Author name: Rocks Walking Tours

Discover Sydney’s History with a French Twist this Bastille Festival If you’re planning to visit the  Bastille Festival Sydney on Saturday 18 July and Sunday 19 July, you’ll no doubt be looking forward to French food, fine wine, live entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere around Sydney Harbour. But what if you could also discover a […]

Bringing Australian History to Life There’s an old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. But when students walk through the streets and laneways of The Rocks, they are doing much more than looking at pictures of the past. They are walking in the footsteps of early Sydney’s convicts, soldiers, free settlers, sailors,

Sydney is famous for its sunshine, harbour views and outdoor lifestyle, but let’s be honest, some days are either too wet, too humid or just far too hot to spend hours outside. People often ask our guides what they can do in Sydney when the weather is not ideal. The good news is that you

Some stories from Sydney’s past begin with grand buildings, famous governors or big historical dates. But as our guide Claudia often reminds visitors, some of the most powerful stories begin with ordinary people. This one begins with a 13-year-old girl standing in a London courtroom. Her name was Elizabeth Hayward. In January 1787, she was

The Story Behind Sydney’s Oldest Neighbourhood Ever wondered why Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood is called The Rocks? At first glance, the answer seems simple. It’s called The Rocks because… well… it’s rocky. But behind the name lies the story of Australia’s first European settlement, convict-built laneways, sandstone buildings and the foundations of modern Sydney itself. Today,

Explore the rich history of The Rocks on foot. From convict-era beginnings to modern-day heritage, discover what makes this Sydney neighbourhood so special.