Travel to Sydney Australia

January 26, 1788. That is when the first British settlers arrived in Australia, on the western side of Circular Quay in Sydney. They arrived at an area now known as 'The Rocks'.

In the last 200 years much has changed. Long populated by convicts and prostitutes, beginning in the early 19th century the cobblestone streets evolved into a quaint historical shopping and dining area.

During the 1970s there was rapid development of the area as a tourist attraction, similar to many such projects in major cities around the world.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life a desire to see how the world used to live arose. (At least, a romanticized version.) That opportunity is available in abundance at The Rocks. These city blocks, adjacent to the Sydney Opera House, house dozens of things to see and do.

The oldest house in Sydney is Cadman Cottage, built in 1816. Sited on George Street, the main street running through The Rocks, it now houses the National Park Information Centre.

The cottage isn't the only piece of interesting architecture in the area, however. There are several. The Old Police Station, Coachhouse, Bond Store and Puppet Cottage, and many more are found along streets only providing an easy walk from one to the next.

Also in the neighborhood is the Art Deco building housing the Museum of Contemporary Art, along with the 19th century Sydney Observatory, not far from the Sydney Dance Company and the Sydney Theatre.

Garrison Church is in The Rocks area. It was built in 1840 for the soldiers to attend church, it is still in use today. There's also an historical and military museum housed inside.

Another historical site worth visiting is Susannah Place, from 58-64 Gloucester Street. Visitors will get a first hand look at how middle class families lived in the mid-1800s by wandering through these houses. Incorporated in the set of buildings is a re-created store from 1915.

Continue the historical tour by stepping into the Sydney Visitors Centre, inside the old Sailors' Home, built in 1864. It was once a sanctuary where poor sailors could get a bed and a meal for little or nothing.

After all that walking you're going to want a good meal. The only difficulty in solving that problem in The Rocks is there are so many choices.

Budgets encompass everything from Pancakes on the Rocks to Rockpool. At Rockpool, diners can get fine seafood from the Australian Gourmet Traveler Restaurant of the Year. But at a steep price.

Pancakes at the Pancakes on the Rocks are only a few dollars. For those who want a fine lunch, check out the Löwenbräu Keller, an authentic Bavarian restaurant located in what was once a cellar.

Head out for some shopping once you're refreshed. The Rocks Market at the far northern end of George Street is open every weekend. There are over 150 canopied covered stalls filled with jewelry, arts and crafts, and dozens more items to take home.

With so much to see you will need to spend several days visiting the area because you won't be able to do it all in one day.