Summer at The Rocks

What could be better on a balmy night than watching a classic summer film under the stars? Not much we say. Laneway Cinema is your chance to catch a classic summer film outdoors under twinkling stars and surrounded by golden sandstone buildings.

Eat gourmet street food, browse curated artisanal goods and meet the local makers. The Rocks Markets are open all summer long, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. Come and meet the local makers, creatives and characters in the sunshine. Wander from stall to stall, browsing curated artisanal wares and tasting gourmet street food with stunning Harbourside views as a backdrop.

Australia Day is all about sunshine, good times and celebrating the diversity of our amazing country. The Rocks has all that and more with free live music, roving entertainment and an international foodie fair.

Stay up late with the MCA as open their doors until the sun sets on the working week. Take your time to stroll through the incredible free exhibitions or take in spectacular views at their rooftop cafe over a drink.

Warriors, activists, Elders, dancers. Let Aunty Barbara McGrady guide you through the true experiences of First Nation people at this stunning exhibition at The Rocks Discovery Museum

Aboriginal Artist, Wayne Qulliam's latest works is hauntingly in tune with the NAIDOC week theme of 'Heal Country' as he translates dreamstate spiritual symbology into conscious connection. 

Frosty crafted brews fresh from the keg, seating in the sun and a menu of elevated pub fare. Endeavour Tap Room is the ultimate summer watering hole, perfect for long lunches, Christmas parties and quick drinks. This little gem is hiding on Argyle Street in a light and airy heritage building, with shaded outdoor seating, and an onsite brewery. Grab a seat in the sun and taste beer straight from the tank, wine from the keg and even espresso martini on tap if you fancy.

If you’re partial to a botanical spirit, then head to Frank Mac’s which is undoubtedly one of the best gin bars in Sydney, with a selection of over 100 botanicals to choose from. If botanicals aren’t striking your fancy, there’s also a generous list of whiskey, wines, vermouths and other spirits, alongside ice cold Aussie beer on tap.

Set in the soaring brickwork and girders of the former Saatchi & Saatchi garage and a stones throw away from Sydney Harbour, Hickson House the home of a craft spirit distillery. A visit to Hickson House this Summer will certainly leave an impression. The distillery stills and barrels sit alongside an impressive bar and dining space and to help quench the thirst there is an extensive drinks list featuring Gin cocktails and martinis!

One of the oldest pubs in Australia, with a massive craft beer menu and sunny outdoor seating. The Australian Heritage Hotel is one of Sydney’s oldest pubs, home to one of our all-time favourite al-fresco dining areas. Summer doesn’t get any better than a table in the sun in their outdoor area, a kangaroo pizza and one of their 130-strong craft beer menu. Before you book your end of year shenanigans, check out their New Years Eve party with all you can eat pizza and live DJs.

Is this the best summer rooftop bar in Sydney? We’ll let you be the judge. The Glenmore has a lot to offer this summer. It oozes heritage charm, has a menu packed with sophisticated but comforting Aussie classics and pours brilliant cocktails. But the best thing about the Glenmore in summer is, without doubt, their incredible rooftop. The expansive, sunny terrace looks out over the harbour and the Opera House, and often buzzes with the sounds of live DJs.

A massive heritage venue featuring sunny sandstone courtyard, cocktail jugs and live DJs. Inside a gigantic heritage space in the heart of The Rocks, you’ll find the ultimate summer playground: The Argyle. The venue includes six bars set over two levels, a sunny sandstone courtyard and several lounge spaces. Their summer event roster includes trivia every Tuesday, an epic New Years Eve party and a 3-hour long happy hour, Tuesday to Sunday from 4pm!

Harbour views, frozen margaritas and delicious Tex Mex food make for the ultimate summer fiesta. El Camino Cantina is a Tex Mex bar and restaurant famous for their colourful fiestas, frozen margaritas, free sombreros and the harbour views from their airy terrace. Their holiday event calendar is looking stacked with 10c Wings Wednesday, Taco Tuesday and weekday happy hours from 4-6pm.

The Orient Hotel and Mrs Jones are ready for summer! They’re mixing a crafted selection of summer cocktails including Aperol Spritz, Spiced Blood Orange Margs and the old favourit Pimms. These tipples promise to go down well in their sunny outdoor dining area on Argyle Street.

Live piano on weekends, serious cocktails and heritage vibes. What’s not to like? The Push is a cozy heritage space hiding on the ground floor of the Russel Boutique Hotel in The Rocks. The locals behind the bar know how to mix a cocktail, and the menu features delicious Australian classics from chicken schnitty to fish and chips. This is the perfect space for an afterwork tipple, a summer function or even your office Christmas party!

One of Sydney’s oldest hotels is now home to one of its biggest summer beer gardens. There are few better places to be during the silly season than in The Mercantile Hotel’s beer garden with a frosty, frothy pint in hand. Add in live music every Sunday, delicious Irish fare and you’ve got a recipe for a truly memorable summer evening.

Sydney’s oldest pub is hosting live music all summer in their beer garden. The Fortune of War is one of Sydney and Australia’s oldest continually licensed pubs, with almost two centuries of history. You’ll find it on George Street right near the waterfront in The Rocks pouring cold craft beer, wines and cocktails. They’re hosting live music in their lush beer garden all summer.

A remnant of the old Sydney is hidden away underground at 77/79 George Street. This mysterious, subterranean space used to be an opium den, a doctor’s surgery and a gambling hall, but today it’s home to a whiskey and cocktail lounge. Enter down from the street into the cool surrounds of The Doss House and enjoy a refreshing whiskey hi-ball, delicious dram or your cocktail of your choice. If you’d rather soak in the sun, head to the sailor’s garden - the Doss Houses’s sunny outdoor courtyard.