Overview
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.
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.
You’ll finish with a beer at a popular brewery with views of the Bridge, the Opera House and Sydney Harbour. Over a drink, your host will give you further tips and recommendations to make your time in Sydney special – stuff you won’t find in a guidebook!
Walk the streets in a small group so you’re not fighting to see & hear your guide or stay on the footpath.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Group photos
Map with recommendations
Snacks
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
We meet in front of Customs House, beside the steps and access ramp (on the right hand side as you face Customs House).
End point
We finish at "The Squire's Landing", where you'll get a view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
What to expect
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Customs House
15 min
We start at Customs House where you'll see a scale model of all of Sydney and where we will walk (approx 4km / 2.5 miles). You'll also learn some Aboriginal place names for parts of Sydney and explore the new precinct immediately behind Customs House.
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The Mint
15 min
We walk past the "Rum Hospital", which now consists of NSW Parliament, the Sydney Hospital and the Mint.
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Hyde Park Barracks
5 min
We will stop outside Hyde Park Barracks as you hear the story of its construction and infamous architect. We do not enter the Barracks.
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Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
10 min
We will briefly enter the Royal Botanic Gardens to see the location of the former Garden Palace and Governor Phillip Fountain.
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Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
5 min
We will briefly enter the Queen Victoria Building, but mainly just to see it and for any guests to use the bathrooms.
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St. Mary's Cathedral
10 min
We stop in Hyde Park where you will get a great view of St Mary's Cathedral. We do not enter the cathedral or go up close to it (approximately 50 metres from the building).
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General Post Office (GPO) Sydney
5 min
We will stop in Martin Place and Pitt St to look at the General Post Office and hear the story of its controversial construction and design.
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Martin Place
5 min
We will stop in Martin Place to hear about the ANZAC Cenotaph and Australia's involvement in World War 1.
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The Rocks
30 min
We will walk through part of The Rocks towards the end of the tour, visiting the Nurses Walk, Jack Mundey Place and lower George St.
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Sydney Opera House
30 min
We will see the Opera House from where we finish the tour and at Campbell's Cove. We do not enter the Opera House but you will hear the story of its construction.
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Sydney Harbour Bridge
30 min
We will see the Sydney Harbour Bridge from where the tour finishes. We do not get up on the bridge as part of the tour, but it is a short walk from the end point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Australia/Sydney).
Additional Information
- Not recommended for travels uncomfortable walking 4km
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Sydney Walking Tour Through Hyde Park and the Botanic Garden
Can I cancel Sydney Walking Tour Through Hyde Park and the Botanic Garden for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Where does the tour start?
Meet in front of Customs House, beside the steps and access ramp on the right-hand side as you face the building.
Does the tour include pickup?
No. All travellers meet in front of Customs House, beside the steps and access ramp on the right-hand side as you face the building.
Where does the tour end?
It finishes at The Squire's Landing, with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Which places does the walking tour visit, and in what order?
The 11 stops are Customs House, The Mint, Hyde Park Barracks, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Queen Victoria Building (QVB), St. Mary's Cathedral, General Post Office (GPO) Sydney, Martin Place, The Rocks, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, in that order.
How long is the tour, and how much walking is involved?
The tour lasts 3 hours 30 min and involves walking approximately 4km / 2.5 miles. It is not recommended for travellers uncomfortable walking 4km.
Are any attractions entered during the tour?
The tour briefly enters the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Queen Victoria Building. It does not enter Hyde Park Barracks or St. Mary's Cathedral, or enter the Sydney Opera House or go up on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Operated by Local Sauce Tours
