The Rocks is one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on the western shores of Sydney Cove, The Rocks is the foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical significance. It is often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum". The Rocks is the oldest area of Sydney and has recently undergone some amazing changes. The old district has been transformed into an area of vibrant cafes and restaurants along with interesting tourist shops and stalls.

The Rocks is Sydney's oldest preserved colonial district and through the transformation has brought about an interesting fusion of modern amenities in an old and valued setting. Most activities centre around walking, looking, and eating.

The Rocks is a fascinating part of Sydney where history meets contemporary life. I was fortunate to visit it on a weekend, which coincided with the street market that sets up every weekend.

At the Rocks, restored colonial buildings have been converted into cafes with al fresco dining, bars, and shops. Walking around gives you both a lively modern feel and a sense of Australian history.

The visitor's center at the Rocks has a small museum (free entrance!) that educates visitors about the history of the Rocks from aboriginal times up to present times. A small viewing room continuously shows short documentaries about the Rocks; the one I watched was a very thought-provoking documentary about aboriginal history and the ways that Australians are trying to come to terms with this part of their past.

Paid guided tours are available, and there are museums within the Rocks (including a series of restored houses made up to look like they did during colonial times), but I didn't have the time to join a tour nor to visit any of the other museums.

Entrance: free; allot half a day to a day.

The Rocks is a 6 block square neighborhood, west of the harbor, featuring specialty shops, art galleries, antiques and museums.

This is where the first buildings of the penal colony, named after one Lord Sydney, hung onto the rocks at the waters edge. As the Colony grew, so did disease and illness. Look at a map to see "Nurses Walk" once located on hospital grounds. When Bubonic plague hit in early 1900, many of the old buildings were destroyed in an effort to clean up. The oldest building today is the 1816 Cadman's Cottage in-between George St and the Circular Quay West.

The information center located at 106 Goerge St. has a nifty walking map (free) that is easy to read. The ladies there will tell you about all the free entertainment in the area and give you a coupon book too (worth the stop).

My favortie places are:

1.) Bottom of the Harbor Antiques--84 George St.
You won't be able to resist entering this fine (but expensive) shop featuring all things nautical. Have you been crowing for a canon? Come on in! They have quite a few! How about nautical instruments such as old compasses or sextants? Do you like old nautical photographs or wooden models? How about those diving helmets for those moments you would like to submerge your husband somewhere quiet?????

2.) Australian Craftworks--127 George St.--info@auscraftworks.com.au
This store carries such high quality handmade items that it carries the Australian craft mark symbol. This is important to insure that the items are made by local artesians who are qualified to sell upscale merchandise. Down the road I entered a prestigious aboriginal art gallery where I was given a quick course in "Art Appreciation 101". I must admit that I don't know enough about it to plop down a few thousand on a painting or two!

Australian Craftworks is more my speed offering hand-blown glass items, painted silks, beautiful pottery...some in an ocean theme and others looking like the hot outback. Carved wooden bowls and containers with gnarly wood sanded to a high gloss were reasonably priced. They even had Aussie Christmas ornaments so you can develop a Christmas tree from around the world places you have been!

My favorite Aboriginal pieces were by an artist named Wendy Pawley who makes hand painted shirts, hats, purses, and table items....all in a dreamtime theme....with an average price of $39A.

3.) Go at lunch time to the Rocks Square, which is halfway down Playfair Street, for the free entertainment (usually Jazz). At the back of the square is a quick lunch place called "Wok on Inn" Noodle bar that I recommend. Ron and I shared the Pan Thai of shrimp, chicken, and veggies including mushrooms, and hot noodles for $12.50A. It's all made fresh to order and you can ask for it hot and spicy like we did. Cheap but good meal, sunshine in the square and music....heaven!