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Visiting the Rocks in Sydney, Australia

If you’re planning your next vacation to Sydney, Australia, you might be overwhelmed by the amount of tourist sites and attractions to visit. But whatever you end up choosing to see, make sure to put a visit to the Rocks on your shortlist.  It’s one place that you won’t soon forget.

The Rocks, located at the edge of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, has a history that goes back to the late 1700s.  It was here that a penal colony was set up for convicted criminals, and where the guards stood over “the rocks” to make sure that no one escaped.  Today, the area has been transformed into a mecca for sightseeing, as it cleverly combines the past with the present in one seamless hot spot for tourists.  

To catch a glimpse of the past, all you need to do is walk through its streets.  You’ll see historic buildings that have been renovated and houses that are centuries old but still meet today’s highest standards.  And in fact, many of these buildings are now popular storefronts, restaurants, and even places of worship.  One church in the area dates back to mid-1800s, which has fully been updated and is still in use.  Another building, a pub, has also been in operation since the mid-1800s.  

If you’re looking for shopping opportunities, you’ve come to the right place.  Each weekend there is a fantastic open-air market where you’ll find over 100 booths to choose from.  Here, you can find handcrafted artifacts and collectibles that are not sold in the traditional Sydney department store.  And if visiting during the months of December through March, you’ll have the privilege to shop by moonlight each Friday night.  

If searching for culture, there are plenty of museums in the area.  Not to be missed is the spectacular Museum of Contemporary Art and the educational Discovery Museum, where you’ll learn about the area’s past and see actual artifacts dating back 200 years.  

At the Rocks, you’ll be able to dine on delectable food from a wide choice of restaurants.  Or if you want to try some of the different Aussie beers, stop by one of the many pubs in the area.  

The Rocks offers something for everyone.