This August, The Rocks invites Sydneysiders to indulge in a month-long celebration of food, flavour, and discovery with Unlock The Rocks. From Friday, 1 August, to Sunday, 31 August 2025, Sydney’s oldest harbourside precinct will transform into a vibrant winter wonderland, offering everything from $25 cocktail and canapé pairings to live jazz, seafood feasts, native ingredient showcases, and budget-friendly eats.
With over 20 venues, 50 offers, and weekly activations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Follow the Flavour Trails
Unlock The Rocks features five self-guided foodie trails, each offering a unique culinary experience across the precinct. Whether you’re in the mood for cocktails, cheese, seafood, or coffee, there’s a trail to match your cravings:
- The Cocktail Trail: Back for its third year, this popular trail features 21 venues offering $25 cocktail and canapé pairings. Highlights include Fortune of War’s tropical Palm Tree Passion with a potato scallop, Frank Mac’s Irish whiskey highball with a pulled pork slider, and Le Foote’s gin martini with smoked pepper tartine.
- The Cheese Trail: A dream for cheese lovers, with delights like Basque cheesecake at ASLAN Coffee Roasters, a triple-cheese toastie at Harrington St Deli, and a charcuterie platter with truffle honey at Mrs Jones.
- The Seafood Trail: Celebrate the ocean with buttery lobster at Le Foote, a three-course seafood feast at Tayim, and oysters paired with martinis at The Cut.
- The Native Ingredients Trail: Discover the unique flavours of Australia with dishes like kangaroo rump steak at The Orient and emu and kangaroo pizza at The Australian Heritage Hotel.
- The Coffee Trail: Warm up with specialty brews like La Renaissance’s white winter mocha or Aslan’s fingerlime-infused cold brew.
Easy Eats & Happy Hours
For those looking to treat themselves without breaking the bank, Easy Eats & Happy Hours offers incredible food and drink deals throughout August. Enjoy $19.90 steaks at The Glenmore Hotel, $12 cheeseburgers on Tuesdays, $1 wings on Wednesdays, and $8 house spirits during Hickson House’s happy hour from Tuesday to Friday. With over 60 venues participating, there’s no shortage of budget-friendly options.
Unlock The Rocks Weekend: 23–24 August
The highlight of the month is the Unlock The Rocks Weekend, a free, precinct-wide celebration on Saturday, 23 August, and Sunday, 24 August. Start your adventure at First Fleet Park, where you’ll find artisanal food stalls, NSW wineries, and live jazz performances from acts like the Kate Wadey Quintet and the Lauren White Quartet. Sample three wines for just $5 or enjoy a glass from $10, paired with fresh oysters, award-winning cheddar, and charcuterie.
Continue the fun with a live jazz trail across venues like The Rawson and Le Foote, free beer tastings at The Australian Heritage Hotel, and more delicious offers. It’s the perfect way to soak up the heritage charm and community spirit of The Rocks.
The Rocks Markets & Taste Trail Foodie Tours
The Rocks Markets return every Friday from 8 August, featuring artisan goods, fresh food, and handcrafted treats. On 9–10 August, the markets partner with Clove for hands-on masterclasses and foodie demos, including egg-based baking with Anneka Manning and Sri Lankan curry demos by Nip Cooks.
For an intimate foodie experience, join the Taste Trail Foodie Tours. These guided tours take you through the markets, offering artisan pizza, creamy fudge, mulled wine, and more. Tickets are $35 per person and include a $20 voucher to spend at the markets.
Jazz Sessions & The Late Set
Every Thursday night in August, The Rocks Square comes alive with free Jazz Sessions from 6pm–8:30pm. Enjoy performances by top local talent like Peter Koopman and Sarah Purdon, paired with $12 Gin Jazz & Tonics or $25 Sip & Snack Bundles.
Win a Night at The Russell Boutique Hotel
As part of the celebration, Sydneysiders can enter to win a boutique overnight escape at The Russell Boutique Hotel. The prize includes a one-night stay for two, breakfast at Bistro 1828, and complimentary drinks. Entries are open from 28 July to 31 August 2025 on The Unlock The Rocks website.
Plan Your Visit
Unlock The Rocks runs from 1–31 August 2025. With its mix of food trails, live music, markets, and budget-friendly flavours, it’s the perfect excuse to rediscover one of Sydney’s most iconic harbourside precincts. For more information, maps, and updates, visit therocks.com.