Sydney Private Custom Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems with a Local
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Sydney, Australia
- 2 to 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Kickstart your time in Sydney on a private walking tour tailored to your interests. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all itinerary, enjoy the freedom and flexibility to tailor your experience using the expertise and insider knowledge of a local guide. Choose to discover coastal paths, cultural spots, or local gems for a great orientation of the city.
- Head off the beaten path to visit spots you'd otherwise miss
- A pre-tour questionnaire ensures a unique experience
- Hear stories and insights from your local host that bring the city to life
- Benefit from the undivided attention of a private guide
What's Included
- Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local
- Online questionnaire link sent after booking to tailor your experience and match you to a local host
- Get picked up (on foot) at your accommodation if it's central!
- Flexible durations and start times - Pick your preferred duration when you book
- Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations
- Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
- Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)
- Gratuities (optional)
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Sydney (Pass By)
The Rocks (Pass By)
Barangaroo Reserve (Pass By)
Queen Victoria Building (QVB) (Pass By)
Pitt Street (Pass By)
Darling Harbour (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections
- After booking, you'll receive a short online questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your City Unscripted guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
- This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.
- Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 139 reviews
Christopher_E, Mar 2026
Took this tour on our 1st day immediately after arriving in Sydney and loved it, wonderful way to get your bearings on the city, so you can set up the balance of your stay. Having a private guide means you can ask as many questions as you want, when you want and you can better focus on what you want to see. Not inexpensive but I would definitely recommend it
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We’re delighted to hear that starting your time in Sydney with a private tour helped you get your bearings and make the most of the rest of your stay. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again on another experience in the future!
Monique_d, Mar 2026
Great walking tour and introduction to Sydney. Peter was wonderful and very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We’re so glad you had such a great introduction to Sydney! It’s wonderful to hear the experience felt both enjoyable and insightful — thank you so much for the recommendation.
Marsha_P, Mar 2026
This was an opportunity to lean about Sydney from someone who lives here, knows the history and is very proud of their community. Ross was incredible and we loved hearing his knowledge about the building of the Opera House and his favorite places to eat. We went to one of them after the tour and his recommendation was incredible!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We’re so glad you got to experience Sydney through a true local perspective and discover both its history and favorite food spots! It’s wonderful to hear that recommendation hit the mark! Thank you for sharing this.
Deb, Mar 2026
Olivia is amazing, we had her as tour guide. She was personable, punctual and professional. Thanks to her we saw koalas up close at the Taronga Zoo. She escorted us to Bondi Beach. She showed us how to use public transportation. She gave us some history on Sydney. As we traveled to Bondi, she told us about the different area of Sydney. She gave us suggestions for the rest of our stay in Sydney. Thank you, Olivia.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback! It sounds like Olivia really went above and beyond to make your Sydney experience memorable, from the koalas at Taronga Zoo to Bondi Beach and all the helpful tips along the way.
appreciated her guidance and professionalism.
We’re thrilled that Olivia made such a positive impression. And we hope the rest of your stay in Sydney is just as amazing!
Maureen_K, Feb 2026
We enjoyed a very informative 3 hour tour with our guide Peter. He made sure to customize the tour as much as possible and was extremely knowledgeable. We really appreciated that he met us at our hotel and taught us how to use the light rail and ferry system.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
We’re so glad to hear this experience felt informative and thoughtfully customized to you. Knowing it helped you feel confident using the light rail and ferry while exploring makes it especially meaningful, thank you for sharing your feedback.
Shane_B, Feb 2026
This was a great tour. Our guide Peter was wonderful. Lots of excellent info about Sydney and Australia. I would definitely take this tour again. This is a walking tour so wear comfortable shoes.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
We’re so glad to hear this experience gave you such great insight into Sydney and Australia, and that it felt well worth the walk. Thanks for sharing your recommendation and helpful tip, it means a lot to us.
Ed_K, Feb 2026
Peter was an outstanding tour guide. He was very knowledgeable on the city and Australia overall. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting to learn about the city. Also, he was friendly, well spoken and very personable.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
We’re thrilled to hear that Peter made your tour memorable. He takes great pride in sharing his knowledge about the city and Australia, and it’s wonderful to know his friendly and personable approach stood out. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another experience soon!
Sara_D, Feb 2026
Malcolm was an amazing private tour guide. He knows the city and was very open to what we wanted to see. I love tours on foot versus bus. I highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that Malcolm made your tour memorable and that you enjoyed exploring the city on foot. Your recommendation means a lot, and we hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
haggcindy, Feb 2026
Graeme was personable, flexible and knowledgeable. He knew history of Sydney and Australia . A smart well read man. My friend and I loved walking and hearing stories. Graeme was great at pointing out sites. We visited much including Sydney bridge, nurses walk, The Rocks, Manly beach and Victoria Building. Graeme was very accommodating.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
It’s wonderful that you got to experience iconic sites like the Sydney Bridge, The Rocks, Manly Beach, and Victoria Building. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Molly_N, Jan 2026
Lovely walk t/o the city with Peter. Very informative and accommodating!! I would highly recommend to others.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed your walk around the city with Peter and found it both informative and enjoyable. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you again for another adventure soon!
Michael_C, Jan 2026
My experience has been that the guide makes or breaks the tour, so I was fortunate to get a great tour guide. Ross was retired and had lived in the area his whole life, so he was very knowledgeable. If I return I will definitely do the same tour again.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We completely agree, having a knowledgeable and engaging guide can truly make a tour unforgettable. We’re delighted that Ross, with his local expertise and insights, made your visit so enjoyable. It’s wonderful to hear that you’d do the same tour again if you return. Thank you!
Carolyn_W, Jan 2026
Very enjoyable! Personalized to your choices. Guide was funny and knowledgeable. Had a great sense of humor! Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience, appreciated the personalized itinerary, and had a great time with your hosts' humor and knowledge. It’s fantastic to know the experience left such a positive impression on you.
Cindy_S, Dec 2025
This walking tour is the best way to see Sydney! And if you are lucky enough to have Peter as your guide then you will have the best possible experience!!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We’re delighted to hear that the walking experience gave you such a memorable view of Sydney and we hope to see you back for another unique adventure soon!
Gilbert_R, Dec 2025
Wonderful walking tour with Ania. We ended our tour at the botanical garden and opera house followed by a lovely lunch.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed your walking tour with Ania! Ending the experience at the botanical garden and Opera House, followed by a lovely lunch, sounds like the perfect way to explore the city.
Hope_H, Dec 2025
This tour was an excellent way to experience Sydney without the hassle of driving. The walking pace was comfortable, and using public transportation made it easy to cover a lot of ground while seeing the city like a local. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and shared great insights into Sydney’s history, neighborhoods, and culture. We saw iconic sights as well as hidden gems we never would have found on our own. Highly recommend this tour for first-time visitors or anyone who wants a relaxed, authentic way to explore the city.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed such a relaxed and authentic way of exploring Sydney! It’s wonderful that the easy pace, public transport, and mix of iconic sights and hidden gems helped you experience the city like a local. Thank you for the lovely recommendation; it means a lot to us.
Kyle_K, Nov 2025
Malcolm was great and gave us a perfect blueprint to enjoy and get around Sydney.
Customized for our family it felt like the perfect hello to the city after our recovery day.
Guess what we found a Holden!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
We’re delighted to hear that Malcolm provided such a tailored and enjoyable introduction to Sydney for your family, and that the experience set the perfect tone for your trip. It’s great to know you had fun discovering the city—and spotting that Holden!
Al_T, Nov 2025
Fantastic tour - personalized and informative. A well balanced and varied tour of Sidney.
Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed your personalized and informative tour of Sydney! It’s wonderful that the balance and variety made the experience so memorable. Thank you for your kind words and recommendation!
Sheryl_B, Nov 2025
Very easy to book. Peter, our guide, got in contact with me prior to or travel date. Very thorough with instructions and meet up location which made it effortless. The company also sent us a survey prior to excursion date with our interests which I thought was great! Wonderful experience. Learned and saw a lot. Thanks Peter!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
We’re so glad to hear your experience with Peter was so smooth and enjoyable! It’s wonderful that his clear communication and personalized planning made everything effortless and memorable. Thank you for your lovely feedback!
Karen_Q, Oct 2025
A personalized, informative unscripted tour of the city. A fun time which prepared us exploration of Sydney.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Our goal is always to create memorable, authentic experiences tailored to each guest’s interests, and it’s wonderful to know we achieved that with you. We hope to welcome you on another City Unscripted adventure soon!
Megan_D, Oct 2025
Highly recommend this experience! Ross did an excellent job of showing us around Sydney. Such an awesome city with a unique history, a must do for first time visitors!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that Ross made your Sydney experience memorable. We agree—Sydney is truly a special city, and we’re glad you got to enjoy it. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
saptarshi_g, Oct 2025
Lots covered in a short span of time… Our guide, John was a very pleasant and helpful guy… we loved the tour very much and would recommend strongly if you have a short time in hand
Response from Host, Oct 2025
We’re so pleased to hear that John made the most of your limited time in Brussels, balancing both efficiency and enjoyment. Thank you for recommending us so warmly — it means a great deal.
Kim_S, Oct 2025
Our tour with Peter was terrific. He tailors your time together to match your needs. In our 3 hours, we rode the ferry to Manlay Beach, toured the rocks and a good bit of the CBD.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
We’re so happy to hear your time with Peter was terrific! It’s wonderful that his flexibility and local knowledge made the experience so enjoyable, from the ferry ride to Manly Beach to exploring the CBD. Thank you for your kind feedback!
kajk193, 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.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
So glad to hear John made your first day in Sydney so memorable — it’s wonderful that he tailored the experience with iconic sights, hidden trails, and even whale spotting, giving you the perfect introduction to the city and its culture!
RJ_J, Sep 2025
John was awesome! This was such a great way to see so much of the city - easily! - in just a few hours. Convenient and informative. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed exploring the city with John and found the experience both convenient and informative. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
Anonymous, 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.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
So glad to hear you had such a fantastic time in Sydney with Malcolm — it’s wonderful that his knowledge and storytelling brought the city’s history and early explorers to life, even on a rainy day, and that you got to finish with a ferry ride to Manly Beach!
Elizabeth_B, 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.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for sharing your review. We’re so pleased to hear that Peter led you on a fantastic journey around Sydney and its surroundings, and that you enjoyed doing the experience on your first morning in Australia. It’s great to know he was knowledgeable, shared insights not only about Sydney but also about the country, and tailored the experience to focus on what interested your group most.
Sandra_L, 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.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience and that John made the tour enjoyable and informative. He’s truly passionate about what he does, and we’re glad that came through. We appreciate you choosing to tour with us and hope to welcome you again in the future!
Ann_R, Jul 2025
Our Guide John was very knowledgable, flexible & accommodating to our quirkiness.
Wonderful tour with Great Company!!
Must Do!!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
So glad to hear you had such a great time with John — it’s wonderful that he made the experience fun, flexible, and perfectly suited to you. Thanks for the enthusiastic recommendation!
Susan_C, May 2025
Peter was a fabulous guide and packed a ton into our short amount of time without us ever feeling rushed. Love that we took the lightrail and ferry. We learned a ton and feel very comfortable making our way around the city on our own.
Response from Host, May 2025
We're thrilled to hear that Peter made such great use of your time together and helped you feel confident navigating the city. Taking the lightrail and ferry is such a fun and authentic way to experience the local vibe — sounds like a fantastic day!
Carolyn_A, May 2025
My 22 year old daughter and I had a wonderful 5+ hour tour with Peter on a beautiful Sunday. This was our first full day of a week in Sydney, and it was the perfect tour, as he showed us the city and how to navigate public transportation. He took us to Manly Beach on a walk with gorgeous vistas. It was the perfect mix of Australian history, learning the city, and exploring one of the beach towns. I highly recommend Peter if you are planning a day tour of Sydney.
Response from Host, May 2025
From mastering the city’s public transport to soaking up the stunning Manly Beach vistas, it sounds like you had the perfect blend of history, local insight, and seaside charm. Thanks again for recommending Peter, and we hope to welcome you back for more adventure.
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