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 travels uncomfortable walking 4 km
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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.
417 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
John M,
Oct 19, 2025
- Viator
Friendly and knowledgeable guide - great to understand the historical context of the city and to see areas we might otherwise have missed.
HPARK13,
Oct 17, 2025
- Viator
Great way to explore Sydney! The tour was a nice way to learn about the history and build familiarity with the city. Jake, our guide, was knowledgeable, fun and professional. The group size was nice, a great pace and very efficient. I would highly recommend this tour especially on one of your first days in the city.
Paulette L,
Oct 14, 2025
- Viator
The tour guide was fun, pleasant and knowledgeable. He made our walk so interesting and I learned so much about Australia’s history. He’s terrific.
Linda T,
Oct 3, 2025
- Viator
Excellent downtown historical tour. We appreciated he explained convict based details, the relationship w New Zealand in WW1, and the oceanic coastal fluctuations. Especially enjoyed him sharing Anzac biscuit story.
Linda J,
Sep 18, 2025
- Viator
Steve was a very knowledgeable and good natured. The 3.5 hour tour seemed like an hour. I learned a lot of fun facts along with history. I recommend this tour your first or second day here. But better late than never.
Operated by Local Sauce Tours