I wish I could say I frequented a few pubs when I visited
The Rocks in Sydney two years ago. But unfortunately all I had time for in this
historic harbor neighborhood was dinner at Caminetto on Playfair Street. The
Italian food was excellent, and we ate outside as musicians serenaded us, but after reading
The Economist’s
suggestion on how to best tour this part of town, it appears I must make a return visit for a more authentic Rocks
experience — a classic pub tour.
Visitors can opt to take a guided 90-minute tour (which
includes three drinks) but The Economist prefers a solo pub jaunt through this area that once crawled with
“vagabonds, prostitutes and thieves.” This
tourist hot spot is no longer a haven
for scoundrels, but there are at least seven old
hotel pubs along the
Circular Quay where guests can taste the grog and get a feel of how things used to be. All this, and amazing views of
the water too. I’d give anything to be on The Rocks right now.