The Rocks
Cobblestones, culture and the harbour at its best
The Rocks is where the city’s past and present sit side by side. Cobbled streets, sandstone terraces and hidden laneways tell the story of Australia’s earliest European settlement, while harbourside bars, galleries and weekend markets bring a fresh energy to this historic pocket.
Wander at your own pace or join one of The Rocks Walking Tours to uncover the layered stories behind the warehouses, wharves and winding little passages. Every turn offers something different: a glimpse into colonial life, a boutique you didn’t expect or a view that reminds you why Sydney is so loved.
Art and icons on every corner
The Rocks is also a creative hub. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) sits right on the water at Tallawoladah, showcasing photography, sculpture, moving image and works from emerging and established Australian artists. After exploring the galleries, head up to the MCA Café on Level 4 for one of the best vantage points over Circular Quay.
From here, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are only steps away. You can simply admire them from the foreshore, treat yourself to a drink at Opera Bar, or take things to new heights with a Sydney BridgeClimb adventure.
A weekend market with character
From Fridays through Sundays, The Rocks Markets spill across the cobblestones with local makers, small-batch food stalls, handcrafted goods and live music. Fridays run from 10am to 3pm, while Saturdays and Sundays stretch from 10am to 5pm – giving you plenty of time to wander at your own pace. It’s lively without being rushed, full of one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else in the city. Arrive hungry and leave with something special.
Where history meets good food
The Rocks is also home to some of Sydney’s oldest pubs and breweries. Classic sandstone bars like The Hero of Waterloo, The Australian Heritage Hotel and Lord Nelson Brewery offer a taste of the precinct’s colonial history, while newer restaurants and harbourside dining rooms bring modern flavour to the area without losing its charm.
Getting there
From the hotel, reach The Rocks in around 15 minutes by car or taxi. Prefer the scenic route? Walk to Pyrmont Bay Wharf and catch a ferry across the harbour — it’s one of the most beautiful ways to arrive. However you explore it, The Rocks is a place where Sydney’s earliest stories and modern life meet — all with the harbour as a backdrop.
Image credit: Destination NSW
