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I'm Free Tours of Sydney, Melbourne & Auckland

Explore Australia & New Zealand’s most popular cities with your friendly and knowledgeable local I’m Free Tour guides.

Local Free Tours of Sydney, Melbourne & Auckland

Explore three of Australasia’s best cities on a free tour with your friendly and knowledgeable local tour guides.

Experience the culture and lifestyle as we delve into the history, stories and culture to ensure that you get the best out of your stay in Sydney, Melbourne & Auckland.

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Choose which city you would like to join a tour and we look forward to showing you around!

Free Tour Community

We are a member of the Free Tour Community , a global group of independent local organisations operating free, pay what you feel tours. Check out th e link to find us in over 80 cities around the world.

The Free Tour concept

We love the Free Tour concept. For for many people it’s a new idea, so we’ve answered some common questions.

What is a Free Tour?

Free tours are an accessible way to get a great local introduction to a city. They are offered for free, allowing you the ability to turn up, meet your knowledgeable guide and get to know the history and culture of a city without the commitment of upfront payment. Free Tours allow all those who attend the ability to decide what they thought their service was worth. This encourages your trained local guide, whose job it is to show you the magic of their city, to offer everyone the best service every time. 

Are Free Tours really free?

Free Tours have developed over the past 20 years as a way to offer tours of cities in a way that is more accessible to people, no matter their budget or circumstances.

Are Free Tour guides as good as other tour guides?

The beauty of the free tour guide is, they have lots of practice. They know your questions inside and out and because there’s no upfront fee, you get to decide what to leave the guide. In a nutshell, Free Tour Guides know they have to impress you, so their tours are designed to be memorable, entertaining explorations of a city.

Why aren’t Free Tours called Pay-what-you-want tours?

Some companies have gone that way, because they feel it better describes the concept. However, we feel the term free tour is more recognisable and representative of the freedom that free tours offer.

Why should I join an I'm Free Tour?

We at I’m Free Walking Tours are all locals to our cities and go through an extensive learning and interview process before guiding. Secondly, all our recommendations are honest and independent and we work continuously to improve our tours and share with you the best sights, culture and history that our city has to offer.

How much should I give my guide?

We don’t like to specify as we want to make sure everyone can have a great experience in Sydney, Melbourne & Auckland no matter their budget. 

How do I join a Free Tour?

We require bookings so that we can manage numbers and staffing. You can book online for a Sydney Tour,   Melbourne Tour or Auckland Tour .

Some companies allow you to turn up without reservation, but most across the world require pre-booking to help manage numbers and guide availability, so check with each company directly.

Just remember to avoid unnecessary charges for you or your free tour guide, register directly with the free tour company of your choice rather than guruwalk, freetour.com or other similar booking engines. If you want a great list of independent companies across the world, have a look at freetourcommunity.com .

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Eight Free Sydney Walking Tours: Six Historic Self-Guided and Two Free Guided Tours

Posted by Lauren | Expat Life in Sydney

This post contains affiliate links. I receive a commission when you make a purchase through one of my links. Thank you for supporting Sydney Moving Guide and keeping the lights on.

Table of Contents

Six Free Historic Self-Guided Sydney Walking Tours

Sydney moving guide's very own free walking tour of sydney's cbd.

That's right. I've written my very own walking tour of Sydney's CBD . I've included a free downloadable PDF.

The walk starts at the David Jones food hall, then loops around to Circular Quay, then on to the Royal Botanic Gardens. After the gardens, the tour wanders over to Woolloomooloo wharf then back to the NSW Art Gallery. The walking tour then ends at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.

It's an easy walk and, as I already said, it's FREE.

Powerhouse Museum Walking Tours App For iPhone and Android

There are five free self-guided walking tours included in the Powerhouse Museum app with the option to purchase the Sydney Heritage Pub Crawl walk for $1.99, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.

Each of the walks includes narration by museum curators Anni Turnbull or Geoff Barker.

The three walks that cover old Sydney (The Rocks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and George Street) are well worth it. Just be sure to download them before you hit the street.

Installing the app on your phone doesn't also download the individual walks, at least not for the iPhone. I haven’t checked the Android version. You have to download each walk individually within the app. Don’t worry. The walks are still free.

Each of the old Sydney walks takes between 1 – 2 hours depending on how fast you walk. If you’re up for it, I would suggest doing The Rocks tour then moving on to the Sydney Harbour Bridge walking tour. I know that sounds like a lot, but you’re in the same area, and there are plenty of places to stop and take a break with a nice cold pint or get a bite to eat.

City of Sydney Historical Walking Tours

The City of Sydney has a list of walking tours that you can download for free in the form of PDFs so load up your tablet or Kindle and hit the road.

If you haven’t done the Powerhouse Museum historic walking tours, I would start with the city’s Colony Walking Tour. This walk starts at Customs House and ends at Millers Point. There are over 30 points of interest in this tour. You’ll visit pubs, churches and the archaeological digs in The Rocks.

If you plan your time right, a stop at Lord Nelson pub for a pint and a pie is a must. The lamb burger is also delicious if you’re not in the mood for a pie.

The PDF is full of historic photos from years past, adding a nice contrast to the city you’ll be walking through. The whole tour will take about 2 hours, give or take a half-hour.

Besides the Colony Walking Tour, I would suggest downloading the Hidden Tour that takes you through Sydney’s little laneways and the Water Tour that actually feels more like a scavenger hunt than a tour as you explore the city’s different water features, not just fountains but pools and old fashioned toilets.

Razorhurst Sydney Walking Tour

The Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills are now best known for their trendy restaurants and bars, but that wasn’t always the case. This area and the nearby suburbs (Kings Cross, Woolloomooloo, Potts Point) are historically known as Razorhurst.

Razorhurst was once overrun by razor gangs, called such because the gangs carried straight-edged razors instead of guns. This time in Sydney’s history has been glamorized by the Australian TV series “Underbelly: Razorhurst” and, I completely admit, is the first time I had ever heard about Tilly Devine or Kate Leigh, the two women that ruled over the razor gangs.

If you are a fan of Boardwalk Empire and mobster history in general, be it US or UK, then this is right up your alley. It certainly has all the trimmings of a good gritty crime drama with brothels, pimps, pickpockets, con artists, sly-grogs (aka speakeasies), six o’clock swill, and the roaring ’20s and ‘30s in Sydney.

You can download the map PDF from the Razorhurst website, but it does not include a description of each point so hopefully you have a tablet or smartphone and are set up with an Australian mobile network to access the website tour points of interest .

Do not download the mobile app!!

1. It’s $5.49, kind of pricey for an app. 2. It’s not a walking tour but a game that, judging from the reviews, it's not very good.

But other than that, the info on the website is interesting, and the mapped route will take you through an interesting part of Sydney well worth further exploration.

Here’s some more info on Razorhurst on CNN Travel .

If you’re keen to learn more then book an actual guided tour. The Sydney Crimes and Passions Walking Tour is $41.56 per person and takes about 2 hours.

Balmain Sydney Walking Tour

Leichhardt Council has free historic walks of Balmain that you can download. There are mp3 files that the site says can be downloaded, but it doesn’t appear so. Or at least I couldn’t figure it out. The PDF is full of historical info about Balmain.

Balmain is a quick ferry ride from Circular Quay, or you can walk from Circular Quay along the harbor then take the ferry back. There heaps of shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafes in Balmain. It’s definitely worth taking a day to explore the suburb, plus there are some beautiful views of the harbor.

Explore Sydney Suburb by Suburb

Urban Walkabout is an interesting site for exploring Sydney’s different suburbs. It has a directory of several different suburbs in Sydney with PDFs that list shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes plus locates each on a map of the suburb, also part of the PDF. The only drawback is, the information on each suburb is in no way complete. For example, I checked out my suburb of Woollahra, and there were only two restaurants listed. I know for a fact that there are more than just two restaurants in all of Woollahra. But Urban Walkabout is updating and adding to the site all the time, which is why I’m mentioning it here.

The Urban Walkabout walks are curated by different Sydneysiders but aren’t that fabulous or well thought out. I would stick to the suburb PDFs for now.

Two “Free” Guided Sydney Walking Tours

I used the quotes above because only the Royal Botanic Garden Tour is really free. I’m Free operates on a tip basis, so technically, they’re not totally free as most people end up tipping something. But hey, it’s up to you how much you feel it’s worth. I’ve done the I’m Free Sydney Sights Tour and ended up tipping $20 without hesitation. Ross did a fantastic job.

I’m Free Sydney Walking Tours

I’m Free is probably the most popular walking tour in Sydney. You may have read about it in Trip Advisor, where it has over 500 glowing reviews.

There are two different tours: the Sydney Sights Tour and The Rocks Tour . The Sydney Sights Tours meets at Town Hall twice a day (10:30am and 2:30pm) EVERYDAY, rain, shine or snow (ha ha, just kidding). To see all the sights will take about 3 hours.

The Rocks Tour meets every day at 6 pm in front of Cadman's Cottage. That’s the small cottage next to the Museum of Contemporary Art. If you stand in front of the MCA with you back to Sydney Cove, Cadman’s Cottage is located in the park, to the right of the museum. The Rocks Tour is 1 1/2 hours long.

Like I already said, I’ve done the Sydney Sights Tour and wholeheartedly recommend it! Have yet to do The Rocks Tour. If you’ve done The Rocks Tour, let me know what you think in the comments below.

Royal Botanic Garden Free Guided Tour

If you’ve got a green thumb then this free guided tour of the Royal Botanic Garden is for you.

Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t worry as this tour isn’t not all about plants. The tour also includes information about the history of the gardens and Sydney.

What Are You Shipping to Sydney When You Move?

Do you know yet.

The truth is you don’t need to know right now, for sure, what’s going with you.

But you have to get your shipping quote ASAP, especially now.

Why? Because international shipping companies need to schedule your shipment to Australia far in advance, some ask for 6 months in advance . Yes, COVID has changed everything, including international shipping .

When filling out the contact form below…

• You don’t need a street address for where you’re moving to, only the city and country. What they really want to know is the major shipping port.
• You don’t need exact dates right now. Go with your best guess.
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• 4 Bedroom or 3 Bedroom + Car —> 50 m3
• Use your “real” contact details for BOTH phone and email. Yes, the form is secure. If you don’t use your real contact details, then they can’t get in touch with you for your quote. Makes sense, right?

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Lauren, and I've helped thousands of people from all over the world move to Australia since starting my blog back in 2009. You can read more about me here , but Sydney Moving Guide isn't about me. IT'S ABOUT YOU. So, I have one question for you. How can I help you with your move to Australia? Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to grab my moving checklist before you go .

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Free Walking Tour Sydney

Join i'm free walking tours on a fantastic tour around sydney and get local insights into australia's most famous city, free  sydney walking tour.

G’day mate!

We are your local guides at I’m Free Walking Tours. We’re your complete connection to Sydney and Melbourne’s history, sights, and culture. As Sydneysiders, we will share with you the stories and history of the city we have grown up in and love . Not only the stories behind our famous icons, but also parts of the city that many locals don’t know.

Did you know that the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened by a sword wielding man on horseback?

To help you best experience our city whilst you’re here we will provide you with 100% independent advice on what to see and do.

Operating since 2009 , we believe in helping you get the most out of your time in Sydney. For this reason we will share with you our personal recommendations, not places we are paid to promote!

Head to our website for more information about our tours of Sydney’s sights and historical Rocks district , and to register for a tour that suits you.

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What visitors think about Free  Sydney Walking Tour?

Frequently asked questions about the tour

What is the difference between the sydney sights and the rocks tour which one should i do, do i need to book an i’m free tour of sydney, where does the tour start and how do i find my i’m free tour guide, is the tour ever cancelled, are your tours accessible for wheelchairs and prams, get inspired by the free tour community blog.

Getting Around Sydney: A local's guide to exploring the city

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Getting Around Melbourne: A local's guide to exploring the city

A local guide to transport and how to get around Melbourne, to make the most of your visit.

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I'M FREE WALKING TOURS (Sydney) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

I'm Free Walking Tours - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

SYDNEY FREE WALKING TOURS

Take part in a tour of Sydney - Australia's largest and most famous destination.

Over 5 million residents call Sydney home and why wouldn't they? The capital of New South Wales, with its luxurious harbour and jaw dropping Opera House, epitomises what Australia means to so many across the world.

See our favourite Sydney tours here. Some are free with no upfront cost and operate on a tipping basis, while others have associated costs.

We only list tours we'd personally use.  I f you click links on our site, we may earn a small commission. T ours  not operated by Buddy Free Walk ing Tours. ​

Free Walking Tours of Sydney

Daily Sydney walkings tours operated by I'm Free Tours . Choose between the main Sydney Sights and the Free Sydney Rocks tours. Your tour guide will wear green. For information regarding starting times, lengths of the tours as well as meeting points, please visit their website .

Free Tours Sydney offers a single daily walking tour that encompasses both Sydney and the The Rocks District. Lasting about two and half hours, the tour meets at the Archibald Fountain at Hyde Park daily at 10:30am (time and meeting place may change, please visit tour page for details.

Experience a warm introduction and welcome from a Sydney Greeter. A volunteer who loves Sydney guides you through their favourite spots in the city, local style. For more details and to book a tour, visit the Sydney Greeter page . 

The Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney offers tours of the gallery, some of which are free. Worthwhile to visit and check it out.

Free guided tours of The Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney. Explore the vast heritage and range of picturesque plant life at the botanic garden with a friendly local guide. Details here .

Audio Guided Tour of Sydney

An alternative to a classic tour and for those that like the independence. The no hassle 2 hour guided audio tour of Sydney takes you through the major sights of Sydney including the Sydney Opera House, St James’ Church and the Museum of Sydney before taking in the beauty of the Rocks, the General Post Office, Sydney Parliament and the Government House. Learn more  about the tour .

Other Sydney Tours (not free but highly rated)

"Sydney is a marvellous and inspiring place"

Dani, visitor to Sydney in December 2022

Sydney - Australia's most popular destination

Whether you plan to take it easy on sunny picturesque beaches, visit some world famous restaurants and bars or explore the nature and wildlife in and around Sydney, the city has so much to offer for all types of visitors and budgets. Major sights not to miss include Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi and Manly beaches, Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Circular Quay, botanical gardens, Hyde park, Chinese Garden of Friendship and numerous museums and art galleries.

When you arrive to Sydney, why not take a free walking tour to get a friendly and easy introduction to this amazing city.

The list above shows which free tours are currently operating.

The tours listed are described as free. What does this mean? Generally, it means the tours have no upfront cost. Some tours may operate on a tips only basis where if you like the tour, you can pay your guide how much the tour was worth to you at the end. Didn't like it? No obligations to pay. Check each tour for details.

Most tours operate in English but some tours may be available in other languages including Spanish (tour gratis de Sydney en español), Chinese (免费城市徒步之旅), Italian (tour a piedi gratuito di Sydney in italiano) and French (visite gratuite de Sydney en français).

The tours of Sydney listed here are not operated by Buddy Free Walking Tours. Therefore, we advise you to visit the websites and find out directly from the operators up to date times, dates and other details of the tours. The information listed here is only a snapshot and we take no responsibility for any missing infor mation or safety of tours.  See details on tour operator website for details and any COVID-19 restrictions currently in place and if the tour is active at the moment.

Are you a tour operator in or around Sydney? Contact us to get listed here.

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The Rocks Free Walking Tour

Join I'm Free Tours and delve into the history of The Rocks, the site of Australia's first European settlement. You'll explore its laneways, pubs and historical buildings as your guide delves into the stories of murders, muggings and mysteries.

Tours start in front (water side) of Cadman's Cottage at 6pm for a 1.5 hour wander. Head to our website to see dates and to book your place.

Accessibility

Does not cater for people with access needs.

Sydney Sights Free Walking Tour

It's time to feel new.

Pure joy as you wake to the sunrise. Awe as you make it to the snowy peak. A sense of adventure as you motor across red plains. The relief of rejuvenation as you wade into an alpine stream. Connection as you taste native, fragrant leaves. A sense of belonging as you return to your favourite holiday house. Freedom as you dash into the waves. Discover the endless feelings a visit to NSW can inspire.

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Destination NSW acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state’s first people and nations and recognises Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and occupants of New South Wales land and water.

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Rocks at 6pm Free Walking Tour

Overview of the tour in Sydney

Come with us as we embark on an adventure through the history of The Rocks, the site of Australia's first European settlement. We will make our way through its alleys, pubs, and historic buildings. Discuss our indigenous history and marvel at the beautiful sites as we explore this incredible district.

This activity includes:

• Cadmans Cottage
• Susannah Place
• Sydney Laneways - Sydney Culture History Walks
• Foundation Park
• The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre
• Murders and Mysteries
• The First Hanging
• Convicts, Sailors and Rocks’ Characters
• Australia’s Largest Bank Robbery
• Historic Pubs and Breweries
• Sydney Cities Oldest House
• The current Rocks Protests

Meeting point

in front (water side) of Cadman’s Cottage.

110 George St (water Side) in front of Cadman’s Cottage in Circular Quay west.

Things to note

If you are a group of 10 or more. Please register with us at least 24 hours in advance.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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