Going back in history at The Rocks in Sydney, Australia

As a traveller, you probably don’t even have to have been to Sydney, Australia to picture what it looks like. From the unique architecture of the Opera House, across the harbour to the iconic Harbour Bridge, almost everyone knows what to expect from Sydney Harbour. If you’ve been to Sydney, you would have no doubt headed straight to this beautiful area to see the city’s most iconic landmarks.

This small area of Sydney Harbour is known as Sydney Cove, and this is where Australia’s European settlement began all the way back in 1788. The location of Australia’s first settlement, now known as Circular Quay, has changed dramatically over the years. However there is an area between Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge known as The Rocks, where you can take a look into Sydney’s past.

View of Circular Quay from The Rocks

The rugged limestone peninsular known as The Rocks was settled not long after the first settlers arrived in Sydney, and was first inhabited by a convict camp. Over the years The Rocks was built up, and maintained a fairly seedy reputation, known for it’s slums, poverty, prostitution and a hangout for gangs and visiting sailors. Many of the area’s buildings were demolished for various reasons over the years, such as the construction of the Harbour Bridge, but thankfully, due to several protests from Sydney locals, the historic buildings and warehouses that were left in the area were saved.

Now, The Rocks is a heritage and tourist precinct, and it’s historic buildings and beautiful harbour setting make it a really lovely area to explore.

Old cottages at The Rocks, with the skyscrapers of Sydney’s CBD behind them.

Historic buildings at The Rocks, with Sydney Harbour and the Opera House in the background

View of the Sydney Harbour Bridge behind an old factory turned museum at The Rocks

The Rocks is a great place to see some of Sydney’s oldest buildings and to get a taste for it’s history. It’s old buildings and warehouses have been beautifully renovated, many of which are now shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, making it the perfect place to go out for a meal and a few drinks.

Historic building at The Rocks

View of the Harbour Bridge at the waterfront at The Rocks

Old warehouses turned restaurants at the waterfront at The Rocks

A cafe lunch at The Rocks

Having a beer at the Orient Hotel – one of several pubs at The Rocks

I really enjoyed wandering the streets at The Rocks in Sydney. The whole area just oozes history, and it has been beautifully preserved. After a great meal and a beer (or two), there is no better way to work it off than a stroll along the waterfront, with Sydney’s most iconic building, the Opera House, dominating the beautiful view.

View of the Sydney Opera House from The Rocks

Have you been to Sydney, Australia? Did you explore The Rocks? I’d love to hear what you thought of the area.

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