Sydney/The Rocks

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The Rocks is an historical precinct of central Sydney, capital of the Australian state of New South Wales.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. Although strictly speaking it is an integral part of central Sydney, the Rocks is sufficiently different in character and atmosphere from the commercial and retail heart of town, with an abundance of local attractions, to warrant its own article.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By train

From Circular Quay station, the Rocks district is only a short walk along the western shore of Circular Quay and Sydney Cove.

[edit] By bus

Several public buses (routes 431, 433 and 339) stop at various locations within The Rocks. Many other bus routes pass by or terminate near Circular Quay and Wynyard train stations. 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.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Landmarks

  • The Sydney Harbour Bridge. The great "Coat Hanger" known fondly by locals, is visible from many parts of the Rocks.
  • Bridgeclimb [1]. Recommended for a unique, if vertiginous view of Sydney and the Harbour.
  • Cadman's Cottage [2], 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’s 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’ 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.

[edit] Museums and galleries

  • Sydney Observatory, Watson Road, Observatory Hill, ☎ +61 2 9921 3485, [3]. 10am–5pm. Australia's oldest observatory. It has a variety of exhibitions, a “beanbag planetarium” and, of course, telescopes. You can also book a night tour [4] (Adults $15, children $10), guided by an astronomer. Daytime admission is free.  edit
  • Susannah Place, 58–64 Gloucester Street, ☎ +61 2 9241 1893 (fax: +61 2 9241 2608), [5]. Sa–Su 10am–5pm, daily during January, Tu–W booked group visits only (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday). . 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. Adult $8, child/concession $4, family $17.  edit
  • Colonial House Museum. A restored colonial terrace house with a vast photographic and artifacts museum. edit
  • Rocks Toy Museum. This is a fascinating collection of more than 3000 dolls and toys that will delight adult and children alike. edit

[edit][add listing] Do

  • The Rocks Walking Tours. The 'Original' Guided Walking Tour of The Rocks [6] 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 [7] - 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[8]. 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 [9] 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) [10]. 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[11]. Tours depart 6:45pm (April-October) or 7:45pm (November-March), Wise to book ahead. Mo-Su, $34.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Mid-range

  • Pancakes on the Rocks, 10 Hickson Road, 02 9247 6371, fax 02 9252 2900[12]. A Rocks institution since 1975, serving mouthwatering pancakes stacked high.
  • Löwenbräu Keller, corner Playfair and Argyle Streets, 02 9247 7785, fax 02 9241 1613[13]. An authentic Bavarian German restaurant located in a convict-built cellar.

[edit] Splurge

  • Rockpool, 107 George Street, 02 9252 1888, fax 02 9252 2421[14]. 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.

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • The Orient Hotel [15], 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.
  • The Argyle, 12-18 Argyle St. The Rocks. A great, large new venue. 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. Your visit won't be complete without checking out the floating DJ booth (above you as you walk in), the lava-lamp bar in the Red Room and the lavishly quirky unisex bathroom.

[edit][add listing] Buy

  • The Rocks Market [16], 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.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Mid-range

[edit] Splurge

  • Shangri-La Hotel 176 Cumberland Street, +61 2 9250 6000, (fax 02 9250 6250, email mailto:slsn@shangri-la.com) [18]. The Shangri-La Hotel is a fantastic hotel if you want to splash out. Beautiful views over the harbor, fantastic service, and very centrally located. Double rooms approximately $300 per night.The corner suites are spectacular, ideal for honeymoon accommodation.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Sydney 199 George Street [19] 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) [20]. 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. Approximately $600-$1300.
  • Observatory Hotel 89-113 Kent Street +61 2 9256 2222 [21]. The Observatory Hotel in Sydney has a European feel to it. Appointed with stunning rooms, and superbly located near the Rocks and downtown Sydney. Double rooms approx $800-$1000.
  • Sebel Pier One Sydney Hotel, [22] 11 Hickson Road, +61 2 8298 9999, F: +61 2 8298 9777, E: 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.
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