Neighbourhood guide

The Rocks

Where Sydney was born

Sydney

The vibe

At the foot of the Harbour Bridge, The Rocks mixes cobbled lanes, sandstone warehouses, historic pubs and weekend markets, facing the Opera House. It’s the starting point for the bridge climb and the ferries from Circular Quay.

Good to know

Walk across the Harbour Bridge on the eastern footpath: it’s free and the view of the Opera House is superb.

When to go

Weekends for the markets, evenings for the pubs.

Getting there

Train, ferry or metro to Circular Quay.

The story

How the neighbourhood came to be

Gadigal land, Sydney Cove saw the British First Fleet land in 1788. The Rocks became the district of convicts, sailors and taverns, with a rough reputation. Threatened with demolition in the 1970s, it was saved by residents and trade unions.

Did you know?

1Cadman’s Cottage, from 1816, is one of the oldest houses in Sydney.
2Several pubs in the area claim the title of the city’s oldest.

Want to explore further?

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