Sydney Hidden Gems Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Discover a different side of Sydney on our Hidden Gems Walking Tour. Over 2.5 leisurely hours, explore tucked-away laneways, grand arcades, and overlooked historic sites that reveal the city’s rich character beyond the icons.

Starting at Customs House, we stroll through Loftus Lane and Bridge Street, where colonial sandstone and civic architecture hint at Sydney’s early political and maritime roots. In Angel Place, hundreds of suspended birdcages honour native birds lost to urbanisation — a powerful, unexpected moment in a quiet laneway.

We continue through Martin Place, rich in civic pride and protest history, before stopping for a coffee at a hidden café beloved by locals. From there, we explore Hyde Park and the elegant St. James Church, Sydney’s oldest church, designed by convict architect Francis Greenway.

The walk ends with the ornate Queen Victoria Building, and in the vibrant surrounds of Chinatown, where old meets new in a celebration of Sydney’s multicultural heart.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Please do not bring bags that you cannot carry on you during the tour

Please wear suitable walking gear

You must be 18 and above for the alcoholic beverages post-tour.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Customs House

We begin at Customs House, once the city’s gateway for goods and people, now a symbol of Sydney’s colonial foundations.

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Tank Stream Bar

We trace the path of the Tank Stream, the vital water source that shaped Sydney’s original European settlement.

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

We'll stop mid-tour for a coffee (or similar alternative)

A wonderful tour guide to lead the way and share the stories of Sydney with you

Photos will be taken for you so all you need to do is look around and take it all in

Gratuities are not required

Food and drinks, unless specified

Options

Hidden Gems Walking Tour

Reviews

4.71

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A perfect start to our Australian adventure
OlgaH031,,Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Leigh was very knowledgable and had interesting insights and stories to tell. At the end of the tour she gave us an extensive list of info about places to see, what to do and where to eat.
Leigh was absolutely...
Michelle P,,Jan 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Leigh was absolutely fabulous! A great walking tour. And you'll come away with a map and information to help you get around Sydney. I recommend this tour. They also offer running tours which is great!
New Guide and It Showed
Linda A,,Nov 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
The tour was supposed to be three hours; we finished in less than two. Tour guide was nice, but needed more stops and information. She also needs to speak up
Te Was The Best Tour Guide
Sue T,,Sep 11, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a great time with are. She showed us what we wanted ti see in Sydney. She also took us to a place for lunch that we really enjoyed. Great tour.
I recommend this tour
vernorrist,,Feb 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had a great time exploring the city in a new way!!! It was raining hard, and the guide provided a poncho and made for a unique experience. 10/10 recommend.
Walk the walk
Christopher A,,Mar 5, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00
Andrew gave us a great summary of the history of Sydney. It was fun and personal. We had a great time and recommend it to anyone
The best way to see Sydney
trishness,,Jun 29, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We learnt so much about the history of Sydney during our walking tour as well as seeing all the iconic parts of the city. Andrew, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and catered the content for both us and our kids (11 & 12 yo.) Highly recommended as the best way to explore the city.