Experts' Choice Award The Rocks
What the experts agree on
Sydney's oldest neighborhood, near Circular Quay, charms with cobbled streets, sandstone buildings, historic pubs, cafés and galleries—a locals-favored alternative to Darling Harbor for soaking up colonial history.
“The first British settlers landed here in the 18C.”
– Michelin Guide
Concierge "Just a few streets west from Circular Quay is a neighborhood that seems frozen in time, with a 19th-century pub on nearly every corner."
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Be sure to have a drink in the Lord Nelson or the Hero of Waterloo.
Travel + Leisure "Wander around to gawp at the lovely sandstone buildings, duck into the Fortune of War pub for a beer and a chicken schnitzel, and browse the souvenir shops that dot the precinct." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Tell me: What’s this place all about?Sydney’s oldest colonial neighborhood, the Rocks is a warren of atmospheric sandstone warehouses, quiet courtyards, and cobbled alleys on the western..." Full review
Rough Guide "Easily the most atmospheric part of Sydney, the Rocks harbourside district is where the first Europeans stepped ashore on 26 January 1788. Strolling the cobblestone streets is, of course..."
Rough Guide "A historic, hip-and-happening neighbourhood of cobbled streets, cool cafés, galleries, museums and harbour views"
National Geographic "Behind the museum lies the Rocks, early Sydney's center. It was Sydney's most cosmopolitan place in the 19th century, a working district which welcomed, and also at times abused, the..."
National Geographic "I start from George Street in The Rocks, Sydney's oldest neighborhood"
National Geographic "Site of Sydney's first European settlement, between Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Heavily touristed but historically engaging, with great pubs, galleries, and weekend..."
National Geographic "Locals know to skip Darling Harbor and check out the Rocks instead"
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