Sydney

Must see Sydney with a local

Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 8 hours 5.0
(52)

Must see Sydney with a local

Explore some of Sydney's iconic landmarks, like the Opera House & Harbour Bridge, on a tailor-made full-day experience sprinkled with hidden gems

Taking a ferry is one of the best ways to see Sydney. Ferries depart regularly from Circular Quay to places like Manly and Cockatoo Island

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Let your local host lead you by foot, metro, and ferry through Sydney’s most famous districts
  • Discover 20 of Sydney’s top attractions (with a couple of local twists for good measure)
  • See Australia’s oldest street or visit the historic Cockatoo Island, if you’d like
  • Explore Paddington, known for its trendy cafe culture and upmarket boutiques
  • Have your local host on hand to give tips and recommendations for the rest of your trip over a quick meal of fish and chips

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know
Taking a ferry is one of the best ways to see Sydney. Ferries depart regularly from Circular Quay to places like Manly and Cockatoo Island
8 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

100% private and personalized experience
8 hours with a host
Walking experience
A mandatory Australian tan, sure to be commented on when you go back home
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs (can be arranged at an additional cost)
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

Sydney’s attractions may be too many to count, but with eight hours and a local insider, you’ll easily squeeze in 20 of them. After a quick coffee in upmarket Paddington, cut through historic Hyde Park on your way to the sun-drenched streets and fizzing fountains of Darling Harbor, home to the tranquil Chinese Garden of Friendship.

You could take the ferry across sparkling waters to Circular Quay and the iconic Sydney Opera House and stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, an oasis in the city's heart. Even better, you’ll discover your host’s hidden gems that don’t feature in your guidebook – like the affluent suburb of Kirribilli, where a secret fish and chip shop at the base of Harbor Bridge offers unrivaled views across the bay.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Per person incl.
taxes & fees $214.26 for
Adults (Aged 13+)
Children (Up to 12 years old)
$214.26
per person
including taxes & fees
Select a date and start time
Tailor your experience
Flexible start times
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

Kathy Sep 2025

We wanted to take a private tour on our first day in Sydney to get a lay of the land. Our guide John was very helpful with this. He took us across the Harbor Bridge, walked around the Sydney Opera House then we took a ferry to Watsons Bay then a bus to Bondi Beach. John took us up a trail by Watson’s Bay that I’m sure we wouldn’t have found ourselves and I was able to see some whales playing from our spot atop a cliff! Amazing! We enjoy private tours because it is easier to ask questions and learn about the local culture.

Show more
Kathy Sep 2025

Right after booking John emailed me asking what we would like to see and do on our tour. He matched our itinerary to our thoughts and ideas and it turned into a perfect day. John was very knowledgeable about the area and we saw some incredible sites. I would recommend this experience to anyone.

Show more
Mary Jane Aug 2025

Despite a very wet and windy day, I had a great experience. I opted for a historical tour and Malcolm Harrison did an awesome job filling me in on the history of Sydney and also of the early explorers of Australia. I'm a bit of a history buff so I loved every minute. We walked all over Sydney and even took the ferry to Manly Beach.

Show more
Elizabeth Aug 2025

Peter led us on a fantastic journey around Sydney and its environs. We did the tour the first morning we were in Sydney and Australia. He was knowledgeable and shared information not only about Sydney but also about Australia. He tailored our experience to our group and was able to focus on areas that were of interest.

Show more
Sandra Aug 2025

John was a great guide. He definitely adapted well to our preferences and shred a lot of knowledge with us. We enjoyed the tour very much.

Show more
Leah Apr 2025

The tour of hidden gems was amazing, my guide Ania was very knowledgeable and flexible with our plans. She took me to many spots that. I never would have seen on my own.

Show more
SEE ALL REVIEWS
Back
5.0
(52 reviews)
Kathy, Sep 2025

We wanted to take a private tour on our first day in Sydney to get a lay of the land. Our guide John was very helpful with this. He took us across the Harbor Bridge, walked around the Sydney Opera House then we took a ferry to Watsons Bay then a bus to Bondi Beach. John took us up a trail by Watson’s Bay that I’m sure we wouldn’t have found ourselves and I was able to see some whales playing from our spot atop a cliff! Amazing! We enjoy private tours because it is easier to ask questions and learn about the local culture.

Kathy, Sep 2025

Right after booking John emailed me asking what we would like to see and do on our tour. He matched our itinerary to our thoughts and ideas and it turned into a perfect day. John was very knowledgeable about the area and we saw some incredible sites. I would recommend this experience to anyone.

Mary Jane, Aug 2025

Despite a very wet and windy day, I had a great experience. I opted for a historical tour and Malcolm Harrison did an awesome job filling me in on the history of Sydney and also of the early explorers of Australia. I'm a bit of a history buff so I loved every minute. We walked all over Sydney and even took the ferry to Manly Beach.

Elizabeth, Aug 2025

Peter led us on a fantastic journey around Sydney and its environs. We did the tour the first morning we were in Sydney and Australia. He was knowledgeable and shared information not only about Sydney but also about Australia. He tailored our experience to our group and was able to focus on areas that were of interest.

Sandra, Aug 2025

John was a great guide. He definitely adapted well to our preferences and shred a lot of knowledge with us. We enjoyed the tour very much.

Leah, Apr 2025

The tour of hidden gems was amazing, my guide Ania was very knowledgeable and flexible with our plans. She took me to many spots that. I never would have seen on my own.