HIGHLIGHTS
- Uncover the captivating history of Sydney with The Rocks walking tour
- Visit Botany Bay and La Perouse for insights into the First Fleet and foundation of colonial Australia
- Enjoy local Aboriginal stories
- Spectacular photo opportunities of Sydney's famous landmarks
OVERVIEW OF THE TOUR
Join this historical tour of Sydney as we visit many of the city’s landmarks such as Bare Island and The Rocks, with the guidance of our expert driver/guide.
We’ll start the afternoon by uncovering the fascinating colonial history of Sydney with a walking tour of The Rocks. This area is one of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhoods, established shortly after the landing of the First Fleet in 1788. Known to the local Cadigal people as Tallawoladah, the Rocks hosts many historical buildings that were saved from redevelopment in the 20th century.
You will be led through this historical area by your knowledgeable local guide as they regale you with compelling stories from the area. The Rocks has undergone many changes and transformations over time, from its beginning as the dodgy “convict’s side of town” to the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the struggles to save the colonial buildings from destruction. The area is now a thriving hub of activity, with bars, cafes, galleries and local boutiques occupying the impressive original buildings.
Have your camera ready for photo opportunities of some of Sydney’s best-known attractions including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Next up we journey to the coast to visit Botany Bay for a further look at Australia’s colonial past. The area was the original location planned for settlement by the British following James Cook’s exploration of Australia. The First Fleet landed here in 1788, but quickly moved to Port Jackson after Botany Bay was deemed unsuitable for a settlement. Nowadays there are plenty of interesting attractions to visit around the area of La Perouse including the Bare Island Fort, built in the 1880s and used until 1908 to protect Sydney. Spend your time exploring the historical buildings and learning about the arrival of European settlers and the impact this had on the local Aboriginal population.
After this interesting and insightful trip through the history of Sydney, the tour concludes by heading back to the city.