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Sydney: The Rocks & Circular Quay
The Rocks is the heart and soul of Sydney. By a deepwater anchorage between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, its streets and staircases are rich in history and new experiences.
Filled with galleries and museums, it is a must-see for visitors wishing for the essence of Sydney.
Sydney’s heritage setting for a contemporary City
The historic site of Sydney’s first European settlement, The Rocks boasts one of the best positions on the harbour.
Successfully combining a colourful history with a warm ambience and Australian character, The Rocks contains many beautifully restored buildings from Sydney’s early days as a colonial town. Much of The Rocks comprises of a maze of original, cobblestone lanes that lead to over 170 shops, cafes and restaurants. Explore shops carrying everything from Australian design in fashion, art, craft and jewellery to international labels and unique collectables and souvenirs. You can pick up presents from the lively weekend Rocks Markets.
The Rocks is the ideal place to go for a superb dining experience as it has a number of restaurants run by some of Sydney’s best chefs. Try bel mondo, Doyles, The Waterfront, Quay, Rockpool, Sailor’s Thai or any of the restaurants in the newly refurbished Overseas Passenger Terminal. If you’re more in the mood for a snack or light meal eat at one of the numerous casual cafés, restaurants or historic pubs, many of which have pretty garden courtyards.
To make the most of your visit go to the Sydney Visitor Information Centre at 106 George Street to pick up information on what to do and see in The Rocks.
Dining and Drinking
It’s a great Australian tradition, a meat pie in a pub, or prawns with prime harbour views. It’s all here at The Rocks. Try Thai, Japanese, Italian, German, French, Mod Oz, indigenous “Bush Tucker” and seafood cuisine in some of Sydney’s oldest pubs, courtyard cafes, cool bars, and award-winning restaurants.
Shopping
Wander the cobblestone laneways and discover dozens of specialty stores, galleries and boutiques stocking everything from hand-made puppets to Aboriginal artefacts. Don’t miss The Rocks Market, Sydney’s premier street market, held every weekend from 10am to 5pm.
Festivals and Celebrations
There’s always something happening at The Rocks.The calendar is filled with festivities, from free lunchtime jazz to espressos at The Rocks Aroma Coffee Festival. Other events include Art on The Rocks, Country Rocks on Australia Day, St Patrick’s Day party, The Rocks Markets by Moonlight, Christmas celebrations and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
More information
The Sydney Visitor Centre at The Rocks is a one-stop-shop for information about Sydney and surrounds. It is housed in the historic Sailor’s Homebuilding. It has an extensive range of brochures, a booking service for accommodation, tours, sightseeing and coach passes, and a range of exclusive souvenirs, gift items and travellers needs.
Located at 106 George Street, The Rocks. Phone (02) 9240 8788. Open daily 9.30am – 5.30pm (except Christmas Day and Good Friday). To find out more before you you travel call The Rocks Infoline on 1902 222 222 (Call cost of 55c min, higher for payphones and mobiles).
Destination Guides
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Key Experiences
- Go on a Rocks Walking Tour to discover the convict origins of the area then walk at your own pace along the foreshore from Circular Quay to below the Harbour Bridge.
- Join BridgeClimb for the ‘climb of your life’ across the span of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or visit the bridge’s Pylon Lookout.
- Discover shops and galleries in converted workman’s cottages and sandstone terrace houses in Playfair Street.
- Try a draught beer at one of the historic pubs – The Lord Nelson, The Hero of Waterloo or the Australian (for the naturally brewed Scharer’s Lager with no preservatives) Or perhaps take a Rocks Pub Tour.
- Take in the harbour views from Observatory Hill or view the Southern skies at night.
- Hear macabre tales of murder, hangings and hauntings on The Rocks Ghost Tour.