Historic Pub Tour in The Rocks, Sydney
Historic Pub Tour in The Rocks, Sydney
World Tours
A walking tour of Pubs in the historic Rocks district of Sydney, the birth place of modern Australia. Nestled in the shadows of the Sydney Harbour bridge, you'll find some of the most historic and lively pubs in the city.
Somewhere to eat
All the pubs in this guide offer food ranging from steaks, fish and chips, burgers, pizzas etc. Check out the menus on their websites. If you'd like to eat somewhere else, I've added a few suggestions at the end of the guide.
Getting there
The Rocks is on the western side of Circular quay on Sydney Harbour. It's a short walk from many of the major hotels and right behind the main cruise ship terminal. If traveling via public transport, it's next to the Circular Quay Train Station (T2, T3, T8 lines), the Circular Quay Light Rail Station (L2, L3 lines) and the Circular Quay ferry wharfs.
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The Pubs
Fortune of War
@BeersandBars
One of Sydney's iconic Pubs. The Fortune of War is the oldest continuously licensed pub in the city of Sydney. A pub has existed at this location since 1828 with the current building completed in 1921. This pub opens early so this could be great place to start if you're doing the tour during the day.
Highlights include:
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Extensive food menu
- Traditional Aussie beers and a few craft beer options.
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Orient Hotel
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The Orient is a heritage listed pub built in 1844. It is located on what was the site of the first hospital in Sydney. The pub was originally called the Marine Hotel and has been known as the Orient since 1885.
Highlights include:
- Outdoor seating
- A rooftop restaurant and bar
- Live music
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The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
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Built in 1836 and initially used as a family home. A liquor licence was granted to the owner in 1841 making this the oldest continuously operating pub in Sydney still in its original building. It was extensively renovated in the 1980's and a brewery was added at that time. The brewery focuses on traditional English beers.
Highlights include:
- Outdoor seating
- Micro brewery on site
- Quality food
- A beautiful and historic building.
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The Hero of Waterloo Hotel
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The pub was built in 1843 from sandstone quarried in the local area and a licence was granted in 1845. It is named in honour of the Duke of Wellington who defeated Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo. The wife of one of the early publicans is said to haunt the building.
Highlights include:
- Live jazz music on weekends
- Outdoor seating
- A beautiful building made from local sandstone.
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Harbour View Hotel
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Located in the shadows of the Sydney harbour bridge, the pub has great outdoor seating and a rooftop terrace. A few craft beer options, traditional Aussie beers and cocktails are served at the various bars.
Highlights include:
- Rooftop terrace
- Glimpses of the harbour
- Good food and drink choices.
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The Glenmore Hotel
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The Glenmore probably has the best rooftop bar of all the pubs in The Rocks with views of the Opera House and harbour (but the view can be obscured when there is a cruise ship docked). The pub was built in 1921 and has a number of different bar and dining areas.
Highlights include:
- Harbour views from the rooftop terrace
- Additional outdoor seating at the front.
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The Australian Heritage Hotel
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A beautiful pub built in 1915 which is known for providing a range of craft beer. it has a unique two level layout wrapping around the main bar and a roof top terrace.
Highlights include:
- Craft beer
- Outdoor seating
- Rooftop terrace.
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Mercantile Hotel (Irish Pub)
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Considered to be Australia's longest running Irish pub. The Mercantile opened in 1915 and is a great venue for tradition Irish music. The Rocks markets operate on the street at the front of the pub on weekends so It's a good place to visit after a little souvenir shopping.
Highlights include:
- Outdoor seating
- Traditional Irish Music on weekends.
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A Bonus Bar
The Doss House
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A stylish basement bar in a heritage building from the 1840s. There's a large selection of whisky and cocktails.
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Places to Eat
Zia Pina Pizzeria Restaurant
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Classic Italian food with outdoor seating at the front of the restaurant.
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Munich Brauhaus Sydney
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Traditional German food with a wide range of beer available. Outdoor seating at the front.
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Getting There
Circular Quay
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The Light Rail line terminates at Circular Quay Station and is a short walk to the first pub in the guide.
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Circular Quay station
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Circular Quay Train station connects to many parts of the city and central train station. Go down the escalators or stairs to the ground level and then it is a short walk to the first pub in this walking tour.
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Overseas Passenger Cruise Ship Terminal
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If you are traveling to or from Sydney via a cruise ship, the pub tour of the historical rocks district of Sydney is just to the west of the cruise ship terminal.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
World Tours
I'm a Sydney local who has spent the last 30 years traveling the world. I'm always planning my next trip and wanted to share all I've discovered. I'm always looking for great places to eat, stylish bars and craft beer. I’ve visited every venue included in my guides, many of them multiple times.
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