Urban Odyssey: Hidden History, Art & Architecture Tour 2024

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Embark on a walking adventure through the city streets, laneways and secret spots of central Sydney.

Discover hidden history, unique architecture and fascinating stories on a small group cultural experience led by a Sydney historian. Exploring colonial and contemporary Sydney from inside out.

Sydney is a unique, complex and vibrant city. Its rich history is all around you but often hiding in plain sight. On this expert-led walking tour, you'll weave throughout time and space to uncover the stories and secrets of Sydney's city-scape: from its hidden laneways to its iconic masterpieces.

Group size: 4 to 15 people

Start location: Sydney Town Hall. Meet you guide at the base of the main entrance steps. Your guide will have a white tour folder with a JOURNEY WALKS cover.

End location: Sydney Opera House at Circular Quay near Opera Bar.

Length: Over approximately 2.5 hours you'll cover around 3.5 km through the city route towards the harbour. We walk at a leisurely pace, wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.

Content: This tour has been carefully curated for those who love architectural insights, hidden works of art and the incredible human stories that bring structures to life. It is designed to engage both Sydney locals and visitors and is hosted by a local historian carrying a display folder full of historic imagery, maps and before / after photos of the city.

Starting from Town Hall in the centre of the city, we'll gain a unique overview of Sydney's city-scape and discuss its incredible evolution from ancient times to the contemporary metropolis. We'll unpack the opulent architecture of the late 19th century including its elaborate shopping arcades, civil structures and commercial streetscapes. As well as 20th century art deco theatres, banks and clubs.

Heading towards the Royal Botanic Garden after a visit to the State Library's colonial collection, we'll explore Sydney's first mega structures including the Government Stables, Government House, The Garden Palace and Hotel Metropole.

Along Bridge Street and towards Circular Quay we'll investigate sandstone masterpieces, convict monuments and hidden laneways before visiting Customs House to immerse ourselves with a 3D model of the entire city of Sydney.

We will complete our journey by the Opera House looking over the mighty Harbour Bridge and uncover the fascinating narratives behind their construction and place in Sydney's history.