Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Must be able to comfortably walk 4 km over 3 hours
Tour not recommended for children under 12 years of age as it involves 3 hours of stories and significant walking (4 km)
Not recommended for guests uncomfortable walking 4 km over 3 hours
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customs House
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.
The Mint
We walk past the "Rum Hospital", which now consists of NSW Parliament, the Sydney Hospital and the Mint.
Group photos
Map with recommendations
1 classic Aussie snack/biscuit
1 small glass of craft beer (or soft drink or juice) Served for 18 years old and above.
Gratuities
603 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Stay65288344440,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was a tour to remember. Our guide, Matt, was incredibly knowledgeable and amazing. What really stood out for me was the personal touch they added and their willingness to be flexible to accommodate my unexpected change in arrival time. It was a great experience, and I was glad I got to see the highlights of Sydney during the tour, especially since I was only there for a night. Thanks, Justin and Matt!
strawbear koala,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I absolutely loved this tour. Even though I've lived in Sydney most of my life I learned lots of new things - and it was a great way to be reminded what a fantastic city it is. Steve's a very entertaining storyteller, kept everyone in the group interested. Highly recommended!
Michael C,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour with Matt This was a great, small group tour and the perfect way to begin our visit to the city. Matt was very personable, fun and informative about Sydney and its history. He took excellent care of us and the group enjoyed a lovely drink and chat with him at the end. Highly recommend this tour and this company as they were very professional to deal with.
emilie k,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Matthew was a great guide! He really loves the city and really enjoys the tour and sharing all of sydney with us! Very friendly! Made for a great way to look aroundball of sydney during a short trip. Highly recommend
Cruiser729657,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very insightful, leant a lot and just the right amount of time. Small group worked well as felt very inclusive.
sightseeingtaxi,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I did this tour 2,5 years ago already together with the owner and founder of this small business, Justin. I was excited! As I am my self a tour guide in Berlin, offering as well 3,5hours tours (but not walking, in my cab). This time I joined together with my partner and a second cousin, who studies momentously in Sydney. It's a small group with maximum 6-8 participants. Justin took the time to introduce us to him and the others, to get something like "friends", at least for the time of the tour. The tour starts at Customs House, and then leads through the important historical sites of Sydney City, the first Government House, including Royal Botanic Garden and Hyde Park, the old hospital there, as well the historical Mall on George Street. Then a walk through the rocks, seeing the origin of Sydney, done by convicts. But you won't miss related stories about the first nation people, the Aboriginees, and how they got in contact to the British explorers. As well many anecdotes about those people in the past. Our guide this time, Steve, was excellent on telling these often funny stories, and how they often needed hundred of years to complete e.g. the Catholic Cathedral. The tour ends at the Squire's Landing, with the view on Sydney Opera House, having a free drink of beer or a non alcohol beverage. Justin and this time Steve, both took pictures of the group, as remembrance on this beautiful and very interesting walking tour. Between the stops there's plenty of time of questions of interest or understanding, and our guide this time used any red light stop for a good joke. It's at all a more historic and architectural city tour (my favourites), but those which are more interested in food, art, and culture, are getting also a lot of additional information. Always told in a funny and relaxed way, so you can really enjoy. Go for it! It's at all a more historic and architectural city tour (my favourites), but those which are more interested in food, art, and culture, are getting also a lot of addtional information. Always told in a funny and relaxed way, so you can really enjoy. Go for it!





















Matthew V,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Steve did an amazing job! Well worth the it! Would do another tour with them in a heart beat.
G2073UPdavidb,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very thorough and interesting. Learned alot about the local history, customs, traditions, culture and cuisine.. Very knowledgeable and interesting. Great job.
Vipul P,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
Our tour guide Matt gave us a whistle-stop tour of the city, its history and took us to some of the iconic sights. Highlights on the trip were the Rocks and the Botanic Gardens.



K5945JIgeorgeh,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Jake, our guide, did a wonderful job - knowledge, understanding local settings, pace, and welcoming personality made the experience.
Operated by Local Sauce Tours