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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

• 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 (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

• Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney’s Walking History Tour
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• 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

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Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Journey Walks.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Australia/Sydney.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 280 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 14 Travelers is accepted for booking.