The Rocks Walking Tours

A big thank you to Freemans Reach Public School for your wonderful review!!

We're so glad your students enjoyed stepping into the shoes of convicts, soldiers, and free settlers while bringing Sydney's early history to life.

We truly appreciate your support!!

On this day in Sydney History

French Explorer Jean-François de Galaup, Comte de La Pèrouse sailed from Botany Bay after spending several weeks observing the newly arrived British Colony at Sydney Cove.

When La Pèrouse departed on 10 March, it became the last confirmed sighting of his expedition. Both ships were later lost in the Pacific, turning the voyage into one of the great maritime mysteries of the 18th century.

Today, the La Pèrouse Monument at Botany Bay marks the place of their final departure.

#

Sydney's very first newspaper, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, was published.

Printed on a hand press by George Howe, a convict transported from London in 1800, the paper shared government notices, shipping news, and stories from the young colony. Recognising hid printing skills, the Governor appointed Howe as the copy's Government Printer.

At the time, The Rocks was the bustling heart of Sydney - fll of sailors, convicts, and merchants whose lives often appeared in its pages.

More than 220 years later, the stories of those early days still echo through the laneways of The Rocks.

Did you know one place can teach multiple subjects?

At The Rocks Walking Tours, we create bespoke school excursions using The Rocks as a real-world classroom, led by expert guides and shaped around your learning focus.

📝 English through storytelling and text-to-place learning.

🌍 Geography through land use, urban change and people & place.

📐 Maths through mapping, scale, measurement and problem-solving.

🔬 Science through environmental change, cause & effect and hands-on observation

Studying something else? We can usually build a walk around that too.

✨ Email us to see how The Rocks can support your syllabus

🔗 Link in bio

Step back in time and uncover the stories that shaped modern Sydney 👣

Join The Rocks Walking Tours and explore Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood with guides who bring history to life. Since 1978, we’ve been sharing fascinating stories of convicts, colonists and change—wandering hidden laneways, historic streets and iconic landmarks beneath the Harbour Bridge.

Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there’s always something new to discover in The Rocks.

🎄🎄 Team Christmas Dinner 2025 🎄

We wrapped up the year with good food, great company, and a well-earned celebration for our amazing team at The Rocks Walking Tours.

This season reminds us to cherish connection and kindness. We're so grateful for our amazing team, our guests and everyone who supports us.

Wishing you all a Christmas filled with warmth, joy, and an exciting 2026 ahead!

🎉 We're Among the Top 10% of Things to Do Worldwide! 🌍
📍 The Rocks, Sydney • 2025

We’re beyond thrilled to share that we’ve been ranked in the Top 10% of attractions worldwide, earned through your incredible reviews and ratings collected over the past 12 months. Thank you for making this possible! 🙌

From the charming cobblestone lanes, heritage sandstone buildings of The Rocks to the vibrant markets, historic pubs, and iconic harbour views — your love and support have helped us stand out on a global scale. 🏆

✨ A huge THANK YOU to every visitor, reviewer, and supporter who made this happen. Here’s to even more unforgettable experiences in 2025 and beyond! ✨

📜 Sydney: From Humble Beginnings to Global Superstar.

July 20, 1842, marked a pivotal moment in Sydney's history with the Sydney City Incorporation Act, transforming it from a small town to a thriving city. Discover the remarkable evolution of Sydney, from its early days as a penal colony to its current status as a vibrant metropolis.

✨️✨️ Once a dark colony, Sydney became the first city outside Europe with gas-lit streets -165 lamps glowing through the night, many outside the local pub (to keep those "riotous hordes" in check 😅)

AGL's journey began here. The first gas streetlight was lit on 24 May 1841, coinciding with Queen Victoria's 22nd birthday.

From safer streets to late-night shopping, this was more than light - it was transformation.

Feeling so grateful 🌟 A huge thank you to St. Ives High School for the thoughtful and encouraging feedback. Your words inspire us to keep growing and make every experience even more meaningful.

Thank you, Northlakes Public School. Our guides had the best day with your students!!

You're welcome, Hornsby Heights Football Club! Proud to have supported the 2025 Trivia Night with a donation—because who doesn't love a good quiz and a great cause? 🧠⚽

🎉 THANK YOU to Our Amazing Trivia Night Sponsors! 🎉

A huge shoutout to the incredible businesses who generously sponsored and donated to our Trivia Night on Saturday, June 7th - your support helped make it a huge success! 💚🧡

From fantastic prizes to contributions that made the night truly special, we couldn’t have done it without you. Your generosity has strengthened our football family and we’re beyond grateful!

👏 Thank you for backing HHFC and our community! Stay tuned for more events and let’s continue to support the businesses that support us!

3 Bees Lawn and Garden Care Quirky Promotions Bax Doors Pty LtdBricks 4 Kidz Elite Golf NSW - North Turramurra Golf Course Fernwood Hornsby Flooring Xtra KANO Australia Moving Bodies Centre Magpies Waitara Pello Property Questacon Sally Dodd Real Estate Hornsby Sydney Trapeze School The Fiddler The Rocks Walking Tours Vertex Cyber Security Westfield Hornsby Wilks Cuts Barbershop Berowra Witham's Coffee Zen Fit Yoga