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
507 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
denisesS640QJ,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a wonderful time with Matt, learned a lot of history and really enjoyed our time on this tour . I highly recommend booking with this company.
Y8130ZCchriss,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Matt was awesome. Great tour of the city. Even in the rain we enjoyed ourselves.
Y8130ZCchriss,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Matt was awesome. Great walking tour even in the rain with lots of info on Sydney
GBCheesehead,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Justin was a great tour guide! We got to see a lot of Sydney in a well paced walking tour. Our group ranged in age from 30 to 82 and all did well on the almost 4 mile tour that lasts 3.5 hours. I’d highly recommend this tour!
Wilbert T,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
A nice tour for first time visitors in Sydney. Our guide was very good. He shared many stories of Sydney. Lots of trivia which was fantastic.
Terri D,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We booked a private walking tour of Sydney for two couples. Our guide, Steve, met us in our hotel lobby which was nice as we had just arrived that day from a long overseas flight. Steve was personable, knowledgeable, and gave us a wonderful overview of Sydney during our 3 1/2 hour tour. We appreciated Steve’s enthusiasm and insider’s view of Sydney! Highly recommend!
carolmB9106OR,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Michael was fabulous on this tour. He was knowledgeable, funny and took the time with individuals in the group. We highly recommend this tour.
V7220WUloris,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4 hour walk around city with exceptional insights from 4th generation local. Matt provided just the right amount of historical information, personal chat and recommendations. Just Matt plus five of us made it easy to cross streets, hear guide & see his visuals in his notebook and share experiences with others in group. Mostly walking and standing to listen but flat terrain (with some stairs here and there) so not strenuous. Concluded at relaxed, open air venue near cruise ship port with complimentary beer/fancy lemonade. Highly recommend!!
Cynthia A,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Matt was an exceptional tour guide, and a small group was definitely the way to go. We learned so much about the history of Australia from its conception all the way to modern times. The stops along the outing were all worthwhile. Matt was a great storyteller and an all-around nice guy! We had folks in our group that had visited Sydney before, and they even appreciated the inside glimpse of Sydney. It was our very first activity arriving here, and it was a great way to start our trip! Thank you, Matt!!







Mark R,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
Good tour, filled with a lot of historical information about Sydney's origins. The streets were very busy with New Year's preparations on the day we went, so it was very hard to hear our guide. A headphone set would have made the experience more enjoyable. Overall, I would recommend the tour.
Operated by Local Sauce Tours