We want you to have the best possible visit to STC, so the STC team have curated a selection of our favourite things to see and do in Walsh Bay, The Rocks and Circular Quay. We hope these ideas, contacts and points of interest might assist you to make the most of your theatre outing.
Drinks and dining
Shopping
Visual Art and Museums
Historic Pubs
Accommodation
Walking and cycle tours
Other favourite things to do and see
DINING AND DRINKING
Best for Wharf 1 and Wharf 2 Theatres
The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf
Located at the very end of The Wharf, our bar is not just for theatre-goers, it’s open to everyone. It boasts some of the best harbour views in Sydney and serves a range of specials inspired by STC shows.
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and post-show, Monday – Saturday.
Sydney Theatre Company
The Wharf, Pier 4 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Best for Roslyn Packer Theatre
A stylish, cosy restaurant and bar on Hickson Road at Roslyn Packer Theatre. Enjoy an innovative menu prepared with creative flair, delicious pre-theatre specials, an impressive wine list and a bespoke range of speciality sherries and digestives. Whilst bookings are not essential, reservations for pre-theatre dining are highly recommended to secure your table.
Roslyn Packer Theatre Walsh Bay
22 Hickson Road
Walsh Bay
Best for Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
There are many dining options at the Sydney Opera House, including Opera Kitchen, Bennelong, Opera Bar, Portside Sydney and Theatre Bars. For a full listing of eateries, including menus and trading hours, please visit the Sydney Opera House website.
Our favourites around Walsh Bay and The Rocks
Bar Cycle
A great place to stop if you’re cycling or walking waterside, STC staff are fans of Bar Cycle’s bacon and egg rolls.
Open for breakfast and lunch Mon - Sat and dinner Thur - Sat
Foreshore Promenade Pier 8/9
17a Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay
Less than 5 min walk to The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
Bar Fredo
Looking over the water at Walsh Bay, Bar Fredo is a favourite with locals for coffee.
Open until 4pm weekdays, 3pm weekends.
Shop 9, Foreshore Promenade Pier 8/9
21 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay
Less than 5 min walk to The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
Café Sopra @ Fratelli Fresh
Fratelli Fresh is Sydney’s finest providore, and Café Sopra is a great spot for authentic Italian cuisine.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Shop 8, 16 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay
Less than 5 min walk to The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
Dedes on The Wharf
At the front of Pier 2, Dede’s has great views, and modern Australian seafood is the speciality.
Open noon until late
Reservations: (02) 84886155
Shop 2, Pier 2, 13 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay
5 – 10 min walk from The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
El Phoenician
Serving traditional and modern cuisine and renowned for delicious shared banquets, El Phoenician is one of Sydney’s very best Lebanese and Middle Eastern restaurants.
Open for lunch and dinner
Reservations: (02) 9633 1611
7 Towns Place, Walsh Bay
5 – 10 min walk from The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
Harbour View Hotel Restaurant
The closest hotel to the Harbour Bridge has an excellent roof top bar, cocktail bar and restaurant with cosy fireplaces.
Open from lunch until late
Reservations: (02) 9252 4111
18 Lower Fort Street, The Rocks
5 – 10 min walk from The Wharf Theatres, Roslyn Packer Theatre and the Drama Theatre
Larrikin's Cafe & Lounge Bar
Friendly staff, good coffee and great cakes.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
18 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay
Less than 5 min walk to The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
Lotus Dumpling Bar
Named one of the best dumpling houses in Sydney, Lotus is the perfect mix of handmade dumplings and modern wine bar – with desserts by Gelato Messina.
Open from noon - late
Reservations: (02) 9251 8328
Shop3 a/ 16 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Less than 5 min walk to The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
The Gantry Restaurant & Bar at Pier One Sydney Harbour
The Gantry Restaurant & Bar has panoramic views and modern Australian alfresco dining on the pier.
Open for lunch, dinner and pre-theatre.
Reservations: (02) 8298 9910
11 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay
Less than 5 min walk from The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
Wok This Way
Specialising in fresh authentic Chinese cuisine and secret family sauces.
Open for lunch and dinner
Shop 2, 16A Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Less than 5 min walk to The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
Rockpool
Still one of the best 25 years on, Neil Perry’s fine-dining stalwart has recently moved to the magnificent Burns Philp building.
(02) 9252 1888
7 Bridge St, The Rocks
5 min walk to Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Sake Restaurant & Bar
Contemporary Japanese and classic dishes created by sushi master Shaun Presland, a fantastic cocktail menu and a selection of more than 20 sakes.
(02) 9259 5656
12 Argyle St, The Rocks
10 - 15 min walk from The Wharf Theatres, Roslyn Packer Theatre and the Drama Theatre
Seawall
On the waterfront at Walsh Bay, Seawall Bar serves share plates, locally sourced seafood and innovative cocktails.
(02) 9252 7995
Shop 6, 17 Hickson Rd
Dawes Point
Less than 5 min walk to The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
Simmer on the Bay Café
Pull up a deck chair on the waterfront and enjoy the seasonal menu and artisan baked goods. Open for breakfast, lunch and available for evening events.
(02) 9247 2457
13 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay
Less than 5 min walk to The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
Sydney Dance Lounge
Downstairs from STC is SDC’s designer renovated lounge. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
(02) 9241 5021
Pier 4 Hickson Rd
Walsh Bay
Less than 5 min walk to The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
Teras Bali
A dazzling array of authentic Indonesian contemporary cuisine to be enjoyed overlooking the water in a candle-lit setting.
(02) 9251 9265
Shop 2, 17 Hickson Rd
Walsh Bay
Less than 5 min walk to The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
The Push Bar
A delightful boutique hangout in the heart of the rocks, grab a delicious cocktail and a share plate and watch the afternoon go by.
143 George Street, The Rocks
Less than 5 -10 min walk to The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
Ventuno Pizzeria Enoteca Birreria
Chic, authentic antipasti, excellent pizza, pasta, fine Italian wines and boutique Italian Beers with views over Walsh Bay.
(02) 9247 4444
21 Hickson Road
Walsh Bay
Less than 5 min walk to The Wharf Theatres and Roslyn Packer Theatre
Yayoi
A traditional restaurant and sake bar with serving a menu crafted true to Japanese culinary tradition.
(02) 9247 8166
Shop 2, 38-42 Bridge Street
Sydney
5 min walk to Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
SHOPPING
A selection of our favourite shops that we can’t help but stop into on our way through The Rocks.
Buttons Buttons Buttons
A treasure trove for the crafty, Buttons Buttons Buttons has a massive and colourful range of antique, vintage and new buttons to explore.
25 Nurses Walk, The Rocks
ChocolArts
ChocolArts creates handcrafted artisan chocolates for gifts and for scoffing using the finest quality Belgian chocolate.
75 George Street, The Rocks
Denham
For those with a love of expertly crafted denim, check out Denham – known as the consummate jeanmaker.
77½ George Street, The Rocks
Le Coq Sportif
If you’re into sleek European sports and retro clothing this is your store. The Rocks store is one of only 3 Le Coq Sportif shops in the world where you can customise your gear.
79 George Street , The Rocks
Helen Kaminski
Everyone’s favourite designer hat maker. Raffia raffia raffia!
Four Seasons Hotel, 199 George Street, The Rocks
La Renaissance
Absolutely one of the best patisseries in Sydney. Sometimes there is a queue out the door, but it’s worth the wait for one of their croissants or macarons.
47 Argyle Street, The Rocks
Kathmandu
Australia’s favourite adventure gear brand, from the casual walker to the extreme sports lover this store has it all… and everything in between.
105 George Street, The Rocks
Barbour Supreme
For gentlemen of all types, visit this traditional barber shop to tame your beard with a scissor cut or shave it all off with a classic throat shave.
31 George Street, The Rocks
MCA Store
Who doesn’t love a gallery shop? The MCA’s has a beautiful range of books, gifts, stationary and other gorgeous, creative and unusual things.
Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street, The Rocks
Parkers Fine Art Supplies
Opened in 1918, surely this is Sydney’s oldest art supply store? Parkers has all the delicious oils, watercolours, pens and paper you could want to get your hands on.
Cnr Argyle and Cambridge streets, The Rocks
VISUAL ART AND MUSEUMS
Aboriginal Art Galleries
A collection featuring paintings and crafts from emerging through to nationally and internationally renowned artists.
Shop 13, 2 East Circular Quay, Opera Quays, The Rocks
Craft NSW Gallery
The Society of Arts and Crafts of NSW has its gallery, Craft NSW, in The Rocks’ heritage-listed old Coroner's Court.
104 George Street, The Rocks, NSW
The Ken Done Gallery
Ken Done is one of Australia's most famous and instantly recognisable artists. His exhibitions in the magnificent heritage Australian Steam Navigation Building continuously change.
1 Hickson Road, The Rocks
Museum of Contemporary Art
The home of modern art in Australia, with a continually changing exhibition program. A must see.
140 George Street, The Rocks
S.H. Ervin Gallery
One of Sydney's leading public art galleries featuring exhibitions focused on Australian art, and housed in the historic National Trust Centre.
End of Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks
Susannah Place Museum
Home to more than 100 families throughout history, you can learn the stories of the families who lived at these heritage-listed terraces.
58-64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks
Sydney Photography Tours
Walk The Rocks with a professional photographer and learn about photography in one of Sydney’s most stunning and historic areas.
(02) 9427 9636
HISTORIC PUBS
As one of the first areas settled in Sydney, The Rocks is of course steeped in history, and has numerous excellent public houses to show for it. The walls of these buildings could tell stories to rival some of the ones that we tell on stage, to be sure.
The Australian Heritage Hotel
Opened in 1824, The Australian is a well-preserved example of Edwardian architecture, from the tiling to the tap faucets. The Hotel is heritage listed.
100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
The Glenmore
Built in 1921, The Glenmore is an icon – with a fantastic rooftop bar. It is one of the last surviving pre-Harbour Bridge buildings in the area.
96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Harts Pub
Originally a private residence spanning three terraces, Harts Pub survived post-bubonic plague demolitions in The Rocks to become one of the original Sydney venues on the craft beer scene.
Corner of Essex & Gloucester Streets, The Rocks
The Lord Nelson
Sydney’s oldest continually licensed hotel, and home of Australia's oldest pub brewery.
19 Kent Street, The Rocks
The Mercantile
The Mercantile Hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places, has been voted Australia’s best Irish pub twice and is renowned for its famous draught Guinness and live music.
25 George St, The Rocks
ACCOMMODATION
The Rocks and Circular Quay boast a range of accommodation, from five-star to boutique, bed and breakfast, heritage pubs and the world-famous Sydney Harbour YHA.
We reccommend our accommodation partners, Adina Apartment Hotels and Pier One Sydney Harbour.
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney
511 Kent St, Sydney CBD
(02) 9274 0000
Pier One Sydney Harbour
11 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay
(02) 8298 9999
There are plenty of other options around The Rocks and Circular Quay too.
The Australian Hotel Bed and Breakfast
100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
(02) 9247 2229
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
199 George St, Circular Quay
(02) 9250 3100
Harbour Rocks Hotel
34 Harrington St, The Rocks
02) 8220 9999
The Langham Hotel Sydney
89-113 Kent St, Sydney CBD (closed for renovation until December 2014)
(02) 9256 2222
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
19 Kent St, The Rocks
(02) 9251 4044
The Mercantile Hotel
25 George St, The Rocks
(02) 9247 3570
Holiday Inn Old Sydney
55 George St, The Rocks
(02) 9252 0524
Park Hyatt Sydney
7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks
(02) 9256 1234
Quay West Suites Sydney
98 Gloucester St, The Rocks
(02) 9240 6000
Rendezvous Stafford Hotel
75 Harrington St, The Rocks
(02) 9251 6711
Russell Hotel
143A George St, The Rocks
(02) 9241 3543
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
176 Cumberland St, Sydney
(02) 9250 6000
Sydney Harbour Bed and Breakfast
140-142 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
(02) 9247 1130
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
30 Pitt Street, Sydney
(02) 9259 7000
WALKING & CYCLING TOURS
The Road to Barangaroo walking tour app
The Road to Barangaroo’ is a free app that takes you on a walking tour from Bennelong Point to Barangaroo via Walsh Bay. You’ll learn about the architecture, characters and commerce that have shaped the most famous harbour foreshore in the world. Created by STC in partnership with Major Sponsor Lend Lease, you can download the app from the Apple app store for iPhone or Google Play for Android.
Tour The Wharf
Our beautiful, heritage-listed Wharf on the iconic Sydney Harbour is where it all happens – set building, scenery painting, costume and set creation and hundreds of performances. In addition, the building is an inspirational example of environmental leadership. Tours of The Wharf and Roslyn Packer Theatre provide a taste of what happens behind the scenes. Bookings are essential.
Explore with the Walsh Bay App
The Walsh Bay App helps you explore one of Sydney’s best kept secret neighbourhoods, including detailed maps, heritage trail, a sculpture walk and theatre walk celebrating Australia's theatrical greats, as well as information on the many businesses that call this historic harbourside precinct home.
Walsh Bay Sculpture Walk Audio tour
This audio tour includes works from Jimmie Durham’s head-turning Still Life With Stone and Car through to Phil Price's kinetic sculpture Tri. Available as a downloadable mp3, from the Apple app store for iPhone or Google Play for Android.
Walsh Bay self-guided History tour
A self-guided walk designed to uncover the intricacies of Walsh Bay when it was a working port, how it has been altered and reused, and its place in Sydney’s cultural and natural heritage. Download and print the pdf guide.
Stroll the Walsh Bay Theatre Walk on Pier 2/3
The Walsh Bay Theatre Walk honours 21 legends of Australian stage and screen in the form of individual plaques set into the paving stone. Situated at Pier 2/3 – less than 5 mins from the Wharf Theatres – it’s a perfect stroll if you arrive at Walsh Bay a little early for your show.
The Rocks Walking Tours
Specialist trained local guides provide a leisurely 90 minute stroll within the heart of historic and picturesque Rocks precinct, departing daily at 10.30am and 1.30pm.
Bonza Bike Tours
The professional well-trained guides lead a fun cycling experience to show you Sydney from a different perspective. Some bike tours come up onto STC’s Wharf by the waterside – we’ll wave to you from The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf.
OTHER FAVOURITE THINGS TO CHECK OUT
The Rocks Pop-Up Project
An initiative of Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority that provides creative groups with affordable space to make and showcase their work. Since 2011, The Rocks Pop-up has hosted more than 20 diverse creative organisations in otherwise-vacant spaces around The Rocks.
Observatory Hill Park
A million dollar view and playground for locals and visitors.
Night Visit at Sydney Observatory
View the stars and planets at night through the Observatory’s telescopes guided by an astronomy educator.
The Rocks Markets
The Friday Foodies Market is an open-air fresh food market open from 9am – 3pm. On Saturday and Sunday, The Rocks Market has around 150 stalls of jewellery, homewares, art, photography and more.