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Tours of heritage Sydney

Looking for things to do in Sydney? Book a tour with the Harbour Trust to discover extraordinary places on the world’s best harbour.

Book one of our scheduled tours to learn about our protected visitor destinations, including their central place in Australia’s First Nations, convict, defence and colonial narratives.

Our program of guided tours caters for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts as well as families and social groups, including Probus groups and historical societies.

 

Cockatoo Island

Journey to Cockatoo Island’s storied convict and maritime eras – or dare to step into the supernatural realm – with our tour program…

History and ghost tours

Cost: Varies (From $16) | Duration: Varies (45-120 mins)| When: Varies (Book tickets for a scheduled tour, or arrange a private group tour)

The tour program at Cockatoo Island caters for different ages, interests, and personalities – from history buffs and ghost seekers through to families and seniors’ clubs. Our tours are also a great opportunity to discover iconic landmarks, including heritage buildings rarely opened to the general public.  

Cockatoo Island Eastern Apron Tour Sydney Harbour 650X550

Headland Park

Featuring gun emplacements, tunnels and other military relics dating back to the 1870s, Georges Heights at Headland Park, Mosman once played a crucial role in the defence of Sydney…

Tunnels & Gunners Tour (all-ages)

Cost: From $8 | Duration: 90 mins | When: 10:45am, first Sunday of every month

During our 90-minute Tunnels and Gunners Tour, an experienced volunteer guide will lead you through two sets of demilitarised fortifications set within coastal bushland, including tunnels off limits to the general public. The tour concludes at the Headland Park Artist Precinct, which is home to a thriving community of painters, potters, sculptors and photographers.

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North Head Sanctuary

Located in Manly at the northern entrance to Sydney Harbour, North Head Sanctuary features a remnant military complex and a historic cemetery set within coastal bushland...

Defence of Sydney Tour (all-ages)

Cost: From $8 | Duration: 1 hour 45mins | When: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2pm every Sunday  | Online bookings encouraged

The Defence of Sydney Tour is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the men and women who served at North Fort. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will marvel at heritage gun emplacements, once capable of firing 26.4km, and descend into the 200-metre-long military tunnel complex. Finally, our guide will demystify an underground bunker once shrouded in secrecy: The Plotting Room.

Third Quarantine Cemetery Tour (all-ages)

Cost: From $8 | Duration: 60 mins | Hours: 11am to 12pm, select Sundays

During a 60-minute tour of this historically-rich site, our knowledgeable guide will share stories of those who succumbed to the ravages of small pox, the plague and other epidemics. Attendees will also experience the natural beauty of this final resting place, including unspoiled views of Sydney Harbour.

Tour calendar

Check out the below calendar to see how a tour can fit into your visit...

Day Available tours
Monday to Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Request a tour

Did you know? We offer private group tours of heritage sites on Sydney Harbour including North Head Sanctuary, Georges Heights, Headland Park and Sub Base Platypus...

We accept private group bookings for a selection of our regular tours; namely, the Tunnels and Gunners Tour, Defence of Sydney Tour and Third Quarantine Cemetery Tour.

North Head Tour Sydney Harbour View 650X550