The Rocks, Sydney, New South wales, Australia

The rocks Overview

The Rocks is a quaint and charming area nestling on Sydney Harbour by the south pylon of the Harbour Bridge (see The Rocks Map) and is one of our personal favourites. The character of the area stems from its origins as Australia's first European settlement and many of the original buildings have been restored to their natural beauty.

The heritage of the Rocks is immediately evident as strict control on new development has ensured that the modern architecture skillfully blends in with the old.

The Rocks really has it all - the best views of the Sydney Opera House and harbour, cozy heritage listed pubs, a wonderful tasteful weekend craft market, plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, excellent restaurants and cafes, fashion boutiques, art galleries, and craft shops. The tourist information centre and Museum of Contemporary Art completes the ensemble. Enviably located accommodation and hotels makes this an ideal place to stay.

The Rocks At the WeekenD

At weekends, particularly during the warmer months, the Rocks really comes alive. Bands play in the square, the cafes, pubs and the Rocks Market are bustling. You may find actors dressed in character costume mingling and entertaining the crowds.

Boat tours (including The Bounty replica) depart from the quay side and you may here jazz music punctuated by the crackles of Harley Davidson's as they depart with excited passengers on another thrilling Sydney tour.

The seasons and peak times of the year dictate the level of activity and entertainment.

the rocks weekend market

The Rocks Market is a must if you are staying in Sydney over the weekend. Every Saturday and Sunday this chic craft market has original stalls featuring all manner of Australian produce and crafts including leather, wood, metal, opals, hand made jewellery, food and art work. If you are after that unique Australian or Sydney quality souvenir you will find something genuine and hand made at the Rocks Market.

At the far end of the market is a perfectly positioned Irish Pub so you can take a break with your Guinness or coffee and watch the bustling market from your outside table. Who could ask for more? The market stalls are protected from the glaring sun (and rain) by an ingenious 'sale like' canopy which only makes for an even more intimate atmosphere.

experiences At the rocks

The Rocks has an amazing history and story to tell starting in the late 18th century.

At the Circular Quay end of the markets is the famous Harleys at The Rocks which are a must if you want an exciting way to see Sydney. There is no better way to see the city and cross the Harbour Bridge than on the back of a Harley Davidson.

There are a number of tours which take in Bondi Beach, Manly, The Northern Beaches, Ku ring gai Chase National Park etc and for the more adventurous they even organise Harley tours into the Australian outback.

look out points

From the Rocks there are some lovely grassy picnic areas that are steeped in history and naturally shaded by trees and palms. These advantage points have magnificent views of the harbour, bridge and Opera house. These can be found at Observatory Hill, Dawes Point Park and Hickson Road Reserve. These locations are also very popular for wedding parties and wedding photographs given the magnificent backgrounds.

Activities at the rocks

The Rocks offers a wide variety of activities throughout the year including coffee and food fares, music performances. Australia Day events are also held on 26th January.

The Rocks is also a popular place to gather at New Years Eve and on St Patrick's Day, particularly as there is a Irish Pub, The Mercantile at the start of George Street.

nautical heritage

The Rocks has a definite 'nautical flavour' with many reminders of the sailing ship era when the area was a bustling port. Masts line the harbour side (near 'The Restaurants of The Rocks') and you may see a sailing ship (perhaps The Bounty replica or The Svanen) moored at the jetty near The Hyatt Hotel. Check the nearby boards and signs for any tours which may be available. Although most people arrive in Sydney by aircraft now, some still arrive in style and sail on a cruise ship into Sydney Harbour, docking at either Kings Street Wharf (near Darling Harbour) or at The Rocks.

A cruise liner terminal (which hosts such vessels as the QE2 when it docks in Sydney) is located down from 'The Restaurants Of The Rocks' and has been redeveloped in recent years to include bars and restaurants with great views over to The Opera House.