The Rocks
The Basics
Numerous Sydney sightseeing tours, focusing on history, culture, shopping, food, pubs, photography, or ghosts, will spend time in the Rocks. Walking tours of the Rocks can be combined with other top Sydney attractions and activities, such as the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens, or Bondi Beach, or a Sydney Harbor cruise. Visit on a hop-on hop-off bus or boat to see sites at your leisure.
The Rocks is a great neighborhood to explore on foot. Highlights include historic Cadman Cottage, Susannah Place, and Foundation Park; historic pubs such as the Fortune of War and the Hero of Waterloo; great views from Observatory Hill; and arts and culture at the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Sydney Theatre Company.
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Things to Know Before You Go
The Rocks is a must-visit for those with an interest in history.
Don’t forget your camera. Not only are there plenty of photogenic sites within the Rocks, but the neighborhood also offers spectacular views over the harbor.
Wear comfortable walking shoes; some of the streets are steep or cobblestoned.
There is a Sydney Visitor Center located in the Rocks.
How to Get There
The Rocks is about a 5-minute walk from Circular Quay. You can take a ferry, train, or taxi to Circular Quay and then walk a few minutes, or take the bus to Bridge Street and walk north. There are a number of car parks in the Rocks area. From Darling Harbor, take Hickson Road via Walsh Bay.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Rocks is a lively neighborhood and can be visited at any time. Popular markets include the Foodie Market on Fridays and the Rocks Markets on Saturdays and Sundays. The Rocks is a popular destination during holidays and celebrations, such as Australia Day on January 26 and New Year’s Eve.
The Rocks Discovery Museum
Open daily, this small museum houses an impressive collection on the history of the area, from before the arrival of the first Europeans. It’s a good first stop in the Rocks, and will offer context for later explorations. The museum also offers activities to occupy younger visitors, as well as a self-guided tour map of the neighborhood.
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