This is our last night in Australia.   Zeb and Eider are taking the humans to The Rocks.

Going to The Rocks

This was Sydney’s first European settlement near Circular Quay at Sydney Harbor.   It has been renovated and now it is a “place to be”.   First stop is Cadman’s Cottage.

Cadmans Cottage Historic Site in Sydney

Cadman’s Cottage, built in 1816, is the oldest house in Sydney.   It once housed longboats and was the home of the last government coxswain, John Cadman.    The area, now known as The Rocks, is one street away from Sydney Harbor and Circular Quay.   These steps have been here for many years.

Well worn steps

The stones have certainly been worn over the past couple hundred years.   Crossing to the older area, we see the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the narrow streets.

Sydney Harbor Bridge from the Rocks

The bridge crosses from the harbor from the western side to the North Shore.   Here is the Observer Hotel.

Observer Hotel

The historical Rawson Institute for Seaman is in great shape.   Built in 1859, it was formerly Mariner’s Church.

Rawson Institute for Seamen

Then the Rawson Institute for Seamen.   Then it was an art gallery.    Since 2011, the building houses a bar and night club.   There are several cafes and restaurants here with outside seating.   We liked this one with the heaters.

Eat outside with heat towers

It was a cool evening.    These old buildings have been carefully maintained.

Great building. Love the red phone booth!

Check out the bright red telephone booth.   In the late 1800’s this area was a bustling business center.   Steel shod horses and carriages put much dirt and dust into the air, causing problems for pedestrians and shopkeepers.   They needed streets with a firm, stable surface and good traction, that wouldn’t make too much noise.    The solution was woodblocks.

Streets made of woodblocks

Australian class 1 hardwoods, including blue gum, red gum, ironbark, blackbutt, tallowwood, mahogany and turpentine worked best.   They were durable, looked good and minimized noise and dust.   There was an ample local supply of wood and the streets were washed every night.   We really liked the silhouettes of blue lights in the alley.

Great silhouettes

The old buildings are just great.

Great old buildings

We liked The Rocks, but if it had been a warm evening, we would have spent more time here.   Maybe we can come back in the spring or summer??