NSW 2013: The Rocks

So I did zip around the alleys of The Rocks like a local. Well, because we stayed in the quaint neighborhood.

If not because of the opportunity, we were like many, have walked past without realising the history and significance hidden in its walls. In my previous trip, I enjoyed the ever colourful The Rocks Markets, one of Sydney's greatest; I lost my manner when I gulped down the pork rib in Pancakes on the Rocks. Admittedly, I had little knowledge about The Rocks.

But not after my second trip to Sydney. The Rocks is not just a tourist and leisure destination, it is where Sydney began.

The Rocks, framed by diamond-sparked water of Sydney Harbour, is an urban locality, tourist precinct and historic area of Sydney's city centre(Source: Wikipedia). It was named The Rocks by convicts who made homes there from 1788. However, it has a much older name, Tallawoladah, given by the first owners of this country, the Cadigal people.

It was first earmarked for demolition in 1901 following the outbreak of Bubonic Plague around the foreshore areas. However, due to the World Wars and the Great Depression, the wholesale demolitions were delayed during the 20th century. In the 1960s new schemes were formulated to transform The Rocks into a sea of high-rise towers. As many models and proposals were circulated, a growing awareness developed in the community that places such as The Rocks were an important part of the Nation's built heritage. (Source: Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority).

At day (Instagram-ed!)

At day, I walked passed the neighbourhood, I admired those historic buildings, I really love the uniqueness of each and every houses and yet having some similarities among them; I imagined the living inside the houses, in the past, present and future. At night, Vivid Sydney transformed some part of The Rocks whimsically, gorgeously. There were almost twenty installations and displays of creations in the area, we could only had glimpse on some. For example a row terrace houses in The Rocks (opposite Pancakes on the Rocks) are lit up with different colours, Hundreds and Thousands attracted huge crowd to walk through, Digitalis got us tested its motion-sensor effectiveness, Light Meadows, Garden of Eden, even Cadman's Cottage joined the party and was lit up; The girls had the most fun playing at Underscore, whilst I like the big surprise brought by Sunflowers, simple yet delightful.

At night, via Vivid Sydney:
Top Left: Cadman's Cottage | Top Right: Hundreds and Thousands |Bottom Right: Underscore

Despite the rapid urbanisation by massive changes, but because of the great effort of retention and preservation, there are many oldest surviving dwellings in The Rocks and they're examples of small scale colonial Georgian architecture characterised by the symmetry and order. 

You don't need an archaeological dig to get a sense of the property's history, though, as Melissa paints the picture of "all the stairs worn down and you can imagine the people running up and down [over the years]... and all the walls have a story, you can sense stuff that went on in there." [Source]

The Rocks, is absolutely remarkable place to wander around.

However, because it was weekdays during our stay, we didn't get to re-visit the ever vibrant weekend market. It was not so much a lost, I would had probably hated my self more for only marveling all the gorgeous handmade goodies, which usually cost a bomb (to my wallet). 

Somehow, we explored the eatery places in the area: The Rocks Cafe and Löwenbräu Keller, on top of the ever famous Pancakes on the Rocks. The eating-in-The-Rocks was not in my itinerary (we were supposedly to cook!). But because we were always late to get home for preparing dinner(too much fun out there!), we simply picked a door (of a eatery) to inquire and wait for a table. 

The Rocks Cafe (L) and Lowenbrau Keller (R)

We went to The Rocks Cafe, because we were hungry, it was rainy and we were half way headed home. Not sure was it the staff or the boss, the cafe was packed but because I popped by and tried my luck, he asked us to wait and made an effort to find us a table instead of just ask us wait and wait. We had a table upstairs, fronting the window, overlooking at the rainy night and busy traffics, both pedestrian and vehicular. Wonderful spot to be seated while waited for the food. The Rocks Cafe is situated on George Street, opposite MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art).

Why did I approach for table availability at the first place? I was attracted by a full range of their pastries at the front entrance of the Cafe. And thank goodness the steak that we ordered was not too bad.

Next! Lowenbrau Keller.

Apparently, Löwenbräu Keller is Sydney's most popular and authentic Munich-style restaurant. We wouldn't miss it whenever we walk pass Argyle Street. The busy outdoor area of the restaurant fascinated me very much. I mean, it was cold! But patrons didn't mind to sit at the wooden benches at the long tables outdoor! Not to mention, there was always a queue to wait for entering. I didn't need a guide to tell me this is a must-try restaurant. 

We were lucky that we didn't need to wait too long to get a table. But it was outdoor, and we did not know that there was a live band performing until Bomber wanted to go to the washroom. We were too lucky to see the nail hammering mixed together with the band behind. The atmosphere indoor was absolutely wonderful! 

Anyway, SC and I had Schlachtplatte which was recommended by the waiter. It was huge and we couldn't finish it, in the end, we packed back and made it as breakfast the next day.

Our first try of Bavarian original recipes meat dishes. Yummy! but seriously the portion was too much for two of us.

Location for The Rocks Cafe:
99 George Street
The Rocks Sydney NSW 2000

Location for Löwenbräu Keller:
Corner of Playfair and Argyle Streets
The Rocks Sydney NSW 2000

(Reservation is highly recommended: Tel/02 9247 7785 or Emailto/reservations@lowenbrau.com.au)