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The Rocks and Walsh Bay

Must do

Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb
Museum of Contemporary Art for Vivid

The best of The Rocks

Get a sense of Sydney’s past exploring The Rocks’ cobbled laneways, cosy cafés and oldest pubs in the country. Throughout this historic precinct you’ll find great places to stay, eat, drink and shop – and a buzzing annual events calendar.  

About The Rocks and Walsh Bay

As the strip of land where European settlers chose to step ashore in 1788, The Rocks is essentially the birthplace of modern Sydney. Over the last 200-odd years, it’s morphed from a rowdy, raucous settlement of convicts, soldiers, sailors and street gangs to a thriving, modern precinct boasting a range of sleek accommodation, attractions and funky bars and restaurants.

If history floats your boat, step back in time on The Rocks self-guided walking tour, or wait outside historic Cadman’s Cottage every evening at 6pm for the I’m Free Tour; you’ll explore the laneways, pubs and heritage buildings and learn stories of the precinct’s shady past.

Tourists and Sydneysiders alike flock to the area to take in the markets – on Fridays, you’ll want to bring a healthy appetite to The Rocks Foodies Market and its mouth-watering stalls! The fun (and the exquisite food) continues on Saturdays and Sundays at The Rocks’ Weekend Markets, where over 200 stalls sell designer clothing, accessories, homewares, jewellery, photography and souvenir gifts.

The area is a well-known creative and cultural arts hub, too, whether you’re visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art or stumbling on artisans, poets or bespoke craftsmen as part of The Rocks pop-up project. Be sure to check out the Argyle Gallery and The Rocks Discovery Museum too.

Upcoming events in the area include The Rocks Aroma Festival in July, where you can taste coffee, tea, chocolate and spices from around the world – and enjoy live music, belly dancing, capoeira and more. Thinking of making a weekend of it? The Sydney Harbour YHA offers budget rooms and great views, The Harbour Rocks Hotel is a good mid-range option and you’ll find luxury accommodation at the Quay West Suites.

 

Events

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    Gallery

    • Circular Quay

      Circular Quay

      Cruiseship moored at the Overseas Passenger Terminal beside the Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay. Image Hamilton Lund

    • The Rocks Market

      The Rocks Market

      Couple at The Rocks Market, The Rocks. Image Sally Mayman

    • The Rocks Market

      The Rocks Market

      Woman shopping at The Rocks Market. Image Sally Mayman

    • Riding at Park Hyatt boardwalk

      Riding at Park Hyatt boardwalk

      Young man and woman riding with 'Bonza Bikes' at Park Hyatt boardwalk. Image Pierre Toussaint, Tourism NSW

    • 'Bonza Bikes' tour at Circular Quay

      'Bonza Bikes' tour at Circular Quay

      Young man talking to 'Bonza Bikes' tour operator at Circular Quay wharf. Image Pierre Toussaint, Tourism NSW

    • Australian Hotel

      Australian Hotel

      Friends drinking at the Australian Heritage Hotel in The Rocks. Image Pierre Toussaint, Tourism NSW

    • Panorama of The Rocks

      Panorama of The Rocks

      Panoramic view of The Rocks from above George Street. Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge can be seen in the background. Image Sally Mayman, Tourism NSW

    • Dawn on the 'Discovery Climb'

      Dawn on the 'Discovery Climb'

      The 'Discovery Climb' on the Harbour Bridge with 'Bridgeclimb Sydney' at dawn. Image Bridgeclimb Sydney

    • Riding with 'Bonza Bikes' at Campbell's Cove

      Riding with 'Bonza Bikes' at Campbell's Cove

      Young man riding with 'Bonza Bikes' tours along Campbell's Cove, The Rocks, near the Park Hyatt boardwalk. Image Pierre Toussaint, Tourism NSW

    • Exhibit, Museum of Contemporary Art

      Exhibit, Museum of Contemporary Art

      People viewing an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Rocks. Image Museum of Contemporary Art

    • Exhibit, Museum of Contemporary Art

      Exhibit, Museum of Contemporary Art

      People viewing an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Rocks. Image Museum of Contemporary Art

    • Walsh Bay

      Walsh Bay

      View from Sydney Harbour Bridge of Walsh Bay piers along Hickson Road. Image Ben Townsend, Tourism NSW

    • Vivid Sydney Festival 2009

      Vivid Sydney Festival 2009

      Crowds gather to look at the 'Facade' installation on the Museum of Contemporary Art as part of 'Smartlight' for Vivid Sydney Festival 2009. Image Hamilton Lund, Tourism NSW

    • Campbell's Cove, The Rocks

      Campbell's Cove, The Rocks

      Looking over the restaurants at Campbell's Cove towards the Harbour Bridge, The Rocks. Image Mark Pokorny, Tourism NSW

    • Waterfront restaurant, The Rocks

      Waterfront restaurant, The Rocks

      'Waterfront' restaurant at Campbell's Cove, The Rocks. Harbour Bridge visible in background. Image Mark Pokorny, Tourism NSW

    • Campbell's Cove, The Rocks

      Campbell's Cove, The Rocks

      View of Campbell's Cove looking out towards the Opera House, The Rocks. Image Mark Pokorny, Tourism NSW

    • Lord Nelson Hotel, The Rocks

      Lord Nelson Hotel, The Rocks

      The historic Lord Nelson Hotel, The Rocks. Image Jeffrey Drewitz, Tourism NSW

    • The Rocks markets

      The Rocks markets

      Aerial view of George street and The Rocks markets. Image Hamilton Lund, Tourism NSW

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