Self-guided tours in Sydney

Journey through the complex history of Sydney Harbour at your own pace with our selection of self-guided tours.

We offer free Talking Object Tours at some of protected places. To get started, have your mobile handy and look out for our distinctive “Hello” signs! Meanwhile, our Cockatoo Island Audio Tour is an immersive, 90-minute experience that visitors can purchase directly from the visitor centre. We are also currently trialling a 60-minute interactive walk that explores the military history of Middle Head / Gubbuh Gubbuh: In Defence of Sydney

Cockatoo Island Audio Tour

Cost: $6 | Duration: approx. 90 mins | Available from the Visitor Centre

Featuring an informative narrator, immersive sound effects and archival interviews, our Cockatoo Island Audio Tour paints a vivid picture of the island’s convict and maritime eras across 26 audio stops. Pick up the Audio Tour handset and map from the visitor centre during operating hours (10am to 4pm daily). No booking required.

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Talking Object and Animal Tour (free)

Awaken history with our self-guided Talking Object and Animal Tour, available across 6 destinations! Speak directly to iconic objects about their incredible stories OR have your visitor questions answered by our talking animals. Available at Cockatoo Island, Headland Park, North Head Sanctuary, Sub Base Platypus, Macquarie Lightstation and Woolwich Dock & Parklands.

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