Before the outbreak of bubonic plague in the early 20th century and the subsequent slum clearances, this section of the Rocks was a warren of houses connected by tiny lanes. It then spent decades covered by a car park, until 1994 when archaeologists commenced a 15-year dig, uncovering little treasures along the way. Displays bring the ruins to life.

Some of the finds from the site can be seen at the Rocks Discovery Museum.

It's worth browsing the website for more background information, too.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Susannah Place Museum

0.03 MILES

Dating from 1844, this diminutive terrace of four houses and a shop is a fascinating time capsule of life in the Rocks. A personable guide takes you…

2. Argyle Cut

0.1 MILES

Convict labourers excavated this canyon-like section of road clear through the sandstone ridge that gave the Rocks its name. The work began in 1843 with…

3. Suez Canal

0.1 MILES

One of few remaining such lanes, the Suez Canal tapers downhill until less than a metre wide (hence the name, also a pun on the word 'sewers')…

4. Museum of Contemporary Art

0.12 MILES

The MCA is a showcase for Australian and international contemporary art, with a rotating permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Aboriginal art…

5. Tank Stream Fountain

0.13 MILES

Designed by Stephen Walker, this four-part bronze fountain (1981) near Circular Quay incorporates dozens of sculptures of native Australian animals; play…

6. Observatory Hill

0.14 MILES

Lording it over the Rocks, but strangely tucked away, Observatory Hill is great for a picnic. Studded with huge Moreton Bay fig trees, the grassy hilltop…

7. Sydney Observatory

0.14 MILES

Built in the 1850s, Sydney’s copper-domed, Italianate sandstone observatory squats atop Observatory Hill, overlooking the harbour. Inside is an intriguing…

8. Rocks Discovery Museum

0.15 MILES

Divided into four displays – Warrane (pre-1788), Colony (1788–1820), Port (1820–1900) and Transformations (1900 to the present) – this small, excellent…