Travellers have been heading to The Rocks for a drink and a yarn since the first convicts were pushed off their boats onto Gadigal land in January 1788. Since then The Rocks has played host to all manner of unsavoury, thirsty visitors - convicts, whalers, sealers, sailors, dealers, gold miners and criminals.

Like any rugged port-side enclave there were periods of nasty brawling on the streets of The Rocks in centuries past. The visibility and dimensions of bouncers (security guards) outside some bars at the The Rocks even now, might raise concern that convict gangs or marauding whalers still prowl these streets. We’re happy to advise that things these days are mostly more subdued.

The Rocks is the best place to find an old pub of character in Sydney. These places are popular with travellers and locals.  

We also list bars of The Rocks that are good for a cocktail or an atmospheric wine or whiskey.

Photo: Mark Bowyer Serving up beers and mischief for centuries, George St, The Rocks, Sydney

Pubs of the Rocks

There are loads of pubs in The Rocks - there were even more in the 1850s. Along George St, The Fortune of War, The Orient, The Mercantile are the most popular. They often feature live music and can be busy on weekends. They’re great for a boisterous night out. For our money, the most enjoyable Rocks pubs are back off the main strip.

Our favourite Rocks pubs are the old-timers like The Hero of Waterloo, the Lord Nelson and the Palisade. They're in original buidlings, they ooze character, they tend to be less crowded, and you can usually get in without being interrogated by an overzealous security guard.

Photo: Mark Bowyer

 
Palisade Hotel

The furthest from George St, the Palisade is a favourite Rocks pub. It’s 10 minutes walk up Argyle St from the main tourist area. We reckon it’s worth the effort. Being a little away from the centre of the action makes it less crowded and more atmospheric. Early twentieth century building with lots of original features. Great drinks and vibe. A swanky upstair bar called Henry Deane (see below) has views across the harbour too.

Photo: Mark Bowyer Hero of Waterloo pub, The Rocks

Hero of Waterloo

One of the oldest and most atmospheric pubs in The Rocks, from 1842, The Hero of Waterloo is the perfect spot for a drink of history. The ghosts of Shanghaid sailors, murdered maidens, military types from the long-gone Victorian era garrison, Harbour Bridge builders and more lurk in the sandstone walls. The Hero of Waterloo still feels like a special old Sydney pub.

Photo: Mark Bowyer Grab a bite at an historic pub. The Lord Nelson, The Rocks

The Lord Nelson

Serving up beers a  year before the Hero of Waterloo and just a few hundred metres away, The Lord Nelson is a bigger pub that also retains its sandstone, 1800s feel. Like the Hero, the Lord Nelson is also named to win the favour of the thirsty troops from the one-time Victorian-era garrison in the area. The beers are brewed in-house. There’s pub food downstairs at the bar and a more serious restaurant upstairs.

Bars of the Rocks

If you want to escape the pub scene for something more intimate or a specialist whiskey bar, check out one of these great little spots in The Rocks.

Photo: Mark Bowyer The Doss House has history and drinks! - The Rocks, Sydney

Doss House

Literally under ground in a dark 1840s bond store. The Doss House is a superb spot for a drink - whiskey, wine or craft beer. All manner of mischief has unfolded within these old sandstone walls for nearly two centuries - opium, gambling, brawling and more. Imagine the dodgy dealings of the early Sydney port or the gold rush of the 1850s, while you enjoy your drink. There's live music on weekends.

Photo: Mark Bowyer Henry Deane Bar - upstair at The Palisade Hotel

Henry Deane Bar

It may sit atop the old Palisade pub but that's where the pub similarities end. Henry Deane is a fancy bar and eatery with killer views across Sydney Harbour. Very popular in the Sydney summer late afternoon with beautiful Sydney folk and visitors - you’ll probably need to book on weekends. Henry Deane also serves up tasty, pricey small bites.

Photo: Mark Bowyer Le Foote Wine Bar, The Rocks

Le Foote Wine Bar

Newly reopened wine bar with (fancy) restaurant attached at the back. Cozy vintage vibe. Good drinks. Friendly team.

Photo: Mark Bowyer The Push in The Russell Hotel

The Push - The Russell Hotel

The Push wine bar at the bottom of the Russell Hotel on George St is a great little spot for a drink. The piano man playing on weekends is a star. Minus the live tunes, The Push might lose some of its buzz. We've had some great nights here.

Hickson House Distilling Company

Located right by the Park Hyatt Sydney, Hickson House Distilling Company has a distinctly upscale vibe. These guys distill their own gin and whisky on-site and they also have an extensive stock from Australia and around the world. Good spot for a more fancy heritage drinking experience. You can take a distillery tour here too.

Photo: Mark Bowyer The historic Rocks precinct

Take a walk of Rocks history with us.

If you're interested in the history of Sydney and The Rocks, take a walk with us at Old Compass Travel.