Welcome to The Rocks, a bit of a part of central Sydney beneath the Harbour Bridge that’s lined with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, cosy cafes, outlets and weekend artisan markets, the place you possibly can catch top-of-the-line views of the Opera Home.
The Rocks in Sydney go approach again, from the beginning of the European settlement, this was precisely the place all of it started and the primary fleet landed on Australian soil.
From this historic neighborhood, it is a quick 5-minute stroll alongside the water to Round Quay and a straightforward 15-20 minutes will get you proper to the underside of the steps that lead up the Opera Home.
They declare, The Rocks is without doubt one of the most buzzing quarters in Sydney and there actually is quite a bit happening at any day of the week! In my information, I am going to inform you about all the highest stuff you can’t miss when visiting The Rocks, together with the place to remain and eat.
The place to Keep in The Rocks Sydney
The Rocks is just not solely a must-visit spot in Sydney with its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and gorgeous waterfront views, nevertheless it’s additionally a tremendous neighborhood to base your self throughout your time in Sydney.
Staying in The Rocks means you are proper within the coronary heart of Sydney’s heritage whereas being simply steps away from iconic landmarks just like the Sydney Opera Home, Harbour Bridge, and Round Quay, the principle ferry hub to attach you to different spots across the harbour, resembling Manly.
Whether or not you are searching for luxurious lodging, boutique lodges with character, or budget-friendly choices, The Rocks supply a variety of selections to go well with completely different vacationers.
Greatest Luxurious Inns
Greatest Mid-Vary Inns
Greatest Funds Inns
Greatest Issues to Do in The Rocks Sydney
1. The Sydney Harbour Bridge
After all, you can not miss exploring the Harbour Bridge, as a result of it is proper there! Stroll over it, bike it, have a picnic beneath it and even climb it in case you dare for an adrenaline journey.
Be sure you e-book forward on-line as this can be a extremely popular exercise in Sydney!
I did the Harbour Bridge Climb a number of years in the past, and I nonetheless keep in mind my knees shaking, it is positively pure exhilaration and I might completely like to do it once more! There are completely different climbs to select from, so you might be watching Sydney at nightfall or daybreak or in all its glory all through a sunny day.
2. The Harbour Views
Take within the views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera Home from the promenade, lounge on one of many benches, grassy spots or eating places alongside the water. For top-of-the-line views of the Opera Home, head to MCA Cafe and Sculpture Terrace which is positioned on stage 4 of the Museum of Modern Artwork. I really like coming right here for lunch, it is an superior spot on a sunny day!
Journey tip: Ensure that there is no cruise ship within the harbour on the identical time, as they normally block the view.
Dawes Level is one other of my favourites as you get near the Harbour Bridge and notice how massive it really is. As you stroll across the level, you will notice the Opera Home peeking into sight beneath the bridge.
In precisely this spot I really spent New 12 months’s Eve a few years in the past – the views of the Opera Home from listed here are completely unimaginable and despite the fact that the bridge is true above your head, it truly is an superior spot.
You probably have a picnic in thoughts or just wish to loosen up away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy streets in The Rocks, head to Observatory Hill, a calmer spot on high of a small hill only some minutes stroll from The Rocks.
The park additionally homes, because the identify suggests, an observatory the place you might do some star gazing. The hill itself has a variety of grassy spots and overlooks the Harbour Bridge.
One other spot closeby that I really like and that will get nice Harbour Bridge views is Barangaroo Reserve, which was an industrial space and now could be a spectacular harbourside precinct with loads of grassy spots and strolling trails that join as much as Darling Harbour.
3. The Rocks Markets
There are such a lot of cute outlets which are simply ready to be browsed in The Rocks.
On the weekend, additionally, you will discover The Rocks Markets establishing varied stands the place you possibly can store for distinctive arts and crafts.
The Rocks Markets are open Friday from 9 am to three pm and each Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to five pm and actually are value a go to when you’re within the space. Thoughts you although, they’re touristy and better costs could also be anticipated.
Should you love artwork, the Museum of Modern Artwork will supply varied collections of latest Australian and worldwide fashionable artwork. The constructing itself is fairly cool too because it sits in an art-deco-style former Maritime Providers Board Constructing.
When you steer off the principle streets in The Rocks, you may shortly end up wandering slim alleys with out one other soul round with some actually nice hidden gems to find.
4. The Historical past
Probably the greatest methods to actually dive deep into The Rocks and its historical past is by becoming a member of a strolling tour which is able to take you across the space introducing you to all its charming alleyways in about 1,5 hours.
Alternatively, you might be a part of a guided bike tour or hire a motorbike and uncover all of it by your self. The Rocks are a bit hilly, so keep in mind that you will want to paddle a bit of bit.
Additionally, positioned in a restored sandstone warehouse from the 1850s, the Rocks Discovery Museum brings a timeline of pre-European settlement days till the current to life. Nice for a wet day!
Really feel like diving deeper into Sydney’s darkish previous? Nicely then, reserving a ghost tour could also be your factor. Accompanied by lantern gentle you hearken to tales about The Rocks and the rowdy criminals that after lived round right here.
One other little gem to go to is Cadmans Cottage, the second oldest residential constructing in Sydney that has survived till the current day.
The place to Eat & Drink in The Rocks
For drinks with a view of the Opera Home, go to The Glenmore Lodge, a pub serving gourmand meals and cocktails overlooking the Sydney Harbour.
Alternatively, discover The Australian Heritage Lodge to pattern one of many 25 rotating Australian beers on faucet or attempt one thing completely different and order kangaroo pizza or saltwater crocodile pizza.
If you wish to splurge a bit of, make sure to go to Altitude Restaurant on stage 36 of the Shangri-La Lodge which boasts gorgeous views sitting excessive above the Sydney skyline. You’ll love the floor-to-ceiling home windows whereas having fun with up to date Australian meals.
I really like Japanese meals! Should you do too, Sake Restaurant & Bar is your cease to get your repair on scrumptious Sushi, Sashimi and extra.
The Squire’s Touchdown restaurant in Sydney provides a panoramic waterfront eating expertise, combining scrumptious delicacies with panoramic views of the enduring Sydney Opera Home and Harbour Bridge.
One other decide of mine is 6HEAD Sydney, a premium steakhouse with an beautiful number of aged steaks and a sublime eating ambiance overlooking the Darling Harbour and Opera Home.
End all of it off with a go to on the Royal Copenhagen Ice Cream on George Avenue or head into La Renaissance Cafe to seize some French delicacies or a espresso.
And in case you ask me as an absolute loopy Belgium Chocolate lover, Guylian Cafe is not going to disappoint with their scorching chocolate and pralines.
The Rocks Sydney – Ultimate Phrases
The Rocks are usually not solely one of many oldest elements of Sydney, nevertheless it is also a really very numerous neighborhood with markets, nice eating places, little outlets and its proximity to the water and the Opera Home.
If you wish to be central to all the principle sights of Sydney whereas additionally having the ability to dive into historical past, that is the world you’ll want to keep at in Sydney.
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