The Rocks
The Rocks, where Sydney's history began, paints the times of the earliest settlers with its sandstone rock-carved cottages and cobblestone streets and laneways. Even after undergoing such metamorphosis over the years, town planners were still able to preserve the character and heritage of The Rocks while achieving urbanization and promotion of tourism for this place.
Attractions include historical and heritage walks and visits, shopping for craft and souvenirs, boutique shops, and art galleries visits. Historic pubs and street or courtyard cafes offer refreshments.
The Rocks is also home to some of the Sydney's cultural symbols, including the Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company, Museum of Contemporary Art, the Merchants' House (a children's museum), and the S.H. Irvin Gallery.
This precinct is also Sydney's gourmet heartland housing more than 70 restaurants and cafes. From modern Australian cuisine to exotic Thai seafood, you will find eateries to suit everyone's tastes and preferences.
The Rocks Market operate every weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 6 p.m. in summer months. Over 100 stalls are set up under a series of sail-like canopies and they are filled with a wide range of Australia gift ideas, homeware, collectibles, and handcrafts.
Art Gallery of New South Wales
This art gallery was established in 1874 and has occupied its present building since 1897. It is one of Australia's foremost art museums with significant collections of Australian, European, Asian, and Contemporary Art, photographic works, and a strong collection of prints and drawings. Recently, the Art Gallery opened the Yiribana Gallery, which is the largest permanent exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art in the world. There are also temporary exhibitions with lectures, films, performances, and special events held at the gallery throughout the year.
Among its priceless collections are fine works by Pablo Picasso, Domenico Beccafumi, and Australia's Tom Roberts. There are also exhibits such as the Pukumani Grave Posts carved by Tiwi people of Melville Island in 1958 and the Guardians from Tang Dynasty, which are part of a collection highlighting different traditions, periods and cultures from the many countries of Asia.
Facilities in the gallery include a library, souvenir shop, restaurants and cafes, guided tours, and study rooms for print, drawings, and photographs. The Study Room Assistant will attend to and supervise visitors.
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