What's On The Rocks?

Don't leave Sydney until you have visited the Rocks. Explore the many places of interest which are steep in history. Sample and enjoy the many things to do in this lively and historic Sydney attraction.

Dissected by narrow paved streets that snake between 19th century warehouses and sandstone buildings, the Rocks is truly a place that gives you that rich glance into Sydney history.

Originally home to the Indigenous Cadigal people, it is located north of Sydney's city centre.

Being the first place of settlement by European that came ashore in January of 1788, this precint is often touted as birthplace and embodiment of modern Australian history.

If you want to have the maximum fun when visiting this Sydney attraction, exploring it by foot is probably the best approach.

To be certained as to which part of the Rocks you would like to visit or want to make sure you visit all the key historical sites in the area, you can get maps and brochures from the Sydney Visitor's Centre.

Located in The Rocks Centre Precint where Playfair Street meets Argyle, the Centre houses experts and tour guides that can give you information on all the major Sydney attractions.

One place that continues to enchant visitors and locals is the Discovery Museum. It not only houses historical artefacts discovered in the vicinity but also modernises the entire experience with technology to give the audience an exciting and unforgettable encounter.

Below street level, on the harbour side of 110 George Street North, is Cadman's Cottage.

This small sandstone building is the last of its kind among the ones that used to circle Sydney Cove. It was named after Cadman, the superintendent of government craft who took up residence there in 1826. Built in 1815 to serve as barracks, this building has been under government custody over the years. The constant care and its restoration in 1927 have played a key role in its survival.

Another place to see is the Sydney Observatory. Located on Watson road, it is one of the country's oldest observatories. From here you can get breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour through portable telescopes that have been set up. If you are fan of astronomy, there are displays of different types of telescopes as well as a "beanbag planetarium". Night tours are available on request.

On Gloucester Street, there is Susannah Place Museum where you can see a row of well preserved 1844 houses. They were designed to represent the past lives of the working class in this place. Another historical house where you can view photographs and artefacts is the Colonial House museum, which is a renovated colonial terrace house.

This Sydney precint is an area renowned for its well preserved cobbled paths that provide another avenue for a ‘walk through history'. Examples of such paths include:

• The Argyle Cut, a sandstone street that was made between 1843 and 1867 and that stretches down Argyle Street.
• The Rocks Walking Tours has a standard ninety minute walking tour during which you'll learn the area's history through a seriesof fascinating historical facts along the way.
• The Rocks Ghost Tours are where you'll get to explore the darker side of The Rocks' convict camp. You will be taken through stories of mysterious murders, hangings and haunting that the place is known for.

You can also throw in a tour of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a popular landmark visible from many vantage points on this place. Your tour of the bridge can be a simple walk across the bridge, a stroll by the harbour front then under the bridge or scaling the Pylon and accessing the Bridge's own view point.

The walkway that traverses the bridge is usually busy. However, this should not hinder you from the great view you will get once you are on it. If you opt to take the harbour front stroll, you can also stop for a picnic in one of the parks located at both ends of the bridge. Scaling the Pylon will bring you to a mini-museum that details the bridge's history using pictures.

If you're particularly adventurous and not afraid of heights then you can climb to the topmost arch in the bridge for the most stunning views of Sydney Harbour. The climbing staff at the bridge will fit you with climbing gear and support for the three and a half hour climb. This climb is available during the day and at night for anyone above the age of ten.

And don't forget the Rocks Market. It is the best place to go to for traditional Aborigine arts and craft, jewellery, photographs and delicious treats. The market that hosts 150 plus stalls and is one of Sydney's most popular shopping locations for tourists.

Return from the Rocks to Sydney Walkabout Homepage.

Return to top

Custom Search