Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour (Small-Group, Drink Included)

Discover the story of Sydney on this expert-led small-group tour (max. 12 guests), while hitting all of the city’s main attractions. Perfect for those who have just arrived, as well as locals and those who want to go deeper in learning about Australian history, culture, society and First Nations people. Starting from Customs House, you’ll hear about Sydney’s colonisation by the British - and how their arrival impacted the original inhabitants. Your guide will provide you with a range of perspectives on Sydney’s development, introducing Aboriginal leaders, British governors, convicts and entrepreneurs, as well as more recent arrivals. You’ll finish with a beer at a popular brewery with views of the Bridge, the Opera House and Sydney Harbour. Over a drink, your host will give you further recommendations to make your time in Sydney special – stuff you won’t find in a guidebook! Walk the streets in a small group so you’re not fighting to see & hear your guide or stay on the footpath.

Itinerary

1. We start at Customs House where you'll see a scale model of all of Sydney and where we will walk (approx 4km / 2.5 miles). You'll also learn some Aboriginal place names for parts of Sydney and explore the new precinct immediately behind Customs House. (15 min)
2. We walk past the "Rum Hospital", which now consists of NSW Parliament, the Sydney Hospital and the Mint. (15 min)
3. We will stop outside Hyde Park Barracks as you hear the story of its construction and infamous architect. We do not enter the Barracks. (5 min)
4. We will briefly enter the Royal Botanic Gardens to see the location of the former Garden Palace and Governor Phillip Fountain. (10 min)
5. We will briefly enter the Queen Victoria Building, but mainly just to see it and for any guests to use the bathrooms. (5 min)
6. We stop in Hyde Park where you will get a great view of St Mary's Cathedral. We do not enter the cathedral or go up close to it (approximately 50 metres from the building). (10 min)
7. We will stop in Martin Place and Pitt St to look at the General Post Office and hear the story of its controversial construction and design. (5 min)
8. We will stop in Martin Place to hear about the ANZAC Cenotaph and Australia's involvement in World War 1. (5 min)
9. We will walk through part of The Rocks towards the end of the tour, visiting the Nurses Walk, Jack Mundey Place and lower George St. (30 min)
10. We will see the Opera House from where we finish the tour and at Campbell's Cove. We do not enter the Opera House but you will hear the story of its construction.
11. We will see the Sydney Harbour Bridge from where the tour finishes. We do not get up on the bridge as part of the tour, but it is a short walk from the end point.

Meeting & end point