The Rocks Guided Walking Tour in Sydney: Celebrating History and Heritage
4.8
1,163 Ratings
The Rocks
Experience the rich history and hidden gems of Sydney's iconic Rocks district on a guided walking tour. Explore convict past, waterfront views, and historic landmarks. Book now!
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

The Secrets are Alive in the Sandstone

Discover the enchanting history of The Rocks on a guided walking tour. Explore the area’s beautiful historic landmarks and listen to stories about the extraordinary feats of ordinary people that shaped the narrative of British Australian settlement.

The Rocks Walking Tours’ expert local guides lead you through the heart of The Rocks precinct, with tours departing daily at 10:30am and 1:30pm from a convenient location within The Rocks.

Experience the tour in small, personal groups of no more than 25 participants, lasting 90 minutes and spanning roughly 1.2 miles (2 km) at a comfortable pace.

Stroll through secret passageways, cobblestone paths, and cool courtyards, pausing at charming terrace houses that might be missed by the unguided wanderer.

Be enchanted by the allure of this unique area and enjoy commentary that is both fascinating and amusing!

Your journey through The Rocks includes views of the shimmering Sydney Cove, breathtaking harbor vistas featuring the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Cadman’s Cottage – the oldest surviving residential building in Sydney’s CBD from 1816, Campbell’s Cove with its stunning views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the wharves, Argyle Cut, and the Garrison Church, known as the Church of Holy Trinity, constructed in the 1840s.

Your exploration of The Rocks historic district will take you along George Street, Greenway Lane, Kendall Lane, Rocks Square, Playfair Street, Foundation Park, Suez Canal, Nurses Walk, and many other notable spots!

Points of Interest

  • The Rocks Walking Tours
What's Included
  • 90 minute guided walking tour
  • Guide with amplification for clear commentary
  • Umbrella provided if needed
  • Specialist trained guide with local expertise
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (provided for private bookings)
  • Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information

Embark on a 90-minute relaxed walk around The Rocks district in Sydney to journey through its and British Australia’s history under the guidance of a knowledgeable guide. Take pleasure in the captivating visuals of contemporary life as you traverse The Rocks and learn about Sydney’s penal colonies history. Uncover the city’s closely held secrets found in hidden corners, narrow passages, and concealed courtyards even locals might be unaware of. The route features a walk along the coast of Sydney Harbour, where you can gaze at the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Cadman’s Cottage, and Campbell’s Cove.
Tour Highlights:
• The gleaming shoreline of Sydney Cove
• Landscapes overlooking Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Cadman’s Cottage, the oldest preserved home in The Rocks, erected in 1816
• Campbell’s Cove, offering breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour
• Marvel at the Argyle Cut, started by prisoners in 1843
• We meander through lanes like Greenway, Kendall, along the Suez Canal, Foundation Park, amongst others within The Rocks’ historic region.

  • Please arrive at our office to check in and meet your guide for the day, a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour time
  • Children and Infants must be accompanied by an adult
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved covering approx. 1.2 miles (2km) at the pace of the group’s participants
  • Small groups (no more than 20 people)
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress to the predicted weather conditions appropriate for an outdoor activity
  • Comfortable walking shoes, hat and a bottle of water suggested
  • Tour encompasses uneven surfaces, cobblestones, worn sandstone flagging and steps; while these elements of the tour have never been considered to be strenuous by most people, for others this may be considered as an unsuitable activity.
  • Tour is wheelchair accessible however be prepared for uneven surfaces at the sites visited which may be difficult for those with walking disabilities or using a powered wheelchair/ scooter
  • Meeting point is easily accessible on foot for cruise arrivals/ shore excursions
  • Wheelchair (manual) and pram friendly route
  • Toilet facilities accessible
Location
The Rocks Walking Tours
Departure Point: Shop 5 - Clocktower Square, 35 Harrington St Please check in at our office inside the Clocktower, 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Our office is located within The Rocks, is easily accessible for all, located close by to the Overseas Passenger Terminal
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(1163 Ratings)
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Marypy4399kg
Apr 16, 2024
Excellent tour - Very informative! Anne was a wealth of knowledge and a great tour guide. Covered a lot of history in an organized fashion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Malcolm_f
Apr 14, 2024
Outstanding tour - We had an excellent Walking tour of The Rocks with Michael last Wednesday. He was a most knowledgeable guide who shared the history of The Rocks along with personal stories of the people who originally lived in the area. We walked down narrow lane ways, went into hidden courtyards as well as visiting historic buildings and houses. The tour was well paced, Michael used photos to help tell the story and his voice was excellent, easy to hear and follow. The tour is definitely ‘a must do’ when next in Sydney.
Review provided by Viator
S1479e
Apr 14, 2024
Explore the Rocks - Jon , our guide was exceptional, knowledgeable and very entertaining. Thoroughly recommend the tour , we are Sydneysiders and learnt so much about our history. A fun way to spend a sunny Sunday morning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dancn3364qk
Apr 13, 2024
Must do when in Sydney - Great historical walk through the early beginnings of the city. Guide was very knowledgeable and made the experience very enjoyable. Money and time well spent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
492charlenek
Apr 13, 2024
A Worthwhile Tour! - Our Tour guide was great. She had a good knowledge of the area that we were touring and she was very patient and went the extra mile to make sure that everyone was able to see and hear the information that she was sharing. She also had a good sense of where to stop and talk, as it was a little warm that day and she made sure that we were in the shade for the better portion of the tour. We learned a lot about this area of Sydney and we would recommend this tour. I believe our tour guide's name was Vickey or maybe Julie?
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steven_n
Apr 10, 2024
Great tour of nice area - Fun tour, lots of fun stories and could envision the old times. Nice that the area was saved from tear down. A nice area now
Review provided by Viator
Johnno2043qu
Apr 10, 2024
Great walking tour in Sydney harbour - Great experience and Vicki was brilliant she showed us the old town of Sydney from its original days as a penal colony. It was a great trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherine_f
Apr 15, 2024
Tour of the Rocks - John was very thorough and gave an Iinteresting account of the early history of Sydney. Took us behind the scenes to some courtyards behind the buildings to show us where the early city inhabitants lived. That and the stories about the early residents brought the Rocks to life.
Review provided by Viator
Noel_e
Apr 6, 2024
Very Good Tour! - The tour was as described and met our expectations. The guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and shepherded the group efficiently.
Review provided by Viator
Audreyw942
Apr 4, 2024
Anne was a wonderful guide - Anne was a delight and despite the torrential rain, maintained her engaging and knowledgeable attitude throughout. Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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