Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
THE BIG DIG
bonic plague in the early 20th century and the subsequent slum clearances, this section of
The Rocks was a warren of houses connected by tiny lanes. It then spent decades covered
by a car park, until 1994 when archaeologists commenced what turned into a 15-year dig,
uncovering cobblestones, foundations and little treasures along the way.
Displays bring the ruins to life, including photos of children at play on the very cobble-
stones on which you're standing.
SUEZ CANAL
( Circular Quay)
One of few remaining such lanes, the Suez Canal tapers as it goes down-
hill until it's less than a metre wide (thus the name, which is also a pun on the word 'sew-
ers'). Constructed in the 1840s, it was notorious as a lurking point for members of the
Rocks Push, a street gang that relieved many a drunk of their wallet in the latter part of the
19th century.
STREET
Where it intersects Nurses Walk there's a hoist once used for hauling goods to the upper
floors.
GALLERY
KEN DONE GALLERY
work of Sydney artist Ken Done is exhibited inside the lavishly restored Australian Steam
Navigation Building. Expect luridly coloured Australian landscapes, Opera House render-
ings and comic minutiae from Done's days. Help prop up his ailing empire (recently de-
valued from $61 million to around $8 million) with a visit to his shop just down the road.
CAMPBELL'S STOREHOUSES
(7 Circular Quay West; Circular Quay)
In 1839, Scottish merchant Robert Campbell started
building a private wharf and this gingerbread-style row of 11 storehouses to house his
stash of tea, alcohol, sugar and fabric. Construction didn't finish until 1861, and a brick
storey was added in 1890. Such storehouses were common around Circular Quay into the
early 20th century, but most have been demolished.
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
These survivors now sustain a string of pricey restaurants.
