Your Guide to The Rocks District in Sydney

No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to The Rocks. Located a few minutes walk from Circular Quay in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks is home to dining, shopping, some of Sydney's best markets and oldest pubs, and historic laneways complete with heritage sandstone buildings.

The Rocks is a great place to visit year-round so whenever you're planning your travels, a day exploring The Rocks deserves a spot on your Sydney itinerary.

When European settlers arrived at Sydney Cove in 1788, they came upon the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. The harbourside area today known as The Rocks became a centre of activity in the early days of the colony. Alongside the working port, The Rocks was a densely populated township and sandstone from area was used to construct many early-colonial buildings including Sydney's first hospital. 

As you walk the laneways of The Rocks, evidence of its storied past is evident in the cobblestone pavements and heritage buildings that remain. 

One example of which is Cadmans Cottage. Built in 1816, it is one if Sydney’s oldest surviving buildings, having been constructed in the first 30 years of the colony. You'll find Cadmans Cottage at 110 George St in The Rocks, between the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Another of The Rocks' historic buildings is The Doss House. Built in the 1840s, this building has at one-time been an opium den, a bootmaker, and a boarding house. Today, the original sandstone walls create an ambience for visitors to what is now an underground whiskey bar. The Doss House is located at 77/79 George St in The Rocks.

As you make your way from George St up Argyle St you'll come to the Argyle Cut, a roadway tunneled through stone connecting The Rocks with Millers Point. The Argyle Cut was a painstaking project begun by convict labourers working with hand tools in the 1840s and completed in 1859 by the city council using explosives.

Close to the Argyle Cut you'll find the Argyle Stairs, constructed in 1911-12, leading up to Cumberland St where you can use Bridge Stairs to access the pedestrian footpath across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Back down on Argyle St, if you carry on toward Millers Point, you'll come across the heritage-listed Garrison Church. Built in 1840, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest religious buildings in the area. Initially, it was built to serve the spiritual needs of the British armed forces stationed in Sydney, giving it a unique place in the city’s military history. 

In The Rocks itself, there are plenty of other heritage sites to explore, thanks to the dedication of those who've fought to preserve the area's rich history. As you explore the dining and shopping that is a drawcard to The Rocks today, you may come across Jack Mundey Place, named in honor of Jack Mundey, an activist who played a pivotal role in preserving The Rocks’ heritage.

In the 1970s, Mundey, alongside the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) and the local community, led green bans to prevent the demolition of The Rocks’ historic buildings, ensuring that this culturally significant area remains intact for all of us and future generations to appreciate.

These efforts allow visitors today to enjoy a stroll through The Rocks, experiencing its many architectural landmarks that reflect the rich tapestry of Sydney’s history.

As you might expect from its prominent location with iconic views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks has some of the most impressive dining venues in the city. Options range from historic pubs to contemporary restaurants and casual cafes.

One must-visit spot is the Fortune of War, Sydney’s oldest pub, established in 1828. Conveniently located on George Street, it serves as a welcoming gateway to The Rocks when entering from the city or Circular Quay. Steeped in history, Fortune of War was once a popular stop for soldiers and sailors and continues to be a beloved spot for both locals and visitors today.

Another legendary spot is the Hero of Waterloo, a heritage-listed, three-storey sandstone (taken from the Argyle Cut!) pub that has welcomed patrons for over 170 years. This English-style pub, named after the Duke of Wellington’s victory at Waterloo, is famous for its live music and ghost tours.

If you're a fan of craft beer, Harts Pub is a must-visit. Located on Essex and Gloucester streets, this pub escaped demolition a century ago and has since become a beloved local spot. Known for its 12 rotating taps of Australian-brewed craft beers, Harts Pub has something for every beer enthusiast.

If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to check out the Belgian Chocolate Café. This cafe at 91 George Street offers a mix of decadent desserts, delicious cakes, and some savoury options too. 

Located in a heritage-listed building, The Tea Cosy recreates a traditional British café from the 19th century with delicious cakes, scones, and tea cosies served on tables outside. If you visit, be sure to try the freshly baked Devonshire Scones with double thick cream and Australian made jam.

The Rocks’ shopping is another reason people love to visit this part of town. It’s home to some of the top retail stores in the city, including boutiques for luxury goods, food, and souvenirs. You can enjoy the The Rocks' historic cobblestone streets and sandstone architecture as you browse. 

Opal Minded is a stand-out jeweller in The Rocks that specialises in jewellery made with opals. It sells one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings, making it an ideal shop from which to purchase a souvenir. 

Another unique boutique to visit in The Rocks is Hat World. It’s Sydney’s premier venue for hats and headwear, and an ideal location to find something to protect your skin from the Sydney sunshine. 

If you're after a treat for yourself or a gift for a loved one, Get Drenched is well worth a stop. It sells a selection of handmade bathroom luxury goods, including bath bombs and body butter. Bring these back to your hotel for the ultimate holiday pampering session.

Looking for something truly unique? We suggest a visit to Squidinki. The shop sells bright and whimsical illustrated goods that make the souvenir, helping you find gifts and keepsakes for friends and family (or yourself!). Located at 85 George Street, its greeting cards, tea towels, notebooks, and tableware are sure to bring a sense of levity to every occasion. 

The Rocks is home to one of Sydney's most popular and beloved markets. The Rocks Market is open every Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 5pm on George and Playfair Streets. 

The Rocks Market is a great place to find delicious food options you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Like Danieli Skewers' BBQ squid and La Gitana's pan-cooked Mediterranean paellas made using fresh local seafood. You can also get Turkish doughnuts at Lokma-nia and Portuguese custard tarts at Natas & Co. 

If you love crafts, The Rocks Market won’t disappoint. Here, you can find artists and artisans selling unique products you won’t find elsewhere. For instance, artist Lisa Murphy sells eye-catching digital prints inspired by locations around Sydney, and A&A Lasota crafts distinctive and uncommon hand-made jewellery for those with discerning tastes. 

The Rocks plays host to many festivals and events each year. Be sure to check what's on during your visit. 

One popular festival hosted annually is The Rocks Aroma Festival taking place in July. It is a celebration of coffee and unique spices that attracts people from all over eager to discover specialty tea, coffee roasters, and local chocolatiers.

Another favourite festival hosted in The Rocks is the annual Christmas markets when the area transforms into a festive wonderland. Here you can find festive-themed goods, decorations, and gourmet treats to get you in the holiday spirit.

Perhaps the most popular event of all is Vivid Sydney, when Sydney celebrates a festival of light. Vivid sees the city transformed by light and music, with projections on historic buildings from the Sydney Opera House and beyond.

You'll enjoy comfort and convenience when you choose an Accor hotel close to The Rocks as the base for your Sydney travels. 

The Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is located close to The Rocks, alongside Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay. It offers a 24-hour reception, signature cocktails in its bar Hyde Hacienda that overlooks the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and a recreational deck with a gym, spa, sauna, and pool. 

Another Sydney hotel near The Rocks is Sebel Quay West Suites Sydney. This hotel has a pool with spectacular harbour views and apartment style accommodation with separate living and dining areas which is ideal if you're travelling with family or friends.

Mantra 2 Bond Street also has apartment style accommodation and is just a few minutes walk from Circular Quay and The Rocks. Close to a light rail station, Mantra 2 Bond Street is a great spot if you'd like easy access to other parts of the city for shopping, dining, and more.