sydney the rocks guided walking tour

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The Rocks Walking Tours

Historical walking tours in sydney, australia, explore sydney with the rocks walking tours.

The Rocks holds a unique place in Sydney’s colonial history as the birthplace of European Australia. An essential visitor destination, The Rocks promises to be a memorable Sydney experience.

Hear the legends and history of Sydney as you stroll the shoreline of the sparkling Sydney Harbour and wander down hidden alleyways, shady courtyards, and cobbled lanes. Discover what makes The Rocks tick on a Sydney heritage walk.

Featured Walking Tours

Daily Tours

Discover the rich history of The Rocks on one of our informative and entertaining tours, departing daily at 10.30 a.m. & 1.30 p.m.

Private Tours

With over thirty years of experience, we create bespoke tours through The Rocks that cater to your special requirements.

Educational Program

We offer primary and secondary school groups comprehensive educational programs via guided walking tours.

The Rocks Walking Tour, established in 1978, is the oldest Sydney guided walking tour, and in fact, it’s the oldest in Australia.

In 1978, four friends with a passion for Sydney and its rich history had the dream of sharing that story. They knew that Sydney’s historic Rocks district would best tell the British story from the day they arrived in Sydney Cove, 26 January 1788.

After personally researching the historical material, writing the tours, developing and reviewing the routes they were ready to go.

Over 800+ Reviews on TripAdvisor

I thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour today. Vickie, our guide was incredible knowledgeable, and brought the history to life. She was very thoughtful about the needs of her group and answered all questions with considerable ease. would thoroughly recommend.

Anne went above and beyond in giving us a tour of The Rocks. She had wonderful stories, a book of photos and answered all of our many questions. She even accommodated a couple using a walker offering then alternate routes to get them to our next to if there were stairs. it was our first trip to Sydney so it have us some historical context.

I highly recommend this tour. Even though I had explored the area a lot, I learned about some really out of the way places. Learning the European history perspective was really informative. Our Guide Brian was incredible! Thank you!

Such an informative tour- I Grew up in Sydney and Julie's commentary was a mix of things that I had forgotten and things that were new- she was fantastic. A Tour well worth taking

"The tour is fairly short about 1.5 hours. Brian has been doing the tour for many years and was a wealth of knowledge. You don't cover a lot of area but do get a lot of information. I would definitely recommend this tour!"

"We really enjoyed the Rocks tour, loved hearing about the history of this fascinating area. The guide was excellent and really bought the stories to life - absolutely recommended."

"If you are interested in history, this is a great way to start your Sydney trip. Our guide was knowledgable and friendly. Highly recommended."

"We had a wonderful couple of hours with our guide Anne, funny and informative. A very useful insight into early Sydney and The Rocks."

"If you are traveling to Sydney this is a must, I have been to Sydney hundreds of times and on this tour, I learned some new things and I saw parts of Sydney I have not seen before."

There is no better way to get up close and personal with the story of Sydney.

The Rocks Self-Guided Walk Sydney

A visit to The Rocks shows off historical Sydney at its best. I created this Rocks self-guided walk to help you discover Sydney’s colonial history in just a couple of hours. There is also ample opportunity to visit a couple of old pubs and take in stunning harbour views from the foreshore. I love wandering around this part of the city and I am sure you will too!

Stop 1. Circular Quay Station for the best train station view in the world!

Stop 2. the museum of contemporary art (mca), stop 3. cadman’s cottage, stop 4. visit the rocks discovery museum, stop 5. the rocks square, stop 6. visit foundation park, stop 7. observatory hill, stop 8 and 9. choose a pub on cumberland street and rest for a while, stop 10. the big dig site, stop 11. susannah place, stop 12. suez lane and nurses walk, stop 13. campbell’s stores, stop 14. tar-ra dawes point park, stop 15. overseas passenger terminal viewing platform, the rocks self guided walking tour map, guided tours of the rocks.

This page contains affiliate links. You can find our full disclosure policy here .

Let’s start with the name given to this western side of the harbour. Why is this area called The Rocks? When the First Fleet arrived, they moored here against the very rocky shoreline, and the area quickly earned the nickname The Rocks. In time, the name caught on and began to appear on government maps.

The indigenous name for the Rocks is Tallawoladah, as you will see on new signage around the area. You will also note Ta-ra (Dawes Point), Warrane (Circular Quay)

Read Six Commonly Asked Questions About Aboriginal Sydney to learn more about the First Nations people of Australia.

So let’s get walking; the route below explores my favourite parts of this area. Allow about 2-3 hours for a stroll, although you could race around and cover it in a lot less. It depends on how often you stop for photos or beer!

Before we begin, you really should see this view. Even if you don’t come by train, as long as you have an Opal card, you can tap on, go up to Platform 2, take a photo and then tap back out without it costing a cent.

As you leave the station, you will walk to the left of the wharves, towards the park and large sandstone building; this art déco structure is the  Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) . Most of the exhibits here are free to visit.

Along with some fantastic modern art, there is also a rooftop cafe with very reasonable prices and superb views. A perfect stop if you feel you need some coffee or drink before you start on your walk. 

Discover more of Sydney’s Museums here

Once you leave the MCA and the waterfront, head left into the small park and Cadman’s Cottage.

Cadman’s Cottage is the oldest surviving residential building in Australia. It initially sat right at the water’s edge until the government reclaimed the shoreline to build Circular Quay.

The cottage was named after its resident John Cadman, a coxswain in the colony, assigned to look after the ships. Sadly, because of its age and state of repair, it is no longer open to the public. Walk up Argyle Street using the stairs on the left-hand side of the building. This brings you to George Street. Cross the road at the zebra crossing on the corner and make your way to Argyle Street.

The first corner on the right is Kendall Lane. Head down the lane until you come to The Rocks Discovery Museum . This museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm and entry is free.

Housed within a meticulously restored 1850s sandstone warehouse, this family-friendly museum showcases a diverse collection of archaeological artifacts and images, offering a hands-on exploration of The Rocks’ fascinating past.

I find the interactive exhibits, that have been designed to breathe life into the Rocks storied history, really help develop your understanding of the area.

The four permanent exhibitions:

• Warrane (pre-1788)
• Colony (1788–1820)
• Port (1820–1900)
• Transformations (1900–present)

Discover the heritage of The Rocks, from the indigenous custodians to the arrival of the English settlers, and the bustling maritime hub it became. Learn about the vibrant community that emerged, the union movements of the 1970s, and how this historic precinct was preserved for generations to come.

The collection has been developed in collaboration with the Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council, to share the indigenous stories and heritage of the region.

This is a great place to get some context before you explore the back streets. It’s also really well set up for younger visitors with activity sheets to get them involved in the collection.

Even if you are not one for museums, it’s an excellent example of the architecture of the time.

Once you exit the Museum, head back to the Visitors Centre and turn into Playfair Street. 

You are now in Rocks Square, where you will find an outdoor dining area, takeaway food shops and, of most interest, a set of terrace houses built in the early 1880s.

These days the terraces are home to shops and tour booking centres.

At the George Street end of the square is a sandstone sculpture, First Impressions, worth checking out.

Use our map to find some of Sydney’s most historic buildings

After shopping, look for the narrow passageway between the shopfronts at 25 and 27 Playfair St. This leads to our next stop, Foundation Park.

Foundation Park is a bit of a secret gem; in fact, many Sydneysiders have never visited. The site is the remains of 8 terrace houses built in the late 1870s. In the early 1970s, the area was preserved and turned into a park. You can see some photos of the original terraces here .

From here, climb the stairs to Gloucester Walk and walk left along the street until you see the stairs that head up to Cumberland Street (they are next to the back of the Glenmore Hotel). Cross Cumberland Street and take another staircase to Observatory Hill.

Observatory Hill is a brilliant spot to check out the western side of the Harbour. From up here, you can see Miller’s Point, Barangaroo, and an alternate view of the Harbour Bridge.

You will also find the Sydney Observatory, the S. H. Ervin Gallery and the National Trust. You can visit these buildings or sit awhile and take in the view.

After you have finished exploring here, head back to the staircase to Cumberland Street.

Decision time! By now, you are probably in need of a short break. Cumberland Street boasts two excellent choices, The Glenmore Hotel and The Australian Heritage Hotel.

The Glenmore Hotel has a lovely rooftop bar with affordable food and a great view of the Opera House.

The Australian Hotel is an excellent choice if you want to taste a couple of Aussie classics on a pizza. They have options with kangaroo or emu! They also do beer tasting paddles, although partaking in one of these might see your walk come to an end 🙂

We have a detailed article on the Pubs of the Rocks if you would like to explore more of their fascinating history.

The Big Dig excavation site is our next stop. Head south past the Australian Hotel till you reach the Sydney Harbour Youth Hostel.

In the mid-1990s, when development of this site began, foundations of old shops and homes dating back to the 1790s were discovered. A team of 20 archaeologists went on to discover over 75,000 artefacts.

A selection of the items is on display in glass cabinets viewable in the foyer of the Sydney YHA. You can also explore the ground floor of the hostel where you can see the building’s foundations.

From here, walk through the walkway to Gloucester Street, and directly across the road to your left. You will find our next stop, Susannah Place.

I love  Susannah Place . Part of the Sydney Museums of History, the site features four homes in an original terrace building. They have preserved each house as it was across four different decades.

You can only visit on a free guided tour which are offered Thursday to Sunday and must be booked in advance.

If you don’t have time to join one, you can still visit the small shop on the corner. It sells a variety of items suited to the period and will give you an idea of the condition of the rest of the property.

Once you leave Susannah Place, walk down the stairs beside the shop and see the properties from the back – this site looks almost the same as it did 100 years ago.

Continue down the stairs, officially called the Cumberland steps, to Harrington Street and turn left. Just south of the staircase you will find a lovely sculpture by Leonie Rhodes titled Child of the Rocks.

Turn back towards the harbour and cross the road. A hundred metres or so along you will come to the Mission Stairs and a sign saying Nurses Walk.

Officially called Harrington Lane, this walkway had been known as Suez Lane for over 150 years. The narrow lane filled with water after rains making it appear like a canal. The Rock was a pretty dirty spot so many joked it was sewers canal.

It was also a hot spot of crime and passion (of the paid sort).

About halfway along the street, turn right into Nurses Walk. This laneway was the direct route that the nurses took to Sydney’s first hospital. Today it is home to gift shops and cafes. The walkways feature signs for those wanting to know more about the history of this spot.

Now follow the passageway out to George Street and walk towards the Harbour Bridge end of the street. Along the way, do a bit of window shopping in the stores and cafes along the road. On weekends, a market runs along the far end of this street.

When you get to the corner of George Street and Hickson Road, take Hickson Road and walk down the stairs towards the water.

This beautiful old warehouse is called Campbell’s Stores and was built in 1839 to house tea, alcohol, sugar, and fabric that came into the port.

These days it’s home to upmarket restaurants and function centres. The stores and the surrounding area has recently been restored.

Stop half way when you reach the Park Hyatt Hotel and stand close to the glass to capture this optical illusion.

Continue round the path until you reach the park under the bridge.

From here, you can follow the path around to Dawes Point and capture a shot of the Harbour Bridge and palm trees.

Retrace your steps around Campbell’s Cove to the Overseas Passenger Terminal and take the elevator to the fourth floor.

Take the stairs up another level, and you have a bird’s-eye view of Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge. Even if you can’t climb the stairs the view from the fourth floor is exceptional.

So there you are – you have finished your self-guided walk of the Rocks. On the Google map below, you will find all the stops plus an extended walk covering another dozen stops.

Open the map in My Maps to see the various options.

If you prefer a guided experience, there are lots of tours available in the area, including:

• a 90 minute guided walking tour
• a longer “ Ultimate Sydney ” walking tour
• a haunted Sydney ghost tour ,
• a very appropriate a Rocks pub tour , that is especially fun if you a solo traveller and fancy a night out,
• illi-Langi The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour with Dreamtime Southern X
• the Sydney Photography Tour .

There is also a free tour with I’m Free every evening at 6 pm.

If you have some energy left and want more, continue under the bridge to Walsh Bay and explore these old harbour wharves. Buses 431 and 433 head back to the city from George St near Lower Fort St or keep walking around to the brand new Barangaroo Reserve and the restaurants of Warrigal Walk.

21 thoughts on “The Rocks Self-Guided Walk Sydney”

Love the rocks area of Sydney. I would love do this self guided tour it would be amazing. So much history in this area of sydney. Plus my favorite german restaurant Lowenbrau keller is in the rocks

Great itinerary! I much prefer a (well informed) self guided walk than a tour and I’ve visited Sydney a couple of times and thought I had seen most of ‘The Rocks’ but you have shown me how wrong I was! Have bookmarked you post for my next trip to Sydney. Thank you!

I have been to Sydney twice. Both times just for a few days. Unfortunately we missed out on so many things you are writing about. were mainly in the Opera House area. What a pity ( I love to have those view on the Opera House) Well, next time 🙂

I’m embarrassed to admit that when I was in Sydney I missed quite a lot of these sights. I visited The Rocks but was distracted by the weekend market they have there, which is amazing. I guess I’ll have to go back now and use your post as my guide!

It’s easy to walk down George Street and be distracted by the markets or one of the many pubs lol but there is so much history to uncover I think it’s worth a little more time if you have some to spare next time. 🙂

I hope you get to come back and spend a bit of time in my favourite part of the city Arzo.

I have not been to the Lowenbrau for years, cause I am with visitors they want to try a local Aussie style place. Must pop in for a beer in your honor Mark 🙂 It has great outdoor seating for people watching.

En mi visita a Sydney, fue la parte que mas me gusto, junto con woollara.

This is such a neat tour! I did this yesterday with a group of my international students and they weren’t the only ones discovering new places, I learned a lot too. One of them told me that when we told them we were doing a walking tour that it was going to be really boring, but it was so much fun!

So glad they enjoyed it Sammie. It’s one of my favourite parts of the city and there are lots of hidden spots to find!

Another interesting post highlighting a few things that are new to me. I must do this walk soon. Thanks.

Followed most of this tour and it was a well laid out tour to give you a good idea of The Rocks.

Visiting Sydney with my family soon. I’m planning a trip to the Rock. This will be helpful. May I know how long it takes to complete the trip as per the Rocks Self-Guided Walk?

Hi YC You can cover this walk in an hour quite easily. 90 minutes would be comfortable allowing for photo stops.

I will be traveling with both my parents, 2 toddlers (4 years old & 1 1/2 years old) and my wife. My dad is using wheelchair but can still move around slowly with the help of crutches. If I push the wheelchair, may I know if Observatory Hill and Sydney Observatory are accessible by my dad? With the wheelchair, is it possible for us to reach the hill and the Observatory by foot?

I’ll be travelling with both my parents, 2 toddlers (4 years old & 1 1/2 years old) and my wife. My dad is using wheelchair but can still move around slowly with the help of crutches.

We plan to stop at the recommended attractions as per the Rock Self-Guilded Walk and to take photo.

If we follow the Rocks Self-Guided Walk and start the walk at 2pm. Do you think we will be able to complete the walk by 6pm? or possible to complete the walk earlier?

Appreciate your kind assistance.

Visitors using wheelchairs are able to access Sydney Observatory gardens, Space theatre, ground floor exhibitions and the East Dome telescope. There is no wheelchair access to the North and South telescope domes due to narrow and steep staircases in the heritage-listed buildings. Accessing the hill itself is not easy but it is possible. This map should help https://goo.gl/maps/qSEcuSXm2CjvabMF6

It is completely possible to complete the walk in 4 hours. I can do it in 90 mins so it really depends on how long you take at each stop.

How much time we should allocated for Museum of Contemporary Art if we just visit the free exhibits and take photo?

This is truly amazing! Doing your street art walk tomorrow but bookmarking this one for next week – thanks so much!

I hope you enjoy them both Caroline!

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The Rocks Walking Tours

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Daily tours 10.30am and 1.30pm Mon-Sun Office Hours 9.30am - 4.00pm Mon - Fri 10.00am - 3.30pm Sat - Sun

Join Sydney’s oldest walking tour to hear the story of colonial Sydney as you explore The Rocks.

Stroll along the shoreline of sparkling Sydney Harbour, wander down hidden alleyways, into shady courtyards and along cobbled lanes as you learn about the characters and rogues who called The Rocks home. The Rocks holds a unique place in Sydney’s colonial history as the birthplace of European Australia. Hear the story of Sydney as you stroll along the shoreline of sparkling Sydney Harbour, wander down hidden alleyways, into shady courtyards and along cobbled lanes. Be amazed with stories of the First Fleet 1788, the doomed convicts, Suez Canal, the Argyle Cut, the plague of 1900, the diabolical plan to demolish The Rocks and the green bans that saved it. And of course, the characters and rogues who called The Rocks home. Discover what makes The Rocks tick on a Sydney heritage walk.

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The Rocks Walking Tour

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This Walking Tour of The Rocks explores Sydney's oldest historic district

Walking is the best way to explore this now vibrant, historic Sydney neighbourhood. You have to get off the main roads and explore its many lanes to really see all that this district has to offer. Guided walking tours are available from outside the Sydney Visitor Centre in the Rocks, but at over $30 per adult, you may want to consider following our self-guided tour as an alternative. You can go at your own pace and you can stop in at a cafe or bar for some refreshment and explore some of the many small galleries and museums for however long you wish along the way.

At less than 3 kilometres our self-guided tour of The Rocks is one of the shortest of our 5 walking tours. While the actual walking can be done in about 40 minutes, we recommend you allow a minimum of 2 hours for exploring this interesting neighbourhood and you could easily spend a day. Anyone with difficulty negotiating stairs should not attempt this tour as it has numerous staircases, however there are many areas of The Rocks that will be accessible to you.

For more information about this interesting part of Sydney visit our page on The Rocks .

You can download a printable map of The Rocks here: Map of The Rocks - pdf

For step-by-step directions and a map just click on the Map & Directions Tab at the top of this page.

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Directions for the rocks walking tour in sydney.

• To begin your walking tour of The Rocks make your way to Circular Quay by Light Rail,Train orFerry.
• Start by walking west along the Quay and go right at George Street then left onto Globe Street (in front of the Russel Hotel). Places of interest: Museum of Contemporary Art .
• Go right on Harrington then left up the stairs at the sign for Susannah Place and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Places of interest: Susannah Place Museum .
• Go right onto Gloucester Street just past the Susannah Place Museum. Follow Gloucester Street to Cumberland Street and go right again. Places of interest: Sydney Harbour Bridge .
• Follow Cumberland to where it passed above Argyle Street and take the Argyle Stairs on your right down to Argyle Street. Directly across from the stairs head south on Cambridge Street. Places of interest: Argyle Cut, Argyle Steps and Clocktower Square.
• At Susannah Place take the stairs on your left down to Harrington Street and go left.
• Follow Harrington north back to Argyle Street and go left. Take the Argyle Steps located just ahead on your right up to Gloucester Walk. Places of interest: Foundation Park.
• Follow Gloucester Walk north until it merges with George Street and continue until just below the Harbour Bridge and go right up to Dawes Point Park. Places of interest: Dawes Point Park and Hickson Road Reserve.
• Follow Hickson Road back from Dawes Point then go right on George Street followed by an immediate left onto Playfair Street. Places of interest: Westpac Museum, Ken Done Gallery, The Rocks Market - Friday - Sunday
• Follow Playfair Street south back to Argyle Steet and go left, then left again into Kendall Lane and then right at Mill Lane. Places of interest: The Rocks Square, Argyle Gallery, Gannon Gallery, Spirit Gallery, The Rocks Discovery Museum.
• Go right on George Street and watch for the sign for the Suez Canal on your right. Follow the Suez Canal to the Nurses Walk and go left all the way to Globe Street. Places of interest: Craft NSW, Billich Gallery, Ken Duncan Gallery, Unwins Stores, Cadmans Cottage, The Crystal Gallery, Gallery of Sydney, Gallery M.
• Go left on Globe Street and cross over George Street and make your way across First Fleet Park back to Circular Quay.

That's the end of our Rocks Walking Tour. There is so much to explore here. In addition to the many galleries and small museums you will find many boutique and specialty shops, quaint cafes and 'watering holes', old hotels, terrace homes and warehouses from way back when. If you visit the Rocks on the weekend you can also browse through the huge outdoor marketplace. We hope you enjoy your explorations of this intriguing neighbourhood.

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Discover Sydney with The Rocks Self-Guided Walking Tour

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Sydney is a beautiful and spectacular city, however, its colonial history is relatively recent. Although it’s not as recent as the colonial beginnings in Fremantle , the British Penal Colony at Sydney Cove was established by Governor Phillip in 1788. The colony first settled at the north end of what is now the Sydney CBD, on a rocky promontory. Indeed, The Rocks are an unmissable sight of Sydney and a very interesting visit, where the visitor travels back in time to the beginnings of colonial Australia. In a half-day, you can discover the history of Sydney through The Rocks self-guided walking tour.

Table of Contents

Circular Quay & Museum of Contemporary Art

Start your Rocks self-guided walking tour at Circular Quay, where your bus, ferry or train will most probably take you. The Museum of Contemporary Art is housed in the art-deco style building of the former Maritime Services Board and houses artwork by Australian artists, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists.

Cadmans Cottage

Cadmans Cottage is a small sandstone cottage near the Museum of Contemporary. As the first building on The Rocks shoreline, it gives a unique insight into the early development of the Circular Quay area. Erected in 1816 for the use of coxswains and their crews, it is a rare testimony of the first thirty years of the colony. The cottage bears the name of John Cadman, Superintendent of Boats from 1827 to 1845 and is one of the earliest dwellings you will encounter on The Rocks self-guided walking tour.

The Campbell Stores

Continuing along the cove past the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Ferry Passenger Terminal, discover the Campbell Stores. Initially established in 1839 as The Rocks turned into a hub of commerce and international shipping. After different changes over the years, the buildings now host restaurants and cafes. At the time of writing, the Campbell Stores are under renovation, looking to restore some of the initial architecture. The Campbell Stores are a testimony of Sydney’s past as a hard-working commercial hub.

Dawes Point Park

Dawes Point Park stands at the North Western edge of the CBD and is a great photo location. The views over the Sydney Opera House are stunning. The Aboriginals name for the area is Tar-ra or Tullagalla. It now takes its name from Lieutenant William Dawes, astronomer to the First Fleet. The Dawes Point Battery was established in the early years of the colony and manned until 1916. However, it was completely dismantled during the construction of the Harbour Bridge. The area underwent significant urban changes after the plague erupted in Sydney in 1901. Now, it is a beautiful photography spot, with views of the Harbour Bridge structure and over Bennelong Point.

Observatory Hill

In the early years of the colony, a windmill was built on this location. Whilst the windmill only lasted ten years, it gave its name to Millers Point nearby. The hill saw the establishment of the first signal station in 1825 and now hosts the Sydney Observatory. The hill towers over The Rocks and you get beautiful views over the Harbour Bridge and the harbour. If you get there later in the afternoon, you will get some gorgeous light and some beautiful memories of The Rocks self-guided walking tour.

No Australian tour would be complete without a stop at a pub and this is especially true of The Rocks self-guided walking tour. As a working-class suburb, The Rocks boast several long-standing pubs. The Lord Nelson is also a brewery and holds a reputable restaurant, while the Hero of Waterloo is a quaint (and possibly haunted) corner pub. True to its name, The Australian only serves Australian beers and the Glenmore Hotel has a roof terrace with stunning views over Circular Quay.

The Rocks have an interesting mix of architecture and it is worth paying attention to the stone cottages and Victorian terraces. Nowadays, there is still a large component of social housing in The Rocks, as a legacy of a working-class neighbourhood. Most of these dwellings are now empty and will be the subject of a long-overdue renovation. This is a contentious subject as some people had been living in The Rocks for a long time. Hopefully, this will revitalise the most interesting neighbourhood in Sydney.

Susannah Place

Susannah Place has got to be my favourite place to visit in The Rocks. It is a block of terraces homes built in 1844 by Irish immigrants. In the space of 150 years, up to a hundred families lived in these small houses and a lot of it is documented. With tiny backyards, basement kitchens and outside wash houses, the place jumps back in time and holds fond memories of the working class community of The Rocks. The houses have survived through slum clearances and redevelopments, and have managed to retain their character, even though the last domestic occupants left in 1990. The buildings are now managed by the Historic Houses Trust as a Living Museum.

The block is complete with a corner grocery store, which was recreated from the memories of local residents. The small grocery store still sells food and household items and is now the entrance to the museum. A visit to Susannah Place will tell you genuine stories of life in The Rocks in the old days. It is a moving experience to catch a glimpse of days gone by and one of the most interesting visits on The Rocks self-guided walking tour.

Foundation Park

Foundation Park is a very interesting remnant of colonial dwellings built around 1874-1878. You can access Foundation Park through Gloucester Walk. The houses are standing behind the row of shops on Argyle Terrace (or Playfair Street), partially in the sandstone cliff, on different levels. The houses were demolished in the 1940 and a collection of artwork has been placed in the tiny spaces. The artwork models the 19th century furniture: cabinets, chairs, a bench, and old dresser and a clock. This place often gets a mention as it is an open-air museum standing on some of Sydney’s most valuable land, however its value is very sentimental to Sydneysiders.

Foundation Park is a moving tribute to the early days of the colony and gives an idea of how simply people lived.

The Rocks Square/Playfair Street

At The Rocks Square, you will find some open cafes where you can rest your legs for a while. The colonial houses (circa 1875) along Playfair Street now hold a range of tourist shops. Hence, The Rocks self-guided walking tour visits both quite areas and much more commercial ones.

Suez Lane & Nurses Walk

Nurses Walk is a network of lanes and passageways in the back streets of The Rocks. It is actually a post-1979 creation, after the extensive renovation of The Rocks and the idea was to honour the convict nurses who worked at the hospitals established by the First and Second Fleet. There are plaques and information panels to tell the site’s history. I thoroughly recommend wandering those alleyways, they are very much part of The Rocks’ charm.

The Suez Canal is a very narrow alleyway leading to George Street. People-shaped information panels tell the story of the Rocks Push, a larrikin gang of the 1870-1890s.

The Rocks Discovery Museum

The Rocks Discovery Museum is a free and family-friendly museum, it tells the story of The Rocks area from the pre-European days to present times. The museum sits in the 1850s restored warehouse and offers a great learning experience. In this museum, you will find collections of artefacts, illustrations and photographs that will tell you the story of the traditional owners and the establishment of the English colony. More recently, the 1970s union-led protests called the Green Bans helped preserve The Rocks from destruction. The Rocks owe its preservation to its active working community, something that continues today.

The Rocks Self-Guided Walking Tour

A self-guided walking tour of The Rocks will tell you a lot about how the city’s beginnings and will provide countless photo opportunities. I always find a tour of this neighbourhood a nostalgic experience, and yet the area is bustling with life. The tourists easily mix with the office workers and local residents. In my opinion, the area is going to continue its development in a positive way.

If you have more time in Sydney, I recommend visiting North Head , Middle Head and South Head . Sydney Harbour has plenty of great photo spots or outdoor spots , and a lot of the sights and things to do are free .

If you have time for the Harbour Bridge, don’t miss the Pylon Lookout and don’t forget to visit one of the beautiful Sydney beaches .

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22 thoughts on “Discover Sydney with The Rocks Self-Guided Walking Tour”

My friend just moved to Australia and you was telling me about some good neighbourhoods to live. I would defiantly love that Dawes Point Park!! The view is incredible ! and my husband would choose place with all those pub for sure 😀 great photos

Hi Ada, Dawes Point is beautiful, there are so many good views of Sydney around the Rocks. And the pubs are fantastic!

I went to a market in the Rocks a couple of years ago and loved it – I like the museum recommendation! We have a trip to Sydney coming up so I can see us taking the kids to at least one museum when we are there 🙂

Hi Mica, the market in the Rocks is on every weekend and it’s a great shopping experience. I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun in the Rocks on your visit.

As if I didn’t already long to visit Australia…love the description of Susannah Place

Hi Helen, I do hope you get to Australia some time, it’s a great destination and Sydney is very interesting. I’m glad you like Susannah Place, it’s one of my favourites!

Someday I hope to make it there! Now I will know where to go when I get there! Thanks for sharing!! 😀

Hi Sarah, thank you for dropping by, I’m very pleased that Sydney is on your bucket list, there is so much to see and do! I have more articles coming on this great city so stay tuned!

Australia is so distant, I guess I won’t get there in my lifetime. I guess I’ll just have to enjoy the pics. 🙂

Brian, nothing is really that far nowadays… I’m pleased that you enjoy my photos but please, don’t give up on your travel dreams! I hope you get a chance to visit Australia some day, it has a lot to offer!

Sydney is so beautiful. Maybe one day I’ll make it there.

Hi Molly, thank you for dropping by. I do hope you get a chance to visit Sydney, there is so much to see and do. I have more articles coming up on this great city, so stay tuned!

I am actually looking on these photos and I really admire the photography, Delphine. Great shots of Sydney for us living on the other side of the earth.

Hi Brian, thank you for dropping by. I’m very pleased that you like my photography. I am still a beginner but I am trying to do something good here. I hope you get a chance to visit Australia some day.

So many beautiful places to see! Observatory Hill looks absolutely stunning.

I agree that Observatory Hill is a beautiful place. I love how you can get a good view of The Rocks and get an idea of what the neighbourhood is like.

i had no idea Sydney was so historical, it looks fantastic!

Hi Tara, the colonial history of Sydney is just over 200 years old, so it’s not a lot compared to European standards. In a way, it makes it all more relatable because it’s so recent.

that’s so cool! makes me want to visit even more!

Thanks Tara, I hope you get a chance to visit Sydney some day, it’s awesome!

I’ve lived in Sydney for more than six months now and I still haven’t spend much time in the Rocks despite all the great things I’ve heard about the area – I’ve to changed that real soon and come there more often. 🙂

Hi Nicoline, thank you for dropping by. How are you enjoying living in Sydney? You will learn a lot in The Rocks, there’s plenty of history and as its the first colonial neighbourhood, it’s quite moving to follow in the steps of the first settlers. Enjoy the walking tour!

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The rocks walk.

This is the area known as The Rocks. It's not large, but it makes for an easy and fascinating walk due to the history entwined in the streets, laneways and passageways.                                                             Picture: ©nzgmw/123RF.COM

Take a self-guided walk through the historic area known as The Rocks

This walk explores The Rocks, the oldest part of Sydney situated on the western shores of Sydney Cove, an area steeped in history. The Rocks was the first European settlement in Australia, established by Captain Arthur Phillip of England in 1788 as a penal colony. The original buildings were built using blocks of local sandstone – hence the name “The Rocks.” To make the most of your walk, you should allow at least half a day, although the walk can be done in much quicker time. If you want to continue on to the steps that lead up to the pedestrian walkway on the harbour bridge, and then leisurely walk across the Harbour Bridge and return by ferry, allow a full day. The harbour bridge part of the walk involves steep areas and steps, so if you have a mobility problem you might prefer to end your walk in The Rocks.

START AT CIRCULAR QUAY , in Alfred Street, and walk west to George Street. Turn right and you will see the Harbour Bridge in the distance. You are now in The Rocks district.

Continue along George Street and almost immediately on the left is the Russell Hotel. Although now a boutique hotel, it was built in 1887 on the site of what was once a "Moveable Hospital for His Majesty's Distant Possessions" (circa 1790).

Walk on and you'll come to the Fortune of War, which lay claims to the title of Sydney's oldest pub (circa 1828). (Of course the nearby Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, in Millers Point) also claims to be the oldest licensed hotel in Sydney.

The Fortune of War sits alongside a former bank, which dates back to the early 1880s, and just two doors from Australia's oldest police station, the original Rocks Police Station, which closed in 1974 and is now a museum. (A new police station is situated almost opposite.) You can inspect the cells of the old lock-up, which are much the same as when they were built in 1882.

Next to the historic police station building is an archway that leads to Surgeons Court, the site of where the First Fleet set up its portable hospital. This archway is a portal to an adventurous series of lanes and passageways that make up Nurses Walk.

Contender for the crown of Australia's oldest hotel, the Fortune of War.

Next to the police station is an archway that leads to Surgeons Court, the site of where the First Fleet set up its portable hospital. This archway is a portal to an adventurous series of lanes and passageways that make up Nurses Walk. The walkway was created in 1979 to honour the nurses who worked in the hospitals set up in The Rocks in the late 18th century and early 19th century. The site of the colony's first bakehouse can be found here. Small shops and cafes are scattered along the walk.

Nurses Walk runs into Suez Canal, a narrow passageway originally known as Cornwall Lane but which at one point was an open sewer. Understandably, it drew the nickname "Sewers Canal". It was later filled in but for most of the 18th century was the haunt of prostitues and gangsters.

There are some delightful cafes in this vicinity - some of them with outdoor courtyards - accessed by openings off the passageways.

Walk to the end of Suez Canal and, turning right into Harrington Street, you wil notice a series of small cottages built by the former convict William Reynolds in the 1830s. Reynolds was transported for life to Australia from Dublin. The cottages are a great example of the small dwellings of the time.

Turn right into Argyle Street and walk down to George Street. Diagonally opposite the intersection of George and Argyle Streets, at 110 George Street, is Cadmans Cottage, the oldest surviving residential building in Sydney - built in 1816 for the use of coxswains and their crews.

The building is the first to have been built on the shoreline of The Rocks.

From 1845 until 1864, Cadmans Cottage was the headquarters of the Sydney Water Police, then from 1865 to 1970 it became the "Sailor's Hom".

Cadmans Cottage, built in 1816, is the oldest surviving residential building in Sydney.                                                Picture: Julioenrekei, Wikimedia Commons

Restoration of Cadmans Cottage began in 1972 after it was proclaimed a heritage site under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Control of the site was handed over to the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority.

The building is now used as the home for the Sydney Harbour National Parks Information Centre and is open to the public.

After leaving Cadmans Cottage, walk back the way you came and into Argyle Street. After a short walk, on the right you come to Playfair Street, a walkway with an interesting mix of shops, cafes, businesses and former warehouses. On Saturdays and Sundays, between 10am and 5pm, it hosts The Rocks Market. On Fridays, between 9am and 3pm, it hosts The Rocks Friday Foodie Market.

On the left, at Nos. 13-15 Playfair Street, is the "Argyle Terrace", which were built in 1875. The terrace is listed with the NSW government as having "state significance" due to the the style of the buildings and how they were constructed. The terrace is one of the only grouping of modest, speculative type terraces with Italianate details remaining in The Rocks area.

If you look closely you will notice that one of the doorways in the row of terraces provides access to a narrow passgeway. Walk through there and you will be surprised when you discover Foundation Park , a secret area that most Sydneysiders don't know about.

There are lots of passageways in this area to explore from here including Mill Lane on the right and, at the end of Playfair Street, Sydney's tiniest street, Atherden Street, which is 28 metres long and juts up to a sandstone rockface.

Playfair's Terrace, at 1-7 Atherden Street, is a continuous row of four two-storey Victorian terraces built in 1881 and is one of the historic focal points of Atherden Street, Sydney's shortest Street.        pictures - Wikimedia Commons: (left) Jerrye and Roy Klotz MD, (right) sv1ambo.

Despite Boyd's profiteering from the slaughter of whales, a NSW government named a national park in honour of him. The park's name remains, even though the NSW government promotes tourism through whale watching.

Leaving Atherden Street, backtrack into Playfair Street and turn right just before Argyle Terrace. You are now entering an area that has rough surfaces and quite a few steps. A passageway takes you through to Foundation Park, one of The Rocks' - and Sydney's - hidden architectural curiosities. Foundation Park is a cluster of housing ruins dating back to the late 1800s. The eight houses that were erected here were built into a sandstone cliff between 1874 and 1878. The site is perched on a hill and you can see how the houses were cut into rockfaces. The houses were knocked down in 1938, leaving the foundations. The Rocks is some of Sydney's most valuable commercial land, yet this curiosity of history remains to this day.

At the top of Foundation Park's steps, turn left into Gloucester Walk and continue to the end of the walk where you come to the Argyle Stairs. Later, you can return here and go up the stairs into Cumberland Street to get to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But for now, go down the stairs and you exit into Argyle Street. Turn right and you are facing the "Argyle Cut", an historic tunnel cut through huge sandstone cliffs that enclosed The Rocks. The "Cut", which now serves as an underpass beneath the harbour bridge expressway, was originally created to provide access from Sydney Cove and The Rocks to Millers Point and Darling Harbour. It was begun in 1843 with convicts chipping away at the sandstone with picks but the work was suspended soon after due to the enormity of the task. In 1859 it was resumed, but this time with the use of explosives and council labour.

If you go through the Argyle Cut and walk a further 70 metres, you will notice parkland on your left with stairs that lead up to the grounds of the Sydney Observatory. If you make your way up to the top of the hill you will experience glorious views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the point where the Paramatta River flows into Sydney Harbour. There are beautiful shade trees here and you can sit on the lawn and enjoy the views. This spot is so scenic that it is constantly in demand for wedding ceremonies, so with a little luck you may catch a wedding during your visit.

Leaving Observatory Hill and backtracking through the Argyle Cut tunnel, and back to the Argyle Stairs, you now have a choice:

1. You can remain in The Rocks area Finish your walk with a visit to the Susannah Place Museum. To do so, continue down Arygle Street and turn right Harrington Street. Walk about 150 metres until you come to a sign on your right pointing to Susannah Place Museum ;

2. You can walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge To do this, go up the Argyle Stairs, turn left into Cumberland Street and walk across the road to the Bridge Stairs. These stairs will take you up to the pedestrian-only walkway that runs across the eastern side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (there is a cycleway on the western side of the bridge).

Once on the walkway, you soon come to the pylons that support the bridge's 504-metre arch. The south-east pylon has a lookout, where for a small admission fee you can experience great views of the Opera House, city skyline and Sydney Harbour.

The walk across the bridge should take from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many times you stop to admire the harbour and take photos. The pedestrian walkway also offers some great views of Circular Quay and the Opera House.

Once you've walked across the bridge, you can walk back and catch different views along the way or you can walk a further distance to where steps will take you down off the bridge. Once off the bridge, you have the option of walking to the nearby Milsons Point railway station and catching a train to the Quay, or else walking down the hill to the Milsons Point ferry wharf and catching a ferry to the Quay.

Most popular Sydney activities

11 Ideas For What to do in the Rocks, Sydney

I f you’re looking to explore one of Sydney’s most vibrant neighborhoods, you’ll find there are many things to do in The Rocks, Sydney.

My first recollection of being in The Rocks District in Sydney was when I was on a year 4 excursion learning about the history of White Australia’s first settlement.

As I walked the cobblestoned streets and stepped into museums housed in old sandstone buildings, the stories of our unusual history enthralled me and my love affair with The Rocks began.

Despite being full of historical attractions, it’s considered the birthplace of Sydney and the White Australia colony. With the arrival of European settlers in 1788, it was here that the convicts first set up house and shop.

When I was a University student I fell in love with the Rocks for a very different reason, the pub and live band scene.

A trip to the Rocks was a big night out with friends as we pub crawled and danced the night away to live music. Paddy’s Day saw us listening to Irish music, dancing the jig, and drinking many pints of Guinness.

And now I return to the Rocks in Sydney to roam its historic streets, learn more about the stories of those who lived there many years ago, browse the weekend market stalls, stroll along the Harbour, eat great pub food, and have a few quiet pints of Guinness or Kilkenny draught.

When visiting Sydney , The Rocks has to be a must-visit destination.

1. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA)

2. learn at the rocks discovery museum, 3. walk the streets and discover the mix of colonial and cosmopolitan sydney, 4. shop at the rocks markets, 5. star gaze at the sydney observatory, 6. admire the views with a sydney harbour bridge climb, 7. enjoy the nightlife of the rocks, 8. explore circular quay, 9. stay at sydney harbour yha, in the heart of the rocks, 10. take a 90-minute walking tour, 11. walk the coogee to bondi coastal walk, final thoughts on things to do at the rocks, sydney, more travel tips for sydney.

Planning your trip to The Rocks, Sydney last-minute?

Don’t forget to plan ahead when  visiting Sydney ! Here are some of the top tours, hotels, and useful items you may need before your trip!

Top Experiences and Tours in Sydney

• From Sydney: Blue Mountains Full-Day Trip with Cruise
• Taronga Zoo Ticket with Return Ferry
• Sydney: Opera House Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket

Top Accommodation and Hotels in The Rocks Sydney

• Sydney Harbour YHA The Rocks : Affordable prices with some of the best views in the Rocks and archeological digs!
• Shangri-La Sydney this 5-star luxury hotel has the most sought out position on Sydney Harbour!
• Park Hyatt Sydney is a residential style retreat right near Harbour Bridge with iconic views of the Opera House

Things to Do in The Rocks Sydney

If you’re a fan of modern art, then you must make a trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art, which is one of Australia’s leading art museums and contains some of the best examples of contemporary art to date.

The galleries not only contain international and Australian art, but they also regularly hold special exhibitions and events both at their gallery and outside, to offer recognition for some of the most emerging artists.

The museum is not only filled with incredible pieces of artwork and sculptures, but it’s also an architectural gem located on the Circular Quay in Sydney’s CBD.

It’s also free to enter, making it one of the best free things to do in The Rocks Sydney. Come by at night when it’s all lit up!

Yes, we all love free and this is what you will find when you visit the Rocks Discovery Museum.

Spend some time on the three floors in this restored 1850s warehouse learning more about the history of the area and the stories of those who lived there during the early years of white Australia.

The interactive touchscreen displays will also give you information on places you can visit in the Rocks area beyond the museum for more history, such as historic hotels, colonial streets, and homes.

They often have special exhibitions on display, of which we saw an incredible Aboriginal photography display.

Take a leisurely stroll through this unique heritage precinct of restored buildings situated on one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.

Explore the many cobblestoned streets and small museums you can visit, such as Savannah’s Place and Cadman’s Cottage to learn more about early colonial Sydney and try to find the best views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for those photos.

Mixed amongst the past history is a cosmopolitan present with fine restaurants, cafes, museums, galleries, shopping opportunities, and bustling street markets.

I still listen to the CD of a busker we discovered playing in the busy Saturday market streets.

Open every Saturday and Sunday, The Rocks Weekend Market is about more than just shopping – it’s a Sydney institution.

Set amid the sandstone and cobbles, the colorful markets have grown to include more than 200 eclectic stalls .

Visitors from near and far come to find fashion and accessories by emerging designers, locally-produced homewares, linen and beauty products, and original photography, art, crafts, and jewellery.

Visit the quirky gift shops and pick up some souvenirs to take home.

A beautiful sandstone heritage-listed building sits high on Observatory Hill in the heart of the rocks overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Millions of stars in the Southern Sky await your gazing eyes through high-powered telescopes and screening in the 3D space theatre.

Sydney Observatory and its grounds form one of the most significant heritage and scientific sites in Australia. Explore more than 150 years of astronomy, meteorology, and timekeeping.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy the Sydney Observatory and which is open day and night.

• General admission is free.
• 3D space theatre $7 adult, $5 child.
• Night viewings (bookings essential) cost $15 adult, $10 child, $45 family.

Read More: Contemplating the cosmos at Charleville

Three different bridge climbs can be taken to the summit of the world-famous Coat Hanger.

Discover the architectural wonders of this iconic bridge, nicknamed coathanger, as well as take in the stunning panoramic views of, what I consider to be,  the most beautiful Harbour in the World.

The Bridgeclimb Sydney is not cheap but might be one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities you are happy to break your budget for.

If you don’t, you can always walk across the bridge for similar, yet obstructed by a wire fence, views. Or visit the Pylon Lookout for some great views of the bridge.

• Walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Sydney Harbour Bridge climb – would you do it?

The Rocks is one of the liveliest areas in Sydney for nightlife. Although some cocktail bars can be expensive, there can be some deals to be found if you look carefully.

Our favorite pubs are the Orient and the Mercantile . You will find live music drawing the crowds in each of these and each has a small beer garden to enjoy.

At The Orient , you can get a Friday Steak Special for less than $20 and wash it down with a pint of Guinness or Kilkenny.

And these prices are cheaper than a schooner of lager. Go figure! Watch out for weekly specials here such as discounts on bar food.

The Glenmore Hotel has fabulous views of the harbour from its rooftop bar. And the Australia Hotel’s kangaroo pizza is said to rock the house.

Of course, you can’t skip one of Sydney’s oldest pubs, The Fortune of War , which is located on George Street. They claim to be Sydney’s oldest pub since it was established in 1828.

For a more sophisticated place to eat in The Rocks, head over to The Tea Cosy for high tea, which is nestled in a heritage-listed building. You can savour the taste of delicious scones that are baked fresh every day or enjoy something a bit heartier.

For something a bit more flashy and modern, the Cruise Bar along the wharf of the overseas Passenger Terminal on the Harbour is famous for signature cocktails and spectacular views.

Check out this pub tour of The Rocks which comes with a meal included!

It’s impossible to visit the Rocks in Sydney and not explore Circular Quay. All roads in the Rocks tend to lead there. Circular Quay is one of the most famoust places in Sydney. On one end of its half circle you have the Harbour Bridge, on the other is the Sydney Opera House.

There are stunning views all around and in between you’ll find street buskers, restaurants, cafes, bars, and Sydney ferries coming in and out to take people all over Sydney. It’s also a major transport hub for trains and buses.

Walk from the bridge to the Opera House. One of my favorite views is from the train station platform or Cafe Sydney – if your budget allows, you will want to eat or have a drink here.

Right near the Opera House is Sydney Botanic Gardens which are beautiful for a picnic, a rest or a walk through. There are also stunning views here of the harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge, especially from the famous Mrs. Macquarie’s chair.

I also highly recommend taking a Sydney Harbour cruise or even catching the ferry to Manly Beach, Taronga Zoo or Watson’s Bay for a day trip.

Here is a hop on hop off Sydney Harbour ferry cruise , a guided commentary cruise , or a harbour cruise with buffet lunch .

Budget accommodation is seriously hard to find in the Rocks area. You are looking at mostly flashy resort chains and boutique hotels. You will not find budget prices in this area unless you stay at the Sydney Harbour YHA The Rocks.

Not only are you paying at least half of what you would in the other areas, but you are also going to get Harbour views if not from your room, then one of the best views on their rooftop lounge area awaits you as you eat breakfast or have a quiet afternoon beer.

The Sydney YHA The Rocks are also built over an archaeological dig, so there is plenty of history within its walls for you to explore and discover. It is one of the best hostels we have stayed at.

Read More: Best accommodation in the Sydney CBD

One of the best free things to do in The Rocks is to join a 90-minute walking tours that take you past some of the most iconic sites in Sydney such as The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour, before turning into the quiet streets and hidden alleyways of The Rocks.

The walking tour takes you past all the main sites in the historic district such as Campbell’s Cove and Cadman’s Cottage.

Learn about the history of Sydney and how the area came to be, and hear stories of rebellions, plagues, and battles.

Tours run every day from 10.30am or 1.30pm. Unfortunately, these tours are no longer free. You can book your spot on the tour , via our preferred partner Get Your Guide who offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour starts!

You may also love exploring Sydney’s convict history on the Sydney Convicts, History & The Rocks 2.5-Hour Walking Tour.

While not at the Rocks, it’s certainly worth doing the Coogee to Bondi Beach coastal walk while staying at the Rocks. You have to break up that unique history with a bit of natural beauty, and of course, exercise.

The Coogee to Bondi Beach coastal walk is one of our favorite activities in Sydney as it takes you out of the hustle and bustle of the city and transports you into beautiful nature.

It only takes 1.5 hours to walk from one beach to the other, and it’s pretty easy too. Plus, you get to stop off at some of the most beautiful beaches in Sydney along the way.

Read our complete guide to the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk here.

The Rocks is one of the coolest areas of Sydney and one of the best things to do there is just walk around and take it all in.

It’s packed with historic buildings, hidden bars and restaurants, cosy cafes, and boutique stores. There’s so much to discover here, it’s best to just go in with your eyes open and look around.

I hope this guide helped give you some ideas for what to do in The Rocks Sydney and helped you plan your trip.

If you’re visiting during the winter, you won’t want to miss the Vivid Festival held in the Rocks and Quays area.

Are you planning to stay in Sydney for a while and need inspiration for things to do? Then these other guides may be useful to you…

• What to do in Sydney in 48 hours itinerary
• Free things to do in Sydney
• 24 Fun Things to Do in Sydney
• 13 day trips from Sydney For a weekend getaway
• 15 Exciting Things to do in Sydney with Kids

Have you been to the Rocks in Sydney? What were some of your favourite things to do? Let us know in the comments.