The Rocks Self-Guided Walk Sydney

A visit to The Rocks is like opening a living history book. This self-guided walk is your ticket to discovering Sydney’s colonial past, in just a couple of hours. As you stroll along its historic pathways, you’ll uncover tales of the early settlers, admire the colonial architecture, and experience the vibrant atmosphere that has attracted visitors for decades. There is also plenty of opportunity to visit a couple of old pubs and take in stunning harbour views from the foreshore.

Join me in exploring this fascinating part of the city that I love, and you’re sure to walk away with new insights and fantastic memories.

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Let’s start with the intriguing name of this historic precinct. Why is this part of Sydney called The Rocks? Well, when the First Fleet arrived, they moored here against the rugged sandstone coastline, which quickly led to its nickname. The name stuck and began appearing on government maps.

But long before this, the area was known as Tallawoladah by the local First Nations people. As you wander, you’ll notice signage acknowledging these indigenous roots, such as Ta-ra (Dawes Point) and Warrane (Circular Quay). Embracing these names and stories is a step towards understanding the rich, multi-layered history of Sydney.

For a deeper dive into the indigenous history, you can read Six Commonly Asked Questions About Aboriginal Sydney

So let’s get walking; The route below highlights my favorite parts, and I recommend setting aside 2-3 hours for a leisurely stroll. Feel free to linger longer if a particular spot captures your interest—whether that’s for the perfect Instagram photo or a refreshing beer!

Stop 1. Circular Quay for the world’s best train station view!

Before we begin, you really should see this view. Even if you don’t come by train, you can tap on, go up to Platform 2, take a photo and then tap back out cancelling your journey.

Stop 2. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

Exiting the station, head left past the wharves towards the impressive Art Deco building that houses the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). This museum is a treasure trove of modern art, with most exhibits open to the public free of charge.

In addition to the vibrant contemporary pieces inside, the MCA offers a rooftop balcony where you can enjoy breathtaking harbour views. It is also where you will find Canvas restaurant if you fancy a bit of a splurge. Alternatively grab a coffee from Cafe at Tallawoladah on the ground floor.

Discover more of Sydney’s Museums here

Once you leave the MCA and the waterfront, head left into the small park and Cadman’s Cottage.

Stop 3. Cadman’s Cottage

Continue your journey into Sydney’s colonial past with a visit to Cadman’s Cottage, the city’s oldest surviving residential building. Originally perched at the water’s edge, the cottage has witnessed the transformation of the surrounding area since its construction in 1816.

Named after its most famous resident, John Cadman—a convict who went on to become a coxswain—this cottage offers a window into early colonial life. Though it’s no longer open to the public due to its age, the exterior still tells a story of its own.

Take a moment to imagine the bustling activity of the harbour in Cadman’s time.

Then, continue your walk by heading up Argyle Street via the stairs to your left, leading to George Street, where our next historical discovery awaits at the Rocks Discovery Museum.

Stop 4. Visit the Rocks Discovery Museum

Follow Kendall Lane to discover The Rocks Discovery Museum located in a beautifully restored 1850s sandstone warehouse. This museum offers a captivating glimpse into the past.

Open daily from 10am to 5pm, with free entry, it’s a perfect stop for history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. Inside, explore archaeological artifacts and interactive exhibits that bring The Rocks’ fascinating history to life.

I find the interactive exhibits, that have been designed to breathe life into the Rocks stories, it really help develop your understanding of the area. If you are travelling with kids they offer a number of family friendly activities.

The four permanent exhibitions include:

• Warrane (pre-1788): Discover the indigenous heritage and learn about the Gadigal people, the original custodians of the land.
• Colony (1788–1820): See how early settlers lived and the challenges they faced.
• Port (1820–1900): Understand the bustling maritime hub The Rocks became.
• Transformations (1900–present): Witness the evolution of The Rocks through union movements and its preservation efforts.

This museum is a collaboration with the Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council, which has enriched the exhibits with indigenous narratives and perspectives. Once you’ve absorbed the museum’s stories, head back towards the Visitor’s Centre and continue onto Playfair Street, leading you into the heart of The Rocks Square.

Stop 5. The Rocks Square

This lively square features an outdoor dining area and takeaway food shops, making it an excellent spot for a quick meal or snack. Of particular interest are the terrace houses lining the square, which were built in the early 1880s and now house a variety of shops and tour booking centres.

As you finish exploring the shops here, look for the narrow passage between shopfronts at 25 and 27 Playfair Street. This leads to your next stop, the hidden gem known as Foundation Park.

Use our map to find some of Sydney’s most historic buildings

Stop 6. Visit Foundation Park

Foundation Park is one of The Rocks’ best-kept secrets, often overlooked even by locals. This hidden gem is the site of the remnants of eight terrace houses built in the late 1870s. In the early 1970s, the area was preserved and transformed into a unique park space.

Wander among the stone foundations and you’ll feel transported back in time, imagining life in these narrow terraces. The contrast of old and new makes it a reflective spot to pause and consider the changes that have swept through The Rocks over the years.

From here, you’ll need to climb the stairs to Gloucester Walk. There, you’ll turn left and continue along the street until you see another set of stairs leading up to Cumberland Street, just behind the Glenmore Hotel. Cross Cumberland Street and take another staircase to Observatory Hill, our next destination.

Stop 7. Observatory Hill

Observatory Hill is a must-stop for it great view of Sydney Harbour. From here, you get a fantastic look at the western side of the harbour, including Miller’s Point, Barangaroo, and a different angle on the Harbour Bridge.

Besides enjoying the scenery, you can visit the historic Sydney Observatory, the S.H. Ervin Gallery, or just chill under the fig trees. It’s a perfect place to take a breather or snap a few photos if you’re into that sort of thing.

Once you’re ready to move on, head back down the stairs to Cumberland Street, where we’ll decide on a pub for a well-earned break.

Stop 8 and 9. Choose a pub on Cumberland Street

Besides enjoying the scenery, you can visit the historic Sydney Observatory, the S.H. Ervin Gallery, or just chill under the fig trees. It’s a perfect place to take a breather or snap a few photos if you’re into that sort of thing.

First up is The Glenmore Hotel, famed for its rooftop bar boasting unbeatable views of the Opera House. Enjoy some pub classics from their menu with a side of spectacular scenery.

Alternatively, head over to The Australian Heritage Hotel, where you can try one of their unique Aussie pizzas, featuring ingredients like kangaroo or emu. They also offer tasting paddles of local beers, perfect for sampling a variety of brews.

We have a detailed article on the Pubs of the Rocks if you would like to explore more of their fascinating history.

Once refreshed, you’ll be ready to continue the adventure towards The Big Dig Site.

Stop 10. The Big Dig Site

Next, we head to Big Dig excavation, a fascinating archaeological area where history has literally been unearthed. This site is located at the Sydney Harbour YHA.

In the mid-1990s, excavation began here, revealing foundations of historic homes and shops dating back to the 1790s.

Over 75,000 artefacts have been discovered, providing an intriguing glimpse into the lives of Sydney’s earliest residents. You can view some of these artefacts on display in glass cabinets in the foyer of the Sydney YHA.

As you wander through the area, you’ll see the exposed foundations that speak to the site’s rich history.

This stop allows you a practical look at how Sydney’s past coexists with its present, right in the heart of a bustling city.

Once you’ve explored The Big Dig, continue your journey by heading through the walkway to Gloucester Street, where Susannah Place awaits just across the road.

Stop 11. Susannah Place

I love Susannah Place for its authentic glimpse into Sydney’s past. Part of Sydney’s Museum of History, this group of four terrace houses has been standing since 1844. They offer a rare glimpse into the daily lives of working-class Sydneysiders through the decades.

Each house has been preserved to reflect different eras, showcasing the evolution of domestic life. While entry is only available through guided tours, which run Thursday to Sunday, you can pop into the small corner shop for a taste of historical consumer goods, even if you don’t have time for a full tour.

The backyard area and the views from the rear of the property offer a unique time travel experience, where modern Sydney seems to fade away, leaving you with the sights and sounds of the past.

If you want to look inside the terraces you will need to book a free tour.

Once you leave Susannah Place, walk down the stairs beside the shop and see the properties from the back – this site looks almost the same as it did 100 years ago.

Continue down the stairs, officially called the Cumberland steps, to Harrington Street and turn left. Just south of the staircase you will find a lovely sculpture by Leonie Rhodes titled Child of the Rocks.

Turn back towards the harbour and cross the road. A hundred metres or so along you will come to the Mission Stairs and a sign saying Nurses Walk.

Stop 12. Suez Lane and Nurses Walk

As you make your way along Harrington Street, you’ll encounter Suez Lane, a quirky laneway with a long history. Often filled with puddles after rain, it humorously earned the nickname “sewers canal.” Despite its less-than-glamorous reputation, Suez Lane is part of The Rocks’ intriguing past.

Continue along the lane to Nurses Walk, named for the nurses who once hurried along its path to Sydney’s first hospital. Today, it’s a charming respite cafes and shops. Look for the historical plaques that tell stories of the past, bringing the rich history of the area to life.

Now follow the passageway out to George Street and walk towards the Harbour Bridge end of the street. Along the way, do a bit of window shopping in the stores and cafes along the road. On weekends, a market runs along the far end of this street.

When you get to the corner of George Street and Hickson Road, take Hickson Road and walk down the stairs towards the water.

Stop 13. Campbell’s Stores

As you walk down the stairs towards the water, you’ll encounter the historic Campbell’s Stores. Dating back to 1839, these warehouses originally stored tea, alcohol, sugar, and fabric arriving into the port.

Today, Campbell’s Stores has been rejuvenated into a vibrant hub with upscale restaurants and function spaces. Its location right by the water ensures a lovely backdrop for a meal or a casual drink. If you’re visiting in the evening, the lights reflecting off the water create a stunning view.

Take a moment to appreciate the architectural charm and consider how these stores have witnessed the evolution of Sydney’s bustling harbour.

Stop half way when you reach the Park Hyatt Hotel and stand close to the glass to capture this optical illusion.

Stop 14. Tar-ra Dawes Point Park

Continue your stroll along Hickson Road to reach Tar-ra, Dawes Point Park, a serene spot right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This location offers a unique view, combining the bridge’s iconic architecture with the gentle rhythm of the harbour.

Tar-ra Dawes Point is historically significant, serving as a strategic defensive position during Sydney’s early days. Today, it’s perfect for a peaceful break or a leisurely photo session with the bridge and harbour as your backdrop.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a cruise ship passing by or enjoy the sight of ferries bustling along their routes.

Retrace your steps towards Campbell’s Cove until you arrive at the Overseas Passenger Terminal Viewing Platform, our last stop on this journey.

Stop 15. Overseas Passenger Terminal Viewing Platform

Retrace your steps from Campbell’s Cove to the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Here, you’ll find a viewing platform that offers spectacular perspectives of Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge.

To access it, take the elevator to the fourth floor of the terminal. Once there, climb the stairs to the upper level for the best panoramic views. This spot is excellent for taking in the bustling harbour life, from ferries navigating to and from the quay to the occasional cruise ship making its grand entrance or departure.

Access is not always possible as the space is sometimes used for events. If you can’t get up there a drink at Squires Landing is a good compromise.

The Rocks Self Guided Walking Tour Map

Open the map in My Maps to see the various options.

Whether you’ve discovered a new favorite spot or simply enjoyed a leisurely stroll, The Rocks has surely offered a glimpse of Sydney’s unique blend of past and present.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not continue your exploration by heading over to Walsh Bay or Barangaroo for more of Sydney’s waterfront charm?

Guided tours of the Rocks

If you prefer a guided experience, there are lots of tours available in the area, including:

• A 90 minute Rocks guided walking tour with The Rocks Walking Tour company
• A longer Ultimate Sydney walking tour that includes The Rocks with award-winning Local Sauce Tours
• A haunted Sydney ghost tour, great for teens and fun loving adults.
• A very appropriate a Rocks pub tour, that is especially fun if you a solo traveller and fancy a night out,
• The illi-Langi The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour with Dreamtime SouthernX
• A 2.5 hour Sydney Photography Tour that takes place in The Rocks

There is also a free tour with I’m Free every evening at 6 pm.

If you have some energy left and want more, continue under the bridge to Walsh Bay and explore these old harbour wharves. Buses 431 and 433 head back to the city from George St near Lower Fort St or keep walking around to the brand new Barangaroo Reserve and the restaurants of Warrigal Walk.

Ready for a change of pace?

Now if your feet are tired why not book a Captain Cook early dinner cruise and relax on the harbour. You could also consider there 24-hour Harbour Explorer ticket or the Big Bus HOHO Bus as a change of pace for tomorrow.

Got a question? Head over to our Sydney Expert Facebook Group and ask a local.