During the 1960s, there were government plans to flatten the entire Rocks area and build a concrete precinct of modern skyscrapers. Fortunately, after much protest from the public the plans were shelved, and this historic area was turned into a tourist precinct.
Tucked in tightly at the base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Causeway and Circular Quay is a collection of small streets and lanes which are tightly packed with old shops, houses and hotels. Many have been carefully restored to represent the thriving early days of the city.
Many hotels and restaurants have sprung up during the years to make this area one of Sydney’s most popular sections. A must is to visit the amazing undercover art and craft market which operates in the streets on Saturdays and Sundays.
You can’t visit the Rocks without visiting one of Australia’s oldest pubs, there are quite a few to try The Oxford, The Hero of Waterloo, The Mercantile Hotel and the Fortune of War are some favourites that all have some claim to be the oldest.
The Fortune of War claim to be Sydney’s oldest pub as the licence can be dated back to 1826, The building itself is 1920s and the bar has not been altered since then. Walking into this bar is like stepping back to the 20s, so much so, several movies have been shot in the bar to get that old Sydney look.
If you want to go back further in time you can’t go past The hero of Waterloo as this pub sits in a convict built 1843 sandstone building on Lower Fort Street, it just to the left when you hit the end of George Street under the bridge.
The South East pylon of Sydney Harbour Bridge that operates as a lookout and mini museum can be accessed via the Bridge stairs in Cumberland Street and is a great way to see the city and the Rocks area. For the more adventurous the Bridge Climb is a guided tour that takes you to the very top of the bridge’s steel arch, the Bridge Climb centre can also be found in Cumberland Street.
Another fantastic spot for sweeping views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay ferries is from the Cahill Expressway. This dominating and much unloved structure sits above Circular Quay train station, a glass lift to a lookout on the expressway level can be found to the east of the Circular Quay station building. It’s a cool quick detour when in the area and best of all it’s free, you can even take a scenic walk east towards the park or west towards the bridge following the expressway as it cuts it way through the Rocks area.
