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The Rocks, NSW

Sydney‘s heritage setting for a contemporary City

The historic site of Sydney’s first European settlement, The Rocks boasts one of the best positions on the harbour. Successfully combining a colourful history with a warm ambience and Australian character, The Rocks contains many beautifully restored buildings from Sydney’s early days as a colonial town.

The Rocks

Much of The Rocks comprises of a maze of original, cobblestone lanes that lead to over 170 shops, cafes and restaurants. Explore shops carrying everything from Australian design in fashion, art, craft and jewellery to international labels and unique collectables and souvenirs. You can pick up presents from the lively weekend Rocks Markets.

The Rocks is the ideal place to go for a superb dining experience as it has a number of restaurants run by some of Sydney’s best chefs. Try bel mondo, Doyles, The Waterfront, Quay, Rockpool, Sailor’s Thai or any of the restaurants in the newly refurbished Overseas Passenger Terminal. If you’re more in the mood for a snack or light meal eat at one of the numerous casual cafés, restaurants or historic pubs, many of which have pretty garden courtyards.

The Rocks in Sydney

To make the most of your visit go to the Sydney Visitor Information Centre at 106 George Street to pick up information on what to do and see in The Rocks.

The Rocks Highlights….

  • Go on a Rocks Walking Tour to discover the convict origins of the area then walk at your own pace along the foreshore from Circular Quay to below the Harbour Bridge.
  • Join BridgeClimb for the ‘climb of your life’ across the span of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or visit the bridge’s Pylon Lookout.
  • Discover shops and galleries in converted workman’s cottages and sandstone terrace houses in Playfair Street.
  • Try a draught beer at one of the historic pubs – The Lord Nelson, The Hero of Waterloo or the Australian (for the naturally brewed Scharer’s Lager with no preservatives) Or perhaps take a Rocks Pub Tour.
  • Take in the harbour views from Observatory Hill or view the Southern skies at night.
  • Hear macabre tales of murder, hangings and hauntings on The Rocks Ghost Tour.

Nearest Airport: Sydney

The Rocks, Sydney

Where to stay?

Experiences

  • Romance
  • City
  • Food and Wine
  • Historic/Heritage
  • Honeymoon
  • Indulgence/Luxury

Popular Activities

  • City Sightseeing
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing
  • Nightlife
  • World Heritage

About The Rocks

  • Locality: Rural locality
  • The Rocks Postcode: 2795
  • State: New South Wales
  • Region: Sydney
  • Latitude: -33.858396
  • Longitude: 151.209068
  • Elevation: 804m
  • Population: 60
  • Median Income: $32448
  • Area (Sq/km): 40.433
  • Timezone: Australia/Sydney

Explore The Outback

Australia has a vast remote interior, much of it largely untouched. By night, the outback is deathly quiet, with the only light provided by the stars and the moon - a perfect oportunity for stargazing. Explore the isolated heart of the country, meet and connect with Aboriginal people and experience one of the oldest living cultures in the world. Go ‘walk-about’ and immerse yourself with Australia’s endless outback horizons.

Outback Experiences

Luxe Accommodation

Enjoy a distinctly Australian luxury experience, such as the unforgettable reefs, islands, beaches and coast; rugged mountain ranges, rainforests and vast national parks; and the many vibrant food and wine regions. Take a once in a lifetime adventure and discover the sheer indulgence of experiencing the wonders of Australia in style and stay in total luxury.

Australia has wide variety of accommodation options to suit most budgets and travelling preferences. Choose from luxury lodges, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, motels, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks as well as youth and backpacker hostels.

Accommodation

Glasshouse Mountains

The Glasshouse Mountains in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast are actually the cores of 20 million year old volcanoes. The sides of the volcanoes have eroded away leaving only the hardened rock spiremountain cores we see today. Learn more about this awe-inspiring landscape.

Glasshouse Mountains