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The Rocks and Circular Quay, Sydney

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The Rocks and Circular Quay, Sydney
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The Rocks Market - Sydney
The Rocks Market
by martin_nl
Things to Do in Sydney: The Rocks and Circular Quay tips and photos posted by real travelers and Sydney locals.
The Rocks and Circular Quay
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The Rocks and Circular Quay: Take a walk at the Rocks
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  • Harbour Bridge view from The Rocks - Sydney
    Harbour Bridge view from The
    Rocks
    by Gypsystravels
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    The Rocks is one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on the western shores of Sydney Cove, The Rocks is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical signifiance. It is often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum". The Rocks is the oldest area of Sydney and has recently undergone some amazing changes. The old district has been transformed into an area of vibrant cafes and restaurants along with interesting tourist shops and stalls. The Rocks is Sydney's oldest preserved colonial district and through the transformation has brought about an interesting fusion of modern amenities in an old and valued setting. Most activities centre around walking, looking and eating.

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    The Rocks and Circular Quay: historic rocks district
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  • the rocks is a historic district that has been transformed into cool little restaurants and artistic boutiques. the area is a maze of old cobblestone alleyways, little stone buildings and alot of history. it was here back in my childhood that we went and saw a traditional candle maker make candles. i begged my mother to buy me the candle with a skull that had blood dripping all over it. she bought it for me, and every night i could never sleep because it would 'stare' at me. hehe. i like the rocks area, as it retains that beautiful historic charm, and is a great place to explore.

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  • Address: old rocks road

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    The Rocks and Circular Quay: The Rocks
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  • The Rocks is nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on the western shores of Sydney Cove. It is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical signifiance. It is often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum". The Rocks is the oldest area of Sydney and has recently undergone an amazing metamorphosis, the old district being transformed into a vibrant pocket of cafes and restaurants and interesting tourist shops and stalls. This has been achieved without destroying the area's Old World charm and historic buildings. Sydney's town planners have put in place a sensitive conservation program that has preserved the heritage and character of The Rocks and brought about an interesting fusion of modern amenities in an old and valued setting.

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    The Rocks and Circular Quay: Visit the Rocks, Sydney's historic heart
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  • The Historic Russ Hotel Building, the Rocks - Sydney
    The Historic Russ Hotel
    Building, the Rocks
    by pchamlis
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    "The Rocks" is site of Sydney's oldest settlements. Years ago, prostitutes, hoodlums, criminals and probably politicians (just joking) used to roam these streets, making life a bit dicey. Today, "The Rocks" has been gutted and restored as a historical treasure. It's now home to cafes, pubs, shops and other items of tourism interest. On Saturdays, there is a huge outdoor market held at the Rocks, and we had a chance to enjoy it. There's nothing of major consequence for sale at said market....just lots of "flea market" type stuff... Jellies and jam, calenders, handicrafts, music, incense, and even emu oil. (see my warning regarding emu oil. : ) There are quite a few restaurants in "the Rocks", and some of them are quite pricey. We had some pizza at Zia Pina (see tip), and it was very good. I also noticed the famous Lowenbrau Keller on our way down George Street. They advertise it as being the place where "it's always Oktoberfest". Looked kind of like Oktoberfest to me, except that a few patrons weren't completely drunk. ; ) Anyway, go explore the Rocks. See what treasures you can dig up. BTW, you'll be passing through the Rocks on your way to the Harbour Bridge. If you'd like to take an official walking tour of the Rocks, contact "The Rocks Walking Tour" at phone number 02 9247 6678.

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  • Address: mainly along George Street
  • Phone: 02 9247 6678 (walking tour)
  • Directions: From the Circular Quay, go west on the Cahill Expressway and then turn right onto George Street.

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    The Rocks and Circular Quay: The Rocks Market
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  • Although alot of travel trips are not booked perfectly, if your plans include a weekend in Sydney, I would highly recommend strolling through the Rocks. On weekends it is turned into a large shopping area where you can haggle on some great local art, handicrafts and also sample some unique food. Although alot of the shops in this marketplace also have storefronts throughout Sydney, your best bet is to come in late in the day when the shop owners are fretting over having to pack up all the wares to ship back to the store, and might be enticed to drop a couple bucks off the price rather than repack.

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  • Address: George & Playfair Streets
  • Phone: +61 2 9240 8717
  • Website: www.therocksmarket.com.au/
  • Other Contact: market@shfa.nsw.gov.au

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    The Rocks and Circular Quay: The Rocks
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  • The Rocks is one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. It is not hard to see why. Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on the western shores of Sydney Cove, The Rocks is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical signifiance. It is often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum". There are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops as well as little stores along the street.

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    The Rocks and Circular Quay: THE ROCKS
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  • The Rocks is one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. It is not hard to see why. Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on the western shores of Sydney Cove, The Rocks is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical signifiance. It is often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum". The Rocks is the oldest area of Sydney and has recently undergone an amazing metamorphosis, the old district being transformed into a vibrant pocket of cafes and restaurants and interesting tourist shops and stalls. This has been achieved without destroying the area's Old World charm and historic buildings. Sydney's town planners have put in place a sensitive conservation program that has preserved the heritage and character of The Rocks and brought about an interesting fusion of modern amenities in an old and valued setting. Most activities centre around walking, looking and eating. The Rocks is Sydney's oldest preserved colonial district so the main emphasis is on the historical importance of the area. The Sydney Visitor Centre, at 106 George Street, is a logical and excellent starting point. This centre has a wealth of information on points of interest around The Rocks and provides free information and literature, as well as having souvenirs and momentos that can be purchased.

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  • Address: Argyle Street, The Rocks
  • Directions: 5min walk to the West from CIrcular Quay.

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    The Rocks and Circular Quay: Observatory
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  • The first building at the same place where you will now find the Observatory, used to stand a windmill and that was also the first european building. The Observatory houses some of the oldest astronomical instruments of Australia. Entrance to the Observatory is free. However if you want to have a peek through the telescopes you have to make an appointment for the evening and then you do have to pay a few dollars.

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  • Address: Watson Road
  • Phone: 02 9217 0458
  • Directions: The Observatory can be found on Observatory Hill, The Rocks.
  • Website: http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/home.asp

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    The Rocks and Circular Quay: Miner's monument
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  • miner's monument in The Rocks - Sydney
    miner's monument in The
    Rocks
    by b1bob
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    The history of Sydney from 1825 until the 1860s is that of a prison slowly evolving into a society where free settlers and emancipated convicts worked together. The turning point occurred in May 1851 when Edward Hargraves brought 120 grams of gold to Sydney triggering the goldrushes. Overnight workers in Sydney downed tools and headed for the goldfields. Miners and prospectors from all over the world passed through Sydney eager to try their luck in the goldfields. The memorial (Monument) was erected by the Sisters of Mercy in dedication to the sick, injured or dead miners who helped shape the city. I took this picture in 1991 only because it stood out like a fly on a wedding cake.

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    The Rocks and Circular Quay: The Rocks
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  • This is the place of the first Euopean settlement in Sydney. The area has been redeveloped in the 1970ties and now is a nice area full with small restaurants, galleries and souvenir shops. It's an excellent place to go for a stroll and have a drink afterwards.

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  • Website: http://www.therocks.com/

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