sydney audio walking tours

Same-day delivery available to Sydney hotels and hostels

Free Walking Tour Sydney

Audio and Puzzle tour covering Sydney's inner-city highlights

PER PERSON | NO ADDITIONAL FEES OR TIPS

• Approx 2 hours
• 9 Tour Stops
• Audio + Puzzles

🔈 Listen To Our Commentary

Simply the best free tour in Sydney , our free Sydney walking tour helps you uncover the city's historic landmarks as you stroll through the streets on this carefully crafted tour. This free walking tour is delivered via our mobile app, so you can do it on any day or time you please.

See The Historical Sights of Sydney

As you embark on this self-guided adventure, you'll start in the lush Hyde Park, where the city's history unfolds in front of us. Discover the intriguing past of the nearby Barracks, Rum Hospital and Martin Place, home to many of Sydney and Australias financial institutions. While exploring down into The Rocks and Circular Quay, you'll get a glimpse into the city's colonial history and waterfront beauty. Join us for a memorable day of exploration, learning, and problem-solving as you discover the beauty and intrigue of Sydney's most iconic landmarks. Experience the city in a whole new way with our free walking tour – it's an adventure you won't want to miss!

Escape-Room Style Puzzles to Solve

As you explore, you will also  solve puzzles , that will encourage you to interact with your surroundings as well as reveal fantastic views of the city and the harbour. It might be finding secret text in a statue, decoding text from a memorial plaque, or looking around the heritage-listed sites to figure out what items are missing - only you can solve them! 

Note that puzzles range in difficulty just like an indoor escape room, so are suitable for both teenagers (7 and up) and adults.  

Accessible through our Mobile App

Our tours are easy to use and accessed through the app (both Apple or Android compatible). You can pause/resume the tour as you please if you stop to explore or grab a bite to eat.

Is the tour really free? Not even tips?

Yes, that's right, completely free . Because our tours are delivered via our mobile app, there is no guide to tip. No tips, no gratuities, nothing. Just Sydney's best free tour.

This tour is free so that people can see Sydney, and get a taste of what a tour with Unlocked Tours is like. Don't worry, this tour still has the audiobook-quality commentary and outdoor escape-room puzzles that we are famous for. We're so confident you'll love this tour, that you will be back to do more tours with us!

What's the difference between this free tour and your paid tours?

This tour is a purely digital experience (it is delivered via app only), whereas our other tours have a physical component to them as well, through our tour booklets, puzzle tools, postcards, pencil etc.

Because of this limitation, the commentary and puzzles on this tour are a little bit less sophisticated than our other tours - this is still the best free tour in Sydney, but our other tours are a step above, with more detailed commentary, more voice actors and sound effects, and more advanced puzzles (and more of them!)

Customer Reviews

One of the best things to do in the city and learn about it’s history. the tour is extremely user friendly. highly recommended

Fantastic! Perfect length of time, distance and commentary.

My husband and I are Sydney siders and often look for ways to play tourist in our own city. Although we know the city well, we were impressed with how much of the city you got to explore. We were even surprised about some history that we didn’t know. We thought it was great. If you’re a visitor, you’ll think it’s excellent!

You don't know what you don't know about your own city, and this tour proved the old saying. A couple suggestions: 1) Add the War Memorial in Hyde Park to the start of your tour 2) Give yourself time to do the (free) audio tour of the Hyde Park Barracks. I'd suggest an hour minimum

Clear, concise and informative. It was a excellent choice of route which takes in the highlights of Sydney.

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Sydney Hunt Audio Tour

Sydney , New South Wales, Australia

App guided audio walking tour

About the tour

Are you ready to uncover the hidden gems of Sydney? Join us on a thrilling audio tour hrough this iconic neighborhood, where you'll discover stunning green spaces, beautiful cathedrals, and world-renowned museums. Our guide will lead you on an exciting journey that will take you through the heart of this bustling metropolis, all while sharing fascinating insights into its rich history and culture. Embark on a quest to find some of Sydney's most famous landmarks, such as the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens and the impressive Finger Wharf. Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of St Mary's Cathedral and explore the fascinating exhibits at the Museum of Sydney. And don't forget to snap a photo in front of Circular Quay before heading back to base camp. With plenty of challenges and surprises along the way, our Sydney guided audio walking tour is sure to be an unforgettable adventure for everyone involved. So what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets now and get ready for an experience like no other

Just some highlights

Engaging local history

Experience a new kind of city tour with an app-led audio guide. Visit popular destinations and explore local culture in a fun and interactive way.

Interactive challenges

Engage with your surroundings like never before. Answer trivia questions and conquer challenges based on the stories you hear during the tour.

High-quality audio guides

Enjoy humorous and authoritative narration, like a friend sharing cool anecdotes about their city.

Available offline

Download your tour to ensure a seamless and uninterrupted experience whether or not you have consistent service during your adventure.

Explore at your own pace

Control the pace of your tour. Pause, skip, or cycle through stops as you wish.

Stress-free navigation

Navigate your route with ease using our interactive map and GPS-enabled feature.

Route Information

Royal Botanic Gardens

Welcome to the serene Royal Botanic Gardens. This natural oasis boasts a stunning array of colorful flowers and plants that will take your breath away.

Finger Wharf

Our journey takes us to Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo, a historic landmark that stands as a testament to Sydney's maritime heritage. This extraordinary wharf, constructed with timber piles, stretches out into the harbor, boasting the title of one of the longest timber-piled wharves in the world.

Circular Quay

Welcome to Circular Quay, a shimmering gem nestled along the sparkling shores of Sydney Harbour. This iconic waterfront precinct holds a significant place in Australian history, as it marks the birthplace of Australia itself. It was here, in 1788, that Captain Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet of British settlers arrived, laying the foundation for the nation we know today.

Buying for someone else?

Give the gift of adventure with let’s Roam! Purchase a gift voucher today that’s redeemable on any of Let’s Roam’s tours across the globe.

Let’s Roam large group tours

Give your coworkers or event attendees an incredible experience with an audio-guided Let’s Roam tour. They’ll have a blast as they explore together!

Explore Sydney with a Let's Roam Audio Tour

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Eight Free Sydney Walking Tours: Six Historic Self-Guided and Two Free Guided Tours

Posted by Lauren | Expat Life in Sydney

This post contains affiliate links. I receive a commission when you make a purchase through one of my links. Thank you for supporting Sydney Moving Guide and keeping the lights on.

Table of Contents

Six Free Historic Self-Guided Sydney Walking Tours

Sydney moving guide's very own free walking tour of sydney's cbd.

That's right. I've written my very own walking tour of Sydney's CBD . I've included a free downloadable PDF.

The walk starts at the David Jones food hall, then loops around to Circular Quay, then on to the Royal Botanic Gardens. After the gardens, the tour wanders over to Woolloomooloo wharf then back to the NSW Art Gallery. The walking tour then ends at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.

It's an easy walk and, as I already said, it's FREE.

Powerhouse Museum Walking Tours App For iPhone and Android

There are five free self-guided walking tours included in the Powerhouse Museum app with the option to purchase the Sydney Heritage Pub Crawl walk for $1.99, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.

Each of the walks includes narration by museum curators Anni Turnbull or Geoff Barker.

The three walks that cover old Sydney (The Rocks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and George Street) are well worth it. Just be sure to download them before you hit the street.

Installing the app on your phone doesn't also download the individual walks, at least not for the iPhone. I haven’t checked the Android version. You have to download each walk individually within the app. Don’t worry. The walks are still free.

Each of the old Sydney walks takes between 1 – 2 hours depending on how fast you walk. If you’re up for it, I would suggest doing The Rocks tour then moving on to the Sydney Harbour Bridge walking tour. I know that sounds like a lot, but you’re in the same area, and there are plenty of places to stop and take a break with a nice cold pint or get a bite to eat.

City of Sydney Historical Walking Tours

The City of Sydney has a list of walking tours that you can download for free in the form of PDFs so load up your tablet or Kindle and hit the road.

If you haven’t done the Powerhouse Museum historic walking tours, I would start with the city’s Colony Walking Tour. This walk starts at Customs House and ends at Millers Point. There are over 30 points of interest in this tour. You’ll visit pubs, churches and the archaeological digs in The Rocks.

If you plan your time right, a stop at Lord Nelson pub for a pint and a pie is a must. The lamb burger is also delicious if you’re not in the mood for a pie.

The PDF is full of historic photos from years past, adding a nice contrast to the city you’ll be walking through. The whole tour will take about 2 hours, give or take a half-hour.

Besides the Colony Walking Tour, I would suggest downloading the Hidden Tour that takes you through Sydney’s little laneways and the Water Tour that actually feels more like a scavenger hunt than a tour as you explore the city’s different water features, not just fountains but pools and old fashioned toilets.

Razorhurst Sydney Walking Tour

The Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills are now best known for their trendy restaurants and bars, but that wasn’t always the case. This area and the nearby suburbs (Kings Cross, Woolloomooloo, Potts Point) are historically known as Razorhurst.

Razorhurst was once overrun by razor gangs, called such because the gangs carried straight-edged razors instead of guns. This time in Sydney’s history has been glamorized by the Australian TV series “Underbelly: Razorhurst” and, I completely admit, is the first time I had ever heard about Tilly Devine or Kate Leigh, the two women that ruled over the razor gangs.

If you are a fan of Boardwalk Empire and mobster history in general, be it US or UK, then this is right up your alley. It certainly has all the trimmings of a good gritty crime drama with brothels, pimps, pickpockets, con artists, sly-grogs (aka speakeasies), six o’clock swill, and the roaring ’20s and ‘30s in Sydney.

You can download the map PDF from the Razorhurst website, but it does not include a description of each point so hopefully you have a tablet or smartphone and are set up with an Australian mobile network to access the website tour points of interest .

Do not download the mobile app!!

1. It’s $5.49, kind of pricey for an app. 2. It’s not a walking tour but a game that, judging from the reviews, it's not very good.

But other than that, the info on the website is interesting, and the mapped route will take you through an interesting part of Sydney well worth further exploration.

Here’s some more info on Razorhurst on CNN Travel .

If you’re keen to learn more then book an actual guided tour. The Sydney Crimes and Passions Walking Tour is $41.56 per person and takes about 2 hours.

Balmain Sydney Walking Tour

Leichhardt Council has free historic walks of Balmain that you can download. There are mp3 files that the site says can be downloaded, but it doesn’t appear so. Or at least I couldn’t figure it out. The PDF is full of historical info about Balmain.

Balmain is a quick ferry ride from Circular Quay, or you can walk from Circular Quay along the harbor then take the ferry back. There heaps of shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafes in Balmain. It’s definitely worth taking a day to explore the suburb, plus there are some beautiful views of the harbor.

Explore Sydney Suburb by Suburb

Urban Walkabout is an interesting site for exploring Sydney’s different suburbs. It has a directory of several different suburbs in Sydney with PDFs that list shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes plus locates each on a map of the suburb, also part of the PDF. The only drawback is, the information on each suburb is in no way complete. For example, I checked out my suburb of Woollahra, and there were only two restaurants listed. I know for a fact that there are more than just two restaurants in all of Woollahra. But Urban Walkabout is updating and adding to the site all the time, which is why I’m mentioning it here.

The Urban Walkabout walks are curated by different Sydneysiders but aren’t that fabulous or well thought out. I would stick to the suburb PDFs for now.

Two “Free” Guided Sydney Walking Tours

I used the quotes above because only the Royal Botanic Garden Tour is really free. I’m Free operates on a tip basis, so technically, they’re not totally free as most people end up tipping something. But hey, it’s up to you how much you feel it’s worth. I’ve done the I’m Free Sydney Sights Tour and ended up tipping $20 without hesitation. Ross did a fantastic job.

I’m Free Sydney Walking Tours

I’m Free is probably the most popular walking tour in Sydney. You may have read about it in Trip Advisor, where it has over 500 glowing reviews.

There are two different tours: the Sydney Sights Tour and The Rocks Tour . The Sydney Sights Tours meets at Town Hall twice a day (10:30am and 2:30pm) EVERYDAY, rain, shine or snow (ha ha, just kidding). To see all the sights will take about 3 hours.

The Rocks Tour meets every day at 6 pm in front of Cadman's Cottage. That’s the small cottage next to the Museum of Contemporary Art. If you stand in front of the MCA with you back to Sydney Cove, Cadman’s Cottage is located in the park, to the right of the museum. The Rocks Tour is 1 1/2 hours long.

Like I already said, I’ve done the Sydney Sights Tour and wholeheartedly recommend it! Have yet to do The Rocks Tour. If you’ve done The Rocks Tour, let me know what you think in the comments below.

Royal Botanic Garden Free Guided Tour

If you’ve got a green thumb then this free guided tour of the Royal Botanic Garden is for you.

Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t worry as this tour isn’t not all about plants. The tour also includes information about the history of the gardens and Sydney.

What Are You Shipping to Sydney When You Move?

Do you know yet.

The truth is you don’t need to know right now, for sure, what’s going with you.

But you have to get your shipping quote ASAP, especially now.

Why? Because international shipping companies need to schedule your shipment to Australia far in advance, some ask for 6 months in advance . Yes, COVID has changed everything, including international shipping .

When filling out the contact form below…

• You don’t need a street address for where you’re moving to, only the city and country. What they really want to know is the major shipping port.
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About The Author

Hi, I’m Lauren, and I've helped thousands of people from all over the world move to Australia since starting my blog back in 2009. You can read more about me here , but Sydney Moving Guide isn't about me. IT'S ABOUT YOU. So, I have one question for you. How can I help you with your move to Australia? Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to grab my moving checklist before you go .

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Sydney walking tours

Explore Sydney at your own pace with the Around audio tours made by expert guides

Browse Sydney walking tours 📍

Roaming The Rocks: Sydney's historic settlement of convicts, cobblestones and crime stories

Secrets of Central Sydney: historic architecture and opulence from Town Hall to Circular Quay

Want to share your culture with travelers from all the world?

Free walking tour near sydney, others cities to visit after sydney, find other guruwalks in sydney, where are you traveling to.

Sydney Walking tours

Discover the history, culture, scenery and wildlife of Sydney, the most iconic and historical city in Australia. Walk Talk Explore’s Sydney walking tours are the only tours in Sydney that have all been designed and researched by an archaeologist, historian and ecologist.

Entertainment Tours

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Harbour Tours

History Tours

Our Sydney Walking Tours

Surry hills secret lane ways history adventure.

On this tour, you will discover and explore the old inner-city suburb of Surry Hills ( next to Central Station ). A maze of charming old laneways lined with cottages from the 1800s. It was here that street gangs battled one another and tough cops ruled with an iron fist.

Walking. 3 hours.

For those who love exploring secret old laneways.

Surry Hills Crime History Walking Tour

Explore the old laneways of Surry Hills and hear the stories of the gangsters and tough cops who battled for control of what was once Sydney’s most infamous neighbourhood. See the home of Australia’s prohibition-era crime queen, explore trendy Crown Street and finish at a classic Aussie pub that has operated since 1879.

Walking. 2 hours.

An exciting adventure before lunch.

east Sydney Historical Walking Tour

Starting in Hyde Park, you will explore the winding narrow laneways of historic East Sydney. Today this area is very trendy and pretty. However, it was once the centre of Sydney’s red-light district; the battleground of the female crime lords that ruled Sydney’s prohibition era; and a battleground for US Servicemen during WW2.

You won’t find this in Lonely Planet.

Sydney Odyssey: An Off-Beat Sightseeing Tour of Sydney Harbour

This is a Sydney sightseeing tour for those who are sick of the boring old tourism pitch that hasn’t changed since the 2000 Olympics. See Sydney from a different angle while hearing bizarre and peculiar stories that will change the way you look at the most iconic landmarks and locations. Sydney has a unique, quirky and eccentric past, so let’s explore it!

3 hours. Sydney harbour walking tour

A favourite with explorers who don’t like cheesy tourist traps.

Sydney’s Secret Historical Pubs tour

The “local pub” has been an important part of Sydney culture since early colonial times. Explore the back streets of old Sydney visiting four legendary pubs. Each pub is from a different era history and remains a typical “local watering hole” for hundreds of Sydneysiders. We will recommend the most classic Aussie beers ( the historic old working-class classics and the new trendy types ), and tell you the most bizarre stories as you uncover the history of the Sydney pub.

Walking. Light rail. 3 hours.

Ideal for anyone who loves a good story and a cold drink.

Pubs, Bushrangers and the Gold Rush: A Tour of Regional NSW

This overnight bus tour will take you to several historic old pubs in regional New South Wales. You will hear the incredible stories of events that took place inside these venues. On the way you visit beautiful old towns, see bushranger sites, explore a 200-year-old colonial village, visit an old gaol and court house, stay the night in a luxury room of a grand historic hotel and much much more.

Bus. Overnight.

If you love road trips, visiting old pubs and listening to some great stories this is the tour for you.

We offer a unique experience for locals and visitors alike, allowing you to explore the city like a true Sydneysider. We are passionate about helping you make the most of the city’s attractions, culture, and nightlife. With our extensive knowledge of the city, you can be sure that you won’t miss a thing.

Our tours are all led by experienced professionals (historians, archaeologists, architects, biologists, chefs, etc). Best of all, we design our tours to rely on Sydney’s extensive network of footpaths and public transport options.

Why choose Walk Talk Explore?

• Unique experiences that avoid the tourist traps
• Expert local team with extensive knowledge of Sydney
• Flexible and convenient services
• Amazing unique photo opportunities that most visitors never experience.

Our Gallery

• East Sydney Tour
• Surry Hills Tour
• Sydney Odyssey

Frequently asked questions

Yes, we offer private tours for groups and individuals. Find out more by emailing [email protected]

Yes, and can even MC an entire catered-themed event after if you want it.

Yes, if the weather forecast indicates the conditions will be uncomfortable or unsafe you have an option to transfer your booking to another date, convert it into a gift certificate valued for 3 years, or request a refund.

Yes, you can get a gift certificate that is valid for 3 years. If you email us with the order [email protected] we can even give you custom personalised certificates in PDF format.

We are very accommodating about these things because we know life can’t be 100% planned. However, typically speaking, up to 24 hours notice can provide a refund. With less than 24 hours notice we can convert your ticket into a gift voucher or reschedule your tour to another session.

Sydney Travel Guides & Tips

Darlinghurst, the forgotten jacaranda suburb,

Walking tours in sydney.

Walk the back streets, secret coves and hidden gardens for an authentic Sydney experience.

• NSW Road trips
• Accommodation
• Be inspired

24 of the best walking tours in Sydney

One of the best ways to take sydney’s pulse is on a walking tour, giving you the chance to discover the city’s stories, as well as a few of its secrets. join the experts on one of our top picks..

Destination NSW

For history & heritage  

The first European settlement in Sydney, The Rocks holds many stories. Which your guide will bring to life when you sign up with The Rocks Walking Tours . Spend 90 minutes exploring the cobbled alleys of the neighbourhood, while discovering the significance of buildings – and learning about Aboriginal history. I'm Free Walking Tours also explore this neighbourhood (as well as the city’s CBD) – there’s no upfront charge, but you can tip your guide at the end of the experience to show your appreciation. 

The Rocks Walking Tour

The city’s Indigenous history is also the highlight of tours with Dreamtime Southern X , established by legendary tourism leader Aunty Margret Campbell. Dreamtime’s experiences also meander through The Rocks, with Margret and her guides revealing the Dreamtime stories that shaped this pocket of the city.

The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour by Dreamtime Southern X with Margret Campbell

Journey Walks uncover a different side of The Rocks, operating tours that reveal Sydney's criminal (and historic) secrets. Walks have been carefully researched, written and curated by historians and script-writers to scratch below the city's surface and uncover the quirky characters, hidden histories and underworld aspects of Sydney's notorious heritage. 

Journey Walks: History Crime and Culture Tours of Sydney - Credit: Jocelyn Gulliver | Journey Walks Pty Ltd

Nearby in the harbourside Barangaroo precinct, Aboriginal educators host Cultural Tours that extend throughout the six-hectare headland of Barangaroo Reserve , taking in the 75,000 native Australian trees and shrubs that are a feature here. Bush tucker and medicine and Indigenous heritage are all in the spotlight. If the weather is warm, you can even take a dip in the harbour after your tour. 

Aboriginal Cultural Tours , Barangaroo

Bondi may be known for its beach culture, but the suburb also has a long Aboriginal history, as you’ll discover in the company of First Nations' artist, educator and performer Walangari Karntawarra on his Bondi Aboriginal Walking Tours . You’ll see ancient Aboriginal rock carvings and sample traditional bush foods and medicines still growing wild in this beautiful coastal locale. Aunty Donna Ingram is your host on the Redfern and Aboriginal History Walking Tours , taking you through one of the most thriving, diverse and active urban Aboriginal communities in Australia.    

For the city’s highlights 

There’s no need to open your wallet (unless you want to) when you join a free Locl Tour of Sydney. While you’ll take a deep dive into the city’s history while exploring The Rocks, Circular Quay and the CBD , you’ll also have a lot of fun. And get your step-count up. Ultimately Sydney offers a range of experiences that explore Sydney’s highlights. ‘The Story of Sydney’ uncovers the city’s history and evolution; ‘The Art of Sydney’ is dedicated to galleries and alfresco art; and ‘The Taste of Sydney’ gives you the chance to sample some of the city’s tastiest food and wine. Bring your appetite.  

Ultimately Sydney

Sydney Incognita walking tours explore the city, but can also take you further afield to Watsons Bay and South Head – places of notable colonial history. Bring your swimsuit to take a dip after your tour.  

For outdoor adventures 

There’s no denying the natural beauty of Sydney Harbour . And with EcoWalks Tours , this is your dazzling backdrop. Explore Sydney Harbour National Park on an educational and scenic wander while learning about local flora and fauna as well as the historic relics located in the areas. There are a number of walks to choose from, depending on your interests.  

Obelisk Bay Battery Lookout with EcoWalks Tours - Credit: Alan Toner

Lace-up your sneakers and get set for a fast-paced adventure with Fit City Tours . Running, walking and hiking itineraries are all on offer, taking in iconic landmarks, impressive natural beauty and countless hidden gems. Meanwhile, Sydney Guided Tours hosts a range of private walking experiences that can last from a few hours to multiple days. Itineraries are fully customisable, but take in some of the city’s most dramatic landscapes as well as giving you the chance to witness iconic native wildlife.

Running through Sydney with Fit City Tours Sydney - Credit: Fit City Tours Sydney

For hidden foodie gems 

Sometimes, the best way to take the pulse of a city is through its food. And there are a number of tours where you can walk up an appetite before indulging. Taste Cultural Food Tours is all about uncovering amazing places to eat, but is just as dedicated to revealing the talented producers and chefs behind the delicacies you experience. Sydney is incredibly diverse, so expect to taste a melting pot of cuisines. This company is a charity and social enterprise, and all profits are invested into supporting new and young Australians (including migrants and refugees) via training and employment as tour guides.

The Taste of Afghanistan and Syria tour with Taste Cultural Food Tours , Sydney West

I Ate My Way Through takes you on a culinary adventure through some of Sydney’s most vibrant foodie neighbourhoods, including Cabramatta , Granville, Harris Park and Chinatown , just to name a few. Visit some of the city’s dining institutions, then walk with a local to a hidden gem for a delightful bite. There are plenty of bites to be had on a tour with The Sydney Connection , which sees you wander between restaurants and bars across the inner-city precincts of Surry Hills , Darlinghurst and Potts Point . And while no restaurants are involved on a Royal Botanic Garden Bush Tucker Tour , you will get the chance to sample native Australian bush tucker – you’d be surprised just how many plants are edible.  

Aboriginal Tour in the Royal Botanic Garden

Diego Bonnetto also likes to surprise guests on his Seaside Foraging tours, where you get hands-on collecting wild foods in coastal areas of Sydney. Seaweed, sea urchins, sea cucumbers… it all adds up to a salty feast.  

For a good time 

As its name suggests, Local Sauce Tours are all about revealing Sydney’s secrets – from the perspective of someone who knows the city inside out. Think, hidden bar crawls, street-art walks and cultural history experiences. There’s even a tour focusing on the city’s coffee scene. 

Credit: Local Sauce Tours

Swap coffee for beer (or whatever tipple tickles your fancy) on one of Dave’s Pub Tours . Guides are self-confessed history and beer nerds, which means your day out will be as fun as it is informative. Explore some of Sydney’s most historic neighbourhoods, including The Rocks, Balmain and Surry Hills, and make a few new friends in the process. Still thirsty? 24 Hours in Sydney is all about walking a little, eating a bit, then taking a few sips of something delicious. Discover Sydney’s small bar scene visiting tucked-away bars hidden in basements, back alleys and old loading docks. 

For the niche & quirky 

Sydney has its fair share of secrets – you’ll discover some of them on a tour with Murders Most Foul . Each experience has been researched and designed by a Sydney-based historian and archaeologist, and each takes you into back streets and hidden lanes to explore atmospheric neighbourhoods and learn about the characters who made them what they are today. 

Murders Most Foul: True Crime Walking Tours - Credit: Bright Corner Pty Ltd

Love photography? Picture Me Sydney tours are led by guides who are talented with a camera and have an intimate knowledge of the city. This is your chance to get active and see (and capture) Sydney from a different perspective. You’ll see the city from an equally unique perspective with Sydney Architecture Walks , designed to reveal the various styles of (and the architects behind) the city’s most amazing landmarks, from the Opera House to jaw-dropping modern structures. 

Picture Me Sydney - Credit: National Photo Training College

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The Rocks Self-Guided Walk Sydney

A visit to The Rocks shows off historical Sydney at its best. I created this Rocks self-guided walk to help you discover Sydney’s colonial history in just a couple of hours. There is also ample opportunity to visit a couple of old pubs and take in stunning harbour views from the foreshore. I love wandering around this part of the city and I am sure you will too!

Stop 1. Circular Quay Station for the best train station view in the world!

Stop 2. the museum of contemporary art (mca), stop 3. cadman’s cottage, stop 4. visit the rocks discovery museum, stop 5. the rocks square, stop 6. visit foundation park, stop 7. observatory hill, stop 8 and 9. choose a pub on cumberland street and rest for a while, stop 10. the big dig site, stop 11. susannah place, stop 12. suez lane and nurses walk, stop 13. campbell’s stores, stop 14. tar-ra dawes point park, stop 15. overseas passenger terminal viewing platform, the rocks self guided walking tour map, guided tours of the rocks.

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Let’s start with the name given to this western side of the harbour. Why is this area called The Rocks? When the First Fleet arrived, they moored here against the very rocky shoreline, and the area quickly earned the nickname The Rocks. In time, the name caught on and began to appear on government maps.

The indigenous name for the Rocks is Tallawoladah, as you will see on new signage around the area. You will also note Ta-ra (Dawes Point), Warrane (Circular Quay)

Read Six Commonly Asked Questions About Aboriginal Sydney to learn more about the First Nations people of Australia.

So let’s get walking; the route below explores my favourite parts of this area. Allow about 2-3 hours for a stroll, although you could race around and cover it in a lot less. It depends on how often you stop for photos or beer!

Before we begin, you really should see this view. Even if you don’t come by train, as long as you have an Opal card, you can tap on, go up to Platform 2, take a photo and then tap back out without it costing a cent.

As you leave the station, you will walk to the left of the wharves, towards the park and large sandstone building; this art déco structure is the  Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) . Most of the exhibits here are free to visit.

Along with some fantastic modern art, there is also a rooftop cafe with very reasonable prices and superb views. A perfect stop if you feel you need some coffee or drink before you start on your walk. 

Discover more of Sydney’s Museums here

Once you leave the MCA and the waterfront, head left into the small park and Cadman’s Cottage.

Cadman’s Cottage is the oldest surviving residential building in Australia. It initially sat right at the water’s edge until the government reclaimed the shoreline to build Circular Quay.

The cottage was named after its resident John Cadman, a coxswain in the colony, assigned to look after the ships. Sadly, because of its age and state of repair, it is no longer open to the public. Walk up Argyle Street using the stairs on the left-hand side of the building. This brings you to George Street. Cross the road at the zebra crossing on the corner and make your way to Argyle Street.

The first corner on the right is Kendall Lane. Head down the lane until you come to The Rocks Discovery Museum . This museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm and entry is free.

Housed within a meticulously restored 1850s sandstone warehouse, this family-friendly museum showcases a diverse collection of archaeological artifacts and images, offering a hands-on exploration of The Rocks’ fascinating past.

I find the interactive exhibits, that have been designed to breathe life into the Rocks storied history, really help develop your understanding of the area.

The four permanent exhibitions:

• Warrane (pre-1788)
• Colony (1788–1820)
• Port (1820–1900)
• Transformations (1900–present)

Discover the heritage of The Rocks, from the indigenous custodians to the arrival of the English settlers, and the bustling maritime hub it became. Learn about the vibrant community that emerged, the union movements of the 1970s, and how this historic precinct was preserved for generations to come.

The collection has been developed in collaboration with the Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council, to share the indigenous stories and heritage of the region.

This is a great place to get some context before you explore the back streets. It’s also really well set up for younger visitors with activity sheets to get them involved in the collection.

Even if you are not one for museums, it’s an excellent example of the architecture of the time.

Once you exit the Museum, head back to the Visitors Centre and turn into Playfair Street. 

You are now in Rocks Square, where you will find an outdoor dining area, takeaway food shops and, of most interest, a set of terrace houses built in the early 1880s.

These days the terraces are home to shops and tour booking centres.

At the George Street end of the square is a sandstone sculpture, First Impressions, worth checking out.

Use our map to find some of Sydney’s most historic buildings

After shopping, look for the narrow passageway between the shopfronts at 25 and 27 Playfair St. This leads to our next stop, Foundation Park.

Foundation Park is a bit of a secret gem; in fact, many Sydneysiders have never visited. The site is the remains of 8 terrace houses built in the late 1870s. In the early 1970s, the area was preserved and turned into a park. You can see some photos of the original terraces here .

From here, climb the stairs to Gloucester Walk and walk left along the street until you see the stairs that head up to Cumberland Street (they are next to the back of the Glenmore Hotel). Cross Cumberland Street and take another staircase to Observatory Hill.

Observatory Hill is a brilliant spot to check out the western side of the Harbour. From up here, you can see Miller’s Point, Barangaroo, and an alternate view of the Harbour Bridge.

You will also find the Sydney Observatory, the S. H. Ervin Gallery and the National Trust. You can visit these buildings or sit awhile and take in the view.

After you have finished exploring here, head back to the staircase to Cumberland Street.

Decision time! By now, you are probably in need of a short break. Cumberland Street boasts two excellent choices, The Glenmore Hotel and The Australian Heritage Hotel.

The Glenmore Hotel has a lovely rooftop bar with affordable food and a great view of the Opera House.

The Australian Hotel is an excellent choice if you want to taste a couple of Aussie classics on a pizza. They have options with kangaroo or emu! They also do beer tasting paddles, although partaking in one of these might see your walk come to an end 🙂

We have a detailed article on the Pubs of the Rocks if you would like to explore more of their fascinating history.

The Big Dig excavation site is our next stop. Head south past the Australian Hotel till you reach the Sydney Harbour Youth Hostel.

In the mid-1990s, when development of this site began, foundations of old shops and homes dating back to the 1790s were discovered. A team of 20 archaeologists went on to discover over 75,000 artefacts.

A selection of the items is on display in glass cabinets viewable in the foyer of the Sydney YHA. You can also explore the ground floor of the hostel where you can see the building’s foundations.

From here, walk through the walkway to Gloucester Street, and directly across the road to your left. You will find our next stop, Susannah Place.

I love  Susannah Place . Part of the Sydney Museums of History, the site features four homes in an original terrace building. They have preserved each house as it was across four different decades.

You can only visit on a free guided tour which are offered Thursday to Sunday and must be booked in advance.

If you don’t have time to join one, you can still visit the small shop on the corner. It sells a variety of items suited to the period and will give you an idea of the condition of the rest of the property.

Once you leave Susannah Place, walk down the stairs beside the shop and see the properties from the back – this site looks almost the same as it did 100 years ago.

Continue down the stairs, officially called the Cumberland steps, to Harrington Street and turn left. Just south of the staircase you will find a lovely sculpture by Leonie Rhodes titled Child of the Rocks.

Turn back towards the harbour and cross the road. A hundred metres or so along you will come to the Mission Stairs and a sign saying Nurses Walk.

Officially called Harrington Lane, this walkway had been known as Suez Lane for over 150 years. The narrow lane filled with water after rains making it appear like a canal. The Rock was a pretty dirty spot so many joked it was sewers canal.

It was also a hot spot of crime and passion (of the paid sort).

About halfway along the street, turn right into Nurses Walk. This laneway was the direct route that the nurses took to Sydney’s first hospital. Today it is home to gift shops and cafes. The walkways feature signs for those wanting to know more about the history of this spot.

Now follow the passageway out to George Street and walk towards the Harbour Bridge end of the street. Along the way, do a bit of window shopping in the stores and cafes along the road. On weekends, a market runs along the far end of this street.

When you get to the corner of George Street and Hickson Road, take Hickson Road and walk down the stairs towards the water.

This beautiful old warehouse is called Campbell’s Stores and was built in 1839 to house tea, alcohol, sugar, and fabric that came into the port.

These days it’s home to upmarket restaurants and function centres. The stores and the surrounding area has recently been restored.

Stop half way when you reach the Park Hyatt Hotel and stand close to the glass to capture this optical illusion.

Continue round the path until you reach the park under the bridge.

From here, you can follow the path around to Dawes Point and capture a shot of the Harbour Bridge and palm trees.

Retrace your steps around Campbell’s Cove to the Overseas Passenger Terminal and take the elevator to the fourth floor.

Take the stairs up another level, and you have a bird’s-eye view of Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge. Even if you can’t climb the stairs the view from the fourth floor is exceptional.

So there you are – you have finished your self-guided walk of the Rocks. On the Google map below, you will find all the stops plus an extended walk covering another dozen stops.

Open the map in My Maps to see the various options.

If you prefer a guided experience, there are lots of tours available in the area, including:

• a 90 minute guided walking tour
• a longer “ Ultimate Sydney ” walking tour
• a haunted Sydney ghost tour ,
• a very appropriate a Rocks pub tour , that is especially fun if you a solo traveller and fancy a night out,
• illi-Langi The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour with Dreamtime Southern X
• the Sydney Photography Tour .

There is also a free tour with I’m Free every evening at 6 pm.

If you have some energy left and want more, continue under the bridge to Walsh Bay and explore these old harbour wharves. Buses 431 and 433 head back to the city from George St near Lower Fort St or keep walking around to the brand new Barangaroo Reserve and the restaurants of Warrigal Walk.

21 thoughts on “The Rocks Self-Guided Walk Sydney”

Love the rocks area of Sydney. I would love do this self guided tour it would be amazing. So much history in this area of sydney. Plus my favorite german restaurant Lowenbrau keller is in the rocks

Great itinerary! I much prefer a (well informed) self guided walk than a tour and I’ve visited Sydney a couple of times and thought I had seen most of ‘The Rocks’ but you have shown me how wrong I was! Have bookmarked you post for my next trip to Sydney. Thank you!

I have been to Sydney twice. Both times just for a few days. Unfortunately we missed out on so many things you are writing about. were mainly in the Opera House area. What a pity ( I love to have those view on the Opera House) Well, next time 🙂

I’m embarrassed to admit that when I was in Sydney I missed quite a lot of these sights. I visited The Rocks but was distracted by the weekend market they have there, which is amazing. I guess I’ll have to go back now and use your post as my guide!

It’s easy to walk down George Street and be distracted by the markets or one of the many pubs lol but there is so much history to uncover I think it’s worth a little more time if you have some to spare next time. 🙂

I hope you get to come back and spend a bit of time in my favourite part of the city Arzo.

I have not been to the Lowenbrau for years, cause I am with visitors they want to try a local Aussie style place. Must pop in for a beer in your honor Mark 🙂 It has great outdoor seating for people watching.

En mi visita a Sydney, fue la parte que mas me gusto, junto con woollara.

This is such a neat tour! I did this yesterday with a group of my international students and they weren’t the only ones discovering new places, I learned a lot too. One of them told me that when we told them we were doing a walking tour that it was going to be really boring, but it was so much fun!

So glad they enjoyed it Sammie. It’s one of my favourite parts of the city and there are lots of hidden spots to find!

Another interesting post highlighting a few things that are new to me. I must do this walk soon. Thanks.

Followed most of this tour and it was a well laid out tour to give you a good idea of The Rocks.

Visiting Sydney with my family soon. I’m planning a trip to the Rock. This will be helpful. May I know how long it takes to complete the trip as per the Rocks Self-Guided Walk?

Hi YC You can cover this walk in an hour quite easily. 90 minutes would be comfortable allowing for photo stops.

I will be traveling with both my parents, 2 toddlers (4 years old & 1 1/2 years old) and my wife. My dad is using wheelchair but can still move around slowly with the help of crutches. If I push the wheelchair, may I know if Observatory Hill and Sydney Observatory are accessible by my dad? With the wheelchair, is it possible for us to reach the hill and the Observatory by foot?

I’ll be travelling with both my parents, 2 toddlers (4 years old & 1 1/2 years old) and my wife. My dad is using wheelchair but can still move around slowly with the help of crutches.

We plan to stop at the recommended attractions as per the Rock Self-Guilded Walk and to take photo.

If we follow the Rocks Self-Guided Walk and start the walk at 2pm. Do you think we will be able to complete the walk by 6pm? or possible to complete the walk earlier?

Appreciate your kind assistance.

Visitors using wheelchairs are able to access Sydney Observatory gardens, Space theatre, ground floor exhibitions and the East Dome telescope. There is no wheelchair access to the North and South telescope domes due to narrow and steep staircases in the heritage-listed buildings. Accessing the hill itself is not easy but it is possible. This map should help https://goo.gl/maps/qSEcuSXm2CjvabMF6

It is completely possible to complete the walk in 4 hours. I can do it in 90 mins so it really depends on how long you take at each stop.

How much time we should allocated for Museum of Contemporary Art if we just visit the free exhibits and take photo?

This is truly amazing! Doing your street art walk tomorrow but bookmarking this one for next week – thanks so much!

I hope you enjoy them both Caroline!

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Self-Guided Sydney Walking Tour to Top Sydney Landmarks

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Sydney, Australia has a fascinating history and world-famous sights. Home to iconic Australian landmarks – like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge – a Sydney walking tour should be on every visitor’s to-do list.

The top Sydney landmarks are found in the compact Central Business District, making it easy to see the sights on foot. We created this self-guided free walking tour of Sydney for visitors who want to see the famous landmarks in Australia at their own pace. 

That said, visitors interested in booking one of the Sydney guided tours will find our top recommendations for the best guided Sydney walking tours later in the article. 

Best Sydney Walking Tour

We love touring cities on our own and have created what we feel is the best Sydney Self Guided Walking Tour. 

Our easy-to-follow, free tour of Sydney is a great way to see Sydney in a day. We have included information on each sight and a useful Sydney walking tour map at the end of the post. Plus, to help visitors find their way on our walking tour in Sydney, we share step-by-step walking directions and a link to Google Maps to easily get online walking directions. 

That said, we also recommend stopping at the Sydney Visitor Centre kiosk at Circular Quay (where our self-guided Sydney walking tour starts) to pick up a map and ask any additional questions you might have.

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Free Walking Tour of Sydney for your vacation to Australia!

Self-Guided Walking Tour Sydney: Top Sydney Landmarks

Our Sydney self-guided walking tour loops around the city and highlights the best sightseeing in Sydney for free . And who doesn’t want the best tours in Sydney for free?!

The route of our Best Free Walking Tour Sydney is nearly 8 miles long (13.5 km) and will take about 4-5 hours to complete. More time will be needed to enter any of the museums and attractions listed along the route.

Most of the Sydney walking tour is on foot, however, we include one short ferry ride to get from Darling Harbour back to Circular Quay. The route is ideal as a Sydney one-day tour, but visitors with more time can split it into two days of sightseeing.

Our free city tour of Sydney starts at Circular Quay. 

#1 Circular Quay

MAP . Circular Quay is an ideal place to start exploring the city, which is why it is the first stop on our Sydney City Tour Itinerary. Located on the north side of the Central Business District, Circular Quay is the beating heart of Sydney. A steady pulse of buses, ferries and trains transit through the harbor that is a must-see for tourists.

While the harbor hosts top Sydney landmarks, it also has historical significance. Circular Quay was the landing site for the first ships carrying European convicts to Australia. It was from the penal colony built on these shores that Sydney grew into the city it is today.

From the Circular Quay harbor, begin walking east and follow the shoreline north to the Sydney Opera House.

#2 Sydney Opera House

MAP . The Opera House is, by far, the most recognizable Sydney landmark. The iconic building took 14 years to complete (1959-1973) and stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The massive staircase – nearly 100-meters-wide – leads to the entrance, but we recommend staying on the ground level and completely circling the structure to gain perspective before climbing the stairs.

Two halls of ‘stacked shells’ make up the award-winning structure that features amazing acoustics. The theaters inside (of which there are multiple) have hosted world-known musical and theatrical talents.

The facilities can be toured (for a fee), but it’s free to walk around the exterior of the building. Walking along the west side of the Sydney Opera House, visitors can see and touch the tiles (which alone took three years to develop) that give the building it’s sailboat appearance.

Find out more information about visiting the Sydney Opera House and tour options . 

From the Sydney Opera House, leave Circular Quay (don’t worry, we return later to see other Sydney Harbour attractions, including the bridge and The Rocks). Walk through the gates to the east, then follow the path south to the raised grassy area of The Domain

The Domain and Surrounding Sights

Originally used as a small farm for the penal colony, today the Domain comprises the expansive green space to the east of the Sydney city center. Paths crisscross through the park that are used for recreation and relaxation. Many historic government buildings and the Royal Botanic Gardens are found in or near the Domain.

Continue following the path to the south to the Government House.

#3 Government House

MAP . Built in the Gothic Revival style in the 1840s, the Government House is the vice-regal residence of the New South Wales’ Governor. The grand interior is open to visitors , as is the garden, which provides stunning views of the harbor and Sydney Opera House.

Note: If the Government House is closed for official business, visitors can take in the view from Tarpeian Precinct – a small elevated park between the Government House and the Opera House. 

From the Government House, walk southwest into the Domain to the Royal Botanic Garden.

#4 Royal Botanic Gardens

MAP . Established in 1816, the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens feature an array of plant life. Free for visitors to stroll and admire, the park also offers a range of programs and tours.

From the Royal Botanic Gardens, continue your Sydney city sightseeing tour and walk northeast to the point to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair.

#5 Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair

MAP . Hand-carved by convicts in 1810, the stone bench – now known as Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair – was a gift to the wife of the New South Wales governor. The viewpoint of the harbor – and especially of the Opera House and Bridge – makes it one of our favorite spots in all of Sydney.

From Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, follow the walking path along the eastern shoreline to Woolloomooloo.

#6 Woolloomooloo and Finger Wharf

MAP . The Sydney inner-city suburb of Woolloomooloo developed as a working-class neighborhood around the bay of the same name. Extending into Woolloomooloo Bay is Finger Wharf, the longest wooden-piled wharf in the world, measuring 1,345-feet-long.

The wharf was built in 1915 and used for 70 years as a busy shipping center. It fell to disuse in the 1970s, but has been completely revitalized with an upscale hotel/housing/restaurant complex.

On the southern shoreline of Woolloomooloo Bay, find Harry’s Café de Wheels and stop for an iconic Sydney snack. 

#7 Harry’s Café de Wheels

MAP . A Sydney institution, Harry’s Café de Wheels has been serving ‘Pie ‘n Peas’ since the late 1930s and is claimed to be Sydney’s best pie. Although not an original location, the restaurant displays old-time photos that show the history of Harry’s.

If you are hungry, we recommend ordering a beef pie tiger-style. The three-inch, piping-hot beef pie is topped with mushy peas, mashed potatoes and gravy. The inexpensive pie can serve as lunch or a mid-morning snack.

From Harry’s Café de Wheels, walk west on Cowper Wharf Road to the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

#8 Art Gallery of New South Wales

MAP . Opened in 1874, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of the largest galleries in Australia. The Art Gallery exhibitions – which are free to the public – include a range of art, including works from Australian and European masters, as well as entire galleries dedicated to Aboriginal and Asian works. 

From the Art Gallery of New South Wales walk northwest across the park to Shakespeare Place and Macquarie Street. Continue the Sydney city sights tour and stroll south past the historic government buildings.

Historic Government Buildings in Sydney

Not to be missed on your walking tour of Sydney are some of the top historic buildings of government.

#9 State Library of New South Wales

MAP . Established in 1826, the State Library of New South Wales – or Mitchell Library – is the oldest library in Australia. The building dates to the early 1900s and is open to the public (also in case you’re looking for a toilet!).

Next to the library, to the south, is the Parliament building.

#10 Parliament of New South Wales

MAP . The New South Wales legislature offices and chambers are housed in a complex on Macquarie Street.

Although the structure was expanded and renovated over the years, the historic Parliament House dates to the early 1800s. The unassuming structure was originally part of a hospital, but the space was converted to Parliament chambers in 1829.

Today, visitors can take a tour, visit the art exhibitions or enjoy high tea in the on site restaurant. 

Next to the Parliament building, to the south, is the Old Sydney Hospital.

#11 Old Sydney Hospital

MAP . Nicknamed the Rum Hospital because profits from rum sales were used to fund the building, the Sydney Hospital is the oldest public building in the city. Built in 1811, the structure is still used as a hospital today, specializing in ophthalmology and hand surgery.

The bronze boar, Il Porcellino, that sits outside is said to bring you good luck if you rub its snout. Also, it’s worth peeking into the courtyard to see the tiered Robert Brough Memorial Fountain. 

Next to the Old Sydney Hospital, to the south, is the The Mint.

#12 The Mint

MAP . Originally built as a wing of the historic Sydney Hospital in the 1800s, the Sydney Royal Mint occupied the building from 1855 until 1926. The coining factory was the first outside of England.

Since the mint closed, the structure has been used by several NSW government entities and today is the office of the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales. Additional Mint Info .  

Continue walking south into Hyde Park.

#13 Hyde Park

MAP . Since the first European settlers arrived in Australia, the park was used as a recreational space. However, it was in 1810 that Governor Macquarie dedicated the space as Hyde Park (naming it after Hyde Park in London ).

The green space has been used as a Cricket Ground, a horse racetrack, an outdoor boxing ring, a rugby field and military exercise grounds. At the north end of Hyde Park is Archibald Fountain, which celebrates the relationship between France and Australia during World War I.

East of Archibald Fountain, continue the free city walk of Sydney to St. Mary’s Cathedral.

#14 St. Mary’s Cathedral

MAP . The grand façade of St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Sydney features two Gothic spires. The towers stand at 245 feet – and make St. Mary’s one of the tallest churches in Australia.

Building commenced in 1868 after previous churches on the site were destroyed by fire. In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI visited St. Mary’s for World Youth Day.

South of St. Mary’s Cathedral is the Australian Museum.

#15 Australian Museum

MAP . Opened in 1857, the Australian Museum is actually the oldest museum in Australia. The collections are comprised of zoological and anthropological displays. Buy Advance Tickets .  

Re-enter Hyde Park and walk to the southern end where you will find the ANZAC War Memorial.

#16 ANZAC War Memorial

MAP . At the south end of Hyde Park is Sydney’s ANZAC Memorial. Opened in 1934 to remember the Australians who fought and died in World War I (the Great War), the memorial now stands to honor all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in military forces.

From the ANZAC War Memorial, walk north to Park Street. Go west on park and walk in centre Sydney to Sydney Town Hall.

#17 Sydney Town Hall

MAP . Easily recognizable by its clock tower and grand staircase, the centrally-located Sydney Town Hall is a popular meeting place for locals.

Built on former burial grounds in the late 1880s, the town hall is home to the Sydney City Council Chamber, the offices of the Lord Mayor and the Centennial Hall. The concert hall features the Grand Organ, which dates to the late 1800s.

Just north of Sydney Town Hall is the Queen Victoria Building.

#18 Queen Victoria Building

MAP . Filling an entire city block along George Street, the Queen Victoria Building – or QVB, for short – was built between 1893 and 1898. The landmark Victorian-Federation era arcade, which features multiple domes, is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.

The spacious interiors include four floors of retail space, cast-iron railings, original tile work and two clocks: The Royal Clock and the Great Australian Clock. At the south entrance is a large statue of Queen Victoria.

From the north end of QVB, walk east on Market Street to the Sydney Tower. 

#19 Sydney Tower

MAP . A popular tourist attraction since it was completed in 1981, the Sydney Tower stands at 1,014 feet in the center of the city. The tower features dining options, event space and an observation deck, called the Sydney Tower Eye.

Located at 820 feet, the enclosed viewing deck provides 360-degree views of Sydney. Take the fast track to the observation deck with advance tickets ! 

Walk west on Market Street to Kent Street. Walk south on Kent to Liverpool Street. Walk west and pass Dixon Street for the moment and climb the stairs to the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Then, retrace your steps on Liverpool Street to Dixon and walk south through Chinatown.

#20 Chinese Garden of Friendship

MAP . The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a traditional Chinese garden in Sydney’s Central Business District. The gardens, which were designed by sister city, Guangzhou, represent the bond between Australia and China.

#21 Chinatown

MAP . A significant Chinese population has lived in the city since the 1800s, but the current Sydney Chinatown was established in the 1920.

The most decorative part of Chinatown lies along the short, pedestrian-only street, Dixon Street, and features ornate Chinese gates, shops and eateries.

Continue walking south on Dixon Street to Paddy’s Market.

#22 Paddy’s Market

MAP . Housed inside an enormous brick building near Chinatown, Paddy’s Market has wall-to-wall stalls hawking everything from junk souvenirs (most featuring koalas, kangaroos, boomerangs and anything with “I heart Sydney” on it) to purses, wigs and costumes – all priced to sell. A few places at Paddy’s Market peddle brand name clothes that may or may not be authentic.

It’s easy to get lost in the maze of booths, each aisle looks identical to the previous. A fun Sydney shopping experience and a feast for the senses, the Paddy Market is worth a look.

If you have worked up a hunger – and were not tempted by any of the Chinese restaurants – detour to the Sydney Fish Market. You can follow these directions on Google Maps . If you choose to skip the Fish Market, follow these directions from Paddy’s Market to Pyrmont Bay.

#23 Sydney Fish Market

MAP . The Sydney Fish Market takes it up a notch on the sensory overload scale. The pungent scent of gutted fish wafts through the air at every turn – yet, the Sydney Fish Market is actually more civilized than Paddy’s Market.

The market only has a handful of vendors – but a seemingly endless choice of seafood. Fresh caught fish, prawns, oysters and live crabs are appealingly displayed on ice. Less appealing options of salmon fish heads and slimy octopus are also for sale.

The food court stalls sell everything from fried fish to sashimi, which can be eaten inside or under umbrellas on the docks. Read more about the Sydney Fish Market . 

From Sydney Fish Market, make your way to Pyrmont Bay using these Google Maps directions.

#24 Pyrmont Bay at Darling Harbour

MAP . A top Sydney entertainment district, Darling Harbour is a hub of activity. In addition to the many waterfront bars and restaurants, visitors will find popular Sydney tourist attractions such as the Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum and Madame Tussauds.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

One of the popular Sydney family attractions, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium provides a home to more than 13,000 sea creatures. The aquarium displays are sectioned into themes, including the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit. Buy Your SEA LIFE Aquarium tickets now !  

Australian National Maritime Museum

Explore the educational and interactive Australian National Maritime Museum to learn about life along the coast. Visitors can board in-water vessels, including the HMAS Onslow submarine and the HMAS Vampire battleship. Buy advance tickets.    

Madame Tussauds Sydney

Walk the red carpet and meet your favorite celebrities…kind of. Get up close and personal with the lifelike wax figures for epic selfies and photo ops. Get your tickets early !

#25 Sydney Harbour Tours from Pyrmont Bay Ferry Wharf

MAP . Many public ferries and Sydney Harbour tours depart from Darling Harbour. Hopping on a boat is a phenomenal way to get a better vantage point on your one-day tour of Sydney, Australia.

Get a seat in the bow as you sail beneath the famed Sydney Harbour Bridge and cruise past the Sydney Opera House.

Take the public ferry that departs Pyrmont Bay Ferry Wharf and ride to Circular Quay. When you arrive back at the Sydney docks, walk Circular Quay to the west into The Rocks District. 

#26 The Rocks, Sydney

MAP . The Rocks has a storied past, as the land was first settled by Aboriginal People – there is evidence of their presence dating to the 1400s.

By the late 1700s, the area had become home to convicts sent from England. In the mid-1800s, The Rocks had grown into a port city full of debauchery. Then, in 1900, the plague broke out and The Rocks fell to the slums. An aggressive government cleansing ensued and many historic homes were destroyed.

In the 1970s, Sydney residents took a stand against the destruction and fought to keep their community. Today, throughout the Rocks district, several historic Sydney buildings are preserved, including Cadmans Cottage House, Sailor’s Home and the Mercantile Hotel.

New buildings have also risen in The Rocks, like the Museum of Contemporary Art, which is free to enter. 

Another museum to visit is The Rocks Discovery Museum, which details the history of the district and of Sydney. Free to enter, the museum is housed in an 1850s building. Full of artifacts and stories dating back to the Gadigal people, the museum chronicles the events of The Rocks.

For even more information, read this detailed Sydney Rocks Walking Tour (which includes The Rocks Sydney Walking Map). 

From the Rocks Discovery Museum, walk south on Kendall Lane to Argyle Street. Walk west on Argyle under the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the stairs on the south side of the street that lead to…

#27 Sydney Observatory Hill Park

MAP . The Sydney Observatory was built on this hill in 1858. The popular hillside park features stunning panoramic vistas of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, North Sydney, Miller’s Point and Darling Harbour.

On the east side of the park, find the stairs that lead to the pedestrian path on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

#28 Sydney Harbour Bridge

MAP . The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world and an iconic Sydney landmark. Taking almost 10 years to construct, the bridge opened in 1932.

Nicknamed ‘The Coathanger’ because of its long arch, the steel bridge is used by trains, cars, bikes and pedestrians. The total length of the bridge is 3,770 feet. Two pylons stand at each end of the bridge at a height of 292 feet.

There are pedestrian paths on the famous bridge that allow visitors to cross it and take in the views – for free! 

#29 Harbour Bridge Pylon

MAP . Using the pedestrian walkway on the east side of the bridge, walk to the Pylon. The first pylon is open to visitors (for a fee) and guests are invited to climb 200 stairs for 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour.

If you want to bypass the climb (and the fee), just walk along the Sydney bridge’s pedestrian path for free. There is a safety fence that, while partially hindering the view, makes it safe to cross. 

BONUS: BridgeClimb Sydney

Thrill-seekers might want to consider the BridgeClimb, where participants are led on an expedition to the top of the Harbour Bridge’s arch. Find out more about the epic Sydney Bridge Climb .

#30 The Rocks for Evening Entertainment

End your Sydney sights walking tour back in The Rocks for dinner and drinks. Of the numerous bars and restaurants, we have a few recommendations. 

• Squire’s Landing – Modern brewpub on the harbor with views of both the Sydney Opera House and the Habour Bridge.
• The Glenmore Hotel – Classic Australian pub with rooftop views of the Sydney Opera House.
• Fortune of War – Claiming to be the oldest pub in Sydney, they have been slinging beers since 1828.
• Lord Nelson Brewery – Operating as a hotel and pub since 1841 (and as a brewery since 1987), the classic Aussie pub has a good selection of local beer on tap.

Looking for some of the Best Australian Craft Beer? Read our article about a Craft Beer Walking Tour of Sydney !

Sydney Walks Map

When visiting Sydney sights, use this link to Google Maps for an online, interactive version of our Sydney Walking Tour Map of Attractions.

More Sydney Sightseeing Tours

Although we think our walk is one of the best Sydney tours, it might not be for everyone. We have a few suggestions if our Sydney tour isn’t for you.

Sydney Harbour Walks

If our outlined Sydney in a Day Tour involves too much walking, perhaps a Sydney Harbour Walk will suit you better. Walks around Sydney Harbour include the most iconic landmarks in the city.

While travelers could easily wander the harbor, we think it is best to have a sightseeing plan. Therefore, we created a simple Self Guided Tour Sydney Harbor to help you find your way. 

Self Guided Walking Tour Sydney Harbour

Walk the coastline from Circular Quay to The Rocks. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art and The Rocks Discovery Museum. Walk to the Sydney Observatory, then up the stairs to the pedestrian walkway on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

Next, retrace your steps to Circular Quay and proceed to the Sydney Opera House. Continue walking east along the shoreline path to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair.

Find all these sights on our Sydney Harbour Walks map .

Guided Sightseeing Tours Sydney, Australia

If navigating the city sounds like too much of a hassle or you want to hear stories and history from a Sydney local tour guide, consider booking one of the Sydney group tours or Sydney private day tours. Here are just a few of the top guided and themed walking tours in Sydney.

3-Hour Guided Tour

See the highlights of Sydney on a guided tour. Rather than a Sydney City Walking Tour, this guided sightseeing tour is completed with a vehicle – allowing visitors to see more of the city in less time.  Get the details!

Aboriginal Tours Sydney

One of the in-depth Guided Walking Tours of Sydney, participants learn about the Aboriginal People and their history in Sydney. Along the way, the tour guide leads the small group through the Royal Botanical Gardens and Circular Quay – explaining the significance of the Sydney sights along the route. Find out more!    

Sydney History Tours of The Rocks

On a Rocks Walking Tour Sydney, Australia, guests get to discover the colonial past on one of the best historical tours of Sydney. Led by a historian, The Rocks Guided Walking Tour of Sydney, Australia is both captivating and entertaining. Learn more about this tour!  

Pro Tip: Is The Rocks Sydney Walking Tour that we highlight not the right tour of you? There are many guided tours delve into Sydney’s past in The Rocks. Whether you are looking for a private tour or a pub tour in The Rocks. Book it in advance !

Free Guided Tour Sydney

While our free Sydney tour allows you to go at your own pace, there are free walking tours in Sydney where a guide leads the way. On a Guided Sydney Free Walking Tour, participants are led to the top sights by local guides. 

Just bear in mind, however, that the guides of the Guided Free Sydney Walking Tour work for tips. If you are searching for a completely free tour, we recommend using our above Self Guided Sydney Free Tour. 

Money Saving Sydney Attraction Pass

If you are planning on visiting attractions, a Sydney tourist pass can save you money. Rather than buying individual Sydney attraction tickets, you can pay one fee for a Sydney sightseeing pass that allows entry into multiple sights.

Check out the Ultimate Sydney Pass , where you pay a flat fee for a specific number of sights. Some of the top Sydney tours and attractions included with the card are the Sydney Opera House Tour, Madame Tussauds, the SEA LIFE Aquarium, the Museums Pass, The Rocks walking tour and the Sydney Tower Eye.

What You Need For Your Sydney Walking Tour

Before setting off on your Walking Tour Sydney CBD route, you will want to be prepared!

Shoes for Travel

Sydney is a walkable city…but only if you pack the right travel shoes ! Your shoes should be comfortable, lightweight and versatile – like these shoes by Columbia  and  Skechers . Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Merrell .

Appropriate Weather Gear

If the sun is shining for your Sydney Walking Tour – and it likely will be – then you will need proper sun protection. Make sure to use sunscreen – and it’s also smart to have a travel hat that shades your face, as well as your favorite sunglasses . 

Furthermore, it is a smart idea to bring a refillable water bottle for Self Guided Walking Tours Sydney. 

Of course, if rain is predicted, then don’t forget to bring a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella for your city tour. 

Travel Camera

We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip – Sydney is so photogenic! Rather than relying on your mobile phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for higher quality photos. We always travel with a Canon Rebel and use a 18-135mm lens . 

The Canon DSLR camera is easy to use, comes with heaps of accessories and takes high quality photos – all of which makes it one of the best budget cameras for travelers .

Sydney Map and Australia Guidebook

We think it is much easier to complete a Self Guided Free Sydney Walking Tour when you have a good understanding of the layout of the city. Therefore, we recommend purchasing a  city map and/or guidebook before arriving in Australia.

A Durable Day Pack

Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you’ll want to be sure to have a great day pack to carry all your essential travel items in!

We carry small day packs when we tour cities on self guided walks – as they are comfortable to wear, have zippered pockets to keep our contents safe and are roomy enough to stow everything we need for the day. 

Australia Travel Insurance

Trip Insurance can come in handy when things go wrong – like lost luggage or getting sick abroad . 

If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip to Australia, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Sydney Trip Planning Advice

Planning a trip to Sydney, Australia is a big task! There are so many things to do in Sydney – and many overseas travelers plan on visiting multiple cities in Australia, as well. Our free, detailed Sydney guides can help you plan the best trip possible. 

• How To Plan 3 Perfect Days in Sydney
• Going on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
• Setting off on the Spit to Manly Nature Trail
• How To Plan a Blue Mountains Day Trip

Visiting other Top Destinations in Australia?

Good on ya! Get ready with our complete guides and insider tips for the best Australia destinations! 

• Best Things To Do in Melbourne
• Fun Brisbane Activities
• Free Things To Do in Cairns
• What To Do in Coollangatta on the Gold Coast
• How To Visit Perth in One Day

Trip Organization

As you start planning your trip and making reservations, organization is key! Get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Australia using our Trip Planning Printables !

Start planning your trip to Australia ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page !

We want to know:  Are there any sights you would add to our self-guided Sydney walking tour? What are your must-see Sydney landmarks? Give us your best tips and advice in the comments below! 

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The Rocks Walking Tours

Historical walking tours in sydney, australia, explore sydney with the rocks walking tours.

The Rocks holds a unique place in Sydney’s colonial history as the birthplace of European Australia. An essential visitor destination, The Rocks promises to be a memorable Sydney experience.

Hear the legends and history of Sydney as you stroll the shoreline of the sparkling Sydney Harbour and wander down hidden alleyways, shady courtyards, and cobbled lanes. Discover what makes The Rocks tick on a Sydney heritage walk.

Featured Walking Tours

Daily Tours

Discover the rich history of The Rocks on one of our informative and entertaining tours, departing daily at 10.30 a.m. & 1.30 p.m.

Private Tours

With over thirty years of experience, we create bespoke tours through The Rocks that cater to your special requirements.

Educational Program

We offer primary and secondary school groups comprehensive educational programs via guided walking tours.

The Rocks Walking Tour, established in 1978, is the oldest Sydney guided walking tour, and in fact, it’s the oldest in Australia.

In 1978, four friends with a passion for Sydney and its rich history had the dream of sharing that story. They knew that Sydney’s historic Rocks district would best tell the British story from the day they arrived in Sydney Cove, 26 January 1788.

After personally researching the historical material, writing the tours, developing and reviewing the routes they were ready to go.

Over 800+ Reviews on TripAdvisor

I thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour today. Vickie, our guide was incredible knowledgeable, and brought the history to life. She was very thoughtful about the needs of her group and answered all questions with considerable ease. would thoroughly recommend.

Anne went above and beyond in giving us a tour of The Rocks. She had wonderful stories, a book of photos and answered all of our many questions. She even accommodated a couple using a walker offering then alternate routes to get them to our next to if there were stairs. it was our first trip to Sydney so it have us some historical context.

I highly recommend this tour. Even though I had explored the area a lot, I learned about some really out of the way places. Learning the European history perspective was really informative. Our Guide Brian was incredible! Thank you!

Such an informative tour- I Grew up in Sydney and Julie's commentary was a mix of things that I had forgotten and things that were new- she was fantastic. A Tour well worth taking

"The tour is fairly short about 1.5 hours. Brian has been doing the tour for many years and was a wealth of knowledge. You don't cover a lot of area but do get a lot of information. I would definitely recommend this tour!"

"We really enjoyed the Rocks tour, loved hearing about the history of this fascinating area. The guide was excellent and really bought the stories to life - absolutely recommended."

"If you are interested in history, this is a great way to start your Sydney trip. Our guide was knowledgable and friendly. Highly recommended."

"We had a wonderful couple of hours with our guide Anne, funny and informative. A very useful insight into early Sydney and The Rocks."

"If you are traveling to Sydney this is a must, I have been to Sydney hundreds of times and on this tour, I learned some new things and I saw parts of Sydney I have not seen before."

There is no better way to get up close and personal with the story of Sydney.

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Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour

What you’ll do.

Discover the story of Sydney on this expert-led small-group walking tour, 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 & 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, the Cadigal people of the Eora nation.

Your guide will provide you with a range of perspectives on Sydney’s development, introducing Aboriginal people, British governors, convicts & entrepreneurs, and other multicultural migrants, as you weave your way through the city centre.

Your tour ends with a walk through part of The Rocks, finishing at a popular brewery with harbour views of both the Bridge and the Opera House.

With a maximum of 12 guests, you’ll be able to walk the streets in a small group so you’re not fighting to see, hear your guide or stay on the footpath. You’ll also receive heaps of recommendations to make the most of your time in Sydney: food, nightlife, art and much more – stuff you won’t find in any guidebook!

On this walk you’ll visit, see and learn about:

• Sydney Opera House
• Harbour Bridge
• Hyde Park Barracks
• St Mary’s Cathedral
• The “Rum Hospital”
• Queen Victoria Building
• The Garden Palace
• General Post Office (GPO)
• ANZAC Cenotaph
• The Tank Stream
• & much more!

What’s included

• 3 – 3.5 hour guided activity
• 1 classic Aussie snack/biscuit
• Craft beer (or soft drink or juice)
• Map with recommendations
• Group photos

Tour details

Perfect for: Solo travellers, couples, small groups and families with teenage children. You’ll be in a fun and friendly group consisting of locals and travellers.

Group size: Up to 12 people (no minimum numbers). For private tours we can take more – contact us for details.

Age range: This tour is not recommended for children under 12 years of age as it involves 3 hours of stories about Sydney’s history and around 4km of walking, which can often be little much for our younger guests. Please contact us if you need more information.

Start location: Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Sydney. We meet in front of Customs House, right beside the steps and access ramp.

End location: Squire’s Landing, near the International Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay. We finish a 10 minute walk from where we started.

Accessibility :  This tour is involves some inclines and uneven surfaces, but the route can be adjusted to suit guests with mobility concerns. Please contact us prior to booking so that we can ensure you are well catered for. We would not normally recommend this tour for guests who cannot comfortably cover 4 kilometres, are in wheelchairs or have vision impairments, but amendments can be made for guests if booked as a private tour. Please contact us to organise a private tour.

Impor tant note: You’ll cover around 4km on this tour over 3.5 hours. We walk at a leisurely pace, but comfortable shoes and a water bottle are a must.

Cultural note:  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised that this tour may include the names and images of people who are now deceased.

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