A walk plus a climb at The Rocks

 

From Cockatoo Island, the ferry ride was about 20 minutes to Circular Quay. On our arrival at Wharf 5, Malcolm casually told Ben and I to be ready to climb steps, much like how we should do at Batu Caves [The word Batu in Malay, means stone or rock.]

 

A section of popular dining spots at The Rocks

My mind flashed to a vision of that massive staircase of 272 steep steps from the base to the temple cave, a challenging climb for anyone due to the humidity in weather.

 

I cannot disbelieve what Malcolm threatened us with but as humidity that morning was soaring, it was rather challenging to be walking outdoors, let alone climb.

 

As it was a weekend, he was pleased that the Rocks Market was open so that I may have an experience of another one of Sydney’s tourist attractions. We saw a bit of it (he said we will browse later) as we followed his lead to where he had in mind for lunch, at one of his favourite watering holes in the city.

 

Archway to a steep flight of stairs!

Our lunch destination was The Glenmore Hotel on Cumberland Street. It was about a 1.4km walk uphill from The Rocks, through the stone archway and up the Argyle Stairs, a steep climb of more steps before we reached Cumberland Street.

 

Many people were waiting in the alfresco section as the pub was not yet open for lunch so Malcolm decided that we should take a walk on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and led us across the road to the bottom of the Bridge Stairs.

 

I let the guys start going up
the Bridge Stairs

When I looked up at that wide flight of stairs, I let the father and son start the climb while I paused to catch my breath. Finally, I was at the (bottom of the) iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

 

I know of adventurous people who have done the Harbour Bridge Climb (for a fee!) but now I was about to embark on my own climb – up the stairs – to reach the Bridge.

 

Now cousin Malcolm, who has earned the dubious reputation as a bargain-hunter and budget-buyer, is one who shamelessly seeks out the best buys and who even does not mind if that rump of meat had passed its ‘Best Before’ date.

 

When I made it to the top of the stairs and joined the guys at road level, on the walkway which leads to the bridge, Malcolm welcomed me to what he dubbed the ‘Bridge Walk’ and added, “the budget version!”

 

At the road level pathway to the Bridge

He was of the opinion that we will enjoy the same beautiful view of Sydney from the Bridge on road level, similar to that from the Bridge Climb. He said the only difference was that their view was from a higher elevation and that it costs a fee!

 

He said locals (like him!) enjoy the views free-of-charge whenever they walked across the Bridge. So there we were, scorched by the almost-midday sun, on the walkway towards the first pylon of the Harbor Bridge.

 

Father and son, Malcolm and Benjamin,
on the Bridge Walk with me

No, I am no Puteri Lilin (English for: Candle Princess, a phrase in Malay used to describe women who avoided the sun’s rays) but I was grateful for my hat and sunglasses because I was wilting and almost melting away in the scorching heat.

 

Even though the wind was blowing, the overhead sun was very, very hot. After capturing a few photo mementoes, we made an about turn and walked back to The Glenmore Hotel.

 

To reach his favourite pub café, The Glenmore – At the Rooftop, there was yet another climb. This time on narrow carpeted stairs, up three levels to the rooftop.

 

View of the iconic Sydney Opera House
from our Bridge Walk

By then, I was sweating buckets. It was so good to sit down and enjoy refreshing drinks before looking at the menu to place our lunch orders.

 

I was not counting but we probably covered some 272 steps plus stairs, pretty much like climbing the steps of the Batu Caves!

 

This pub café, according to Malcolm, was a favourite chillout spot for him. It was less noisy before but now that it had gained popularity, the music was loud and the crowd was even louder.

 

Memorial plaque at the first pylon on the Bridge

Refreshed, rested and revived after our light lunch, we made our way down to The Rocks to explore and experience the Rocks Market.

 

While walking down to Cambridge Street we paused to look at heritage buildings like the charming Susannah Place (since 1844) that still maintained its hewn rocks steps at the rear of the building.

 

As I explored the Rocks Market, I saw that it was no ordinary Day Market but more of a tourist destination for designer fashion, handicrafts and artisanal products.

 

Heading to Glenmore Hotel for lunch 
at the Rooftop pub cafe 

I do so enjoy markets so I took my time to browse around to enjoy the touristy vibe as merchants promoted their products and shoppers chose their souvenirs.

 

A large section of the market was sheltered under tents while the open section close to the underside of the Bridge was for stalls that served food and beverage. It was a well curated market, especially for the food, where a range of cuisine was available.

 

I watched as a group of Asian women sipped on coloured drinks, exchanging the tumblers among them in an attempt to figure out what was the flavour of each coloured drink.

 

A browse at the Rocks Markets

The aroma of sizzling barbecued meat filled the air from the stall that boasted of Authentic Australian BBQ, illustrated by drawings of creatures that resembled a cross among lamb, emu, crocodile, chicken and kangaroo, for an exotic choice of meat.

 

For the hungry but less adventurous palates, they may pick from Aussie, Columbian, Italian, Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese or Korean street food.

 

Tables and barstools were arranged under the Bridge (which used to be a carpark) for people to chillout over drinks and snacks, while enjoying the shade, the breeze and views of Sydney Harbour.

 

Malcolm was determined to show me, Sydney’s Oldest Pub, so he led us to the Fortune of War on George Street, within Sydney’s historic birthplace, The Rocks.

 

See [Bottom Right] their wall cladding that 
resembled bathroom tiles

Before billboards and promo posters were put up, the façade of this old pub was visible. Now only a small section can be seen: their wall cladding of square, smooth and shiny green tiles, much like bathroom tiles.

 

Inside, a poster provided relevant info which read like this:

 

“In the last century, there were six pubs in this block, catering for local people and sailors and passengers from the sailing ships moored in Sydney Cove. The only one still licensed is the Fortune of War.

 

Our walk-plus-climb was around
this area at The Rocks

The old pub was demolished in 1920 and the existing Fortune was built in 1922.”

 

Reputed as an institution, this destination continues to attract visitors and is a must-visit place for heritage buffs at The Rocks.

 

Tired but elated, I was more than pleased that I was able to match the father and son in terms of ability in our walk-plus-climb at The Rocks which started at Cockatoo Island this morning.

 

As we headed back to Wharf 5 to catch a ferry to return to Cabarita, Malcolm said we should sit inside for air-conditioned comfort. Thanks guys, for a fun and memorable outing together.

 

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