An arts & culture guide to The Rocks

History tours & museums

This historic area is best appreciated on foot. Step back in time and join a walking tour such as The Rocks Walking Tours or wait outside colonial-era Cadman's Cottage every evening at 6pm for a guided and free (you pay what you think it’s worth) excursion with I'm Free Tours. You'll explore The Rocks' laneways, pubs and heritage buildings and learn stories of its colourful past. Meanwhile, The Rocks Discovery Museum is home to an interactive collection of images and archaeological artefacts found in the area, spanning from pre-European settlement to colonial times.

The Rocks Walking Tour, The Rocks

Contemporary art

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia has an emphasis on living artists and its collection includes paintings, photography, video, sculpture and installation art. There's also a rooftop cafe with stunning views of the Sydney Opera House. 

19th Biennale of Sydney, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Local artisans

If you're exploring the cobblestone lanes and winding sandstone staircases on the weekend, head to The Rocks Markets, which has more than 200 stalls offering original artworks, hand-painted ceramics, crafts and prints. Be sure to also check out the Ken Done Gallery to see works by the local Sydney art legend, whose 30-plus-year career has spanned art shows from Tokyo to New York. At Billich Gallery, you can see collections by Charles Bllich, one of Australia's most fascinating and flamboyant artists, best known for his quirky oil paintings.

The Rocks Friday Foodie Market along Playfair Street in The Rocks

Aboriginal art & experiences

Join Dunghutti-Jerrinjah elder Margret Campbell on The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour. The 90-minute walking tour explains the Aboriginal heritage of the area and the spiritual connection to the waterways and foreshores.

Dreamtime Southern X, Sydney

The Argyle Gallery has an impressive collection of Aboriginal fine arts and crafts, all sourced from creatives in local communities. Gannon House Gallery is home to one of Sydney's largest collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. At Spirit Gallery, you'll find the country's largest didgeridoo collection. 

Credit: Spirit Gallery

Theatre & dance

The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre in nearby Walsh Bay host a jam-packed program of local and international plays, shows and dance, most promintely performances by the Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Dance Company. You can regularly see local stars such as Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving and Rose Byrne treading the boards. Visitors can also soak in the sweeping views of Sydney Harbour at The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf.

Credit: Sydney Dance Company