Surry Hills walking tour
Discover the salacious history of Sydney’s historic and story-rich inner suburb
Discover another side of Sydney.
An entertaining walking tour through the streets of Surry Hills, in which you’ll discover what went on behind closed doors and on the historic lands.
Learn about the booms and busts of Surry Hills, its Indigenous beginnings and topography, volatile and violent history, and incredible cosmopolitan development.
From poverty, plague and countless pubs to prosperity.
Explore inner Sydney’s most incredible stories
Led by Michael Bodey, author of local history book, 50 Secrets of Surry Hills and Redfern, the tour begins at Prince Alfred Park and meanders through parks, laneways and landmarks showing where money was made, crimes were committed, a world record was won, and dogs were raced down main streets.
Learn about the area’s early land grabs, Australia’s first airplane factory, a cult murder, the many, many pubs, bubonic plagues and rat catching, illegal gambling, razor gangs, grand designs, and the brick fence that once closed Bourke Street. And much more.
“Fascinating. The suburb is full of history and Michael is brimming with arcane knowledge and conducts the tour with humour and personality. A fantastic evening” - Dan C.
“Fascinating. The suburb is full of history and Michael is brimming with arcane knowledge and conducts the tour with humour and personality. A fantastic evening” - Dan C.
"I once roamed the streets of Surry Hills by night. Passed 3 pubs, did not stop." - Mario
"I once roamed the streets of Surry Hills by night. Passed 3 pubs, did not stop." - Mario
“Just f...ing great” - Jo
“Just f...ing great” - Jo
the tours
Individuals — $40
2-hour tour (approx. length 4 km) beginning at Prince Alfred Park (beside Central Station).
Friday 5.30pm or Sunday 10.30am
(subject to minimum bookings)
Group or corporate — p.o.a.
3-hour tour incorporating respite and a drink or two Surry Hills public houses along the way (3 drinks incl.). Great afternoon or evening team-building experience, concluding in the heart of Surry Hills’ nightlife. Adaptable schedule, either focusing on the history or on the amazing, rich history of Surry Hills’s pubs.
Inquiries
surryhillswalk@gmail.com
Phone
0413 131 393
TOUR BEGINS
north-eastern corner of Prince Alfred Park, Chalmers Street, Surry Hills, adjacent to Central Station Exit 6 (Devonshire Street Tunnel)