Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  Australia  /  New South Wales  /  Sydney  /  The Rocks

The Rocks, Sydney

4.6
#1 of 829 in Historic Sites in Australia
Neighborhood Historic Walking Area Must See
Sitting in the shadow of downtown Sydney, the cobblestone walkways and pastel-colored colonial-style buildings of The Rocks form a juxtaposition with the shiny modernness that characterizes much of the city center. Settled in the late 18th century, the area quickly became a haven for a motley mix of sailors, petty criminals, and prostitutes. Now this upscale neighborhood houses fine-dining restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. You can step back into Sydney's colorful past by visiting local historical attractions such as Cadmans Cottage, the Garrison Church, the Merchant's House, and Fort Phillip Signal Station. Choose to start, finish, or center your holiday on a trip to The Rocks by using our Sydney day trip site .
Improve this listing »
Create an itinerary including The Rocks
map
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
The Rocks Tours
2-Day Combo: Sydney City Tour, Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise and Blue Mountains Day Trip BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $198
4.5
463 reviews
Duration: 2 days
Buy tours from $198
The Rocks History and Pub Walking Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $86
5
39 reviews
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Buy tours from $86
The Rocks Ghost Walking Tour with Guide in Sydney BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $32
5
4 reviews
Duration: 2 hours
Buy tours from $32
The Rocks Reviews
Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 4.5
7,984 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By michaelbN5695YM
    You can easily spend a day walking around The Rocks. It is the old part of Sydney that has been refurbished. Plenty of history, shops and restaurants.  more »
  • By Ajb1207
    First visited here about 5 years ago. On this occasion I managed to spend some time exploring the area. Very historic area with some fabulous old building and great restaurants. Worth a walk.  more »
  • By Scott077
    The Rocks has a lot of bars and restaurants with a few nice shops and museums too. Be careful as it is near where the cruise ships park so there is often a lot of people about.  more »
View more on TripAdvisor »
Places to stay near The Rocks

Plan your trip to Sydney

  • Get a personalized plan

    A complete day-by-day itinerary
    based on your preferences

  • Customize it

    Refine your plan. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules

  • Book it

    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off

  • Manage it

    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Sydney

View all >
©
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
4.7
Duration: 1​h
©
Bondi Beach
4.2
Duration: 2​h
©
Sydney Opera House
4.7
Duration: 1​h 30​min
Manly Beach
4.6
Duration: 4​h

Kids friendly things to do in Sydney

View all >
©
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
3.5
Duration: 2​h
©
Australian National Maritime Museum
4.5
Duration: 2​h 30​min
©
Chinese Garden of Friendship
4.5
Duration: 1​h
©
Powerhouse Museum
4.3
Duration: 2​h

Hidden gems in Sydney

©
Wine Tours & Tastings
4.6
Duration: 8​h
©
Photography Tours
5
Duration: 4​h
©
Dolphin & Whale Watching
4.4
Duration: 5​h
©
Food Tours
4.7
Duration: 8​h

Side trips from Sydney

©
Taronga Zoo
Mosman
3.7
Duration: 4​h
Kanangra-Boyd National Park
Blue Mountains
5
Duration: 8​h
©
Blue Mountains
Katoomba
4.6
Duration: 2​h 30​min
Perry's Lookdown
Blackheath
4.9
Duration: 8​h

Parks in Sydney

©
Hyde Park
4.4
Duration: 1​h 30​min
©
Centennial Park
4.6
Duration: 2​h
©
Cremorne Reserve
4.8
Duration: 2​h 30​min
©
Barangaroo Reserve
4.6
Duration: 2​h 30​min

Nearby attractions in Sydney

©
Darling Harbour
4.5
Duration: 3​h
©
Sydney Harbour Bridge
4.7
Duration: 1​h 30​min
©
Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk
4.9
Duration: 2​h
©
BridgeClimb
4.6
Duration: 3​h 30​min

Featured attractions

©
The Escape Hunt Experience Sydney
4.2
Duration: 1​h 30​min
©
Pilgrim Sailing
Woollahra
5
Duration: 3​h
©
Manly Surf Guide
4.8
Duration: 8​h
©
The Gentleman Magician's Magical Soirees
4.9
Duration: 2​h
Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Plans to The Rocks by other users

60 days in New South Wales BY A USER FROM INDONESIA March, outdoors, popular sights PREFERENCES: March, outdoors ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 22 days in Australia BY A USER FROM INDIA February, popular sights PREFERENCES: February ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 11 days in Sydney BY A USER FROM INDONESIA May, popular sights PREFERENCES: May ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 27 days in Australia BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM May, culture, outdoors, beaches, wildlife, popular sights PREFERENCES: May, culture, outdoors, beaches, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 8 days in Sydney & Melbourne BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM March, popular sights PREFERENCES: March ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 22 days in Queensland, Southern Queensland Country & Australia BY A USER FROM INDIA March, popular sights PREFERENCES: March ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 9 days in Australia BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES December, slow & easy, popular sights PREFERENCES: December ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Slow & easy 3 days in Sydney BY A USER FROM SWEDEN October, popular sights PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 21 days in Australia BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM October, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, wildlife, popular sights PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 32 days in Sydney, Adelaide Area & Busselton BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM November, culture, outdoors, relaxing, wildlife, popular sights PREFERENCES: November, culture, outdoors, relaxing, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 16 days in Australia BY A USER FROM HUNGARY April, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: April, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 22 days in Australia BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM October, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium
View more plans