Top 8 tips for a weekend in Sydney’s The Rocks
It might be known as a tourist hot spot but don’t let that put you off spending some quality time in Sydney’s historic The Rocks precinct. This buzzing pocket of the CBD has something to suit everyone.
Tip 1: Choose your digs & don’t forget location, location, location
In a spot like The Rocks, it’s all about being close to the action and it doesn’t get any closer than the Holiday Inn Old Sydney. Positioned on George Street on top of the markets, right near a heap of pubs and a few minutes from the Museum of Contemporary Art (more on those to come), this hotel pick couldn’t be any more convenient.
Our room on the fifth floor even has Harbour glimpses but the Insta-worthy shots really belong to the hotel’s rooftop pool area, which has to be one of the city’s best kept secrets. We’re #blessed with Sydney turning on a stunning sunset in all its pinky glory.
The rooms themselves are of the standard hotel variety (nothing wrong with that when you’ll be spending most of your time out exploring) and tick all the boxes for being clean, well equipped and importantly given the hustle and bustle location, surprisingly quiet for a solid nights’ sleep. Bonus points too for the super friendly staff and cosy bar complete with open fire.
Tip 2: Get your culture on
There’s always something to see or do around The Rocks and the Museum of Contemporary Art should be your first port of call. The New Romance: Art and Posthuman exhibition (June 30 – September 4, 2016) brings together artists from Australia and Korea whose works encourage us to ask what it means to be human today, and what it might mean in the future. It’s thought provoking yet fun and a great way to spend an afternoon.
Be sure to head to the rooftop café while you’re getting your dose of culture for a meal with a view.
Tip 3: Sample some of the best scones in Sydney
I’m a sucker for a Devonshire tea from way back and it doesn’t get much better than the Tea Cosy.
Boasting scones like nanna used to make, this is a must-visit for sweet tooths The Tea Cosy use old secret family recipes to make their scones from scratch every morning, just the way we like it. And if you’re a Sydney-sider, the scone and jam flavours vary every month so you have the perfect excuse to visit regularly 😉
Tip 4: Enjoy a beverage or two
You’ll be spoilt for choice for pubs and bars in The Rocks. It’s hard to go past the old school vibe of The Orient, the Irish live music at The Mercantile, the views at The Glenmore or the cocktails at The Push.
Tip 5: Savour a meal at No. 1 Bent St
It might not strictly be The Rocks but hear me out, this newly opened restaurant from Mike McEnearney (of Kitchen By Mike fame) is only a 10 minute walk away and you’d be crazy not to take advantage of that proximity. The seasonal menu makes decisions difficult but if they happen to be on when you go, you can’t go wrong with the pate, pork belly, pie and sticky toffee pudding. Oh and the bread! It’s famous and one mouthful with Pepe Saya buter will leave you in no doubt as to why.
Tip 6: Soak up the hood
If you’re feeling a little indulged the morning after the night before (you’re #doingitwrong if you don’t), there is no better place to run away your sins. Hit the pavement through The Rocks, down past Circular quay, hit the iconic Opera House for some stair runs and soak up the Botanical Gardens in all its greenery glory.
Tip 7: Nourish up
Post exercise (or sleep-in) and 11am check-out #bonus!, you might just be ready to face food again and conveniently The Fine Food Store is located just outside the Holiday Inn in one of The Rocks’ many cute laneways. It’s a solid 30 minute wait for food on the busy Sunday morning we visit but staff are friendly and thankfully when the most important meal of the day arrives, it hits the spot.
Tip 8: Stroll the markets
It wouldn’t be a trip to The Rocks without a wander through the weekend markets. From clothing to chocolate, jewellery to woodwork, fresh corn to babywear and chilli sauces to stationary, it’s hard to walk away empty handed.
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