Travel bucket list idea:

The Rocks

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

A photo of old brown buildings in front of a city skyline on a sunny day.

Credit Shutterstock.com/nyker

Last updated: 24 June, 2023

When British settlers arrived in Sydney Cove in 1788, they found that a rocky headland nearby was an excellent source of building material. The Rocks became Australia’s first slum, complete with rat-infested tenements, brothels, rowdy pubs and bond stores.

Threatened with demolition in the 20th Century, The Rocks has not only survived but prospered and is now one of Sydney’s must-do experiences – complete with charming streetscapes, a sparkling harbour, up-scale restaurants and a brace of galleries and shops and you have a winning formula.

History buffs will find three of Australia’s oldest pubs (The Lord Nelson, Fortune of War and The Australian) in this historic precinct.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 8+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The Rocks is easy to find since it lies between Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you are coming from the city centre just hop on the light rail which runs down George Street. Trains and ferries stop at Circular Quay. Avoid bringing a car since there is limited street parking here.

You can, of course, just wander around, but guided walking tours are worthwhile and recommended to unlock many of its secrets and reveal some it’s fascinating history.

For refuelling, Tayim Restaurant, hidden away down a cobbled alleyway, is an atmospheric restaurant serving delicious and inventive Middle Eastern fare. Lovers of craft beer should drop into The Lord Nelson, The Australian or Harts Pub – all of which have excellent local ales on tap, and decent grub.

When to do it

The Rocks is not a seasonal destination, but the area definitely bursts into life during the summer (December to February) months when people take advantage of long, balmy evenings and languorous weekends.

The Rocks Market takes place every Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour

Sydney

Viator

The Rocks Walking Tours offer an immersive journey through one of Sydney's most historic precincts. Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks is a place where cobblestone streets and colonial buildings tell tales of the city's early settlers. Lead by our knowledeable guides, these tours delve into the rich tapestry of stories from the area's foundation as a convict settlement to its transformation into a bustling waterfront neighbourhood. Along the way, visitors will explore hidden alleyways, heritage-listed pubs, and significant landmarks, all while uncovering the unique blend of history and modernity that defines The Rocks. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about Sydney's past, The Rocks Walking Tours provide a fascinating and educational experience in one of the city's most charming quarters.

Price A$40

Min age 0

Rating 4.83 / 5 [1375 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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The Rocks Pub Walking Tour

Sydney

Viator

Drink In History and explore Sydney's most historic settlement on The Rocks Pub Walk. This 2.5 hour small group historical walking tour visits four of Sydney's oldest pubs, stopping for a drink of craft beer, wine or cider in each. Discover the myths, meet the legends of Sydney's oldest pubs!

Price A$116

Min age 18

Rating 4.91 / 5 [396 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian

Sydney

Viator

Expect fascinating history, delivered with energy and insight on a walking exploration of Sydney's colonial birthplace: The Rocks. Together your group will uncover the scallywag stories of convicts, soldiers, sailors, rum & rebellions. This tour is led by vibrant historians who share their passion for the past through great storytelling, visual imagery and extensive research. Before reaching the narrow alleyways & hidden ruins of The Rocks district, you’ll enter inside Sydney’s historical Customs House & discover the colonial relics at Macquarie Place. In The Rocks your guide will bring to life the convicts, craftsmen & cut-throats littered throughout its early history. You'll also venture below street level to discover a sandstone cellar connected to Sydney's gold-rush era. After getting lost in the area's rich history this tour finishes in the heart of The Rocks surrounded by heritage pubs, cafes, boutique shopping, art galleries & the local market on Saturdays. Welcome aboard!

Price A$52

Min age 16

Rating 4.97 / 5 [294 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour

Sydney

Viator

Journey through Sydney's oldest and most charismatic pubs as you wander through Australia’s oldest neighbourhood, The Rocks. With drinks included, you will be “Edutained” by an expert, local, passionate guide as you venture into the heart of Australian pub culture, and experience first-hand how much these charming locations have shaped Aussie culture. Tours operate at 2:30pm and 6:30pm. Maximum group size: 15 travellers This tour starts at Harts Pub.

Price A$116

Min age 18

Rating 4.87 / 5 [219 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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illi-Langi The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour

Sydney

Viator

Be touched by the most ancient human culture on earth in a 90-minute leisurely walkabout with an Aboriginal guide in The Rocks Sydney, and journey into DreamTime, the culture of Aboriginal People. illi-Langi The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour is 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned and was developed by Aboriginal Elder, Margret Campbell, a Dunghutti – Jerrinjah woman. It is led by Aboriginal guides who have her permission to share her cultural knowledge. The tour gives you the opportunity to discover how the ancient Aboriginal DreamTime is still alive within the modern Sydney landscape and how the billion-year-old harbour, marine environment, sandstone strata, waterways, flora and fauna continue to influence how Aboriginal people live today.

Price A$99

Min age 0

Rating 4.32 / 5 [82 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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