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Sydney Rocks accommodation | Darling Harbour accommodation | Sydney Airport Hotels | Sydney Hotels Sydney RocksA great place to wander around and discover...Sydney Rocks situated on the harbourfront between Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge is the best of Sydney attractions. There is centuries old warehouses converted to upmarket restaurants, cobbled paths, hearty pubs and interactive museums making The Rocks a wealth of historic information to visitors. A real experience for tourists and travelers alike is this oldest precinct in Australia. A wander around town here makes for a delightful day of discovery and should be a necessary trip on anyones calendar or day trip plan.
The first English fleet sailed right into this isolated and beautiful bay back in 1788 after deciding under the command of Captain Arthur Phillip that Botany Bay was deemed unsuitable for settlement. It was here that the English settled thus starting the colonization of Australia. Well that's the history lesson for today, but times have changed and so has this harbourfront locale. Let's take a look at what it has to offer. The park between the Museum of Contemporary Art and Circular Quay is aptly named, First Fleet Park. Its a popular place to step aside and relax a while, taking in some of the city views. A great people spot with buskers and sidewalk comics doing various acts and skits. View Larger Map
If you’re into stuff like science and astronomy then let me recommend taking a visit to the Sydney Observatory in Watson Rd, just on the western side of the overhead Bradfield Hwy. Sydney Observatory is a good place for kids small and big and the highlight is getting to look through the telescope of course. Its amazing what you can see!
The Sydney Observatory (pictured left)is a great way to learn about the world around us. Take the kids there during the school holidays if you get the chance, they have a 3D space theatre and entry is affordable. Of course its better if you visit at night duh! you’ll see more than during the day. Guided tours last about 90minutes. To find out more about the Sydney Observatory click this link.
Another interesting place to visit is around the Sydney Rocks is the The Discovery Museum. (shown at right here) Entry is in Argyle Street and its free, so come on down and learn a little history. Housed in one of those amazing sandstone buildings from the 1800's it provides a running history from pre-European days up to now. You can learn about the areas traditional residents, The Cadigal People and how the traders, sailors and whalers also actively came to be a part of what is now Sydney's most historic precinct. There is an audio visual presentation which shows the constant changing of what is known as Sydney Cove and the general areas adjacent over thousands of years. There is also interactive touch screens that teach about certain aspects and artifacts of the area. Sadly, many homes were demolished in The Rocks precinct to make way for the harbour bridge to be built and a lot of the waterfront wharves and docks have also gone, but hey, times change and today we have arguably the most beautiful harbour city in the world because of it. To find out more about the Discovery Museum click this link. Artists work with everything from candid humor to contemporary styles with all sorts of mediums in between. I love art and I can stand in front of certain pieces for long periods contemplating the structure, imagination and choices of mediums. If you are anything like me I'm sure you will enjoy this slice of town. There's a lot more to Sydney Rocks area. If the sun is out shining why not take a walk to the nice grassy area just under the bridge. If you need a break you can kick off your shoes and relax on the grass just like you were at the beach. Sometimes it's easy to get tired of walking around and this is a nice quite area where you can actually lie down on the grass (take a blanket if you need to)and have a little siesta. Of course there is many other Gallery's and Museums to view. One such one is The Susannah Place Museum in Gloucester Street which consists of a group of terraces exhibiting re created interiors of past decades and a 1920's corner grocery shop with items from a bygone era. Very interesting to say the least. On Saturdays and Sundays you can find the best in original artworks, photography, prints as well as ceramics, homewares, fashions clothing, jewelery, accessories, books and music. There's a lot there, and it should keep you busy and interested for some time. It makes for a good day out. |
Sydney Rocks Argyle Street (pictured left) opens the opportunity to view some really wonderful arts and crafts among other things, uniquely Australian compositions that include Aboriginal artists and local sculptors. These works on display really highlight the passion that their creators have toward their work.
All this looking around will probably make you hungry if it takes any amount of time so here's a little secret, well its not really a secret to those who know but I'll tell you anyway. right in the middle of The Rocks Square is a little noodle bar called Wok On In. (picture right) I fell in love with it when I first discovered it. It's a top place to get a feed, great food and good prices. You can phone ahead or even order online. And... there's live jazz on the weekends. How about that? 
The Rocks Markets There are two different markets. On every Friday you can enjoy the growers market with the freshest fruit and vegetables, free range meat and poultry and gourmet foods and condiments. 
