'''The Rocks''' is an historical precinct of central Sydney. It is located immediately to the north of the CBD on the western side of Sydney Cove, beneath the famous Harbour Bridge. The Rocks is renowned for its shopping, cultural attractions and wide accommodation options, including a string of prestigious 5-star hotels attracted to the area on account of its fantastic views of the harbor bridge and relatively tranquil atmosphere. The Rocks is different in character and atmosphere from the commercial and retail heart of Sydney, with an abundance of local attractions.

Get in

By foot

If you are in the Sydney City the quickest and easiest way to The Rocks is to walk. Follow George St north (towards the harbour). George St runs straight through The Rocks area.

By train

The closest train station is Circular Quay. The Rocks district is only a short walk along the western shore of Circular Quay and Sydney Cove (keep the water on your right).

By bus

Bus routes routes 431, 433 and 339 stop at various locations within The Rocks. Many other bus routes terminate near Circular Quay and Wynyard train stations, which is only a short walk away.

Sydney Explorer sightseeing buses ? which depart every 18 minutes throughout the day from Circular Quay ? stop at the Sydney Visitor Centre and Campbell's Cove / Dawes Point in the Rocks.

By car

There is parking in The Rocks area, but expect to pay in excess of $50 a day to park there on a weekday. There are usually all day deals to be had on a weekend and in the evening. The Rocks isn't signposted as a destination, but it is at the northern end of George St.

Get Around

The Rocks is best explored by foot. Away from George St and the harbour there are some steep areas with steps.

See

Landmarks

  • The '''Sydney Harbour Bridge'''. The great "Coat Hanger" known fondly by locals, is visible from many parts of the Rocks. There is a harbourfront walk all way from Circular Quay to under the Harbour Bridge. Very pretty.
  • '''Cadman's Cottage''' [http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parks.nsf/ParkContent/N0201?Opendocument&ParkKey=N0201&Type=xo], ''110 George Street North (harborside, below street level), open daily Mo-Fr 9.30am-4.30pm, Sa-Su 10am-4.30pm, closed Christmas and Good Friday, free admission''. The last relic of the small, relatively plain buildings that once ringed Sydney Cove in the early colonial period, this small sandstone cottage was built 1815-1816. The building has survived largely because of constant Government or institutional ownership, first as a barracks, then as Cadman_fs residence as superintendent of Government Craft (1826-45). From 1845-64, the cottage served as the Water Police Headquarters, and, from 1865-1970, the Sydney Sailors_f Home Trust. Restoration began in 1972 and the building is now used as an information centre by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Interesting fact: the Cottage was originally built by the water side - with reclamation over the years, the shoreline of Sydney Cove is now 100 meters distant.
  • The '''Argyle Cut'''. An historic road cutting made between 1843 and 1867.
  • The '''Garrison Church'''. The Garisson Church was the colony's first military church.
  • Museums and galleries

  • Sydney Observatory. atson Road, Observatory Hill. 61 2 9921 3485. 0am?5pm. aytime admission is free. ttp://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/. Australia's oldest observatory. It has a variety of exhibitions, a _gbeanbag planetarium_h and, of course, telescopes. The parks and views of the harbour from the Observatory Hill are exceptional, and its worth a visit even if you have no interest in astronomy. You can also book a night tour [http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/visit/night.asp ] (Adults $15, children $10), guided by an astronomer.
  • Susannah Place. ttp://www.hht.nsw.gov.au/museums/susannah_place_museum/susannah_place_museum. 8?64 Gloucester Street. 61 2 9241 1893. 61 2 9241 2608. a?Su 10am?5pm, daily during January, Tu?W booked group visits only (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday). dult $8, child/concession $4, family $17. . Built in 1844, Susannah Place Museum preserves a row of four terrace houses that incorporate a re-created 1915 corner store, providing a rare opportunity to construct patterns of domestic working class life from the mid 1840s to the late 20th century. It is evidence of the richness of community life that once existed in The Rocks. The modest interiors and rear yards illustrate the restrictions of 19th century inner city life.
  • Colonial House Museum. A restored colonial terrace house with a vast photographic and artifacts museum.

    Do

  • '''The Rocks Walking Tours'''. The 'Original' Guided Walking Tour of The Rocks [http://www.rockswalkingtours.com.au] 23 Playfair Street ''(off Argyle Street)'', The Rocks" ''+ 61 2'' 9247 6678 Tours depart daily M-F 10:30am/ 12:30pm/ 2:30pm and Sa,Su & P/Hol. 11:30am & 2:00pm - Cost; Adult $25/ Child ''(10-16 Yrs)'' $11/ Family ''(2A+2C)'' $61. There is no better way to get up close and personal with the story of Sydney than on foot! Take a leisurely 90 minute stroll with one of our friendly specialist guides through this unique heritage precinct of beautifully restored buildings situated in its picturesque, harbourside setting.
  • The '''Rocks Self-Guided Walking Tour''' [http://www.rocksvillage.com/] - The Sydney Visitor Centre, Corner of Argyle & Playfair Streets, publishes this excellent booklet (in conjunction the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority). The $1 booklet lists 31 historic buildings and points of interest throughout The Rocks and guides you along a fascinating heritage walk, providing one of the best self tours of a heritage area.
  • The '''Rocks Pub Tour''', 02 8274 7777[http://www.therockspubtour.com]. A unique and Australian way to discover Sydney's history.
  • '''Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge'''. For those who are good with heights and enjoy an unrivaled view of the harbor, a company called BridgeClimb [http://www.bridgeclimb.com/] organizes excursions to the top of the Bridge. The tour check-in point is located in the Rocks at 5 Cumberland Street.
  • '''Bonza Bike Tours''', ''+61 02'' 9331 1127(mailto:info@BonzaBikeTours.com) [http://www.bonzabiketours.com/tours.aspx]. Offers a ''Sydney and Sydney Harbor Bridge'' guided bicycle tour that starts in The Rocks and includes a ride over the bridge (and back) and a tour through Sydney's North Shore. The cost for the full day tour is $95 for adults and $75 for children. Lunch, beverage, bikes, and guide are all included.
  • '''The Rocks Ghost Tours''', 1300 731 971[http://www.ghosttours.com.au/]. Tours depart 6:45pm (April-October) or 7:45pm (November-March), Wise to book ahead. Mo-Su, $34.
  • Eat

    Mid-range

  • Phillips Foote. 01 George St. n the center of The Rocks Area. 2 9241 1485. ttp://www.phillipsfoote.com.au/. 28. Select your steak or fish from the display, and cook it yourself on the large BBQ grills in the courtyard. Salad from the salad bar. If the steak isn't cooked to your liking, complain to the chef..
  • Pancakes on the Rocks" address="10 Hickson Road. 2 9247 6371. ttp://www.pancakesontherocks.com.au/. A Rocks institution since 1975, serving mouthwatering pancakes stacked high.
  • '''Lowenbrau Keller''', corner Playfair and Argyle Streets, 02 9247 7785, fax 02 9241 1613[http://www.lowenbrau.com.au/]. An authentic Bavarian German restaurant located in a convict-built cellar.
  • '''La Renaissance Patisserie Francaise''', 47 Argyle St, 02 9241 4878[http://www.larenaissance.com.au/]. A sweet little cake shop serving the finest handmade cakes, pastries, savouries and chocolates in The Rocks. Also does Teas and Coffees.
  • Splurge

  • '''Rockpool''', 107 George Street, 02 9252 1888, fax 02 9252 2421[http://www.rockpoolsydney.com/]. Neil Perry operated restaurant. Fine dining in the Rocks since 1989, sophisticated seafood with an Asian fusion influence, winner of the prestigious ''Australian Gourmet Traveller 2004 Restaurant of the Year'', with mains starting from $54-$70.
  • Drink

    The Rocks pubs get busy most nights. It is a popular night spot for tourists and locals alike.

  • The '''Orient Hotel''' [http://www.orienthotel.com.au/], 89 George St, tel 02 9251 1255, fax 02 9247 4569, email mailto:orienthotel@bigpond.com.au - Housed in an historic building of the 1850s.
  • The '''Mercantile Hotel''', 25 George St, tel 02 9247 3570 - One of Sydney's premier Irish pubs, Guinness on tap.
  • The '''Hero of Waterloo''', 81 Lower Fort St, tel 02 9252 4553 - Built in 1845, this sandstone pub has a great colonial ambiance.
  • The '''Lord Nelson''', on the corner of Kent Street and Argyle Street - Established in 1842, a micro-brew pub, with a variety of beers brewed on the premises. Nice bread and cheese, pie and peas. Popular, but usually not so crowded on a weeknight that you can't get a table.
  • '''The Argyle''', 12-18 Argyle St. The Rocks. Raw timber columns shoot to the ceilings among the daybeds which are set against a backdrop of sandstone walls. The venue boasts five bars and is a great evening all up. Often holds big functions on Fri / Sat nights, so it can be difficult to get in.
  • '''Blu Horizon''', Shangri-la Hotel Level 36, 176 Cumberland Street - Amazing views of Sydney Harbour.
  • '''Harbour Bar''', Park Hyatt Hotel, 7 Hickson Rd - Cosy, comfortable bar with a great ambience.
  • '''The Australian''', 100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, 02 9247 2229[http://www.australianheritagehotel.com/]. The Australian boasts a prodigious range of Australian beers, and very good gourmet pizzas (ranging from vegetarian to crocodile). Parties can reserve the parlor and the balcony. Car be hard to get a table between around 6pm and around 9pm.
  • Buy

    The Rocks is a great place to shop for Australiana. Many shops selling Aboriginal art and crafts, Australian designed clothing, line the streets and arcades. Likely more expensive then less touristed areas.

  • The '''Rocks Market''' [http://www.therocksmarket.com.au/], far northern end of George Street, open every weekend, Sa-Su 10am-5pm, managed by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, info tel 02 9240 8717 - With over 150 stalls under colorful canopies, pick and choose from art and crafts, jewelery, photography, indigenous artwares and tasty food stalls.
  • Sleep

    Mid-range

  • '''Old Sydney Holiday Inn''' [http://sydney.holiday-inn.com/], 55 George Street, tel 02 92520524, fax 02 92512093, email mailto:bdm@oldsydneyholidayinn.com.au - Rooms from $184.
  • Splurge

  • '''Four Seasons Hotel Sydney''' 199 George Street [http://www.fourseasons.com/sydney/index.html] With an enviable location, the Four Seasons caters for those looking for an indulgence.
  • '''Park Hyatt''' 7 Hickson Road, +61 2 9241 1234 (''fax 02 9256 1555, email mailto:sydney@hyatt.com.au'') [http://sydney.park.hyatt.com/]. A superb setting, positioned on the Harbour shore at Dawes Point, beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge and opposite the Opera House situated across Sydney Cove. A very upmarket hotel right on the water close to the city. If you get a harbour view room, the view probably doesn't get any better. Approximately $600-$1300.
  • '''Observatory Hotel''' 89-113 Kent Street +61 2 9256 2222 [http://www.observatoryhotel.com.au/]. The Observatory Hotel in Sydney has a European feel to it. Located on a quiet part of Kent St, a couple of minutes to walk to the Rocks, across from the Observatory park.
  • '''Sebel Pier One Sydney Hotel''', [http://www.sebelpierone.com.au/] 11 Hickson Road, +61 2 8298 9999, ''F: +61 2 8298 9777, E: [mailto:reservations@tspos.mirvac.com.au/ reservations@tspos.mirvac.com.au]'', Absolute waterfront, nestled alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge and offering panoramic Sydney Harbour views. A unique blend of heritage and contemporary chic. Rooms cost approx $300-$400 a night.
  • '''Shangri-La Hotel''' 176 Cumberland Street, +61 2 9250 6000, (''fax 02 9250 6250, email mailto:slsn@shangri-la.com'') [http://www.shangri-la.com/sydney/shangri-la/en/]. The Shangri-La Hotel is a fantastic hotel if you want to splash out. Beautiful views over the harbour, fantastic service, located at the Quay. Double rooms approximately $300 per night. The corner suites are spectacular, ideal for honeymoon accommodation.
  • Stay Safe

    The Rocks is a busy area, with late trading, and a comfortable feeling. Late at night, the concentration of pubs can inevitably lead to some alcohol fueled violence. The area is well patrolled by police, but some fights do occur in the pubs and on the streets. Use common sense when interacting with drunk people, and you will just be a spectator.

    The Rocks police station is on the corner of Argle and George, just opposite the Argyle Hotel. It is one of the major central Sydney police stations, and is easily accessible at all hours of the day.

    Get Out