Overview
Expect fascinating history, delivered with energy and insight on a walking exploration of Sydney's colonial birthplace: The Rocks. Together your group will uncover the scallywag stories of convicts, soldiers, sailors, rum & rebellions. This tour is led by vibrant historians who share their passion for the past through great storytelling, visual imagery and extensive research.
Before reaching the narrow alleyways & hidden ruins of The Rocks district, you’ll enter inside Sydney’s historical Customs House & discover the colonial relics at Macquarie Place.
In The Rocks your guide will bring to life the convicts, craftsmen & cut-throats littered throughout its early history. You'll also venture below street level to discover a sandstone cellar connected to Sydney's gold-rush era.
After getting lost in the area's rich history this tour finishes in the heart of The Rocks surrounded by heritage pubs, cafes, boutique shopping, art galleries & the local market on Saturdays. Welcome aboard!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
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
Food is not included on this tour, but your tour guide will have fantastic local recommendations
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
This tour meets in front of CUSTOMS HOUSE (31 Alfred Street Circular Quay). Your guide will be located outside the building on right hand-side if facing the entrance.
Your guide will have a white tour folder that says CONVICT HISTORY TOUR and will check you in.
What to expect
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Journey Walks
10 min
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.
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Customs House
10 min
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. -
Macquarie Place Park
20 min
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.
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Tank Stream Fountain
10 min
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
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The Rocks
1 hour 20 min
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.
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The Argyle
10 min
Finish your tour in the heart of The Rocks nearby the Argyle Stores surrounded by historic pubs, converted storehouses, shops, cafes, and beer gardens
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
- Your guide will ensure that Covid-safe social distancing measures and a contact free policy is in place throughout the tour
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian
Can I cancel Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours 30 min.
Where does it start?
This tour meets in front of CUSTOMS HOUSE (31 Alfred Street Circular Quay). Your guide will be located outside the building on right hand-side if facing the entrance.
What's included?
- 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
What's not included?
- Food is not included on this tour, but your tour guide will have fantastic local recommendations
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits Journey Walks, Customs House, Macquarie Place Park, Tank Stream Fountain, The Rocks, The Argyle.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Journey Walks
