The Rocks, Sydney | A Local's Guide

The Rocks, Sydney | A Local's Guide

Megan Billingham
The Rocks is a historic and charming area of the iconic Sydney Harbour. This guide outlines ways to explore the area from someone who lived in Sydney for many years. An area which brings travellers and locals alike.
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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! 

The Rocks Market
@meganbillingham
Open 10am - 5pm Saturdays and Sundays. This outdoor market is full of talented artisans who sell everything including art, fashion, beauty, home goods, and food.
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📍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.

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
@meganbillingham
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,
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📍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 Glenmore Hotel
@meganbillingham
A great spot to sit, drink, and enjoy the atmosphere! The Glenmore Hotel provides stunning harbour views for you to enjoy with a drink. If you’re in the mood you can also grab a bite to eat, their menu includes both small sharing plates and larger meals.
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🍺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.

The Squire's Landing
@meganbillingham
A great spot for a beer with harbour views. They have a microbrewery on-site and the James Squire craft beer and cider range available.
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🥞 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! 

Pancakes On The Rocks
@meganbillingham
A lovely place for some delicious pancakes, they are well-known for good reason. Offering both savoury and sweet options it is perfect no matter the time of day.
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🍕Zia Pina

A family owned Italian restaurant with a cosy feel. Be warned it can get quite busy!

Zia Pina Pizzeria Restaurant
@meganbillingham
A family owned Italian restaurant with a cosy feel. Be warned it can get quite busy!
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☕️ 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.

Belgian Chocolate Café
@meganbillingham
Great for when you’re in the mood for something rich and chocolate filled. They serve a number of desserts, hot chocolate, milkshakes, and coffee.
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🍹 El Camino Cantina 

A great place for when you're in the mood for a margarita!

El Camino Cantina
@meganbillingham
A Tex-Mex spot known for their margaritas which can be served frozen or on the rocks.
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Stay

YHA Sydney Harbour - The Rocks
@meganbillingham
YHA offers shared dormitory rooms for those trying to be a bit more budget conscious as well as private rooms. It is in a great location and the added bonus of a lovely roof terrace!
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Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks
@meganbillingham
Apartment and studios in a great location with everything you need in walking distance. There is also a swimming pool if you want a quick dip to cool off after a long day of exploring!
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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. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Megan Billingham
Hi! I'm Megan, an Australian currently living in the UK and exploring as much of the world as I can! I’ve travelled 26 countries and counting. I mainly do solo travel and love getting to know a place well even if it means a lot of walking every day! Having said this I’m all about balance and also love finding beautiful spots to read a book and enjoy some wine. I enjoy everything outdoors and do my best to find the best places for hikes, swims, and beautiful viewpoints. My guides are based off my experience and travel in a location. I try to include as many tips and tricks I learnt while there to make your journey as smooth and anxiety free as possible!
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