Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian
Overview
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!
What's Included
- 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 visit inside Customs House to discover scale model of Sydney from above
- A local Sydney crime historian as your tour guide
- A visual folder with historic imagery, maps and portraits of the area presented by your guide
- Gratuities
- Food is not included on this tour, but your tour guide will have fantastic local recommendations
Meeting Location
31 Alfred Street
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
39/43 Argyle Street
The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Journey Walks
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Customs House
10 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Macquarie Place Park
20 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Tank Stream Fountain
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The Rocks
1 hour 20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The Argyle
10 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney’s Walking Tour Led by Historian?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-48144P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 312 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- 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 visit inside Customs House to discover scale model of Sydney from above.
- A local Sydney crime historian as your tour guide.
- A visual folder with historic imagery, maps and portraits of the area presented by your guide.
- Gratuities.
- Food is not included on this tour, but your tour guide will have fantastic local recommendations.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 16. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney’s Walking Tour Led by Historian will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- 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 visit inside Customs House to discover scale model of Sydney from above
- A local Sydney crime historian as your tour guide
- A visual folder with historic imagery, maps and portraits of the area presented by your guide
- Gratuities
- Food is not included on this tour, but your tour guide will have fantastic local recommendations
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
