The Rocks and the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority 1970–88

Abstract

The Rocks area has been settled since the day of the arrival of the First Fleet. It was not an easy area to settle because of the high rocky terrain and steep slopes which made the construction of proper roads and drainage a difficult task. It had one major attraction though, its proximity to the waterfront. The Rocks soon became a collection of unsanitary hovels and taverns catering for seafarers from all parts of the world. In 1810 the Judge Advocate listed some fifty taverns licensed in Sydney the majority of which were in The Rocks. Traffic went through narrow alleys and steps barely wide enough for two people to pass.