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[title]If there’s one spot in Sydney that has it all, it’s The Rocks. With its renowned pubs, artisan markets, high-class restaurants and harbour views, it’s the best spot in town for tourists and locals alike to while away a weekend. This August, Unlock The Rocks is coming to town and giving you one more reason to rug up and pay a visit to the charming sandstone district.
Taking over venues in the historic suburb, Unlock The Rocks will lure you down cobblestone laneways with meal deals and live jazz shows, which are sure to keep you busy all month long. Whether you want to embark on a quirky food trail, catch some live jazz or simply take advantage of a good happy hour deal, we’ve got you covered.
Plan your eat-inerary with our top picks from this year’s program.
Food Trails
Kickstart your night on the $25 Cocktail Trail which takes you to 21 (yes, 21!) venues for specially curated cocktail and snack pairings, including The Rawson for its luxe lobster sliders and Angel 43 cocktail, or Blu Bar at Shangri-La Sydney for its bold Passion Star Martini expertly matched with a wagyu Girolamo bresaola canape – did we mention it has truffle cream? Visit them at your own pace on a fun night out or better yet, come back for more and tick them all off throughout the month of August.
If you’re after a booze-free option, Unlock The Rocks has added four new trails to the line-up, including a coffee trail, native ingredients trail, cheese trail and seafood trail. Each one has been carefully curated to showcase the very best of The Rocks.
Easy Eats and Happy Hours
Believe it or not, some of Sydney’s best wallet-friendly deals are tucked away in The Rocks and guaranteed to fill you up without emptying your pockets. There’s $1 wings at The Aussie every Tuesday, $11 spice bags at 4 Doors Down on weekdays and a $19 lunch deal featuring classic pub favourites like schnitzel and salads. Or, swing by The Glenmore Hotel on a Tuesday for a $12 burger that won’t disappoint.
The Rocks Markets
From August 8, The Rocks’ beloved markets are returning to Fridays from 10am to 3pm, serving up everything from hot food to artisan goods.
Head down on August 9-10 for a special series of foodie demos and a masterclass in collaboration with recipe database Clove. Learn how to whip up a no-fuss omelette, a flavour-packed fish curry or a picture-perfect fruit crumble. Tickets start from just $30 and include a $20 gift voucher to spend at the markets.
If you’d rather skip the lesson and get straight to the taste testing, sign up to the food-focused walking tour Taste Trail Food Tour, where you’ll sample artisan fudge, nuts, pizza, paella and mulled wine and meet the makers. Tours run twice daily on 23-24 August and cost $35, with a $20 voucher included, so you won’t leave empty-handed.
Jazz Sessions and Lunch Set
Every Thursday, homegrown talent takes over The Rocks Square for free Jazz Sessions from 6pm to 8.30pm. The line-up is curated by Jazz producers SIMA and features maestros including Peter Koopman, Jiem, Dan March, Adam Ventour and Sarah Purdon.
Can’t make it on a Thursday? You’re in luck. Every Friday at lunchtime you can swing by Tallawoladah Lawn for an encore program featuring powerhouse classic rock duo Big Wheels, performing original tracks inspired by the likes of Fleetwood Mac and The Black Keys.
Unlock the Rocks Weekend Event
Be sure to block out August 23 and 24 for the centrepiece of the month – Unlock The Rocks Weekend – a free, precinct-wide celebration of delicious food, drink and live music. Head to First Fleet Park for 10 of New South Wales’ top food and wine vendors – think award-winning cheeses, slow-aged pork sausages, fresh oysters and standout drops from the Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Orange and more –all of which can be enjoyed alongside free live jazz. Continue your journey throughout The Rocks and you’ll even find a pop-up jazz trail, coffee cupping and roasting workshops, free beer tastings and plenty more to discover.
Score an overnight stay
Turn your visit to The Rocks into a staycation by entering to win a one-night stay in the charming and recently renovated The Russell Boutique Hotel. Enjoy breakfast, a complimentary drink voucher to use at the recently opened Bistro 1828. It’s set to be an unforgettable experience. All you've got to do is sign up here to go into the draw. Easy peasy.
Find the full program for Unlock The Rocks here.