Lonely Planet: When Rum Ran the Rocks
Sydney, Australia
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Step back to a magical time when rum was a currency, and Sydney's harbourside area of the Rocks was filthy rich with it. See local drinkers in their natural habitat, join them in their ablutions and learn about why rum was worth rebelling for… then and now.
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Highlights
- Become an insider in the Rocks, Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood
- Hop between three unique local pubs, fuelled by tantalising historical tales
- Check out Sydney’s sights from a different perspective
- Indulge in local craft beer and an Aussie BBQ dinner
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3.5 - 4 hours
- Meeting point:
Booking Centre, Wharf 6, Circular Quay Sydney NSW 2000
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 5.00 PM
- Ending point:
Harrington St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, wine tasting, self-cook Aussie BBQ dinner or prepared meal, all you can eat salad bar, two drinks with dinner, two drinks after dinner.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, gratuities for guides, additional food & drinks (other than indicated above).
Alright, let’s get to know Sydney a little better – what do you say?
Wind your way through the back alleyways, up the steps and back in time to uncover the stories and people who shaped this fledgling colony. Hear all about Sydney’s oldest pubs, the first breweries, amazing convict tales, and a rebellion over the most precious drink of all… rum!
As Australia’s first neighbourhood, the Rocks was literally cut from the sandstone cliffs that rise above Sydney Harbour. On this Sydney walking tour, we’ll carve out a narrative of this neighbourhood’s history, starting with the convicts that were forced to settle here and their amazing tales of survival and entrepreneurship.
Along the way on this Sydney Rocks tour we’ll make pit stops at some classic local spots, starting off with a wine tasting in the heart of the Rocks and a lesson in wine appreciation and the local wine industry. From there, we’ll explore the once seedy back alleyways, which today are very safe and feature many great photo opportunities.
Next on your Sydney tour, we’ll be off to participate in the most “Aussie” of traditions – a real backyard BBQ set amongst the sandstone arches and alleyways of the Sydney Rocks. Be sure to bring your appetite because you can choose from steak, chicken, lamb, kebabs, fish, or a prepared meal of roast beef, roast pork, or vegetarian pie. Oh, and an all you can eat salad bar and a couple drinks to wash it all down with. Take your time to eat as your guide shares more stories with you.
After dinner we’ll delve deeper into some of the most unique and off-the-beaten-track parts of the Rocks. Not only will you get to work off your meal and hear more intriguing historical stories, we’ll also visit an archaeological site like no other in Australia, before hunkering down to enjoy some locally made craft beer.
Before this rather unique Sydney bar tour comes to an end, we’ll be hitting up one of Sydney’s most historical drinking establishments for a cocktail. Gotta end in style!
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, wine tasting, self-cook Aussie BBQ dinner or prepared meal, all you can eat salad bar, two drinks with dinner, two drinks after dinner.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, gratuities for guides, additional food & drinks (other than indicated above).
Dress standard: Dress for the weather, bring a long a coat and umbrella if it looks like rain, wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water.
Your Trip: Your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people led by a local guide.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: Please have proof of age ID with you (driver’s license or passport) just in case, as you must be 18+ to participate in the tour. You have the choice between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, so if you’re not a drinker but still interested in the neighbourhood and its history, you’ll still have a great time!
Child Policy: This is an 18+ tour. Unfortunately, no children are allowed.
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Local contact
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