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9 Best Sydney Walking Tours in 2024
Are you looking for the best Sydney walking tours? I’ve got you covered!
Walking tours are not just an excellent way to explore Sydney’s iconic landmarks, but also a chance to discover hidden gems with the help of a knowledgable guide.
I’ve always found walking tours to be a more intimate, detailed, and environmentally friendly way of experiencing a city. They’re about slowing down, looking closer, and really immersing oneself in the destination. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to stay active while traveling!
So, lace up those comfy shoes, and join me as I share some of the best Sydney walking tours that will help you discover Sydney like never before. Let’s get strolling!
My Top 4 Picks: Best Sydney Walking Tours
āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø
ā You choose what you want to see
ā Knowledgable local guide
ā Optional use of public transportation
ā Learn about the history of the Rocks
ā Entrance to historic buildings
ā Insider tips
Drag Queen Walking Tour through Sydney’s LGBT District
ā Drag queen guide
ā Learn about Sydney’s LGBT history
ā Snack included
Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems
ā Full day tour
ā Includes the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
ā Private tour
Best Overall Walking Tours in Sydney
1. Sydney Private Tours by Locals: 100% Personalized, See the City Unscripted
āļø RATING: 5/5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ā Book it!
The best thing about this private Sydney walking tour is that it’s a completely personalized experience! They tailor the tour according to your interests, you just need to tell them what you’re interested in.
I also really like that this guided tour is about 8 hours long. So, you’ll have enough time to really explore this beautiful city and you have enough time to ask your guide as many questions as you want about Sydney.
Trust me when I say this, walking around the city with a local guide, who can offer anecdotes and insights that you wouldn’t get otherwise, is a whole different experience.
So, if you want to see Sydney beyond the typical tourist spots, this tour might just be perfect for you.
Don’t forget to get a delicious vegan breakfast in Sydney before embarking on this amazing walking tour.
This walking tour in Sydney includes:
- 100% customizable
- 8 hours with a local host
- Optional use of public transport or private taxi
- Hotel meet-up (optional)
Peter was amazing! showed us the transit system and really personalized the tour, even taking our 7 year old on a double decker train! He was really knowledgeable about the city and it was a great day!
Nathan_W (Read more reviews)
2. Small-Group Sydney City Walking Tour
āļø RATING: 5/5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ā Book it!
This Sydney City Walking Tour is conducted in a small group setting, which allows for a more intimate and interactive experience compared to a normal tour.
Throughout the tour, you’re accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who shares fascinating historical and cultural insights about Sydney.
You’ll take a leisurely stroll through the iconic Rocks district, Circular Quay and Hyde Park. Marvel at the majestic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Sydney.
You’ll get plenty of opportunities to capture beautiful photos and you even have time to enjoy a coffee break at a charming local cafĆ©.
If you’re someone who enjoys a personable, unhurried exploration of the city, this tour could be an excellent fit. Don’t wait too long, though. The small group size means spots can fill up quickly.
Another great way to see Sydney from a unique perspective is from a helicopter tour over Sydney Habor.
This Sydney tour includes:
- Local guide
- Tea or coffee
A packed and thoroughly enjoyable 3 hour walk around the Rocks, Hyde Park and the Botanical Gardens along with other sites of interest filled with historical background and anecdotal stories of interest. I would definitely recommend Daves Tours
Gill_K (Read more reviews)
3. Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour
āļø RATING: 5/5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ā Book it!
This guided walking tour is a must for everyone interested in Australian history. It also gives a great first impression of Sydney.
Starting at Customs House, you’re taken on a journey through the cityās evolution, from British colonization and its impact on the Aboriginal people to the lives of British governors, convicts, entrepreneurs, and multicultural migrants.
The cherry on top? It concludes with a cold beer at a trendy local brewery, boasting a panoramic view of the iconic Bridge, Opera House, and Sydney Harbour.
Your knowledgeable guide will provide additional tips and recommendations, revealing the city’s lesser-known secrets, something you won’t find in any guidebook.
This guided Sydney tour includes:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Snacks
- Map with recommendations
- Group photos
Highly recommended!!! Very interesting city tour with deep knowledge and interesting places. Not boring and Justin loves his job!!
Artyom_S (Read more reviews)
Best Walking Tours of the Rocks
1. Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney’s Walking Tour Led by Historian
āļø RATING: 5/5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ā Book it!
This captivating tour begins at the city’s historic Customs House, where you get a sneak peek into Sydney’s maritime past and a bird’s eye view of the city’s model.
The tour takes you through the back alleys of The Rocks, known for its character, quirks, and fascinating history steeped in tales of convicts, sailors, and street gangs.
Finally, the tour concludes at The Argyle, located in the heart of The Rocks, amidst historic pubs and charming cafes.
This Sydney Rocks tour includes:
- Visit inside Customs House
- Visual folder with images so you can visualise the history
- Knowledgable historian guide
- Local recommendations
Max was extremely knowledgeable about the entire history of the region. Just a fabulous tour- one of the best!
Tracy_G (Read more reviews)
2. Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour
āļø RATING: 5/5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ā Book it!
On this guided tour you’ll stroll through charming lanes, courtyards and discover some of Sydney’s oldest buildings like the Cadmanās Cottage, built in 1816, and the Garrison Church, dating back to the 1840s.
Get awestruck by the views of the Sydney Harbour, Campbells Cove Wharves, and iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
This tour is not only a visual treat but also a journey into Sydneyās past, revealing how the city was built on the shoulders of convicts.
This tour of the Rocks in Sydney includes:
- Umbrella (if required)
- Guide has amplification for ease in hearing commentary
Better than expected. Who knew all these alleyways, stairs existed in such a unique neighborhood. I would suggest that anyone take this tour, because you really learn about the history of Sydney. Our tour guide Dee answered all questions. And, you could feel her passion for The Rocks.
Wesley_H (Read more reviews)
3. The Rocks Pub Walking Tour
āļøĀ RATING:Ā 5/5 Stars | ā³Ā TOUR LENGTH:Ā 2.5 hours | ā Ā Book it!
This unique adventure takes you to four of Sydney’s oldest pubs, where you’ll be treated to a glass of craft beer, cider, or wine at each stop.
Not only will you enjoy the warm ambiance and delicious drinks, but you’ll also discover intriguing stories from the British colony’s early days in Australia, told by your knowledgeable and engaging guide.
This tour offers a fantastic opportunity to see historic buildings, learn about The Rocks’ legendary residents, and gain insights into Sydney’s founding history, all while savoring some of the best pub atmospheres the city has to offer.
This unique walking tour includes:
- Professional guide
- Beverages
Fun evening out in the Rocks – great way to learn some history and enjoy some local brews. Small group so you can chat with the guide and each other.
Stacy_W (Read more reviews)
Most Unique Walking Tours in Sydney
1. Drag Queen Walking Tour through Sydney’s LGBT District
āļø RATING: 5/5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ā Book it!
For a walking tour thatās out of the ordinary and full of color, the Drag Queen Walking Tour through Sydney’s LGBT District is your best option! It’s an incredible unique thing to do in Sydney.
This tour is guided by a superhero drag queen, and this unique tour takes you down the lively Oxford Street, the heart of Sydneyās LGBTQ hub.
You’ll learn about the city’s vibrant Mardi Gras Parade, visit iconic stores like House of Priscilla and Aussie Boys, and get a glimpse of the famous Stonewall and Oxford Hotel bars.
This tour isnāt just about sightseeing, itās an intimate journey through the history and evolution of Sydneyās LGBTQ scene.
The best part? You’ll wrap up the tour with a refreshing drink at a local cafĆ©, reminiscing about the unforgettable memories you’ve just created. You can even score some in-store discounts along the way! Now, how’s that for a fabulous day out in Sydney?
This unique walking tour includes:
- Drag queen guide
- Snacks
We had a great time on the walking tour with Wonder Momma! We spent about 3 hours waking around Oxford street as she told us the history behind this fabulous street. So informational & like nothing weāve ever done before! Wonder Momma is a great guide with all the LGBT+ history as well as providing jokes along the way! […]
rudi_w (Read more reviews)
2. Sydney Dark Stories True Crime Tour
āļø RATING: 5/5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ā Book it!
If spine-chilling tales and gripping crime stories intrigue you, then the Sydney Dark Stories True Crime Tour is one that you should definitely consider.
This walking tour takes you through some of Sydney’s most infamous crime scenes, delving deep into its sinister past.
It’s astonishing how sometimes truth can indeed be stranger than fiction, and this tour proves just that by unfolding some of Sydney’s most terrifying real-life crime stories.
As you walk through the city’s neighborhoods and visit the actual sites of these crimes, your guide will share fascinating facts about this dark side of Sydney’s history.
Ryan was an excellent tour guide. Over the course of the tour, we stopped at quite a few interesting spots with colorful histories that we would never have heard about otherwise. A great activity for a night in Sydney. Highly recommend!
Julia_P (Read more reviews)
Best Walking Tours in Bondi
1. Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems
āļøĀ RATING:Ā 5/5 Stars | ā³Ā TOUR LENGTH:Ā 2 hours | ā Ā Book it!
Okay, I have to admit this last tour is not completely a walking tour, it’s a full-day tour with some walking parts and some parts in a van. But the Bondi to Coogee Beach coastal walk is just so beautiful it just can’t be missing from any list of walking tours in Sydney.
I did the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, which is a shorter version of the Bondi to Coogee walk, on my own. But you can do it as part of this epic full-day tour.
With this tour, you get the absolute best out of your Sydney holiday, from the main attractions in the city center to the stunning coastline.
This full-day Sydney tour includes:
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- WiFi on board
- Experienced driver and guide
- Live commentary on board
Our Guide, Fazli, was amazing. His knowledge of Sydney and Australia was very impressive. He was very professional and courteous. It was like he didnāt want us to miss seeing anything! A fun and informative day. Well worth the price! (Heās a great photographer too! Got some great pictures of the wife and I with incredible backgrounds!!!)
Jay_L (Read more reviews)
Final Thoughts: Walking Tours Sydney
Whether you’re interested in the main attractions and anecdotes of the city, in the history of this Australian city, or in the uniqueness Sydney has to offer, there’s a tour that’s just perfect for you.
Each walking tour is a different adventure waiting to unfold. Grab those walking shoes, pack your curiosity, and let Sydney charm you with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning vistas.
š¤© This is the most comprehensive walking tour of Sydney!
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