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Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian

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Sydney, AU
5
Sydney, AU
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Experience the captivating history of Sydney's colonial birthplace on the Convicts and The Rocks walking tour led by vibrant historians. Get ready for fascinating tales of convicts, soldiers, sailors, and rebellions as you explore the narrow alleyways, hidden ruins, and sandstone cellars of The Rocks district. Before diving into this rich history, the tour begins with a visit to Sydney's historical Customs House and the colonial relics at Macquarie Place. Led by knowledgeable guides who bring the past to life through storytelling and visual imagery, this tour guarantees an immersive and educational experience. After delving into Sydney's convict history, the tour concludes in the heart of The Rocks, surrounded by heritage pubs, cafes, boutique shopping, art galleries, and the local market on Saturdays. Don't miss out on this captivating journey through Sydney's past!

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-14 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Fascinating history of Sydney's colonial birthplace
  • Scallywag stories of convicts, soldiers, sailors, rum & rebellions
  • Hidden ruins and sandstone cellar from Sydney's gold-rush era
  • Wandering through back alleys and cobbled lanes of The Rocks
  • Finish in the heart of The Rocks surrounded by historic pubs and cafes
  • 2.5 hour walking tour covering approximately 20 historic sites and stories
  • Tour finishes in the heart of the rocks beside historic pubs and cafes with local recommendations
  • A visual folder with historic imagery, maps and portraits of the area presented by your guide
  • A visit inside customs house to discover scale model of sydney from above
  • A local sydney crime historian as your tour guide
  • Gratuities
  • Food is not included on this tour, but your tour guide will have fantastic local recommendations

More about this experience

Introduction

Discover the fascinating history of Sydney's colonial birthplace, The Rocks, on an immersive walking tour led by passionate historians. This tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the scallywag stories of convicts, soldiers, sailors, rum, and rebellions. As you explore the narrow alleyways and hidden ruins, you'll be captivated by the vibrant storytelling, visual imagery, and extensive research provided by your knowledgeable guide.

What to expect?

On this 150-minute tour, you can expect to embark on a journey through time, uncovering the secrets and tales of The Rocks district. From the moment you meet your guide in front of Customs House at Circular Quay, you'll be taken on a captivating adventure. The tour includes visits to historical sites such as Macquarie Place, where you'll discover hidden relics and learn about Sydney's original fresh water source, the Tank Stream. In The Rocks, you'll wander through back alleys and cobbled lanes, discovering hidden sandstone ruins, old slums, and underground cellars turned speak easy bars. The tour concludes in the heart of The Rocks, surrounded by heritage pubs, cafes, and boutique shopping.

Who is this for?

This walking tour is designed for history enthusiasts, curious travelers, and anyone seeking to explore the rich heritage of Sydney. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this experience promises to immerse you in the captivating stories of convicts, craftsmen, and cut-throats that shaped the history of The Rocks. From individuals interested in colonial history to architecture enthusiasts intrigued by sandstone facades and hidden ruins, this tour caters to a wide range of interests and curiosities.

Why book this?

Join this walking tour and unlock the hidden depths of Sydney's history. Led by engaging historians with a real passion for the past, this experience offers a unique blend of entertainment and education. The vibrant storytelling, visual imagery, and extensive research ensure that the history of The Rocks comes alive before your eyes. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for an enriching cultural experience, this tour will leave you with a deep appreciation for the convicts, sailors, and street gangs who once occupied this area.

Good to know

During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore inside Sydney's historical Customs House and discover colonial relics at Macquarie Place, providing added insights into Sydney's past. It's important to note that the tour requires walking through narrow alleyways and cobbled lanes, so wearing comfortable footwear is recommended. Also, keep in mind that The Rocks area is brimming with character and surprises, so be prepared to be enchanted by its quirks and charms.

Reviews

Customers who have experienced this walking tour rave about the engaging and knowledgeable guides who bring history to life through their storytelling skills. Many reviewers highlight how the tour offers a unique perspective on Sydney's past, allowing them to uncover hidden aspects of The Rocks they would have never discovered on their own. Overall, participants express high levels of satisfaction with the tour, describing it as an immersive and captivating experience that exceeded their expectations.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Journey Walks

Meet you guide at our Journey Walks starting point in front of Customs House at Circular Quay for an introduction. Your guide will be located on right hand side of the building if facing the entrance with a CONVICT HISTORY tour folder.

Customs House

Begin your journey by unraveling the elaborate sandstone facade of Sydney Customs House — the gateway for people and goods arriving by ship into Sydney through the 19th & 20th Century. Then enter inside Customs House see a unique model of the entire city including Circular Quay and The Rocks in miniature (scale 1:500) below your feet as your guide illustrates the forming of the natural harbour and the urban settlement of Sydney.

Admission Included

Macquarie Place Park

Discover the hidden and forgotten relics found in Macquarie Place including the underground Edwardian lavatory, the First Fleet anchor and the Obelisk of distances — Sydney's first public monument designed and built by convicts for the Governor of NSW.

Admission Included

Tank Stream Fountain

Uncover the secrets of Sydney's original fresh water source, now hidden below your feet. The Tank stream not only helped Sydney's convict colony survive but it was one of the main reasons this cove was chosen as the site of Australia's first penal settlement

The Rocks

In The Rocks you'll find yourself wandering though back alleys and along cobbled lanes, passing some of the oldest pubs and houses in Sydney and getting lost in the stories of convicts, sailors and street gangs who occupied and worked in the area. Your guide will lead you to hidden sandstone ruins, old slums and underground cellars turned speak easy bars. The Rocks area is full of character, quirks and surprises.

The Argyle

Finish your tour in the heart of The Rocks nearby the Argyle Stores surrounded by historic pubs, converted storehouses, shops, cafes, and beer gardens

Admission Included

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • We continue our tours in all weather conditions so please dress accordingly. Umbrella's are a good idea if wet weather seems likely.
  • Due to the layout of The Rocks, some stairs are unavoidable at certain points along the way, but majority of the route follows flat terrain.
  • Anyone requiring special assistance is kindly asked to make contact with your local operator in advance.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised that this tour may include the names and images of people who are now deceased.
  • Your guide is a native English speaker and will carry tour folder with A3 size images to help illustrate the area's past
  • Groups are kept small (10 person maximum) and we encourage questions and interaction.
  • Your guide will ensure that Covid-safe social distancing measures and a contact free policy is in place throughout the tour

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2024-11-30 00:16

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