The Rocks Market

Cobblestoned laneways, earliest pubs, upscale restaurants, bustling markets and cosy cafes- all these make a perfect setting for the historic precinct of The Rocks at Sydney. Nestled on the edge of the spectacular Sydney Harbour, The Rocks is one of the most sought after places to visit in Sydney offering a wide range of accommodations, attractions and natural gems to marvel at.

Among the highlighted attractions of The Rocks, you can check out The Rocks Discovery Museum, Argyle Gallery, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and many more. If you are interested to know the history of the place, take a tour around the oldest pubs, heritage buildings and laneways, each of which has a long history to its credit.

It is also a great destination for adventure junkies. Whether you want to soar over the city on a scenic tour or explore the wildlife on a day trip or surf the golden beaches, The Rocks has it all for you! Apart from these, the Rock Market is a great place for tourists and Sydneysiders for spending happy hours of shopping and enjoying mouth-watering local platters from the roadside stalls.

You can also buy collectables and gifts from the market where more than 200 stalls are put up for displaying a wide range of products. There are luxury to mid-range hotels at The Rocks offering comfortable accommodation and sometimes great views of the surroundings. Some of the best hotels here are Park Hyatt, Quay West Suites, The Langham and others.

Heritage and History of The Rocks Sydney

The Rocks had their earliest settlement around 1788 when the Cadigal people started here living as a colony. The original houses were made of local sandstone and built in vernacular pattern with thatched roofs, wattle and daub. Due to the predominant use of local sandstone in making houses, the place has earned its name as The Rocks.

Another conjecture says, during the late 19th century the area was under the control of a gang who were called Rock Push. Therefore the name of the place may be coined after the outlaws. At the beginning of the 20th century, many of the historical buildings of The Rocks were in a dilapidated state.

By the 1920s several hundred buildings were demolished by the state government with an intention of rebuilding them. In 1971 a local residents’ group requested a “green ban” from the Builders Labourers Federation to prevent the building of houses on the controversial land.

However, the union was ultimately successful in their motive which can be seen in the surviving buildings of the rocks. As a result, the place has turned into a commercial and tourist spot of Sydney.

• The streets of Rocks Market are filled with places to eat that serve a wide array of diverse food varieties whether it is fine dining options to trendy juice bars and chocolate emporiums the market has it all. 
• You can enjoy a delicious Barbecue dinner and wash it down with a glass of sugar cane juice with a twist from the Sugar Cane, or just treat yourself to all kinds of junk food.
• The Rocks Market is very close to many of Sydney's iconic landmarks including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Core Restaurant from the market.
• At the Rocks Market Sydney you can take a stroll through the market stalls and check out a wide variety of locally made items and goods that are unique and not available anywhere else.
• At Rocks Market you can enjoy a classic movie experience under the stars while you munch on some freshly baked pizzas. 

Sydney is blessed with a pleasant climate almost round the year which draws hoards of wanderlust people from different corners of the world. According to travellers’ reviews, the best time for day trips and other enjoyable activities in Sydney is during the dry season i.e. from December-February.

The average minimum and maximum temperatures range between (17-26) ◦C. Sydney experiences a predominantly sunny climate with the tropical breeze blowing across the coastal belts. The beaches and national parks get swarmed by tourists who can enjoy sweeping views of the surroundings.

This is also the time for indulging in wide-ranging outdoorsy activities viz. cruising, kayaking, feasting, and others. Another good reason to visit Sydney during summer is to take part in the festivities like Christmas, New Year and the Sydney Festival. Since it is the peak season and a major school vacation period, the tariffs and travel fares are at their highest.

- Location:

New South Wales 2000, Australia

- Timings:

9am- 3pm

- Distance from Sydney Airport:

The distance between Sydney Airport (SYD) and The Rocks is 15.3 Km via M1 and it takes around 22 minutes to travel between the two places.

Markets of The Rock, Sydney

Take a stroll along the bustling markets of The Rocks and make a rendezvous with the world of art, culture, food, and fashion. Nestled next to the CBD and just a walking distance from the Wynyard and Circular Quay, it is a cultural oasis of Sydney.

The variety of products you will come across in The Rocks Market range from handpicked artisanal items, unique jewellery, beauty products, and handcrafts to gourmet street food. As you rumble through the market alleys you may cross paths with local artists, photographers (on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and live music shows that will fuel your exploration.

From international brands to emerging designer apparel, The Rocks is home to bespoke fashion for a true fashionista. It is also a gastronomic haven with more than 50 restaurants and cafes where you can spoil your epicurean self with gourmet food and beverages. The eateries at The Rocks offer facilities for take away, fine dining, small gatherings at their rooftop, and private dining area with live music and water view.

Tips to visit 

• As it is a market a lot of walking is required to tour and it is best to wear comfortable shoes and clothing
• The weather in Sydney during summers can get very hot and it is best to bring sunscreen. Similarly it is best to have an umbrella and raincoats on you at all times during monsoon months.
• Wear warm clothes during the winter season, therefore it is best to dress according to season.
• Bring a camera as there might be many Instagram worthy shots waiting for you at the market.
• If you intend to catch a movie then it is best to bring a warm blanket to cut up in while enjoying a timeless classic

By Train:

Take a train from International Airport Station and reach Circular Quay Station via Central Station. Walk for a few minutes from Circular Quay up to The Rocks. 

By Bus:

Buses ply every day between the Sydney Airport Terminal 1 to Town Hall Station Park Street in an estimated duration of 28 minutes. You can walk down Town Hall up to The Rocks.

By Tram:

Take a tram from International Airport Station and reach Central Station in 11 minutes. You have to transfer from Central Chalmers Street Location up to Circular Quay Station which takes approximately 22 minutes. Walk for about 5 mins (1 Km approx) to reach The Rocks.

By Self-drive:

Hire a car from the Sydney Airport and drive for 15 minutes to reach The Rocks. 

By Shuttle:

There is a shuttle service on demand that will take you to your destination within 15 minutes. The charge is a bit pricey (Rs. 750-6,000).