The Rocks, Sydney is not just a historic district but also one of the most vibrant and culturally rich areas in Sydney, Australia.
The Rocks marks the spot where the First Fleet landed in 1788, making it the birthplace of modern Sydney. Named after the sandstone rocks lining the shore, this area was initially home to convicts, sailors, and, unfortunately, became known as a slum. Today, it’s a testament to Sydney’s colonial history with its heritage-listed buildings and cobblestone streets.
The Rocks Markets
Every weekend, The Rocks Markets is a highlight of the area, offering a variety of beautifully handcrafted and unique local arts, crafts, and fashion, as well as mouth-watering street food to gourmet treats.
One of the first food stalls we came across was offering BBQ meat that included Kangaroo, Crocodile and Emu! If you ever wondered what they taste like, this is the place to do so. (They can’t all taste like chicken, right?)
Down some of the cobblestone lanes, dozens of musicians perform at the Rocks Markets every Saturday and Sunday, ranging from promising newbies to well-known artists, who’ll perform original songs and sing classic covers.
Other Places of Interest at The Rocks
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel is the oldest continuously licensed pub in the Sydney (since May 1841)
The Sydney Observatory is a beautiful heritage-listed sandstone building that was built in 1858. It’s now a museum where visitors can explore Sydney’s stars, including from an Aboriginal perspective.
Susannah Place Museum offers insights into the lives of working-class families from the 19th century, with its four terraced houses built in 1844. The museum also includes a recreated 1915 corner store.
Yoga under the Bridge: Every Sunday there are free stretch and flex yoga sessions right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Just bring your mat and join in.
Cadman’s Cottage: This heritage building is the third-oldest building in Sydney. It was constructed in 1816 and has been used as barracks, as the water police station and as The Sailors Home. Cadman’s Cottage is a building that is heavily steeped in the history of Sydney, also claiming the title as the first building to have been built on the shoreline of The Rocks area.
Close to Major Attractions
The Rocks is situated right next to Circular Quay where the local ferries are and where the large cruise ships dock. It’s a short walk to the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, making it a strategic spot for tourists to explore some of Sydney’s best-known sights.
When exploring The Rocks, visitors are not only stepping into a living museum but also engaging with one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Sydney, where history, culture, and contemporary life intersect.
More photos of The Rocks
