(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

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

300 Reviews 4.98 out of 5 stars Based on 300 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
99% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Sydney, Australia
Book online or call us
Chat now

from $34.52 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian Image 1
Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian Image 2
Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian Image 3
Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian Image 4
Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney's Walking Tour Led by Historian Image 5

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

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
  • Gratuities
  • Food is not included on this tour, but your tour guide will have fantastic local recommendations
See 2 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Alfred Street
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

39/Argyle Street
The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia

What To Expect

Journey Walks

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.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Customs House

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.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Macquarie Place Park

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.
Read more

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Tank Stream Fountain

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
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Rocks

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.
Read more

1 hour 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Argyle

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

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Show 4 more stops

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
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney’s Walking Tour Led by Historian?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. 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 (AEST).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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-48144P1

Traveler Photos

See more
See more

Reviews

4.98
300 reviews

Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 300 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
295
4 stars
3
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
Sydney Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

From the Mountains to the Bay - 4 Day Rediscovery Private Tour
Likely to Sell Out

From the Mountains to the Bay - 4 Day Rediscovery Private Tour

New To The Site!
 4 days  Hotel pickup offered
from
$4,586.74
Sydney's best comedy show! Wild! Epic! SO MUCH FUN!

Sydney's best comedy show! Wild! Epic! SO MUCH FUN!

New To The Site!
 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$11.05
Private Waterfront Camping Sydney for 2 days

Private Waterfront Camping Sydney for 2 days

New To The Site!
 2 days  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$199.15
Beauty of the Blue Mountains Private Tour

Beauty of the Blue Mountains Private Tour

8
 9 to 10 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$600

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour
Likely to Sell Out

Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour

3,145
 1 hour  Free Cancellation
from
$31.86
Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems
Likely to Sell Out

Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems

252
 6 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$165.29
Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour

Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour

1,426
 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$30.54
Sydney Dark Stories True Crime Tour

Sydney Dark Stories True Crime Tour

379
 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$22.57

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Convicts and The Rocks: Sydney’s Walking Tour Led by Historian?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • 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 (AEST).
  • 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.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is 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.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
  • Food is not included on this tour, but your tour guide will have fantastic local recommendations.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

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 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 16. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If 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 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility 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
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

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 Boat 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 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • 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

Activity name

  • 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

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Lowest Price Guarantee

Activity name

We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

We Make It Easy!

Gather your information

Locate your City Boat Tours Booking Number and the proof of the lower price you found.

Send it to us

Email [email protected] with the documents, your name, and your home address.

We'll review

We'll review your materials and get in touch as soon as possible.

Receive your refund

If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

Refund Terms & Conditions

The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • City Boat Tours promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on City Boat Tours and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • City Boat Tours reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of City Boat Tours.

Free Cancellation

Activity name

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • 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 (AEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • 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.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Cool Support

Ask us anything!

Activity name

Cool Robot