Unlock The Rocks
01
Aug
31
Aug
Dine all August

Unlock The Rocks

Follow your senses into a month-long feast of flavour and discovery. This August, every doorway in The Rocks hides something worth savouring. Come hungry, leave happy.
When
Saturday,
01 Aug 2026
Monday,
31 Aug 2026

The weather may be chilly, but The Rocks is heating up. All August, follow the historic laneways of Sydney's most charming neighbourhood and uncover delicious discoveries around every turn. 

It all starts here, Unlock The Rocks kicks off with dining in August, with even more to unlock as the season unfolds.

Sip your way through the popular $25 cocktail and canape trail. Tuck into easy eats and happy hours that go easy on the wallet, and push open 10+ new doors that you may not have walked through yet. Wander through The Rocks Markets for hot food and handmade treasures, then unwind at Picnic under the Bridge with 180-degree harbour views. 

Great food, good company and a whole month to savour it. Ready to discover something new? Come and Unlock The Rocks.

The Cocktail Trail

Back for another round. Sip and savour expertly paired cocktails and canapes for just $25 at 20 enticing venues.
Unlock the ultimate cocktail adventure, available all month long.

Love Italian? Pair an Amante Spritz with focaccia and salumi at Grappa. After something heartier? Sink into a lamb cutlet and a Negroni at Pony Dining. Craving a proper pub feed? Tuck into a Beef and Guinness Pie at The Mercantile. In the mood for a fiesta? Grab a loaded taco and a Pocket Rocket Rita at El Camino. And save room for something sweet — a cocktail and a sticky date pudding at The Cut.

With pairings to suit every taste, you won't taste it all in one visit. So come once, come often, and sip your way through The Rocks.
Find out more

Easy Eats & Happy Hours

Feeling the pinch? We got you. The Rocks has fantastic deals all August long so you can treat yourself without breaking the bank. Dive into $1 wings at The Glenmore Hotel every Wednesday, and a $10 seafood snack pack at Hooked & Harvest, or enjoy a $15 Teriyaki Chicken Donburi lunch special. Fancy lunch with a view? Take advantage of Como's $39pp 2-course Italian express lunch. From daily specials to unbeatable happy hour deals all week long, enjoy delicious food and drinks that won’t bust your budget.

What's On

This August, discover must-do events and unforgettable experiences in The Rocks, and create lasting memories with friends and family. 
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The Rocks Markets
Make the most of your weekend, or get a head start on Friday, at The Rocks Markets. Open Friday to Sunday, these iconic markets bring together local designers, artists, makers and food vendors in Sydney’s historic harbourside precinct. Browse handcrafted goods, unique gifts and original artworks, enjoy live music and soak up stunning harbour views. With gourmet street food, sweet treats and plenty to explore, The Rocks Markets offers the perfect day out.
Find out more
Saturday & Sunday
Picnic under The Bridge
Discover Sydney’s best-kept picnic spot at Dawes Point Park in The Rocks. After exploring The Rocks Markets, relax on complimentary picnic rugs and cushions while enjoying stunning harbour views beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Grab delicious food and drinks from the markets and enjoy the perfect weekend picnic. No bookings needed, 10am to 5pm.
Find out more
Every Thursday night
Jazz Sessions
Visiting on a Thursday night? Head into Jazz Sessions at The Rocks Square, open from 6pm - 8.30pm to enjoy sweet tunes by musicians from the Aussie Jazz scene, before exploring one of the many food and drink trails available throughout the month. 
Find out more
Sunday 30 August, 2pm
Free Philter Beer Tasting at The Aussie
Beer lovers are invited to The Aussie for a free beer tasting hosted by Sydney's local independent brewer, Philter.

The Philter team will be in The Aussie pouring a selection of their favourite beers while sharing the story behind the brewery and what makes each brew unique.

Whether you're passionate about craft beer or simply looking for a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, you can sample a range of beers and chat with the team behind the brand.
Find out more
Daily from 12pm
Pasta Masterclass and Cheese Wheel Experience
Learn authentic pasta-making with Como Italian’s expert chef while discovering Italy’s rich culinary heritage. Set against Sydney Harbour’s iconic backdrop, this hands-on experience includes sparkling wine, shared dining and optional Cheese Wheel upgrade. Suitable for all skill levels.
Find out more

20 Years of Pony Dining in The Rocks

For 20 years, Pony Dining has been a cornerstone of The Rocks dining scene, welcoming generations of locals, visitors and food lovers through its doors. Renowned for its woodfired cooking, premium Australian produce and warm hospitality, the restaurant has evolved alongside the precinct while staying true to the values that made it a favourite from the very beginning.
The Insiders Guide to Unlock The Rocks
Discover the latest venue openings, inspiring places to eat and drink, and must-visit spots with stunning views. Whether you're planning a day out or looking for something new to explore, find fresh ideas and local favourites all in one place.
A New Era of Dining in The Rocks: Sydney’s Historic Precinct Reimagined
The Rocks is currently experiencing a major food and beverage evolution, with a wave of new openings and revitalised venues transforming Sydney’s oldest precinct into a dynamic culinary destination.
Read Article
The best places to dine & drink outdoors in The Rocks
Get out, grab a drink or a bite and soak in the sun at The Rocks’ best alfresco dining venues.
Read Article
The best waterfront restaurants in The Rocks
A Sydney harbour view is the perfect side to delicious food and drinks so we’re dishing up the six best waterfront restaurants in The Rocks!
Read Article

Win a night for two at The Russell Boutique Hotel!

Enter now for your chance to win an overnight stay at The Russell Boutique Hotel, including breakfast. Enjoy a relaxing night away in one of Sydney’s most charming heritage hotels, tucked away in The Rocks. Whether you're planning a catch-up, a special occasion, or simply a change of scenery, this boutique escape offers comfort, character, and a slower pace. Wake up refreshed and enjoy breakfast before making a day of it. 
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Frequently Asked Questions
Unlock The Rocks is a month-long celebration of food, drink and experiences in The Rocks, Sydney. Running from 1-31 August 2026, the campaign showcases exclusive dining deals, the popular Cocktail Trail, live entertainment, markets and unique events throughout Sydney's historic harbourside precinct.
Throughout August, The Rocks dining scene comes alive with special offers, including the $25 Cocktail Trail, budget-friendly eats, happy hour deals, lunch specials and exclusive promotions at participating restaurants, bars and pubs. It's the perfect opportunity to discover new venues and favourite local experiences in The Rocks.
Yes. Alongside great food and drink offers, Unlock The Rocks features a range of free experiences, including The Rocks Markets, Picnic Under the Bridge at Dawes Point Park and Jazz Sessions every Thursday evening in The Rocks Square.
Many experiences, including The Rocks Markets and Picnic Under the Bridge, can be enjoyed without a booking. However, some restaurants, special dining experiences and event offers may have limited availability, so checking individual venue details and reserving ahead is recommended where possible.
The Rocks is easily accessible via public transport, with trains, buses, ferries and light rail all servicing nearby areas like Circular Quay and Wynyard. 

Coming soon...

Something is unfolding in the laneways this September.
A doorway becomes a stage. A courtyard fills with jazz. A stranger becomes part of the moment. Performance, art, food and people collide and coexist — blurring the line between the curated and the accidental.