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The Rocks
The Rocks · Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (west of Circular Quay)
Where the First Fleet landed in 1788: Australia's oldest European neighbourhood, with sandstone houses, narrow lanes and a weekend market.
Know before you go
- Don't push in while others are ordering at the bar
- don't write on the old buildings
- you must be 18 to buy alcohol and need to show ID
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The First Fleet and Sydney Cove
After the American colonies won independence in 1783, Britain lost its destination for transported convicts and decided to found a penal colony at Botany Bay in Australia. In January 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip led the First Fleet of 11 ships to Botany Bay, then moved north to Port Jackson, establishing a settlement in a cove he named Sydney Cove after the Home Secretary, Lord Sydney. The Rocks was one of this settlement's earliest neighbourhoods. Phillip realised early that the colony needed civil administration, as well as a system to restore freedom to convicts who had served their sentences.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
In 1788 Captain Phillip led the First Fleet to establish a British penal colony at Sydney Cove, and The Rocks grew up soon after as a neighbourhood named for the sandstone of the cove's western shore. This was originally Gadigal land. In the 19th century it was a slum of sailors and dock workers; after bubonic plague broke out in 1900, the state government resumed the land around The Rocks and Darling Harbour, planning to demolish and rebuild. The surviving sandstone buildings are now pubs, galleries and museums.
Local customs
- The Rocks Markets run at weekends
- old pubs are where Sydneysiders have an after-work drink
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Australian beaches: swim between the red and yellow flags
- Swim only between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards are on duty
- If you don't know the conditions, ask a lifeguard
- Swimming at unpatrolled beaches or outside the flags
Outside the flags there may be rip currents, and lifeguards cannot reach you in time.
Not yet verifiedSource: Surf Life Saving Australia: beach safety signs
Uluru: climbing is not allowed
- Walk the base track around Uluru and learn about Anangu culture
- Climbing Uluru
The climb closed permanently on 26 October 2019; climbing breaks the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and is punished.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: climb closure
Entering Australia: food, plant and animal products must be declared
- Truthfully declare all food (even small, packaged snacks), plants and animal products on your arrival card
- If in doubt, declare it
- Bringing fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seeds or wooden souvenirs without declaring them
You can be issued an infringement notice; your visa may be cancelled, you may be refused entry and barred from returning for up to 3 years.
Not yet verifiedSource: Australian Department of Agriculture: travelling to Australia
Don’t DON'T
- Don't push in while others are ordering at the bar
- don't write on the old buildings
- you must be 18 to buy alcohol and need to show ID
Locals appreciate DO
Sydneysiders appreciate visitors who queue at the bar in old pubs and don't block the narrow lanes.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Weekend mornings |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 2 hours |
Travel tips
- It's a short walk from Circular Quay
- the weekend market runs from morning to afternoon
- walk up onto the Harbour Bridge footpath on the way for a view of the Opera House
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