The Rocks (Sydney, Australia)
The Past is Just the Beginning
The place where European settlers stepped ashore in 1788, The Rocks is Sydney’s oldest district and still one of its most lively, as its cobblestoned streets are now home to many of the city’s finest historical attractions. Here you can travel back to the colonial era by touring Cadmans Cottage, built in 1816, or the Susannah Place Museum, a circa 1814 residential building that once housed over 100 families. History buffs on a budget will be happy to know that The Rocks Discovery Museum is free of charge, and free guided walking tours are offered daily. However, The Rocks is far from stuck in the past: here you will also find some of the best dining, shopping, and entertainment in Sydney.
Eateries for Every Taste
The Rocks is home to some of the oldest pubs in Sydney, including The Glenmore Hotel, which offers a lovely view of the Sydney harbour from its rooftop patio. Another local favourite is The Hero of Waterloo, a heritage listed building with a secret tunnel and, some say, a resident ghost. Alongside these and many other historic institutions, however, hungry travellers will also find some of most modern restaurants in Sydney; Quay and Pony Dining are popular picks on the high end, while William Blue Dining, a student-run restaurant located within a culinary school, offers exceptionally fine dining at an affordable price. The Rocks Foodie Market is also a must-try; open every Friday, the market offers both some of the best local fare, as well as cuisines from all over the world.
Contemporary Art and Handcrafted Souvenirs
The Rocks is also a haven for art lovers. The Museum of Contemporary Art has over 4.000 works by Australian artists in its collection, and also features regular exhibitions of international artists. Free guided tours are available every day, and those who choose to exit through the eclectic gift shop on site are unlikely to leave empty-handed. Shopaholics should also plan a visit to The Rocks on Saturday or Sunday, when the city’s best artisans bring their wares to The Rocks Markets. Fine jewellery, photography, clothing, and home goods are just a few of the many delights on offer at this massive, open-air market.
Plenty of Places to Stay
Luxury travellers will find many choices of accommodation within The Rocks district, from elegant suites in boutique hotels like The Harbour Rocks Sydney to hip, apartment-style places at The Rendezvous. Young (and young at heart) backpackers cannot do better than the Sydney Harbour YHA, which was built above an archaeological dig and has a rooftop patio with a million-dollar view of the water. Attractive mid-range hotels can also be found in The Rocks, such as the Holiday Inn Old Sydney and the InterContinental Sydney. No matter where you choose to stay while on vacation in The Rocks, you won’t be in any hurry to leave.
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Contact
Harrington Street , 2000Telephone: +61 (2) 9240 8500 | Fax: +61 (2) 9240 8899 | Official hotel site