Hey, mate�this is not likely to be a modern popular place where wedding couples go to tie the knot or have a wedding reception. Imagine � �Wedding on The Rocks ?� Bad connotations, mate. Anyway, The Rocks is a very historical place of Sydney�s, and is named after the sandstone peninsula in Dawes Point - and is Australia�s first European settlement area. [see map of The Rocks area]
For many years, until comparatively recently, it had a reputation as a place of brawling, hard drinking, whoring (hmmm) and villainy. It was one of Sydney�s most squalid and dangerous quarters, a Dickensian warren of warehouses, grog shops and brothels. Cadman�s Cottage, located here in The Rocks precinct, is believed to be Sydney�s oldest building. Another popular tourist attraction is Susannah's Place. An outbreak of bubonic plague in 1900 was a particular low-light in The Rocks sordid history.
But all these infamous past does no harm whatsoever to The Rocks present status as a tourist mecca! Today the pubs, restaurants and terraces of The Rocks are glossily painted and polished, full of upmarket stores selling Aboriginal arts, opals and tourist souvenirs. Even the fascinating full replica of HMS Bounty ship is now moored off The Rocks. It is a sightseeing cum restaurant cum corporate training resource! [see panorama of The Rocks along the Campbell Cove section, and HMS Bounty]
The Rocks area was actually due to be leveled for redevelopment in the 1970s � but there was fierce resistance from residents and academics, and the project was thwarted when the construction unions, led by activist Jack Mundey, refused to start work. This was the beginning of the green movement to preserve whatever was atmospheric about Old Sydney. Thank goodness for all these, mate! If not, there won�t be much history to show off!
[NEXT: The Royal Botanical Garden]
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