| a day discovering treasures in dozens of quaint | | | | The history of dining at The Rocks goes back a long |
| speciality stores, galleries and boutiques in The Rocks | | | | way. The excavation of a campfire on the site of the |
| where antiques and vintage wares can be found | | | | current Shangri–La hotel has revealed that, more |
| alongside modern products made from authentic | | | | than 500 years ago, a group of Aborigines forgot |
| Australian materials such as lamb’s wool and | | | | some of Australia’s the Cadigal tribe prepared |
| native timbers. You will find known labels, jewels of | | | | a tempting meal of bream, rock oysters and other |
| every description, duty free fashion and beauty | | | | shellfish there – no doubt enjoying the superb |
| merchandise, and galleries boutiques with everything | | | | views across Sydney Harbour. |
| from hand made puppets to indigenous art. | | | | Today, the views are just as spectacular while the |
| The Rocks Markets, held every Saturday and Sunday | | | | eating options have expanded – you can still get |
| (and Fridays nights in November) at the northern end | | | | fresh seafood, of course, but now you can choose |
| of George Street, is perfect for gift and souvenir | | | | from Japanese, Chinese, German, Thai, modern |
| shopping-it has more the 150 stalls selling quality exotic | | | | Australian and a raft of pub, bistro and café |
| crafts, home wares, jewellery and Australian-designed | | | | fare. |
| goods, and it all takes place in the shadow of the | | | | For fine dining, don’t even bother trying to |
| Sydney Harbour Bridge. | | | | decide between modern French delights at Quay, the |
| The sheepskin Shop moved to its present location in | | | | delicious contemporary Australian cuisine at Rockpool |
| The Rocks {139 George Street} in 1958 from its | | | | or Yoshii Ryuichi’s innovative |
| original base in the south-eastern pylon of the Sydney | | | | “Kaiseki” style Japanese at Yoshi |
| Harbour Bridge. They prefer suppliers from Australia | | | | –set your sight on all three. The experience ay |
| and New Zealand using only the highest quality skins, | | | | each contrasting There are plenty of other places to |
| leathers and fibres in their merchandise. Their range | | | | indulge your palate in the Rocks, fine Italian dinning, |
| includes sheepskins, sheepskin coats, sheepskins | | | | Sailors Thai –ranked as Australia’s best |
| footwear, Akubra hats, oilskin coats; kangaroo, calf | | | | Thai Restaurant by the country’s national |
| hide and crocodile leather wallets, belts and | | | | restaurant association and a favourite of the food |
| accessories. Leather goods carried include riding boots, | | | | critics the world over-and Wildfire which boasts one of |
| stockwhips, drover’s bags, briefcases, | | | | the country’s best wine lists. |
| handbags, coats, belts, hats, wallets and key rings, | | | | You can also nestle in at Castle cove-where the |
| together with an extensive collection of handcrafted | | | | views are second to none-and enjoy some of |
| exotic leather articles. | | | | Sydney’s best seafood at waterfront or a |
| There is plenty to discover at the Crystal Gallery at | | | | prime Hereford beef steak at Wolfie’s grill. The |
| Nurses walk. Established in 1987, The Crystal Gallery | | | | Rocks harbours a multitude of cosy cafes, perfect for |
| has a wide variety if crystals sourced from all over the | | | | breakfast, a casual lunch or coffee and cake any time |
| world, both on display and to buy. For spiritual shopping | | | | of the day. |
| experience be sure to stop in at the Crystal Gallery. | | | | |