Cosmopolitan Sydney, Australia’s largest city, offers so much to see and do—the stately Sydney Harbour Bridge, iconic Opera House, Bondi Beach, and Royal Botanic Gardens, as well as alluring outdoor recreation, lively shopping districts, international cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife. Despite this extensive menu of possibilities, though, one of Sydney’s most popular attractions remains the colorful historic area known as "The Rocks."

Founded in 1788 as a penal colony to house convicts from Great Britain’s overloaded correctional facilities, The Rocks’ original buildings were constructed of sandstone, a fact that led to the area’s name. Even from its earliest days, The Rocks had a bad reputation—one that didn’t improve as it established itself as a dockside slum filled with prostitutes, sailors, dockworkers, and even a street gang known for theft, assault, and battery.

Today, cobblestones still line the lanes and narrow alleyways, and some of the original buildings still stand—including Australia’s oldest house, Cadman’s Cottage, which dates back to 1816. The Rocks’ gritty past, though, has been tempered by a genteel charm. History and heritage now stand intermingled with quaint artisan shops, galleries, pubs, and street entertainment. The picturesque setting in the shadow of Harbour Bridge creates a captivating travel destination and true magnet for Sydney visitors, young and old alike.

Things to do in The Rocks area:

1)      Take a cruise on Sydney Harbour.

2)      Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge. Adventurous visitors can climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge, the world’s tallest steel-arch bridge, for amazing panoramic views. 

3)      Enjoy a pub tour. The Rocks houses many of Sydney’s oldest watering holes. Guided pub tours are available or you can visit them on your own.

4)      Take a ghost tour. Journey through haunted houses and hear eerie tales of murder, violence, and treachery that took place in this historic area.

5)      Visit a museum. The Museum of Contemporary Art is Australia’s only museum featuring contemporary art, while The Rocks Discovery Museum is located in a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse and showcases the history of The Rocks from the times before the convicts arrived to the present day.

6)      Explore The Rocks Market. Operating each weekend, the market offers hundreds of stalls filled with locally grown produce, hand-crafted artwork, and many unique products and Australian delicacies.

7)      Browse the charming shops & galleries. Many are converted workmen’s cottages, warehouses, and sandstone terrace houses.

Planning a trip to Australia?  No one takes you further in the land down under than Globus. From the breathtaking scenery to the captivating culture, the lands of New Zealand and Australia offer a vacation like no other. Pick a vacation style that best fits you.  Globus offers a wonderful selection of escorted and independent vacations to choose from. Learn more about Globus Australia tours and take advantage of early booking discounts for 2013 travel.