander through. Right now, there aren’t too many people around, although it is getting busier.

Another good read and I enjoyed the pictures too. One of the last Sydney walks I did entailed walking up to Observatory Hill for a picnic lunch. I didn’t know about the golden drop until you mentioned it.

Thanks Christine. I’m pleased you’ve learnt something new.

Lovely, I will share on my HSK Facebook page – great for school holidays.

Thanks Seana.

Reading this brought back memories of a 2012 visit to Sydney when we stayed in the same YHA. Great to explore the area with kids as you really do get a sense of history as you walk those backstreets. I recall going to the Susannah House Museum and one of the kids muttering in disbelief, ‘Did people really live here?’

As you say, a great place to explore with kids. I love your child’s response to Susannah House Museum. We are so fortunate with our living conditions here in Sydney today.

Does bring back memories of the things we used to be able to do maybe some time down the road Wally

With you in spirit, Wally

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Early morning in George Street in The Rocks with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the distance.    Picture: ©Leah-Anne Thompson/123RF.com. Panoramic picture at top of page: ©Chaiwat Leelakajonkaij/123RF.com

After the harbour, The Rocks is the centrepiece of Sydney

Getting there.

The Rocks is easy to find. It's right next to Circular Quay, Sydney's main ferry terminal. Take a train to Circular Quay . At the Quay, walk west towards George Street. Turn right into George Street and you will see the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the distance. From this point on you are in The Rocks district.

Everyone who comes to Sydney loves The Rocks and it's easy to see why.

It's a portal to the very beginnings of Sydney with intriguing laneways and buildings that wind their way around a settlement area that gave rise to soldiers' barracks, hospitals, whaling warehouses, rat catchers and the Bubonic Plague.

All that is well behind in the rear view mirror that reflects the district's colourful history. Now, The Rocks is a vibrant pocket of cafes, restaurants, shops and weekend market stalls set against a backdrop of historic buildings and passageways.

This is an area that begs to be explored.

The best way to explore The Rocks is to take our free self-guided tour which provides easy-to-follow directions through the area and points out places of interest along the way. Our small tour takes you through the laneways and passageways that make The Rocks so interesting. You can then pass through the Argyle Cut and walk to the top of Observatory Hill, where you will experience some different views of the harbour bridge and harbour. To make the most of your walk, you should allow at least half a day, although the walk can be done in much quicker time. If you want to continue on to the steps that lead up to the pedestrian walkway on the harbour bridge, and then leisurely walk across the Harbour Bridge and return by ferry, allow a full day. The harbour bridge part of the walk involves steep areas and steps, so if you have a mobility problem you might prefer to end your walk in The Rocks.

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 huge historical significance. It is often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum".

The Rocks is the oldest area of Sydney and its metamorphosis into a vibrant tourist area occurred without the destruction of 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.

Still, the area's conservation as perhaps Australia's most significant historic district wasn't always assured. In the 1960s, proposals by the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority to demolish this whole area were shelved following community protests supported by trade union green bans. The community and union backlash changed the direction of government thinking concerning the future of The Rocks.

Most activities in The Rocks 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. From a visitor's point of view it's a great place to immerge yourself into the surrounds. Behind the shop facades of George Street there are lanes and passageways that promise adventure. These passageways, which include Nurses Walk and Suez Canal, are a testimony to the history of an area that goes back to when the first colony was established in Sydney.

And there are secrets to be revealed. Like, for instance, Foundation Park , which is hidden away behind Argyle Terrace in Playfair Street. Hardly a park, this historic site accommodates the runis of eight tiny houses built in the 1870s.

At the top of Argyle Street is the Argyle Cut , a short tunnel blasted through sandstone that allows access from The Rocks to Millers Point. On the right is Argyle Stairs, leading to Cumberland Street and the Sydney Harbour Bridge pedestrian walkway where you can walk across the bridge.

The Sydney Visitor Centre on the corner of Argyle and Playfair Streets, (open daily 9.30am to 5.30pm, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day), is a good starting point for exploring The Rocks. This centre has a wealth of free information and brochures on points of interest, as well as souvenirs and mementos.

Accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation options in The Rocks. Click here to explore those.

While wandering around the Rocks take the time out to enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner at the numerous restaurants, pubs, hotels and cafés.

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

The Rocks Market operates every weekend, from 10:00 am to 5:00pm each day, and until 6:00pm 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.

Within The Rocks district the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Merchants House, Susannah Place , Discovery Museum 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.

The Rocks pictures

The Rocks wharves and restaurants

An historic sailing ship moored in The Rocks district.                                                                       Picture: ©Kevin Hellon/123RF.COM

Cambell Cove restaurants in The Rocks

Buildings that were once warehouses in Campbell's Cove are now fashionable and hugely popular restaurants.                                                              Picture: Greg O'Beirne, Wikimedia Commons

Sydney's historic newsagency in The Rocks

One of the the three historic shopfronts at 95 to 95 George Street. The Sydney Cove Newsagency closed as a business in 2014 due to a rent dispute with the Harbour Foreshore Authority. All three shopfronts had a narrow escape in the '60s when proposals introduced to demolish the area were shelved due to a community backlash.                                                                       Picture: ©Kevin Hellon/123RF.COM

The Rocks restaurants at night, Sydney

The QE2 docks at Circular Quay in 2007 with The Rocks district in the foreground.                                        Picture: Merbabu, Wikimedia Commons

Playfair Street in The Rocks

Once the haunt of pickpockets, prostitutes and sailors, Playfair Street is now a mall with fashionable shops and restaurants set up in tiny cottages and historic terrace houses.                                                           Picture: Dudesleeper, Wikimedia Commons

Playfair Street terrace houses in The Rocks

A row of terrace houses is a feature of Playfair Street, a prime tourism location in The Rocks.                                                                       Picture: Dingy, Wikimedia Commons

The Rocks Market, Sydney

The Rocks Market flows from surrounding streets into Playfair Street.                                                           Picture: Dudesleeper, Wikimedia Commons

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Jagged market tents, bustling with people on a sunny day.

When British settlers arrived in Sydney Cove in 1788, they found that a rocky headland nearby was an excellent source of building material. The Rocks became Australia’s first slum, complete with rat-infested tenements, brothels, rowdy pubs and bond stores.

Threatened with demolition in the 20th Century, The Rocks has not only survived but prospered and is now one of Sydney’s must-do experiences – complete with charming streetscapes, a sparkling harbour, up-scale restaurants and a brace of galleries and shops and you have a winning formula.

History buffs will find three of Australia’s oldest pubs (The Lord Nelson, Fortune of War and The Australian) in this historic precinct.

Getting there & doing it

The Rocks is easy to find since it lies between Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you are coming from the city centre just hop on the light rail which runs down George Street. Trains and ferries stop at Circular Quay. Avoid bringing a car since there is limited street parking here.

You can, of course, just wander around, but guided walking tours are worthwhile and recommended to unlock many of its secrets and reveal some it’s fascinating history.

For refuelling, Tayim Restaurant, hidden away down a cobbled alleyway, is an atmospheric restaurant serving delicious and inventive Middle Eastern fare. Lovers of craft beer should drop into The Lord Nelson, The Australian or Harts Pub – all of which have excellent local ales on tap, and decent grub.

When to do it

The Rocks is not a seasonal destination, but the area definitely bursts into life during the summer (December to February) months when people take advantage of long, balmy evenings and languorous weekends.

The Rocks Market takes place every Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour

Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour

Rating 4.84 / 5 [1070 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

The Rocks Pub Walking Tour

The Rocks Pub Walking Tour

Price: A116

Min age: 18

Rating 4.91 / 5 [321 ratings]

Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian

Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian

Min age: 16

Rating 4.99 / 5 [263 ratings]

Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour

Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour

Price: A152

Rating 4.95 / 5 [174 ratings]

Taste of Sydney - Barangaroo and the Rocks

Taste of Sydney - Barangaroo and the Rocks

Price: A157

Rating 4.80 / 5 [112 ratings]

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Australian Heritage Festival 2024 NSW

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Every day, all day Thursday 18 April to Sunday 19 May

The Australian Heritage Festival is the nation’s largest community-driven heritage event. An annual celebration of natural, historic and Indigenous heritage, 2024 marks the 44th year of the Festival which features hundreds of FREE and ticketed events and activities for all ages, interests and budgets.

The NSW programme of the 2024 Australian Heritage Festival will open on World Heritage Day Thursday 18 April and continue daily until Sunday 19 May 2024 (inclusive).

Spanning metropolitan and regional areas of the state, this year’s Festival theme is ‘Connections’ and the 2024 NSW calendar includes special exhibitions, walks, tours of historical sites, performances, food experiences, ceremonies, demonstrations, and other attractions curated to bring heritage to life for all. 

The Australian Heritage Festival is organised, promoted, facilitated, and led by the National Trust. It not only connects communities but also provides patronage and support to many worthwhile organisations such as not-for-profit and community groups, businesses, councils, conservation groups, museums, galleries, libraries, churches, and others.

The NSW Government through Heritage NSW is principal sponsor of the Australian Heritage Festival and the National Trust Heritage Awards, which is the signature event of the Australian Heritage Festival.

For more information, visit australianheritagefestival.org.au .

Contact event organiser

National Trust of Australia NSW

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COMMENTS

  1. The Rocks

    The Rocks is a creative hub, home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and its cutting-edge exhibitions. Artisans display their creative wares at The Rocks Markets on the weekend, which boasts more than 200 stalls. There's lots more happening in this historic quarter, see the events calendar for details. View of Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks.

  2. The Rocks, Sydney

    A visit to The Rocks is one of the best things to do in Sydney. Eat, drink & shop boutiques & markets amid historic laneways & harbour views. See what's on. ... The Rocks is a microcosm of Sydney with dozens of venues of all shades, shapes and sizes in charming heritage buildings - from labyrinth wine bars, to subterranean whiskey joints. ...

  3. The 22 best things in The Rocks, Sydney

    To help you make the most of your next visit, here are the 22 best things to do in The Rocks, Sydney. Cut some shapes at The Argyle ... The Rocks Ghost Tours give you the chance to experience the bizarre and macabre side of the suburb's long history. Tour famous landmarks and haunted houses and discover the darker side of The Rocks with a ...

  4. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in The Rocks, Sydney

    27. Points of Interest & Landmarks. The Rocks. By bullc990. ... a coffee have something to eat walk around to the Opera house there's a McDonald's near by while you waiting your... See tours. 11. Sydney Visitor Centre. 98.

  5. The Rocks

    Rent a bicycle in The Rocks from the likes of Bonza Bike Tours and Sydney Bike Tours and pedal to the harbour's iconic attractions. About the historic Rocks As the strip of land where European settlers chose to step ashore in 1788, The Rocks is essentially the birthplace of modern Sydney .

  6. The absolute best things to do in The Rocks, Sydney

    The Rocks map guide: T - Circular Quay (train station) C - Overseas Passenger Terminal (cruise port) 1 - The Rocks Walking Tours. 2 - Observatory Hill. 3 - Hickson Road Reserve. 4 - The Rocks Markets (Playfair Street) 5 - The Glenmore. 6 - MCA.

  7. The best things to do in The Rocks, Sydney! (2024)

    The Susannah Place Museum is located at 58-64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW. The Susannah Place Museum is open every day from 14:00 - 17:00. You can only visit with a tour, which run at 14:00, 15:00, and 16:00. Entry to Susannah Place Museum costs $15 for adults, $12 for concession, and $38 for a family.

  8. The best things to do in The Rocks

    The Rocks area, hugging Sydney Harbour, is full of stories, whether millennia-old and detailing Indigenous culture and heritage or centuries in the making as the first point of contact for European settlers arriving in Australia back in 1788.These histories are respected and retold throughout the neighbourhood today, but they're accompanied by a good dose of modern sensibility in the form of ...

  9. Top Things to Do in The Rocks, Sydney

    The Rocks is among Sydney's most vibrant tourist precincts, fusing quaint cobblestoned laneways and centuries-old colonial history with some of the city's top modern eateries and best boutiques, bars and cafés. Discover the top 10 things to see and do in the most historic patch of the Harbour City.

  10. Sydney Visitor Centre

    Sydney Visitor Centre. Visit website. Phone. (02) 9265 9779. Address. 31 Alfred Street Ground Floor Customs House Sydney NSW 2000 Australia. Get directions. Opening Hours. Everyday - 9am to 5pm.

  11. The Rocks

    The first residents of the Rocks were convicts and sailors from the old nation. As the oldest neighborhood in the city, the area's cobblestone streets host more than 100 heritage sites and buildings, including the oldest house in Sydney, Camden Cottage, which was built in 1816. Taste a "midi " or a "schooner" of beer and dine "al ...

  12. 6 Things to Know BEFORE Visiting The Rocks in Sydney, Australia

    Susannah Place is a small museum in the heart of The Rocks, Sydney. It's a group of 3 terraced houses and a corner shop, where over 100 families have lived since it was built in 1844. Most families moved out by the mid-1970s, but one couple actually remained until 1990 when the property was converted into a museum.

  13. The Rocks Self-Guided Walk Sydney

    The Rocks Self-Guided Walk Sydney. A visit to The Rocks shows off historical Sydney at its best. This Rocks self-guided walk will help you discover Sydney's colonial history in just a couple of hours. There is also ample opportunity to visit a couple of old pubs and take in stunning harbour views from the foreshore.

  14. The Rocks Walking Tour

    The Rocks Walking Tours. The Rocks Walking Tour, established in 1978, is the oldest Sydney guided walking tour, and in fact, it's the oldest in Australia. In 1978, four friends with a passion for Sydney and its rich history had the dream of sharing that story. They knew that Sydney's historic Rocks district would best tell the British story ...

  15. Walk through The Rocks in Sydney

    The Rocks covers such a small area and with the iconic harbour bridge visible most of the time it's almost impossible to get lost. The shady characters depicted in silhouette on the narrow Suez Canal wall refer to The Rocks Push, a street gang that operated in the area. Fancy there being a Suez Canal here in Sydney.

  16. The Rocks, Sydney

    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 huge historical significance. It is often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum". The Rocks is the oldest area of Sydney and its metamorphosis into a vibrant tourist area occurred without ...

  17. The Rocks

    Delve into the history of Sydney and British Australia on a leisurely 90-minute walking tour in The Rocks district with an expert guide. Enjoy the delights of present-day visuals as you explore The Rocks and hear the story of Sydney's convict past as you discover shady courtyards, narrow laneways and hidden areas that even the locals do not know about.

  18. Visitor's guide to Sydney

    Walking and cycling tours. Walking and cycling are a great way to experience our city. Explore over 400 sites and self-guided tours near Customs House by downloading the Sydney Culture Walks app, or take in the sights and explore Sydney by bike on one of our self-guided rides. Things to see and do.

  19. 30 Best Sydney Tourist Attractions and Places to Visit

    The best way to enjoy The Rocks and learn more about Sydney's colonial history is by doing a self-guided walk that takes in all the highlights. Read our guide to the best pubs in The Rocks with insider tips and a recommended walking route. Top guided tours in The Rocks: Historic pub tour in The Rocks; 90-Minute walking tour through The Rocks

  20. The Rocks, New South Wales

    The Rocks, New South Wales. The Rocks is a suburb, tourist precinct and historic area of Sydney 's city centre, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is located on the southern shore of Sydney Harbour, immediately north-west of the Sydney central business district .

  21. Sydney's Convict Colony

    In The Rocks, expect hidden cobblestone alleyways, charming sandstone ruins, historic pubs and heritage protected houses that make up Sydney's most infamous historical quarter. PUBLIC TOUR COSTS: $49.00 Adult. $44.00 Concession. Minimum 2x people onboard for tour to run *.

  22. Sydney Bucket List: 40 Epic Things to Do in Sydney, Australia

    6. South Pylon Lookout. If you want an elevated view from the Sydney Harbour Bridge but don't want to invest the time and money into the Bridge Climb, this is your next best option. From the South Pylon Lookout, you get a breathtaking view of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour, and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

  23. Six of the best hikes in and around Sydney

    Australia's iconic city, Sydney, lures visitors with promises of a harbour that pours out to the jewelled Pacific Ocean, lined with beaches and communities buzzing with culture and diversity.

  24. Free Tourist Map of Sydney & the Rocks

    Map of The Rocks Map of Bondi Beach Map of Manly. Any questions please contact us: Call(+61) 425291425 SMS (+61) 425291425 Email . Bus & Free Walking Tours Sydney - Locl Tour. Sightseeing tour agency in the City of Sydney, New South Wales. Sydney free walking tours Sydney sightseeing bus tours. Archibald Fountain, Hyde Park North. Sydney, NSW, 2000

  25. Australian Heritage Festival 2024 NSW

    Spanning metropolitan and regional areas of the state, this year's Festival theme is 'Connections' and the 2024 NSW calendar includes special exhibitions, walks, tours of historical sites, performances, food experiences, ceremonies, demonstrations, and other attractions curated to bring heritage to life for all.