FAQs

The Rocks village is located at the northern end of Sydney’s CBD (Central Business District) and is easily accessible by foot, train, ferry, light rail, bus or car. It sits beside Sydney Harbour, close to Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Learn more about the Rocks.

The Rocks Walking Tours’ Office is conveniently located in the heart of The Rocks:Reynolds Cottage, 28 Harrington Street, The Rocks NSW 2000Please click here to access a map to assist in locating our office.

Our daily tours depart from The Rocks Walking Tours’ office at
Reynolds Cottage, 28 Harrington Street, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia. Click here to view it on Google Maps.
Guests must check in at the office 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.

Our daily tours finish at or near The Rocks Walking Tours’ office at Reynolds Cottage, 28 Harrington Street, The Rocks NSW 2000. Click here to view it on Google Maps. This makes it easy for guests to continue exploring The Rocks, Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, local restaurants, historic pubs, shops and nearby attractions after the tour.

All our tours are conducted in English. We welcome interpreters to accompany non-English speaking visitors to join our tour and translate.

We suggest wearing comfortable shoes, bringing a bottle of water, and packing all-weather gear appropriate to the day (umbrella, raincoat, jacket, hat, sunscreen, etc.). See our booking information for more details.

Our tours are conducted at a relaxed and easy pace, with consideration given to any participant’s special needs. The distance covered is approximately two kilometres, and this leisurely stroll pauses often to take in many of the significant sites and to recount interesting facts about the area.As it is a heritage area, we do encounter a few flights of stairs and some uneven pathways. If you have any concerns regarding your ability to undertake our tour due to medical reasons or your level of fitness, please inform our guide prior to the tour’s departure so we can ascertain whether this activity would be suitable.

By Foot: Make your way to George Street, which runs north-south the length of the City of Sydney and is the most direct approach into the area. Once in The Rocks, travelling north away from the city, the first intersection you will come across is George and Argyle Streets. Turn left into Argyle St (a pedestrian mall), walk up the hill approximately 50 metres, staying on the left-hand side where you will come across Harrington Street and a pedestrian crossing that will deliver you to the entrance of Clocktower Square. Our office can be found on the ground floor inside the centre on your left.

By Public Transport: The Rocks area is well serviced by buses, ferries, and trains, with Circular Quay only a leisurely 10-minute stroll to our offices. For further information, contact the Public Transport Infoline on 131 500 or visit transportnsw.info.

By Private Vehicle: All on-street parking in The Rocks is metered. The closest car park to our office is located in the Clocktower Building at 55 Harrington Street, The Rocks, operated by Wilson Parking.

Yes. The Rocks is a historic area with uneven surfaces, slopes, stairs and laneway so tours are conducted with a slightly modified route to be wheelchair and pram friendly. We kindly ask that you let us know at the time of booking or, if possible, prior to the tour’s departure.

The Entertainment Booklet offer is only redeemable in person at our office. You will need to call ahead on (02) 9247 6678 to book in for the desired date and time.

Our daily public walking tour runs for approximately 90 minutes and covers around 2 kilometres at a leisurely
pace. The tour pauses regularly at significant sites so guests can hear the stories, take in the surroundings
and enjoy the history of The Rocks.

Our daily public tours depart at 10:30am and 1:30pm.
Guests to check in at our office 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour so we can confirm bookings, organise the group and
ensure the tour departs on time. Latecomers may miss the tour, as the tour departs on time and the guide cannot delay the group once the tour has commenced. Please note that on weekends, the office may be unattended while the tour guide is out conducting the tour.

Latecomers may miss the tour, as our tours depart on time. Guests should arrive at our office at Reynolds
Cottage, 28 Harrington Street, The Rocks, 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Click here to view it on Google Maps.
On weekends, the office may be unattended while the tour guide is out on tour, so it is important to arrive
early and allow enough time to locate our office.

The best way to explore The Rocks is on foot with a local guide. Many of the most interesting places are
hidden in laneways, courtyards and small historic pockets that are easy to miss if you are walking around by
yourself. Your guide also provides the stories and historical context that bring the buildings, places and people of The Rocks to life.

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during weekends, school holidays, cruise ship days and peak visitor periods. Booking ahead helps secure your preferred date and time.
Book our daily tour online or contact us for availability of our private tours.

Same-day bookings may be available, depending on availability. It is always best to book online before arriving so your place is confirmed.

You may see historic laneways, sandstone buildings, hidden courtyards, Campbell’s Cove, Cadman’s Cottage, Argyle Cut, Foundation Park, Nurses Walk and other important places connected to Sydney’s early history.
The exact route may vary depending on weather, accessibility needs, group movement and local conditions on the day.

You can book the daily public tour online through our The Rocks Walking Tours website using the Book Now button and selecting your
preferred date, time and number of guests.
For private tours, groups or special requests, please contact our office directly. Private tours require a
minimum of 48 hours’ notice.
Email: [email protected]

Yes. The Rocks Walking Tour is ideal for first-time visitors because it helps explain how Sydney began, why the area matters and how the city developed around the harbour.
It is also a great way to familiarise yourself with The Rocks and Sydney, allowing you to get your bearings
early in your visit.

Yes. Many locals join the tour and are surprised by how much they learn. Even Sydneysiders often walk past historic sites without knowing the stories behind them.

A guided history tour of The Rocks is one of the best Sydney tours for history lovers. The area is closely connected to the arrival of the First Fleet, early colonial life, maritime history, trade, historic pubs, architecture, heritage conservation and the development of Sydney around the harbour.
Is The Rocks Walking Tour suitable before or after visiting the Sydney Opera House?
Yes. The tour works well before or after visiting the Sydney Opera House because The Rocks, Circular Quay and the Opera House are all close together. It is a great way to add historical context to your visit and better understand the harbour area.

Yes. The Rocks Walking Tour is a great choice if you only have one day in Sydney because it is close to the
harbour, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, restaurants and major attractions.

Yes. The Rocks Walking Tour is a great introduction to Sydney because it explains the city’s early history,
helps you get your bearings and places major landmarks like Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge into context.

The Rocks is famous for its sandstone laneways, colonial buildings, harbour views, historic pubs and
connection to Sydney’s early European settlement. It is one of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhoods and a
popular area for visitors who want to explore the city’s history on foot.

The Rocks Walking Tours office at Reynolds Cottage, 28 Harrington Street, The Rocks, is approximately a 10-minute leisurely walk from Circular Quay station. It is also close to the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, ferries, trains, light rail and bus connections.
Please allow extra time to find the office and check in 15 minutes before the tour starts. Click here to view it on Google Maps.

There are paid parking stations in and around The Rocks and Circular Quay, but spaces can be limited during busy periods. Public transport is often the easiest option. The closest car park to our office is located in the Clocktower Building at 55 Harrington Street, The Rocks, operated by Wilson Parking.

Our tours are conducted in all weather, rain or shine. For your comfort, umbrellas are provided for use whilst on the tour if the day becomes inclement. Please dress appropriately for the conditions.

Yes. Public toilet options are available nearby in The Rocks. Guests are encouraged to use facilities before the tour begins.

Dogs are not permitted on the tour, with the exception of recognised assistance animals.

Yes. The Rocks Walking Tours offers guided school excursions through The Rocks, Sydney’s
oldest historic neighbourhood. Our school tours bring history to life through real places, stories,
buildings, laneways and historical evidence.

Our school tours are suitable for primary and secondary students. We offer different tour options
that can be adapted to suit the year level, learning focus and curriculum needs of your group.

Yes. Our school tours are designed to support classroom learning and can be linked to relevant
NSW History and HSIE outcomes. We can help recommend the most suitable tour based on your
stage, topic and learning objectives.

Selected school tours have been updated to align with the new 2027 HSIE syllabus. Please contact
us to discuss your year level and teaching focus so we can recommend the most suitable program.

Yes. If you are unsure which tour best suits your students, we can guide you through the options
and recommend the most appropriate tour based on year level, topic, timing and curriculum focus.

Yes. We can create bespoke tours to align with classroom learning, specific topics or areas of
interest. Please contact our office to discuss your requirements.

We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during busy excursion periods, Term 2,
Term 3 and end-of-year dates. Early booking gives you the best chance of securing your preferred
date and time.

School tours must be booked directly with our office. Please submit your enquiry through our
Educational Program Enquiry Form, including your preferred date, time, student numbers, year
level and tour preference. Submit an educational program enquiry here.

To help us check availability, please provide your preferred date and time, year level, number of
students, number of teachers or supervising adults, preferred tour option and any curriculum focus
or access requirements. Submit an educational program enquiry here.

We offer a range of school tours, including History and Heritage, A New Colony Begins, The First
Fleet Costume Tour, Australia as a Nation, Beatie Bow’s Sydney and bespoke programs for specific
learning needs.

The History and Heritage tour explores The Rocks as a living outdoor classroom. Students
investigate historic buildings, laneways, archaeological evidence, monuments and stories
connected to Sydney’s early colonial development.

The New Colony Begins tour focuses on early Sydney, the arrival of the First Fleet, the challenges
of settlement and the development of the colony around Sydney Cove and The Rocks.

The First Fleet Costume Tour allows students to step into the shoes of people from the past
through costume, character cards and storytelling. It is an engaging way for students to connect
with early colonial history.

Yes. On the costume version of the tour, students are given costume pieces and character cards to
help them imagine the experiences of people connected to the early colony.

Our school tours are site-specific and concentrate on the colonial history of The Rocks and Sydney
Cove, including the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal people.
The tours acknowledge Aboriginal history, Country and the significance of the area before and after
European arrival, while helping students understand how early colonial Sydney developed and how
these changes affected Aboriginal communities.

Yes. Students are encouraged to observe and interpret real historical evidence, including buildings,
laneways, archaeological sites, monuments, street layouts and surviving features of The Rocks.

Yes. We can discuss bespoke school tours based on specific topics, classroom learning, syllabus
requirements or areas of interest.

Most school tours run for approximately 90 minutes. Some programs, such as the costume tour or
museum add-on options, may run longer depending on the booking. Generally, 2 hours or 2.5
hours.

School tour start times are flexible and can be discussed with our office. We recommend choosing
a time that allows for school travel, arrival, toilet breaks and group organisation before the tour
begins.

School groups are divided into smaller groups for safety, engagement and ease of movement.
Each school group can have a maximum of 30 students per guide.

Yes. Large school groups are divided into smaller groups, each with their own guide.

Duty of care remains with the school at all times. We recommend a ratio of one adult per ten
students. We ask that schools bring enough teachers or supervising adults to manage student
behaviour, movement and safety throughout the excursion.

Yes. Teachers and supervising adults must stay with students for the duration of the tour. Our
guides lead the educational content, while duty of care and student supervision remain the
responsibility of the school.

Yes. Larger school groups are split into smaller groups, usually with a maximum of 30 students per
guide. This helps students hear the guide, ask questions and move safely through The Rocks.

Yes. We recommend that teachers organise students into groups before arrival, especially for
larger bookings. This helps the tour start smoothly and reduces delays.

School tour pricing depends on the tour selected, duration, number of students and any add-ons.
Please contact our office for current school tour pricing. Submit an educational program enquiry here.

Yes. A minimum charge applies to school tours. Please contact our office with your student
numbers and preferred tour option so we can provide an accurate quote.

Teachers and supervising adults are free of charge.

Payment details will be provided when your booking is confirmed. Please contact our office if your
school requires an invoice, purchase order or specific payment process.

School tours usually start from Rocks Square, Playfair St, The Rocks

Schools should arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled tour start time. This allows time for
toilet breaks, group organisation and introductions before the tour begins.

If your group is running late, please contact our office as soon as possible. Late arrival may shorten
the tour, as guides are scheduled for specific times and may have other bookings.

Yes. Public toilet facilities are available in The Rocks. We recommend allowing time for students to
use the toilets before the tour begins.

We recommend buses drop off and pick up students the corner of Lower Fort Street and George
Street, The Rocks

Yes. The Rocks is close to Circular Quay train station, ferry wharves and light rail. It is an easy
location for schools travelling by public transport.

School tours usually finish at or near the starting point, unless otherwise arranged. Please confirm
any specific finish requirements with our office before the tour.

The Rocks is a historic area with slopes, stairs, uneven surfaces and laneways. Please let us know
in advance if any student uses a wheelchair or mobility aid so we can discuss the most suitable
route.

Yes we can adjust the route to reduce stairs or avoid difficult sections. Please provide access
information before the tour so our team can plan accordingly.

Yes. School tours operate in all-weather unless conditions are unsafe. Students should bring
appropriate wet weather gear, including raincoats or ponchos if rain is forecast.

Students should wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Hats,
sunscreen, water bottles, raincoats or jackets may be needed depending on the season and
forecast.

Upon booking, we provide a booking confirmation, risk assessment and location maps to assist
with finalising your excursion details with your school.

No. Our guides are responsible for delivering the tour content and leading the route. Duty of care
and student supervision remain the responsibility of teachers and supervising adults at all times.

Students learn through storytelling, observation, questioning, discussion and exploring real
historical places. The Rocks becomes an outdoor classroom where students can connect
classroom learning with physical evidence.

Yes. Our guides encourage students to ask questions, observe their surroundings and think about
what life may have been like in the past. Some tours include character-based or inquiry-style
learning.

The Rocks is one of the best places in Sydney for a history excursion because students can
explore real streets, buildings and places connected to early colonial Sydney. It helps make history
visible, memorable and meaningful.

A walking tour helps students move beyond the textbook by experiencing history in the place where
events happened. It supports observation, historical inquiry, source analysis and understanding of
change over time.

Please contact The Rocks Walking Tours office with your school tour enquiry.
Submit an educational program enquiry here.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 9247 6678
Address: Reynolds Cottage, 28 Harrington Street, The Rocks NSW 2000. View on Google Maps.