From backstage access and sportsground passes to exclusive restaurant bookings and luxury cruises, private tours in Sydney take you behind the scenes to reveal the fascinating history hidden within some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Explore the Sydney Opera House
Sign up for a Beyond the Stage tour of the Sydney Opera House to discover what really happens behind the curtains at one of the world’s most recognisable buildings. Start your private, small-group tour with VIP access to the Stage Door, where the likes of Cate Blanchett, Dame Joan Sutherland, Bob Dylan and Prince have walked before.
Your passionate tour guide will take you to unseen vantage points usually off-limits to the public, revealing fun facts, anecdotes and history from both on and off the stage. You will also visit some of the many venues and theatres within ‘the House’ and gain some insight into how the magic of theatre happens. The one-hour tour concludes with a leisurely brunch at Opera Kitchen. Keep in mind that the tour requires you to climb about 300 stairs, so you need a moderate fitness level.
Cruise the harbour in style
If you love the idea of getting to know Sydney’s spectacular harbour more intimately, step aboard a luxury cruiser for a private tour with Sydney Princess Cruises. Designed for couples or small groups, the Sydney Harbour Long Dinner Cruise starts at 5pm and takes you past key landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
You’ll learn about the harbour’s history from your experienced crew member as you enjoy wine, beer or sparkling refreshments from the open bar and you cruise past sites like Woolloomooloo Bay, where the Royal Australian Navy has its Sydney base, as well as the beautiful homes lining the Double Bay and Point Piper shorelines.
After taking you past Clarke and Shark islands, your cruiser will stop while you feast at a harbourside restaurant. It’s then time to reboard and experience the harbour by night, when the city lights are switched on and the water sparkles. Dessert will be served on board before you disembark, with your camera full of Sydney memories.
Take a private tour of the city
Unlock some of the city’s delights with a customised Sydney Luxe Tour by Sydney Privé, an operator specialising in exclusive experiences and culinary adventures. Options include starting your day with a private sunrise yoga lesson and breakfast at a café favoured by locals before exploring the world-famous Bondi Beach for a short coastal walk or swim.
You’ll then be transported in luxury to Watsons Bay, soaking up the glorious coastal views, before visiting must-see landmarks such as Kirribilli Point, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and the Royal Botanic Garden. Along the way you can wine and dine at one of several outstanding restaurants.
Add a seaplane flight for a bird’s-eye view of the city’s spectacular coastline or opt for a sailing cruise on beautiful Sydney Harbour — you can take the helm yourself for extra exhilaration, or sit back and relax with a drink and a cheese platter.
Check out the Sydney Cricket Ground
Walk in the footsteps of sporting legends with an unforgettable behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Moore Park, where domestic and international cricket matches have been enthralling crowds in summer since 1876 — rugby union, rugby league and Australian rules football games are also played here. As well as being treated to entertaining stories of players, spectators and events on this 90-minute tour, you’ll see the fields of play, dressing rooms and the media room, and your knowledgeable guide will even lead you down the Walk of Honour. Immerse yourself in the architecture and heritage of this iconic venue as you head to the SCG Museum, home to memorabilia such as the red handkerchief former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh kept in his pocket for luck.
Guides can tailor the commentary and focal points to meet the educational, special interests or physical needs of your group.
