Forage The Rocks is serving up a feast of adventurous food and drink this August

Whether you're kickstarting your night or winding it down, delight in an epic $25 cocktail and canapé deal available at not one, but 13 of The Rock’s finest bars. Warm up by the fire in the Doss House’s underground bar with an Irish Coffee, plus a three-cheese or glazed ham toastie. Journey on to for-purpose bar, Daintree Sydney's Japanese izakaya pop-up Izy Aki, for a Gumnut Negroni with a lion’s mane mushroom skewer, or hit the dance floor at the Argyle with a Mandarin and Coconut Chilli Margarita plus five dumplings. Then, end your night upstairs on the terrace bar at Mrs Jones with an Apple Crumble Cocktail in one hand and a brownie in the other. You have every excuse to come back night after night in August and try a different bar on the cocktail trail each time.

Journey through The Rocks and explore the culinary precinct’s top-tier food offerings with a curated selection of Sydney’s Signature Dishes. Crowned as “the hottest opening of the year”, Le Foote is sure to impress with its beef tartare, loaded with parmesan and topped with egg yolk. The 1.5kg dry-aged tomahawk steak at 6Head is as impressive as the steakhouse’s waterfront views, just like the succulent Peking duck at Bar Lulu is elevated by the bar’s chic ambience. Save room for signature desserts like Tayim’s traditional knafeh tart, Sake’s decadent dragon egg, La Renaissance Café’s rich crème brûlée and Pancakes on the Rocks’ famous stacks.

Don’t let the rising cost of living stop you from hitting the town and having fun. You’ll find some of Sydney’s cheapest eats hiding in The Rocks’ cobblestone laneways, which are sure to fill your heart without emptying your pockets. Highlights include $2 taco Tuesday and 10 cent wing Wednesday at El Camino; $2 oysters and $7 prosecco at the Glenmore on Thursday; $19.50 steak Friday at the Orient Hotel; and unlimited antipasto on weekdays from 4-6pm at Mode Kitchen and Bar. You’ll want to try it all – and when it’s this cheap, there’s no reason to hold back.

Make the most of the spectacular winter sun with a picnic under the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge at Dawes Point Park. This is a picnic you can feel good about with all funds from your $25 picnic basket being donated to The Rocks’ charity partners including not-for-profit food incubator FoodLab Sydney (August 19 and 20) and food rescue organisation OzHarvest (August 26 and 27). Fill up your basket with a selection of sample-sized goodies available to purchase and unwind in comfort with free picnic blankets and cushions set out on the grass, while taking in the stunning harbour views.

Australian seafood and Irish culture collide at the Doss House’s inaugural, free Oyster and Guinness Festival on Saturday, 26 August and Sunday, 27 August. Hosted throughout the sandstone courtyards off Kendall Lane, you’ll be embraced by the soul-stirring essence of Ireland with traditional music, pottery and story-telling. A true Irish festival would be incomplete without a rich pint of Guinness, expertly paired with creamy Sydney Rock Oysters for free tastings. You can also enjoy Irish spirits from one of the pop-up bars, book a ticketed tasting session at the Doss House or Frank Macs, and enjoy food from Colin Fassnidge including pig on a spit, colcannon turnovers (Irish mashed potatoes), and beef and Guinness pies. 

It’s all happening at The Rocks this August with everything from premium tasting experiences and cocktail masterclasses to bottomless brunches and fancy degustations. Immerse yourself in some liquid education with a gin masterclass at Frank Macs, a whisky masterclass at Luna Lu, or a distillery tour at one of Sydney’s best gin makers Hickson House. If you prefer to sit back and relax, then why not treat yourself to a truffle degustation at Mode; an old-vine tasting experience at Château Tanunda; or a luxury cocktail experience for two with a private bartender at Bar Lulu.