Doss House

Circular Quay & The Rocks


With a curious origin story involving two Irish pals, a lottery win and a hostel in Peru, this hidden-away jewel is an atmospheric Rocks basement space. Historic sandstone melds seamlessly with a romantic, cosy interior studded with venerable furniture and lined with whisky bottles. There's a serious malt menu as well as delicious cocktails and attractively tiled seating in the narrow courtyard.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Circular Quay & The Rocks attractions

1. Rocks Discovery Museum

0.02 MILES

Divided into four displays – Warrane (pre-1788), Colony (1788–1820), Port (1820–1900) and Transformations (1900 to the present) – this small, excellent…

2. Cadman’s Cottage

0.02 MILES

Built in 1816 for Superintendent of Government Boats John Cadman (a former convict with a commuted death sentence for horse theft), this is the inner city…

3. Ken Done Gallery

0.05 MILES

The cheerful, quasi-childlike work of Sydney artist Ken Done is exhibited inside the lavishly restored Australian Steam Navigation Building. Expect…

4. Foundation Park

0.05 MILES

Thought-provoking Foundation Park is set among the preserved ruins of 1870s houses, built against the cliff face. The oversized furniture by artist Peter…

5. Suez Canal

0.07 MILES

One of few remaining such lanes, the Suez Canal tapers downhill until less than a metre wide (hence the name, also a pun on the word 'sewers')…

6. Overseas Passenger Terminal

0.07 MILES

Multi-storey luxury cruise ships anchor at this large terminal, disgorging hordes of shaky-legged tourists onto the Quay. For a killer harbour view, head…

7. Museum of Contemporary Art

0.1 MILES

The MCA is a showcase for Australian and international contemporary art, with a rotating permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Aboriginal art…

8. Argyle Cut

0.11 MILES

Convict labourers excavated this canyon-like section of road clear through the sandstone ridge that gave the Rocks its name. The work began in 1843 with…