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The Rocks is one of the oldest areas of Sydney. Lying beside the harbour in a central location, it was naturally one of the first places to be settled. When the first fleet arrived on 26th January 1788, the new arrivals, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, constructed their first wooden shacks along the natural rock ledges near the water's edge. Therefore, the area became known as ‘The Rocks' and Sydney's first named street was here - George Street, in honour of the British monarch of the time, King George III.
The first shacks did not survive long, and by the 1840s they had been replaced by sandstone structures. These are the buildings some of which survive now. In 1900, there was an outbreak of bubonic plague and many houses were demolished in the subsequent cleansing. Then, over the years, the older buildings fell into a state of disrepair and at one time it was suggested that total demolition would be the solution.
Fortunately, though, the alternative view prevailed and the area has been renovated and turned into a thriving tourist attraction, full of souvenir shops and cafés, galleries and museums. Every weekend there is a market in George Street. There is street entertainment and a whole range of food available. The twisting alleys and old courtyards have an old-world character.
The main Sydney Visitor Centre is here, at 106 George Street and is a place to visit. It has comprehensive information not only on Sydney but for the whole of New South Wales. Opening hours are 9:00 until 18:00 every day. There are walking tours of The Rocks available. There is even a night-time ghost tour. Cheaper, though, is to just set out and explore by yourself, perhaps with the assistance of The Rocks Self-Guided Walking Tour, obtainable from the Sydney Visitor Centre. Take the train or bus to Circular Quay.
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