Tours/Sydney/Sydney- The Rocks, Circular Quay & Waterfront Guided Walking Tour
Sydney- The Rocks, Circular Quay & Waterfront Guided Walking Tour
5.0(3)Sydney1h 15min
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(2)
+11 photos
At a glance
Duration
1h 15min
Price from
$36 / person
Location
Sydney, Australia
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 3 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 20
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Daves Tours
Meeting point
We meet on the steps of Customs House (31A Alfred St, Sydney) a short walk from Circular Quay Station.
Description
Enjoy a 75 minute guided walking tour through Sydney’s iconic Circular Quay and The Rocks, led by a friendly local guide (Dave). Perfect for first time visitors, this experience combines iconic harbour views with engaging stories about Sydney’s past and present.
Starting at Customs House, take in views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge while learning about the city’s origins, from Aboriginal heritage to the First Fleet. Continue into The Rocks to explore historic laneways like Nurses Walk and Suez Canal, pass Susannah Place, and hear tales of convicts, sailors and early colonial life.
As the tour continues, enjoy elevated views across Circular Quay from the Cahill Expressway, offering a unique perspective of the harbour and city. Stroll next to the Royal Botanic Gardens while your guide shares insights into Sydney’s growth, with clear views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Finish at the Sydney Opera House forecourt, a memorable end to a scenic and informative walk.
Tour Options
Sydney- The Rocks, Circular Quay & Waterfront Guided Walking Tour
Itinerary
Customs House
15 min
Begin at the Customs House Forecourt with sweeping harbour views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge while your guide introduces Sydney’s story — from its Aboriginal heritage and the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 to the vibrant harbour city visitors see today.
The Rocks
35 min
Walk into The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest European neighbourhood. Once home to convicts, sailors and dock workers, this historic precinct is filled with sandstone buildings, pubs and narrow laneways that reveal the city’s colonial past.
Make your way through Nurses Walk & Suez Canal, and explore cobblestone laneways that once formed the heart of early Sydney. Hear stories about the colony’s first hospital, life in the crowded port district and the notorious “push gangs” that once ruled the streets.
Visit the preserved 1840s terrace houses of Susannah Place and learn how working families once lived in The Rocks. The guide will also explain the famous “Green Bans” movement that saved the neighbourhood from demolition in the 1970s.
Circular Quay
25 min
Take in elevated views across Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour from the Cahill Expressway viewpoint while learning how the city developed through the 20th century.
Stroll along the edge of the Royal Botanic Garden and via Tarpeian Way with stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge — one of the most scenic walking routes in the city.
Finish the tour at the Sydney Opera House forecourt, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous buildings in the world.
What's included
Included
Local Guide
Traveller Ratings
5.0
3 reviews
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Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Sydney- The Rocks, Circular Quay & Waterfront Guided Walking Tour lasts about 1h 15min. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $36 per person for this Sydney experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is We meet on the steps of Customs House (31A Alfred St, Sydney) a short walk from Circular Quay Station. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Reviews(3)
J
joelle_w
September 20, 2026
Go Doug!
2Sept26. Our private tour was guided by DOUG of Daves Travel Group.
What a guy! Doug was so knowledgeable and funny. One family member needs a bit of extra time with stairs so we had some concerns about walking in The Rocks. Doug used a route he had designed for visitors in wheelchairs. IT WAS PERFECT. We got a history lesson. Laughs. Wonderful views of Sydney Harbor. And recommendations for the best pubs. Thank you, Doug.
B
bbh-vie
July 20, 2026
Great tour with Doug
Had a great tour with Doug! He has a fun way to tell the story of Sidney. Even though the tour was 3 h long, time passed very quickly thanks to Doug's entertaining way. We saw a lot. Truly enjoyed it
Operator response
Thanks so much! Three hours flying by is about the best compliment a walking guide can get. Great to hear Doug’s stories and sense of fun made exploring Sydney such a good one.
Until the next wander,
The Daves
J
jarrex
April 6, 2025
Awesome tour! A must when in Sydney!
We did The Rocks Pub Tour last Saturday night and it was amazing. Our guide Pino was the best! So knowledgeable, great story teller and just a bloody nice bloke. There were a lot of people around as it was Saturday night in the Rocks but he manoeuvred us around the crowds with ease. Do yourself a favour and whether you are from Sydney or from overseas this tour is a MUST do! 10/10
Operator response
Cheers for the cracking review — Pinno will be stoked to hear it! Sounds like you had a top night out in The Rocks.
Cheers, Ellen
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Tour
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Sydney- The Rocks, Circular Quay & Waterfront Guided Walking Tour