Flexible Full-Day Discovery • 8 hours 5.0 (44)

Discover Sydney from dawn to dusk

The Sydney you want to experience in a day! See the main sites, taste the diverse food scene or go off the tourist trail. It's totally up to you!

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 exciting neighborhoods
  • Explore Sydney’s historic downtown areas (including the oldest street in Australia)
  • Soak up the sun at the city’s most famous beaches, or those only frequented by locals
  • Explore local neighborhoods like artsy Paddington and trendy Newtown
  • Have your local host on hand to give tips and recommendations for the rest of your trip

What to know before you go

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

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
A walking Australian slang translator
Walking experience
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

Food and drink
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
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

With its iconic architecture like the Sydney Opera House, a laid-back attitude that other cities can only dream of recreating, and pristine beaches, there’s more of Sydney to fall in love with than you could squeeze into a day. But luckily, with a local insider to guide you, you’ll make the most of your time!

Whether you stroll along Coogee Beach, take the ferry to upmarket Balmain for lunch at a heritage pub, or choose among cozy wine bars for a glass of Aussie red in artsy Paddington, sun-soaked relaxation is what locals (and now you, too) do best. From hiking through the bush on the Manly to Spit coastal walk to exploring boho stores and contemporary galleries, you’ll experience a taste of Sydney’s city-to-surf culture.

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?

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.

What travelers think of this experience

Taufiq, Feb 2025

Had Malcolm for 6 hour tour of Sydney, made trip very memorable, got to see different sites of Sydney and got good sites for pictures!

Show more
Jake, Jan 2025

While visiting my son and his family in Australia (I am a New Yorker) my daughter-in-law surprised me and my son with a full day walking tour of Sydney. She booked the tour through City Unscripted, and we we were fortunate enough to be assigned to Peter Sullivan. As it was a surprise, we were almost completely unprepared, except to be told to wear comfortable shoes. Peter knew we were in the dark, so, communicated exact meeting instructions that morning, while remaining discrete. He found us lost near, but not at, the meeting place, and took us in hand. Finally, we learned what the day would look like, and Peter asked us to confirm the interests he was told we had by my daughter-in-law. Apparently, even though he had prepared the tour in advance according to the information he was given, he was able to tweak the day to make sure we would get the most out of the adventure. He was also completely flexible about when and where we ate and took breaks. I could go through our tour here, but suffice it to say that he was a terrific guide, full of knowledge of the history and architecture of the city, was able to answer most of our questions, and if not, we looked things up while stoping for coffee. The day ended with a ferry ride out to Manly Beach and back. He was a fantastic leader, getting us seats on the most scenic side of the boat, but where we would not get soaked from the spray. It was a delightful ride and full of sites. Unlike a few teachers and tour guides I have experienced, Peter only talked about himself when I asked a direct question. This tour was most certainly not about him, but rather, very much about Sydney, a city that he clearly loves and is proud of. I recommend Peter, as walking tour guide, most emphatically. We had a great and fulsome day. And, because we were staying in Sydney several more days, we actually knew our way around when on our own. We knew the landmarks, how to navigate the light rail system and the ferry system, and even our way through the downtown streets, and the highlights of Sydney Harbor. Thank you Peter for our introduction to your beloved City,

Show more
Meaghan, Jan 2025

Peter is an excellent tour guide. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly, considerate and a consummate host. We were very kindly greeted with a gift and my son loved his tote bag. We saw SO many sights today!! Our walking tour was about 8 hours and we toured Hyde Park, St Mary’s Cathedral, gorgeous fountains and memorials, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, the Sydney Opera House, the Rocks, the Custom House, the Queen Victoria Building, Manly Beach, etc. plus stopped along the way for shopping. Great views of the gorgeous landscape, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. In addition to walking, we took the Metro and the Lightrail and ferries. We stopped at a delightful coffeehouse in the morning and had a terrific lunch at a food hall midday. Plenty of rest stops for our party of 3. Highly recommend Peter and his walking tour of Sydney. Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen…

Show more
Judy, Jan 2025

We hiked approximately 6 miles in the Royal National Park. The views were amazing. It was a cool day perfect for hiking. Ross stopped at different times to point out the different bush flowers and ferns. He was very personable and concerned for everyone’s safety on the rocky area. Lunch was great with delicious wraps and fruit. We ended our perfect day on a very old but highly maintained ferry in Bomdeena.

Show more
Meaghan, Jan 2025

Peter is an excellent tour guide. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly, considerate and a consummate host. We were very kindly greeted with a gift and my son loved his tote bag. We saw SO many sights today!! Our walking tour was about 8 hours and we toured Hyde Park, St Mary’s Cathedral, gorgeous fountains and memorials, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, the Sydney Opera House, the Rocks, the Custom House, the Queen Victoria Building, Manly Beach, etc. plus stopped along the way for shopping. Great views of the gorgeous landscape, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. In addition to walking, we took the Metro and the Lightrail and ferries. We stopped at a delightful coffeehouse in the morning and had a terrific lunch at a food hall midday. Plenty of rest stops for our party of 3. Highly recommend Peter and his walking tour of Sydney. Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen…

Show more
Stefan, Jan 2025

Peter was simply great and we enjoyed the day in Sydney immensely... learned a lot, laughed and walked a lot! We can only recommend the tour with Peter Sulliven!

Show more
SEE ALL REVIEWS