The Rocks Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Rocks. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour

• Sydney Bike Tours

• Morning or Afternoon Half-Day Sydney City Sightseeing Tour

• Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour (Small-Group, Drink Included)

• Sydney Dark Stories True Crime Tour

While it’s free to roam the Rocks on your own, guided tours are the best way to explore the area’s highlights and learn about its many years of history. Walking tours start from around US$25, with most falling in the US$30–$55 range. Tours that include a pub crawl start at around US$85, while self-guided audio and scavenger hunts are the budget-friendly option, priced from as little as US$8. Private day tours of Sydney that include the Rocks can reach US$1,295, depending on group size and inclusions.

Yes, the Rocks area is absolutely worth visiting. This is where Sydney's story began and its history shows—think cobblestone lanes and heritage sandstone buildings, along with some of the city's oldest pubs. To fully appreciate the area, book a guided walking tour, during which local guides will unearth the stories behind the streets. Many tours also include nearby icons such as the Opera House and Circular Quay for a more complete Sydney experience.

Per one customer who booked the Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour, "Wow, this tour was incredible. We booked it for our first full day in Sydney, and so glad we did. The tour took us through hidden places we wouldn't have known existed that we can now return to. Our guide, George, is a seasoned pro. He learned everyone's names, spoke loudly and clearly, found shade and places to sit for the group when possible, was incredibly entertaining and full of knowledge, and answered all questions. Don't think twice—book this tour to understand the history of this special place better!"

The Aboriginal name for The Rocks is Tallawoladah, given by the local Gadigal people. The area of Sydney around Circular Quay today is known as Warrane. These names have been used locally for thousands of years, long before the area received the name the Rocks in 1788.

The Rocks in Sydney is famous for being the city's oldest settled area and for having a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. It's also the neighborhood where you can best see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and begin the bridge climb to see the city from its lofty vantage point.

Built in 1816, Cadmans Cottage is now the oldest building in The Rocks. It is one of the few surviving buildings from the colony's early days. The Rocks is home to several historic pubs that are among Sydney's oldest, including the Fortune of War (1828) and Lord Nelson Brewery (1841).

The first convicts to live in the area after the arrival of European settlers named it The Rocks after the rocky landscape full of sandstone outcrops. It's kept the name even though much of that sandstone was used to construct the early buildings that obscured its landscape.

The iconic area of Sydney close to several famous landmarks has been a filming location in movies including Mission: Impossible 2 and Mao's Last Dancer. Many TV shows have filmed at the Rocks including The Amazing Race and Modern Family, thanks to its waterfront views of the Sydney Opera House.

Yes, The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney’s city and was the first place settled by Europeans arriving at Sydney Cove on January 26, 1788. It is believed that the British flag was planted somewhere on The Rocks’ waterfront by Captain Phillip and the First Fleet on that day.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Rocks. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Sydney:

• Sydney Harbour

• Sydney Opera House

• Sydney Harbour Bridge

• Featherdale Wildlife Park

• Bondi Beach

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Sydney.