| Abstract: | This paper examines tourists' perceptions of the historical authenticity of The Rocks, Australia, a heritage precinct fashioned by the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. It argues that overall tourists perceive this representation of history as authentic. Gender, income, education level, position in lifecycle, place of residence, and previous visitations to The Rocks were also explored to identify how these variables might shape tourism experiences and subsequent negotiations of authenticity. The overall uncritical “consumption” of the commodified version of history as heritage is regarded as a matter for concern. The commodified environment based upon the rhetoric of Australian nationalism has silenced alternative versions of the past which highlight oppression, racism, and conflict. |
