Whether you’re visiting Sydney for the first time or rediscovering the city, exploring The Rocks is the perfect way to get a taste of Sydney history as you wander the cobblestoned streets.
From stargazing at Sydney Observatory to waterfront dining at 6 Head, here are our top picks for things to in The Rocks every day of the week.
Monday: Pack a picnic for lunch under the Harbour Bridge
Dawes Point Reserve
Grab your picnic basket and your favourite nibbles and head to Dawes Point Reserve under the Harbour Bridge at the northern end of The Rocks. Not only will you enjoy sweeping views of Sydney Harbour from your own patch of grass, but you’ll also get to learn about Sydney’s colonial history, with the remains of Dawes Point Battery (built in 1791) next to the southern pylon of the bridge.
Tuesday: Take a trip back in time at The Rocks Discovery Museum
Kendall Ln, The Rocks
Open Tuesdays 10am – 5pm
The Rocks Discovery Museum is a free museum that tells the story of The Rocks from pre-European days to the present. Housed in a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse, the museum is home to a unique collection of images and archaeological artefacts from the local area. Learn about The Rocks’ traditional custodians, the establishment of the English colony and the time when sailors, whalers and traders called The Rocks their home.
Wednesday: Get your culture fix at the MCA
140 George St, The Rocks
Open Wednesdays 10am – 9pm
Embracing all things weird and wonderful, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is dedicated to collecting and presenting contemporary art from Australia and around the world. The exhibition program continually changes, so there’s something new, inspiring and thought-provoking to see with every visit. And, if all that art appreciation makes you peckish, head to the MCA Café on the rooftop for a bite to eat.
Thursday: Crack the code at PANiQ-ROOM
13 Cambridge St, The Rocks
Open Thursdays 10am – 10:20pm
If thrill-seeking is the name of the game, round up a group and try your hand at a real life room escape at PANiQ-ROOM. Get your adrenaline pumping as you race against the counting clock, solving riddles and breaking codes in an abandoned military bunker, supercell, or the home of a mysterious magician. If you find the last key that opens the door, you’ll be free. And if you don’t? Well, you’ll just have to see what happens for yourself…
Friday: Watch the skies at Sydney Observatory
1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point
Night tours available from 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Perched atop a hill overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Observatory boasts some of the best views of the city. As both a public observatory and a museum, the observatory showcases an amazing collection of historic and modern telescopes and instruments, artefacts, books and photos. Book a night tour to explore the marvels of the southern sky through the observatory’s telescopes and check out constellations mapped out in the Planetarium.
Saturday: Have an unforgettable dining experience at 6 Head
7-27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks
Open Saturdays 12pm – late
If you’re looking for the perfect dining experience in The Rocks, you can’t go past 6 Head. Tucked away in a preserved 1839 heritage building, 6 Head’s interiors pay homage to The Rocks’ colonial history, with carefully selected and handmade stacked tiles, shards, stone and timber elements complementing the building’s rustic origins.
Sit back, relax and soak in uninterrupted views of the harbour as you enjoy 6 Head’s innovative menu, featuring premium cuts of steak sourced from respected meat purveyors, seasonal dishes and an expertly curated wine list.
Sunday: Discover the eclectic wares of The Rocks Markets
George St, The Rocks
Open Sundays 10am – 5pm
A bona fide makers’ market, The Rocks Markets brings talented artisans to the heart of The Rocks every weekend. Discover locally-designed fashion, handcrafted jewellery, textiles, homewares, art, beauty products and photography, plus gourmet food to fuel your exploration.
Find out why visiting 6 Head is one of the best things to do in Sydney. Make a reservation online.
