Best of · HISTORY WALKING TOURS IN AUSTRALIA
Good history walking tours in Australia fill up weeks ahead and the best ones go first. Below: the 9 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.
Walk Melbourne with a local English-speaking guide in a group of no more than 12. See Federation Square, street-art lanes, arcades, Chinatown, the Yarra, and Old Melbourne Gaol, with a café drink and a final drink at Captain Melville included.
“Mike was very passionate about his city with great stories and history. Tour was at an easy place with stop for coffee.”
Walk The Rocks with guides such as Judith, Anne, Vickie, John, or Paul, hearing personal stories from Sydney’s early settlement while exploring cobbled lanes, courtyards, historic pubs, and harbour viewpoints. The 90-minute route is gentle but includes slopes, stairs, and uneven streets.
“I highly recommend this tour. A great way to quickly learn about the history of the Rock and Australias beginning. Our guide Claudia made the experience positive, fun and motivating.”
Walk about 3km through Perth with a local guide such as Alex, Adie, Phoebe, Lucy or Chloe. Expect stories about history, art and architecture, older photos, practical tips, a coffee break and a small group of up to 12 people.
“What a great tour ! Alex our guide was very informative, happy and ensured we all had a great time. It was very nice enjoyable and we learnt so much about the city.”
Walk Melbourne’s laneways, arcades, landmarks, and riverside with a local English-speaking guide. You’ll hear Gold Rush stories, see street art, enjoy a coffee and a pub drink, and get practical tips for restaurants and bars. Guides include Hugo, Emily, Beau, Ian, and Laura.
“Excellent walking tour around Melbourne. Emily was a great tour guide & was a joy to follow around for 3 hours. The route follows all the big hits, as well as other recommendations & facts which helped add gravitas to Melbourne. Highly enjoyed!”
Meet your English-speaking local guide in Yagan Square for a leisurely three-hour walk through Perth’s history, art, arcades, gardens, and riverside sights. Guides such as Alex and Adie share quirky stories, food tips, and city orientation before finishing at Barrack Square.
“Alex is an incredible narrator and story teller. She made the whole experience come to life by showing us hidden places we would never have found and sharing her stories and knowledge of Perth. The end of the was tour was, the icing on the cake. Beautiful views of Perth from a roof terrace bar overlooking Perth in every direction. Thank you Alex for sharing your passion for Perth. Jennifer”
Walk from Customs House to Argyle Cut with an English-speaking local historian. Expect convict stories, Indigenous context, hidden ruins, sandstone buildings, old cellars, and tales of rum dealers and street gangs. Guides including Bec, Max, and Pete bring the past to life with images and lively storytelling.
“A lot of information in a short time Very interesting stories and approach to the history”
Walk central Melbourne with guides such as Rhiannon, Rhonda, Miles, and Tony, stopping for coffee and two donuts along the way. You’ll see Federation Square, Hosier Lane, Collins Street, Queen Victoria Market, Old Melbourne Gaol, and the State Library in a small group of up to 10.
“Superb tour. it was only me on the tour but the guide Mules did an excellent tour. loved all the stores and facto about Melbourne. Can strongly recommend both the tour and the guide Miles. 5/5”
Meet your guide at Cairns Museum for a 90-minute walk through the city center. With a maximum of 12 people, guides such as Peter and Georgia explain Aboriginal culture, colonial Cairns, Chinatown, wartime history, architecture, and local places to eat and shop.
“Peter was an excellent guide and took us to many interesting places. He had an excellent knowledge of Cairns and knew a lot about the Great Barrier Reef.”
Walk central Darwin for two hours with local guide John, hearing about WWII, Cyclone Tracy, restored colonial buildings, and the city’s multicultural present. The small group, limited to 10, keeps the pace relaxed and gives you room to ask questions.
“A great start to our visit to Darwin. John was full of interesting facts! Very knowledgeable and most enjoyable.”
Pick an era, or a kind of day.
