[6] The original buildings were first traditional vernacular houses, of wattle and daub, with thatched roofs, and later of local sandstone, from which the area derives its name.

[6] From the earliest history of the settlement, the area had a reputation as a slum and the arriving convicts' side of town, often frequented by visiting sailors and prostitutes.

[6] More than 3,800 houses, buildings and wharves were inspected and hundreds demolished, but the continuation of these plans were brought to a halt due to the outbreak of World War I.

The residents' group requested a green ban from the Builder's Labourers Federation, who had become increasingly active in preventing controversial developments over the previous four years.

[citation needed] Liberal Premier Robert Askin was in the midst of an election campaign, and used the protests as a means of conveying his law and order message to voters.

[citation needed] However, the green ban stayed in place until 1975 when the state union leadership was overthrown and was ultimately successful, as can be seen in the buildings that survive today.

[12] Overall, The Rocks continues to be an important part of Sydney's cultural landscape, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant contemporary scene.

46.4% of people were born in Australia with the next most common countries of birth including England at 7.6%, China (excluding Special Administrative Regions (SARs) and Taiwan) at 5.1%, New Zealand at 2.7%, the United States of America 2.7%, and India 2.5%.

[116] The close proximity to Circular Quay and the views of the iconic Harbour Bridge, as well as the historic nature of many of the buildings, makes the Rocks very popular with tourists.

The terraces in various states of modernity show the evolution of occupation over 150 years The Rocks, as it was in 1873, is the setting for the time-slip portion of the novel Playing Beatie Bow.