Explore Sydney's Rich History
Sydney boasts a rich and captivating history, as well as being a vibrant modern city. The best way to delve into this history is by taking part in one of the historical tours that we offer. These tours allow you to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of how Sydney evolved into the iconic city it is today.
| Tour Features | Sydney Highlights Tour | Harbour Bridge Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Point | Sydney Harbour | Dawes Point |
| Finishing Point | Opera House | Pylon Lookout |
| Other Stops | The Rocks, Circular Quay, Customs House, Tank Stream | Bridge Pylon, Bradfield Highway, Pedestrian Walkway |
| Tour Duration | 3 Hours | 2 Hours |
| History | Australian, Sydney, Aboriginal | Engineering, Construction, Cultural |
| Tour Stops | 6 tour stops | 5 tour stops |
| Puzzles | 17 puzzles to solve | 9 puzzles to solve |
| View Tour | View Tour |
Must-Visit Historical Sites
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House stands as a globally recognized symbol of architectural brilliance. Designed by Jørn Utzon, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see. Our Sydney Highlights tour explains the story of Opera House, allowing you to appreciate its unique design and learn about its construction, which spanned over a decade.
Circular Quay
Circular Quay, a bustling transport hub today, has a storied past. Originally called Sydney Cove, discover how it served as the entry point for many of Sydney's early settlers and hear tales of its transformation into a busy inner city precinct, full of unsavoury characters and debauchery, yet remained a cultural hub for the city.
Dawes Point
Dawes Point, located near the southern pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, offers panoramic views of the city and harbour. Learn about its Indigenous heritage and its role in Sydney's maritime history, as well as the clearing of 800 homes and businesses to make way for the harbour bridge.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, often called the "Coathanger" due to its distinctive shape, is another iconic structure. Both the Sydney Highlights Tour and the Harbour Bridge Tour offers spectacular views of the harbour, but also provide insight into its history and engineering marvel. To take a deeper look at the engineering and construction, our Harbour Bridge Tour invites you to discover how this bridge affected life in Sydney, and became a symbol of the citys resilience during a time of particular difficulty.
The Tank Stream
The Tank Stream, Sydney's first water source, played a crucial role in the early settlement of the city. Follow its path through the heart of Sydney and learn how it shaped the city's development.
The Rocks
Wandering through the historic precinct of The Rocks is like stepping back in time to Sydney's colonial era. Cobblestone streets, charming pubs, and historic buildings tell tales of convicts, early settlers, and the city's gritty beginnings. Explore this district and hear stories of its transformation over centuries.
Convicts in Sydney
On our Sydney Highlights Tour, discover the stories of the convicts who were among the first European settlers in Sydney. Learn about their harsh lives, the challenges they faced, and their contributions to the city's development. Visit sites where convict history is preserved, including historic buildings and archaeological remnants.
Aboriginal History
Explore the rich Indigenous history of Sydney and learn about the culture and traditions of the local Aboriginal people. Discover the significance of landmarks, that bear witness to thousands of years of Aboriginal presence in the area. Gain insight into the struggles and resilience of the Aboriginal community in Sydney.
Audiobook Quality Commentary
To make the most of your historical tour experience, our tours feature audiobook quality commentary including sound effects, direct quotes and background music. Put together by professionally trainer tour guides, our audio tours breathe life into Sydney's history. They can provide insights and detailed information that may be missed if you join a group tour.
Booking Your Tour
Booking a historical tour of Sydney is a straightforward process. You can easily make reservations online through our website, simply pick the tour you want to do, pick the date to pick up your tour kit, and off you go.
Plan Your Visit
On our tours you will be walking from tour stop to stop, so wearing comfortable shoes is a must. Additionally, consider bringing sunscreen and a hat, especially on sunny days. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of Sydney's historic sites!
Exploring the history of Sydney through its historical tours is an enriching experience that connects you with the city's vibrant past. Whether you're marveling at the Sydney Opera House, crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, strolling through The Rocks, or delving into the stories of convicts and Aboriginal history, you're sure to gain a deeper appreciation for this remarkable city. So, step back in time with Unlocked Tours and uncover the fascinating history that has shaped Sydney into the captivating metropolis it is today.