HEART OF SYDNEY
This beautiful, bustling city with stunning harbour views was built on blood, sweat and hope. Today you’ll hear stories of those formative days as you stroll down roads built by convict labour. And then contrast this by touring our most famous cultural achievement, the Sydney Opera House.
Language Notes*
The Heart of Sydney tour is available in Spanish and Italian but without the Opera House Tour
On Sundays, the Opera House does not offer tours in French or German. You will need to join the English tour
Lunch Options^
Dine at the Opera Bar (AMWD) — standard option offering three meal choices
Tasting plate at Opera Kitchen (AMWT) — premium quality option
Departure Point
Meet outside Queen Victoria Building (Town Hall end) next to the statue of Queen Victoria (corner Druitt St/ George St).
Overview
We’ll start by exploring grand colonial buildings in the city centre, reminding us of the wealth of the colony in Victorian times. We will then contrast this with Sydney's oldest area, the infamous ‘Rocks’. Here the stones have stories to tell, for life was hard, filled with poverty, disease and crime.
The Rocks
The Rocks holds a unique place in Sydney’s colonial history as the birthplace of European Australia. Walk along narrow alleyways and cobbled lanes and learn about its history, including the arrival of the First Fleet of 1788 and the horrors of the plague in 1900.
Sydney Opera House
The tour continues with a visit to the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House. Learn of its controversial history, its avant-garde architecture and its contribution to Sydney’s rich performing arts scene. For the epicurean who enjoys a view, you can choose from one of the listed lunch options.
* All English tours are conducted by the Sydney Opera House guides and do not include your Southern Secrets’ guide.
^ Drinks not included.
