The Rocks is the most charming neighbourhood in Sydney with its rich history, beautiful heritage sandstone buildings, million dollar harbour view and aplenty of food romance to be discovered.
If you are lucky enough to be in Sydney on a Saturday or a Sunday, you must visit The Rocks Markets. It adds even more life to the streets of The Rocks and it has been my favourite markets in Sydney ever since I first visited it (practically as a tourist myself back then).
The Rocks Markets
The centre of the markets is underneath these tents on George Street.
The Rocks Markets: Tips for First-timers
- The closest train station is Circular Quay station.
- Many buses that run on George Street will take you to Circular Quay (including the 333 free city bus).
- It only opens on Saturdays and Sundays, 10am – 5pm.
- Think food, handicraft, jewelry, fashion, Australian souvenirs.
- I could spend the whole afternoon here! However, for time-short tourists, I would allow at least 1 hour for the Markets.
Women’s fashion.
Trying on colourful accessories with my besties in 2009.
Novelties and local souvenirs.
Toddlers’ fashion…so cute!
Many of the stalls are almost like permanent fixtures here at The Rocks Markets, whereas some come and go. A list of the stallholders can be found here.
The all-time favourite at The Rocks Markets award goes to…
The corns! Golden sweet corn cob with butter, salt and pepper ($4)…So simple yet so good. The corn stall is always at the beginning of the markets on George Street, right outside the tents.
Gozleme, skewers, BBQ, Japanese pancakes, all sorts of market food.
The “First Impressions” monument, a sandstone sculpture that symbolises the origins and settlement of the colony at the Rocks.
That’s mom, dad and mini me in 1988:)
{The Rocks Markets} Website: http://www.therocks.com/things-to-do/the-rocks-markets/ Normal Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm (check website for public holiday opening hours)
Other things that you can’t miss at the Rocks
Pancakes on the Rocks
For Sydneysiders, this is the go-to place for thick, fluffy and heart-warming pancakes at any hour of the day. For tourists, Pancakes on the Rocks has become a must-do experience with its instagram-worthy steak, ribs and pancakes at the heart of The Rocks.
Click [here] for my review.
Tea Cosy
The Tea Cosy has been my go-to place in The Rocks when the markets are on for the past years. Here, you can have a set of old fashioned Devonshire Tea or a Ploughman’s Lunch, with a pot of brewed Irish tea nicely tucked in their famous knitted tea cosy.
Click [here] for my review.
La Renaissance
I have not been able to find a mille feuille (vanilla slice) that compares with La Renaissance’s.
Click [here] for my review.
Lowenbrau
Meat. Beer. Lots of meat. Lots of beer. Need I say more?
Circular Quay
Until today, I still remember the moment when I saw Sydney Harbour as my train pulled into Circular Quay station on that sunny afternoon. The clear blue sky, the sparkling ocean, the magnificent Harbour Bridge and the angelic Opera House.
[…] you happen to be in Sydney between 10 am and 5 pm on a weekend, stop by the Rocks and you will be greeted by a great number of passionate people selling clothes and accessories, […]