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

5.0 (312 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

312 reviews

5.0

Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Convict stone quarries in The Rocks — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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!

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At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–14
Guide: English
Operated by: Journey Walks

Ages: Adults (16–80 years)

What is included

Included

Included: 2.5 hour walking tour covering approximately 20 historic sites and stories
Included: Tour finishes in the heart of The Rocks beside historic pubs and cafes with local recommendations
Included: A visual folder with historic imagery, maps and portraits of the area presented by your guide
Included: A visit inside Customs House to discover scale model of Sydney from above
Included: A local Sydney crime historian as your tour guide

Not included

Not included: Food is not included on this tour, but your tour guide will have fantastic local recommendations
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

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.
Customs House

10 min Admission included

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 Admission included

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.
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
The Rocks

1 h 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.
The Argyle

10 min Admission included

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

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets 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.

End point

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%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers 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 (15 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