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Activity Sydney, Australia

From Foundations to Skylines: A Self Guided Sydney Walking Tour

one hour – 1 h 15 min Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

From Foundations to Skylines: A Self Guided Sydney Walking Tour

About this activity

Sydney’s architecture tells a story of how Australia’s largest city evolved from a colonial outpost into a modern metropolis.

On this self-guided architectural walking tour, you’ll hear the stories behind its most significant landmarks and structures, and find out how a series of fascinating characters has shaped this harbour city.

The tour starts at Sydney Town Hall, built directly above an old burial ground, where you’ll hear its haunted history. You’ll make your way through the city centre, exploring grand buildings including the ornate Queen Victoria Building with its stunning copper-domed roof, and past the Sydney Tower Eye, the tallest structure in the city.

As you walk, you’ll hear about the mysterious disappearance of the QVB’s solid gold key, and discover the fiery past of St. Mary’s Cathedral. The tour ends at Circular Quay, where you can take in spectacular views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and continue exploring Sydney’s most iconic spot.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof

At a glance

Duration
one hour – 1 h 15 min
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–15
Audio guide
English
Written guide
English
Operated by
VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Included: App for Android and iOS
  • Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

  • Not included: Smartphone and headphones
  • Not included: Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
  • Not included: Food and drink
  • Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

  1. Sydney Town Hall

    Passing by

    You'll pass by the impressive Syndey Town Hall.

  2. Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

    Passing by

    You'll walk through the historical Queen Victoria Building (QVB).

  3. The Strand Arcade

    Passing by

    You'll walk through the lovely Strand Arcade, with its interesting history.

  4. Stop 4

    Passing by

    You'll pass by the impressive Sydney Tower Eye.

  5. Stop 5

    Passing by

    You'll walk by the historical St James Station.

  6. St. Mary's Cathedral

    Passing by

    You'll catch a glimpse of the St. Mary's Cathedral. Entry inside is not included.

  7. The Mint

    Passing by

    You'll walk by the historic Mint building.

  8. Stop 8

    Passing by

    You'll pass by the NSW Parliament building, the political heart of Sydney.

  9. State Library of New South Wales

    Passing by

    You'll take in the impressive State Library of New South Wales. Entry into the library is not included.

  10. Stop 10

    Passing by

    You'll pass by the site of the First Government House, a true piece of Australian history.

  11. Customs House

    Passing by

    We'll pass by the historical Custom House. Entry inside is not included.

  12. Circular Quay

    Passing by

    We'll end the tour at the vibey Circular Quay.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • This tour starts at the Sydney Town Hall. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

  • The tour ends at Circular Quay Wharf.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

───

Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Service animals allowed

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

From Foundations to Skylines: A Self Guided Sydney Walking Tour

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