What is the Rocks?
 

In tour books and posts, I have seen many references to the Rocks and Circular Quay. I understand it is a particular location in Sydney, but I am trying to understand the attraction (other than it is near the Harbour). Is it easier to catch public transportation? Are there sites other than the Opera House and the Harbour? Basically, why is this the preferred location?

The Rocks area is one w/historical significance, has loads of nice shops, restaurants, and the harbor is right there. It's the heart of the tourist district and is very convenient because Circular Quay, just a few meters away, is the hub of public transportation.<BR><BR>I spent a good amount of time in/around the Rocks while in Sydney. It's a great location!<BR><BR>Debbie<BR>

As they say in Real Estate lingo<BR><BR>Location! Location! Location!<BR><BR>You can do just about anything there and you can go from there to just about anywhere. There are buskers, musicians, magicians all along the Quay and there are the oldest buildings in Sydney in the Rocks area. The oldest Pub is very nice and there are trendy shops and lovely restaurants. In one of the coves you will probably find a replica of the early explorer boats. There is a nice market there on weekends and of course all the information booths for tours etc.

"The Rocks" is to Sydney what the "old quarter" is to European cities, or the French Quarter is to New Orleans. It used to be mainly residences that were virtually untouched for a century. Full of narrow lanes and dark corners, it was a pretty scary area (check the movie "Playing Beattie Bow"). Then, when the Harbour Bridge was built in the late 20s, much of it was demolished to make way for the massive approaches, and the residents moved away from most of what was left. Enterprising businesses were quick to pick up the slack, using mainly the original buildings. There are a few new buildings, like the Hyatt Hotel, which (unusual for Hyatt) has been built in sympatico with the surroundings... it's only three or four storeys tall. As the previous posters said, if you want to see what Sydney was like before the twentieth century, the Rocks (and the grander but more formal Macquarie Street, on the other side of Circular Quay) is the place to be.

The Rocks and Circular Quay are connected. It's a great place because of the convenience to the ferry's and to one train stop. Plus the views and abundance of restaurants and shops make this a great tourist area.

I visited Sydney this past May. The first day I was there I spent walking thru the Rocks and around thru the Quay to the Opera House. You could spend hours in these area. There is so much to see. We spent a week in Sydney and rarely left the Rocks area. Around the Quay and the Opera house there are many places to stop, get a quick drink sit and take in the scenery which is fantastic. At the Quay you can pick up a ferry to just about anywhere you want to go, or just for a ride in the Harbor. Definitely check out Darling Harbor (a quick ferry trip to the oter side of the Rocks) and the Taronga Zoo.