15 Best Historical Tours In Sydney (With Prices)

Sydney stands out among Australia’s cities for its deep and diverse history. Its mix of colonial architecture, tales of convicts, and vibrant neighborhoods makes it an ideal place for historical tours. Whether you’re wandering through The Rocks, exploring the underworld stories of Darlinghurst, or visiting Watsons Bay, each experience offers a glimpse into the city’s layered past. We’re particularly fond of the Sydney: The Rocks 90-Minute History Walking Tour for its compact, insightful look at the earliest days of European settlement, and the Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour for blending history with local pub culture. These tours aren’t just about facts—they bring Sydney’s stories vividly to life.

For those interested in Sydney’s convict roots, the Sydney Convicts, History & The Rocks 2.5-Hour Walking Tour is an excellent choice, tracing the city’s early penal days with engaging storytelling. If you’d rather explore more personalized experiences, the Private Tour in Sydney to Bondi and Historical Site offers a flexible, tailored approach. Whatever your style, this list includes options that cover historic walking explorations, pub crawls, crime stories, photography classes, and private full-day adventures—all designed to help you discover Sydney’s fascinating history.

1. Sydney: The Rocks 90-Minute History Walking Tour

Explore The Rocks on this guided walking tour, which lasts about 1.5 hours. It’s perfect for a quick yet meaningful overview of Sydney’s earliest days, with stories about the ordinary people who shaped this historic area. The guide takes you through hidden alleyways, cobbled lanes, and shady courtyards, revealing secrets behind the sandstone buildings. You’ll enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge across Sydney Cove. This tour ranks highly with a 4.7-star rating, making it a reliable choice for travelers wanting a solid introduction.

What makes this tour special is its focus on personal stories and lesser-known sites, giving visitors a genuine sense of what life was like in early Sydney. It’s a great option for those on a tight schedule who want a concise, rich experience with an engaging guide. The tour’s value lies in its short duration paired with authentic storytelling, perfect for first-timers eager to grasp Sydney’s origins.

Bottom line: An excellent quick immersion into Sydney’s colonial beginnings, perfect for history newcomers and those with limited time.

2. Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour

Rating: 5.0/5 from 251 reviews
Price: $82.84 per person
Duration: About 2 hours 30 minutes

This tour combines history, local tips, and pub culture into one engaging experience. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll visit four historic pubs in The Rocks, many dating back to the 1800s. The tour is led by a local guide who shares stories of Sydney’s past and present, skipping the typical guidebook approach. The self-guided meal option allows you to enjoy your own food and drinks either before or after the tour.

Guests love the personalized stories and the lively, funny guides like Dave and Nick, who bring history alive with humor and insight. Highlights include exploring back alleys and archaeological sites, making this more than just a pub crawl—it’s a chance to understand Sydney’s social history through its oldest taverns. The tour’s value is high, especially for those looking to combine local storytelling with a relaxed pub experience.

Bottom line: A fun, social way to learn about Sydney’s past while checking off some of its oldest pubs—ideal for those who enjoy stories and a cold drink.

3. Sydney Convicts, History & The Rocks 2.5-Hour Walking Tour

Rating: 4.9/5 from 176 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hours

This tour takes you deep into Sydney’s convict history—a fascinating story of crime, punishment, and survival. Starting at Customs House Library, you’ll wind through cobblestone alleyways, heritage buildings, and hidden ruins, uncovering tales of notorious rum dealers, street gangs, and the lives of prisoners. Highlights include sandstone structures and the infamous Argyle Cut. The guide provides detailed stories about convict life, the early penal colony, and the city’s transformation.

Many reviews laud the engaging storytelling and the visit to secret sites most travelers miss. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts who want a comprehensive yet lively look at Sydney’s penal past. The 2.5-hour length makes it manageable for travelers with limited time but who want a serious dose of history.

Bottom line: A richly detailed walk that reveals Sydney’s convict roots through engaging stories and hidden sites, ideal for history buffs.

4. Private Tour in Sydney to Bondi and Historical Site

Rating: 5.0/5 from 50 reviews
Price: $610.21 per group (up to 4)
Duration: About 4 hours 15 minutes

This private tour offers a customized exploration of Sydney’s highlights, starting in The Rocks and heading to Bondi Beach. Your guide will showcase scenic waterfront views and share stories of Sydney’s development along the way. The itinerary includes convict-built cottages, scenic lookouts like Observatory Hill, and iconic spots like Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. The tour is flexible, so you can tailor it to your interests, making it perfect for those wanting personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

Guests appreciate the private, intimate setting and the ability to see hidden views and less crowded sites. Transport is included, making it easy to cover more ground efficiently. The tour’s high rating reflects its flexibility and expert guidance, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a customized experience.

Bottom line: An excellent, flexible way to see Sydney’s highlights with a personal touch, suitable for couples or small groups seeking tailored sightseeing.

5. Historical True Crime Walking Tour of East Sydney

Rating: 5.0/5 from 53 reviews
Price: $24
Duration: About 2 hours

For those intrigued by Sydney’s darker past, this tour explores Victorian and Edwardian architecture, crime scenes, and notorious stories from the 1920s to 1970s. Starting at Hyde Park, you’ll explore Darlinghurst’s old laneways and see sites linked to murder cases, gangsters, and vice. The guide shares tales of the Parkland Killer, Mutilator Murders, and Sydney’s history with prostitutes and illegal activities.

The tour is praised for its engaging storytelling and accessible meeting points. It’s perfect for travelers interested in crime history or Victorian architecture. The 2-hour format makes it easy to slot into a busy itinerary, and the low cost adds to its appeal.

Bottom line: An entertaining and informative look at Sydney’s criminal past—great for history lovers with a taste for darker stories.

6. Sydney Photography Course in the Historic Rocks Area

Rating: 5.0/5 from 35 reviews
Price: €154
Duration: About 2 hours 30 minutes

Combine your love of history and photography with this engaging course in The Rocks. Led by a professional photographer, you’ll learn how to control your camera’s settings and capture stunning photos of iconic sights like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The tour offers personalized lessons tailored to afternoon or nighttime photography, helping you get better shots of Sydney’s most picturesque spots.

Guests rave about the expert advice and small-group attention, making this a practical choice for anyone wanting to improve their photography skills while enjoying Sydney’s historic ambiance. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a hands-on experience with a focus on photo composition and exposure.

Bottom line: A practical, skill-building tour that adds a creative twist to your Sydney sightseeing—ideal for photography enthusiasts.

7. Sydney Private Full-Day Tour || History, Icons & Beaches

Rating: 5.0/5 from 22 reviews
Price: $155
Duration: About 7 hours

This customizable private tour covers Sydney’s major landmarks and hidden highlights in a day. It includes Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, and scenic drives through Double Bay and Bondi Beach. The guide can adapt the itinerary to your preferences, making it perfect for travelers who want an immersive, flexible experience.

Guests mention the personal attention and tailored route as standout features, with plenty of opportunities for photos and in-depth stories. If you’re tight on time but want a rundown, this private tour offers excellent value, especially for couples or small groups who want a custom experience.

Bottom line: A flexible, private day tour that balances sightseeing, storytelling, and personal touches, perfectly suited for those who want a tailored experience.

8. Phone Photography Workshop in Sydney – Explore Historic Balmain

Rating: 5.0/5 from 12 reviews
Price: $59.52
Duration: About 3 hours

Turn your smartphone into a powerful camera while exploring Balmain, one of Sydney’s historic neighborhoods. Led by Colin, an experienced guide and photographer, this workshop covers techniques like exposure, composition, and camera settings—all suited for phone photography. You’ll visit lesser-known streets, capturing beautiful architecture and coastal views.

Reviews commend Colin’s knowledge and personalized teaching style, making this a practical choice for travelers wanting to improve their photo skills without lugging around bulky equipment. It’s perfect for those who prefer casual, hands-on learning combined with exploring a historic part of Sydney.

Bottom line: A practical and fun way to enhance your mobile photography skills while discovering Balmain’s historic charm.

9. Sydney Private Half Day Tour: Beaches, History & Icons

Rating: 5.0/5 from 19 reviews
Price: $254.15 per person
Duration: About 4 hours

This half-day private tour offers a compact yet comprehensive look at Sydney’s highlights. Starting with The Rocks, you’ll then visit Sydney Opera House and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. The drive takes you through Vaucluse, Rose Bay, and Double Bay, offering spectacular views and insights into Sydney’s most desirable neighborhoods. The tour also includes a visit to Bondi Beach and Camp Cove.

Guests appreciate the personalized approach and the flexibility to focus on what interests you most. It’s an ideal option for travelers short on time but eager to see a wide spectrum of Sydney’s cultural and scenic highlights.

Bottom line: A flexible, efficient way to experience Sydney’s icons, beaches, and scenic spots in a private setting—great for a quick but complete overview.

10. Sin and the City — Kings Cross Golden Age Walking History Tour

Rating: 5.0/5 from 9 reviews
Price: $41.60
Duration: About 2 hours 30 minutes

Discover the less glamorous side of Sydney’s nightlife on this tour of Kings Cross, the city’s historic red-light district. This walk uncovers stories of 1920s jazz age scandals, Victorian villas, and notorious nightlife. The guide shares tales of backstreet bordellos, sly-grog shops, and art Deco architecture. It’s an engaging look at Sydney’s underbelly, mixing history with juicy scandals.

Reviewers love the entertaining storytelling and the chance to see hidden corners of the district. It’s perfect for those interested in urban stories, architecture, and the city’s darker past.

Bottom line: An intriguing walk through Sydney’s more notorious past, ideal if you want a mix of history, architecture, and wild stories.

11. Sydney Historical Walking Tour including The Rocks

Rating: 5/5 from 7 reviews
Duration: About 2.5 hours

This comprehensive tour covers both The Rocks and other historic sites across Sydney. It’s led by guides with over a decade of experience, offering insights into landmarks, secret corners, and panoramic views. The route includes Hyde Park, Parliament House, the State Library, and the Botanic Garden before heading into The Rocks with its hidden laneways and colonial buildings.

Ideal for travelers who want a broad yet detailed overview, this tour combines history and architecture with plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a balanced way to grasp Sydney’s story in a manageable 2.5-hour window.

Bottom line: A well-rounded, detailed walk exploring Sydney’s key historic sites, perfect for first-time visitors wanting a full picture.

12. Historic Walking Tour of Glebe

Rating: 5.0/5 from 15 reviews
Price: $28.69
Duration: About 1 hour

Glebe is a charming inner-city neighborhood with Victorian and Edwardian architecture. This tour offers a look at Glebe’s industrial past, its magnificent townhouses, and social history. Highlights include St John’s Anglican Church and Bidura House with their intriguing stories. The tour runs on Saturdays, making it a flexible option for weekend travelers.

Reviewers praise Ned’s local knowledge and the rich stories about Glebe’s evolution from a working-class area to an artsy enclave. It’s a short but engaging way to explore another side of Sydney beyond the usual tourist sights.

Bottom line: A quick, informative tour of Glebe’s architecture and social history—perfect for those wanting a local’s perspective in a brief visit.

13. Surry Hills & Darlinghurst History Tour — Gangsters, Girls & Grog

Rating: 5.0/5 from 6 reviews
Price: $41.60
Duration: About 2 hours 30 minutes

This tour unearths Sydney’s 1920s and 30s criminal scene, focusing on gangsters, women mob bosses like Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh, and prohibition-era stories. Walking through Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, you’ll see former brothels, illegal pubs, and art deco architecture that tell stories of Vice, violence, and vice.

Guests enjoy learning about the Queen of the Underworld and the rivalry between these notorious women. It’s a vivid look at Sydney’s underground life during its roaring twenties. The tour offers a compelling mix of history and colorful stories.

Bottom line: A lively exploration of Sydney’s criminal and social underworld, ideal for history fans who love stories of gangsters and bootlegging.

14. Sydney Private Full-Day Tour: Opera House, Bondi Beach & Secrets

Rating: 5.0/5 from 10 reviews
Price: $272.00 per person
Duration: About 7 to 8 hours

This private tour takes you through Sydney’s most iconic sights and hidden gems. It starts with a walk through The Rocks and visits the Sydney Opera House, then continues along Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and through famous harborside suburbs. It includes scenic drives to Bondi Beach, Camp Cove, and Rose Bay, with plenty of time for photos and local stories.

Guests love the personalized itinerary and flexibility to focus on what interests them. It’s perfect if you’re after a comprehensive, private day that balances scenic drives, history, and icon visits.

Bottom line: An all-encompassing private day tour offering customized sightseeing with a focus on Sydney’s icons and scenic spots.

15. Historic Walking Tour of Watsons Bay

Rating: 5.0/5 from 4 reviews
Price: $28.69
Duration: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Watsons Bay offers a stunning coastal setting with a storied past. This walk explores Australia’s first lighthouse, shipwrecks, and early settlements. Highlights include The Gap Lookout, Victorian Baths, and Camp Cove, each with spectacular views and interesting stories about early explorers and wartime history.

Guests appreciate the breathtaking scenery paired with fascinating history. It’s an ideal tour for those wanting a relaxed pace combined with beautiful vistas and local lore.

Bottom line: A scenic, history-rich stroll along Sydney’s coast, perfect for a laid-back day with stunning views.

How to Choose the Best Sydney Historical Tour for You

When selecting a tour, consider your interests and schedule. If you want a quick, rundown, the Sydney: The Rocks 90-Minute Walk or the Sydney Historical Walking Tour including The Rocks are excellent. For a more social experience, the Pub Tour offers great stories paired with local drinks. If you’re fascinated by crime stories, the True Crime Tour provides a vivid narrative of Sydney’s darker side.

For more personalized, flexible experiences, the Private Tours—such as the Bondi and Historical Site or the Full-Day Icons and Beaches—are perfect, especially if you prefer private guides. If photography is your focus, the Sydney Photography Course in The Rocks or Balmain will help you capture Sydney’s beauty.

Booking early is wise, especially for small-group or private options, which tend to fill quickly. Check availability and choose tours that match your pace, budget, and specific interests.

To sum it up, Sydney offers a wide range of historical tours—from quick walks to in-depth explorations and private customized experiences. For a compact overview, the 90-minute walk hits the mark. For those who want stories of crime and underworld tales, the True Crime Tour is a hit. And if you’re after a personalized day of sights and beaches, the full-day private tour will suit you perfectly. No matter your choice, early booking ensures you’ll secure a spot on these popular experiences, so plan ahead and enjoy discovering Sydney’s layered past.