Busking at The Rocks

• Current Public Liability Insurance Certificate of $10M (Property New South Wales as an interested party)
• Proof of identification
• Parental consent (if under 18 years of age)
• A Visa or Mastercard for payment of the $20 administration fee
• A recent standard size facial photo
• A Special Busking Permit is required if the performance involves the use of dangerous materials and/or implements. Buskers must complete the Safety assessment to be issued a Special Permit or audition if required

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Pitches are not allowed to be booked or reserved. If buskers are prepared to do so, they are permitted to wait at an occupied pitch until the current busker’s two hours expires, at which time there should be a changeover of performer. To perform at the First Nations Busking Site, performers must hold a busking permit and be able to be identified as Aboriginal with accreditation from Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. 

Busking at The Rocks Markets requires additional approvals to ensure suitability for the market atmosphere. Once you have obtained your permit, pleae email buskingtherocksmarkets@property.nsw.gov.au to apply.

Applications are reviewed by The Rocks Markets team and successful applicants will demonstrate suitablility for the Markets' offering and atmosphere.

Buskers in The Rocks Markets are provided with the below: 

• Provided by The Rocks Markets:
  • A 2.4m x 2.4m shade structure
  • One parking permit
  • One meal voucher per performer
  • Power as required
• Provided by the Musician:
  • Battery-powered audio equipment.
  • Any additional performance materials.

Cancellation/No-Show Policy         

•  A cancellation/no-show policy will be outlined in the confirmation email for successful applicants. Consistent communication is expected to ensure smooth scheduling and program management. If you are unable to attend please call or text The Rocks Markets mobile 0412 271 725.

 Weather Contingency

• In the event of inclement weather buskers will be relocated or cancelled. The Rocks Markets is an all-weather market. The Rocks Markets team will make the call on the day for inclement weather and cancellations.

Amplification Guidelines

• The sound levels from a performance shall at no time disrupt business trading including retail or dining establishments, affect workplace performance or detract from residential or public amenity. Levels measured for one minute at three metres - 82dBA L10. Levels measured for one minute at six meters - 76dBA L10

Promotion and Filming Rights

• The busker shall seek prior approval from PMNSW for any filming or media coverage of the Performance.
• The busker grants PMNSW the right to record, in any manner, and without limitation, excerpts from or all of the Performance for promotional, news or archival purposes, to be used at the discretion of PMNSW at any time in the future as many times as PMNSW may determine, without further payment.

	The Rocks Markets Pitches
Pitch	Location	Friday	Friday PM	Saturday and Sunday AM	Saturday and Sunday PM
19	Cnr George St and Hickson Rd	NA	NA	NA	NA
20	Top Jack Mundey Place	11:30am - 1:30pm	1:30 - 4:30pm	11:30am - 1:30pm	1:30 - 4:30pm
21	Playfair St	NA	NA	NA	NA
22	Rocks Square	10am - 1:30pm	1:30 - 3pm	10am - 1:30pm	1:30 - 4:30pm
23	6-8 Atherden St	10am - 1:30pm	1:30 - 3pm	10am - 1:30pm	1:30 - 4:30pm
24	Gloucestor Walk	NA	NA	10am - 1:30pm	1:30 - 4:30pm

Community groups such as youth associations, church groups, schools, dance or band groups where enrolment or registration is required can apply for a Group Permit. The group will be covered by the Public Liability Insurance of the community group or association. The cost of this permit will also be $20 which will cover the group. A group leader/delegate will apply and sign for this permit and will be the responsible delegate. This delegate must be present when the group is busking. The group permit may only be used for group performances and may not be used by members performing as individuals. Children under 18 years old performing as part of the group are required to have completed the parental consent form as part this application. 

The Rocks encourages buskers to consider their operating environment and the impact each busking activity has on its immediate surrounds. In order to promote a variety of artistic expression as well as avoid repetitive activity, the Authority imposes a two hour period on all busking pitches. Special Busking Sites with Circle Acts are limited to 45 minute performances without repetition.

The Rocks Buskers are permitted to operate in areas covered by the policy between of 8am and 9pm in Circular Quay, excluding CQ3 and CQ4 which operate from 10am to 9pm. The Rocks imposes a two hour period on all busking pitches. There is no busking on New Year’s Eve, Australia Day or in locations effected by special events or activities. The Rocks imposes a two hour period on all busking pitches. Restrictions may be placed on busking pitches when special events or activations are programmed in the area

Buskers can only sell digital recordings of their own performance and music and advertise the sale of their CDs and DVDs by way of an A4 sign. The sale of other items or other performers recordings is prohibited. When buskers accept the terms of conditions of the busking policy, they also accept these terms and conditions.

The Rocks busking pitches can be viewed here (INSERT MAP TBC) 

The Rocks Busking Map 2026
Map of pitches in Circular Quay and The Rocks