Uncover the stories, scandals and hidden histories that shaped NSW on tours led by knowledgeable, local guides. From ancient culture to colonial times, these walking and bus tours illuminate the people and places that forged our noteworthy past.
- 4 min read
The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour, Dreamtime Southern X
Where: The Rocks
What makes it special: Run every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, learn about the cultural heritage of Sydney on a walking tour of The Rocks. Delve deep into Dreamtime stories while sitting under a Port Jackson fig, discover the meaning behind songlines and walk the footsteps of those arriving ashore in the First Fleet in 1788 with knowledgeable Aboriginal guides from Dreamtime Southern X.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Insider tip: Many credit tour founder Margret Campbell with pioneering the Indigenous tourism movement in NSW. An elder from the Dunghutti-Jerrinjah nation, she guided visitors on a whale Dreaming cruise across Sydney Harbour in the 1990s.
Dreamtime Southern X, Sydney
Quarantine Wander History Tour, Q Station
Where: Manly
What makes it special: When your skin prickles, the hair stands up on the back of your neck and your mouth goes dry, you know Q Station is getting to you. Tour the quarantine station, with 150 years’ worth of buildings that were once filled with newly arrived travellers – some who brought with them the Spanish flu, smallpox and bubonic plague – remanded here to stop the spread of illness across Sydney. Q Station tells stories of love and loss. Hear the powerful tales of migrants who journeyed to Australia in search of a new life.
Duration: 1 hour
Insider tip: Leave time to explore the scenic grounds, enjoy lunch at the Wharf Cafe & Bar or Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar, and kayak around the harbour.
Q Station, Manly
Sydney Royal National Park Aboriginal Culture Tour, Natcha Cultural Tours
Where: Royal National Park
What makes it special: One of the oldest national parks in the world, the Royal National Park is rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage and natural significance. Learn about the importance of conservation as well as the ongoing connection between land and culture with Natcha Cultural Tours.
Duration: 3 hours
Insider tip: Get ready to snap photos of lush rainforests, scenic clifftops, rock engravings and serene beaches.
Natcha Cultural Tours, Sydney - Credit: Natcha Cultural Tours
Pioneer Park Express, Griffith Pioneer Park Museum
Where: Griffith
What makes it special: On the first Sunday of every month, jump aboard the Pioneer Park Express, a modified tractor train, to see the many historic buildings of Griffith Pioneer Park Museum. Starting at the Goolgowi Railway Station, you’ll see Griffith Post Office, Fairview Homestead, Bagtown and many other heritage structures that have been meticulously relocated from town to the grounds of this enormous park.
Duration: 30 minutes
Insider tip: After the tour, explore the park at your own pace. Be sure to drop by the newly refurbished Italian Museum & Cultural Centre, which explains the migrant history of the local region, known unofficially as Little Italy.
Griffith Pioneer Park Museum, Griffith
Wicked Women of Wollongong, She Shapes History
Where: Wollongong
What makes it special: Walk Wollongong’s coastline and city streets to uncover the women who shaped the ‘Gong with the witty and smart guides from She Shapes History. From the convict-built Nuns Pool to the city’s writers, migrants and First Nations leaders, you’ll discover the women who built, led and reimagined the city.
Duration: 2 hours
Insider tip: Listen out for the memorable story of Wollongong’s hotel heiresses.
She Shapes History, Wollongong - Credit: She Shapes History
Berrima Heritage Tour, Berrima Walking Tours
Where: Berrima
What makes it special: Step back in time and learn about the characters of 1930s Berrima on a walking tour of this historic Southern Highlands town. Wander between many of the original homes and grand sandstone structures, including the imposing gaol and courthouse, as you hear about early convicts, German internees and the town’s surprising connection to London’s Big Ben.
Duration: 90 minutes
Insider tip: On this tour, you’ll learn about Australia’s first and possibly most prolific serial killer, nicknamed ‘The Berrima Cutter’.
Berrima Courthouse Museum, Berrima
Coastal Charms & City Secrets Tour, Newy Tour Co
Where: Newcastle
What makes it special: Explore Australia’s second-oldest city aboard a minibus with Newy Tour Co. This isn’t just a drive-by tour, with five guided stops at iconic landmarks that showcase the city’s fascinating past and development. Learn the stories behind Fort Scratchley, the Bogey Hole and more.
Duration: 3 hours
Insider tip: See the last known flag from Gallipoli, housed in Christ Church Cathedral.
Newy Tour Co, Newcastle - Credit: Newy Tour Co
Leura Story Village Walking Tour, Mountain Tales
Where: Leura
What makes it special: Historically a retreat to “take the air”, discover the Federation-era village of Leura on a walking tour. Join Mountain Tales on a relaxed stroll taking in steam train history, beautifully preserved buildings and the unique character of this town.
Duration: 2 hours
Insider tip: Tour guide Sue is a Leura local – ask her for her recommendations on where to eat and shop while you’re in the Blue Mountains.
Leura, Blue Mountains National Park
Theatrical displays and guided talk, Old Dubbo Gaol
Where: Dubbo
What makes it special: Wander through the historic grounds of Old Dubbo Gaol, where the courthouse lockup evolved from 1847 as Dubbo grew alongside crimes brought about by hunger, poverty and greed. Theatrical performances and daily talks add heartfelt stories that highlight the hardships of penal life, while botched breakouts and reclaimed freedoms are recounted with comic charm.
Duration: Varies
Insider tip: During the school holidays, Old Dubbo Gaol hosts multiple events, including twilight tours, escape talks and characters in costume who lead tours.
Old Dubbo Gaol, Dubbo
Broken Hill Heritage Walking Tour, Broken Hill Visitors Centre
Where: Broken Hill
What makes it special: To get a sense of why the Silver City was named Australia's first heritage city, slow down and take a stroll around town with a local volunteer. Pass along streets named after the metals, minerals and compounds that shaped the city, giving you a flavour of how its distinctive culture developed on the back of the mining boom. Visit some of Broken Hill’s most striking and important buildings, including the 1905 Trades Hall, the red-brick Post Office and the iconic Palace Hotel.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Insider tip: The tour runs Monday to Saturday; however, only in the cooler months from March to November.
Broken Hill Trades Hall, Broken Hill
