The Rocks at a glance
The Rocks sits on the western side of Circular Quay, in the streets between the water and the Harbour Bridge approaches. It is one of the oldest parts of Sydney. Today it is best known for its markets, its sandstone lanes and its harbour views, and it is an easy place to spend time before or after an Opera House visit.
The area has a much longer story than the city's colonial history. The Opera House stands on Gadigal Country, at a place the Gadigal know as Tubowgule, and the Gadigal are recognised as its traditional custodians. European settlement here began in 1788, but the land was lived on and cared for long before that.
The Rocks markets: days and hours
Regular market hours in 2026. Special market dates are not part of this pattern.
| Day | Hours | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Jack Mundey Place and Playfair Street |
| Saturday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Jack Mundey Place, Playfair Street and George Street |
| Sunday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Jack Mundey Place, Playfair Street and George Street |
The markets do not run on Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. For any other special date, check the current calendar before you plan around it. Individual shops, galleries and museums keep their own hours, so do not assume that everything in the neighbourhood is open when the market is.
Our picks: The Rocks and the Opera House
Two guided walks and a tour inside the Opera House.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Australian dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Small-group walk to the main sights
Three hours with a local guide in a group of up to 15. Food, drinks, tips and transport between sights are not included.
Check availability →
Opera House guided tour with entry
A live guide and entry to the building. A cloakroom takes small bags and prams; large luggage cannot be stored.
Check availability →
Historical walk including The Rocks
A guided walk with voice amplification for up to 16 guests. Hotel transfers are not included.
Check availability →Tours and experiences in The Rocks and around the harbour
Walking tours, harbour trips and Opera House visits that start close to The Rocks, with live prices and availability.
The history of The Rocks
For the Gadigal, this shoreline was part of a long-settled landscape. European settlement began here in 1788, and the neighbourhood grew around the harbour in the decades that followed.
In the early 1970s, large-scale demolition plans threatened the neighbourhood. Residents resisted, and the Green Bans movement backed their stand. The Battle for The Rocks took place on 24 October 1973, and it is remembered as a turning point for the protection of the area. The fiftieth anniversary was marked in October 2023.
Keep this in mind when you walk the lanes. The buildings are not scenery from a single period. They record layers of use, loss and protection. The same year, 1973, saw the Opera House open on the other side of the quay. Our history of the Opera House tells that story.
A half day with The Rocks and the Opera House
One simple order that keeps walking short.
Late morning: the market
Arrive when the stalls open at 10 a.m. on a Saturday or Sunday, or on a Friday for a smaller market. Friday's market closes at 3 p.m. and covers fewer streets, so it is the weaker choice if you want a wide range of stalls.
Midday: the old streets
Walk the lanes between George Street and the harbour. Weekend markets can fill the streets, so use the side lanes when you want to move faster. Check the opening hours of any museum or gallery before you go.
Afternoon: the Opera House
The standard Opera House tour lasts about 60 minutes. In 2026 an adult ticket costs AUD 50 when booked ahead and AUD 55 on the day, and the price rises to AUD 52 and AUD 57 from 1 April 2027. Arrive 15 minutes early at the Welcome Centre. The route covers up to 2.5 kilometres and about 300 steps. See the tours guide for the options.
Getting to the quay →Practical tips for your visit
Weekends bring the most stalls and the most people. If you want space to look around, go early in the day or choose a Friday. Wear comfortable shoes, because the lanes are uneven in places and you will probably spend more time on foot than you expect.
Events change the picture. Vivid Sydney runs from 28 May to 19 June 2027, and Friday to Sunday evenings are the busiest. On New Year's Eve the market does not run, and fireworks crowds fill the harbour edge, so read the New Year's Eve guide if you plan to be here. Outside events, the weather is the main factor. See the best time to visit guide for the seasons.
The Rocks does not have one set of opening hours. Cafés, shops, galleries and museums each decide their own, so check the hours of the places you most want to see and let the market fill the gaps.
More to see nearby
Other short walks from The Rocks.
Circular Quay
Ferries, trains and the walk to the Opera House.
Royal Botanic Garden
A free green walk with seasonal hours.
Best views of the Opera House
Photo spots from the shore and the north side of the harbour.
The Harbour Bridge, BridgeClimb and harbour cruises are not covered on this site. Look for them in a dedicated guide to Sydney Harbour.
The Rocks: frequently asked questions
When are The Rocks markets open?
On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a smaller footprint. The markets do not run on Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.
Where are the markets held?
On Jack Mundey Place, Playfair Street and George Street at weekends. On Fridays the market is limited to Jack Mundey Place and Playfair Street.
Which day is best for the market?
Saturday and Sunday have the longest hours, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and cover three streets. Friday is shorter, with hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on two streets.
What was the Battle for The Rocks?
A residents' campaign against large-scale demolition, supported by the Green Bans movement. It is dated to 24 October 1973 and is remembered as a turning point for keeping the historic streets.
Can I combine The Rocks with an Opera House tour?
Yes. Spend the late morning at the market and book a tour for the afternoon, or do the tour first. Allow time to walk back along the quay.