The Rocks, Sydney | A Local's Guide
Things to do
🌴Take a walk along the waterfront
Walking a along the harbour in The Rocks offers stunning views of Circular Quay. You will be able to see the iconic Sydney Opera House and walk underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Hickson Road Reserve is a grassy area along the way and with views of both iconic landmarks it offers the perfect spot to stop and take it all in. Grab a coffee on the way down or pack a picnic and sit enjoy the ambience!
🧘♀️Get active
If you're around on a Sunday morning there is a yoga class under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. On at 9:30am every Sunday (weather permitting) it is free to join and suitable for all levels.
📍The Rocks Markets
Filled with talented artisans selling everything including art, fashion, beauty, home goods, and food. There are many local gems and often with live music.
Don't miss the Argyle Glass stall where you can see live glassblowing in action!
📍Museum of Contemprary Art Australia
The MCA has a calendar full of changing exhibitions and is free to enter. It houses contemporary art and a significant amount of work from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
At the end of your visit be sure to check out the view of Circular Quay from the rooftop café.
📍The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour (Illi Langi)
This walking tour explores The Rocks with an Aboriginal guide who will take you on journey of ancient knowledge, Dreamtime, and the deep heritage of the area.
It is 90 minutes and runs twice a day. Tours can be booked directly through their website.
Eat & Drink
🥂 The Glenmore Hotel
Split across three levels The Glenmore Hotel has a rooftop bar with stunning views of the harbour and an Aussie pub on the ground floor. A great spot to sit, drink, and enjoy the atmosphere!
🍺The Squire’s Landing
A restaurant and brewhouse with views of the harbour. They have a microbrewery on-site with the James Squire craft beer and cider range available on tap.
🥞 Pancakes on The Rocks
Famous for their buttermilk pancakes decked out with an array of delicious toppings both savoury and sweet, Pancakes on The Rocks is a great place no matter the time of day. While they're best known for their pancakes their menu now includes a wide array of items but the pancakes are the main attraction for good reason!
🍕Zia Pina
A family owned Italian restaurant with a cosy feel. Be warned it can get quite busy!
☕️ Guylian - Belgian Chocolate Cafe
Right next to The Rocks Markets this cafe offers everything chocolate. Stop in for a delicious treat and a coffee or decadent hot chocolate.
🍹 El Camino Cantina
A great place for when you're in the mood for a margarita!
Stay
Transport
🚃 Both Wynyard and Circular Quay train stations are under 15 minutes walk from The Rocks. There are also multiple bus lines which run down Elizabeth St, Pitt St, and George St which will get you within a short walking distance.
To pay for public transport tap on and off at the reader or gates at the entry/exit points. You can do this by using an Opal card or opt to simply use your credit or debit card. Be sure to remember to tap off when exiting to ensure your fee is calculated properly.
The Rocks, Sydney | A Local's Guide
Things to do
🌴Take a walk along the waterfront
Walking a along the harbour in The Rocks offers stunning views of Circular Quay. You will be able to see the iconic Sydney Opera House and walk underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Hickson Road Reserve is a grassy area along the way and with views of both iconic landmarks it offers the perfect spot to stop and take it all in. Grab a coffee on the way down or pack a picnic and sit enjoy the ambience!
🧘♀️Get active
If you're around on a Sunday morning there is a yoga class under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. On at 9:30am every Sunday (weather permitting) it is free to join and suitable for all levels.
📍The Rocks Markets
Filled with talented artisans selling everything including art, fashion, beauty, home goods, and food. There are many local gems and often with live music.
Don't miss the Argyle Glass stall where you can see live glassblowing in action!
📍Museum of Contemprary Art Australia
The MCA has a calendar full of changing exhibitions and is free to enter. It houses contemporary art and a significant amount of work from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
At the end of your visit be sure to check out the view of Circular Quay from the rooftop café.
📍The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour (Illi Langi)
This walking tour explores The Rocks with an Aboriginal guide who will take you on journey of ancient knowledge, Dreamtime, and the deep heritage of the area.
It is 90 minutes and runs twice a day. Tours can be booked directly through their website.
Eat & Drink
🥂 The Glenmore Hotel
Split across three levels The Glenmore Hotel has a rooftop bar with stunning views of the harbour and an Aussie pub on the ground floor. A great spot to sit, drink, and enjoy the atmosphere!
🍺The Squire’s Landing
A restaurant and brewhouse with views of the harbour. They have a microbrewery on-site with the James Squire craft beer and cider range available on tap.
🥞 Pancakes on The Rocks
Famous for their buttermilk pancakes decked out with an array of delicious toppings both savoury and sweet, Pancakes on The Rocks is a great place no matter the time of day. While they're best known for their pancakes their menu now includes a wide array of items but the pancakes are the main attraction for good reason!
🍕Zia Pina
A family owned Italian restaurant with a cosy feel. Be warned it can get quite busy!
☕️ Guylian - Belgian Chocolate Cafe
Right next to The Rocks Markets this cafe offers everything chocolate. Stop in for a delicious treat and a coffee or decadent hot chocolate.
🍹 El Camino Cantina
A great place for when you're in the mood for a margarita!
Stay
Transport
🚃 Both Wynyard and Circular Quay train stations are under 15 minutes walk from The Rocks. There are also multiple bus lines which run down Elizabeth St, Pitt St, and George St which will get you within a short walking distance.
To pay for public transport tap on and off at the reader or gates at the entry/exit points. You can do this by using an Opal card or opt to simply use your credit or debit card. Be sure to remember to tap off when exiting to ensure your fee is calculated properly.