Duration:
1h30m
Sydney’s The Rocks has an abundance of True Crime stories that magically combine humanity’s darkest deeds with incredible scenery.
Operated By:
Take a Walk on the Dark Side
Sail into town and enjoy a bloody glimpse into Sydney’s past, revealing the hidden secrets and mysteries of the city’s first and most violent neighbourhood.
- Enjoy a leisurely guided walking tour retracing the steps of Sydney’s most notorious through the cobblestoned streets of The Rocks.
- Travel back to the most troublesome of times to an era of gangs, fatal doses of lead poisoning, unique alibis and a healthy dose of true crime.
- Relive a time that proves truth is far more outlandish than fiction as you explore alleyways and laneways you never knew existed.
- Great photo and sightseeing opportunities displaying the best that Sydney has to offer.
- Book your ticket now for a unique investigation into a dark and crime-ridden history.
Sydney’s The Rocks might seem like heaven to you now, but it was once populated by the desperate, the destitute, and the dastardly.
Take a trip back in time and rediscover a bounty of Sydney True Crime stories combining humanity’s darkest deeds with incredible scenery.
Meets at Parbury Lane, just opposite the Sydney Harbour Bridge in The Rocks. Bring comfortable shoes.
…stories the city tried to forget…
Find Us Online
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Find us for your Tour
The meeting point is at the corner of Parbury Lane and Lower Fort St, The Rocks, just opposite the base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled start time of your tour, if at all possible.
Click here for directions.
Brainteaser Questions
Let’s get you into the Sydneyite spirit with a couple of local trivia questions :-)
Q1. Infamous 19th century Sydney resident, Robert “Nosey Bob” Howard, was most famous for which occupation?
a. Gardener
b. Hansom Cab Driver
c. Executioner
d. Police Commissioner
Q2. What dreaded illness struck for the first time in The Rocks in Sydney in the year 1900?
a. Spanish Flu
b. Bubonic Plague
c. Covid 19
d. Scarlett Fever
See the base of this email for answers.
What’s Nearby
We also appreciate you may be wondering what to eat and drink both before and after your tour. You’ll likely be looking for a Bar? A Cafe? Or a Restaurant?
We’ve taken the liberty of listing a few places that we highly recommend. These are not only great options in their own right, but they are also very conveniently located close to the tour start and finishing points.
Cafe
The Rocks Cafe – constructed in 1867, this cafe occupies an historic piece of Sydney’s architecture with a traditional feel that adds genuine warmth. From the second level dining area, cosy downstairs booths, to the alfresco zone, it is the perfect location to soak up the hustle and bustle of The Rocks. The menu is a fusion of European and Modern Australian cuisine. Find them here.
Bar Restaurants
The Harbourview Hotel – is nestled next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, on the most stunning harbour in the world and one flight of stairs from the city’s historic Rocks district. The Hotel is rich in history and serves up beautiful food, delicious cocktails and has provided warm welcomes, since 1922. Find them here.
The Orient Hotel – The first floor of the Orient contains the historic Mrs Jones Terrace bar, named after one of the earliest and liveliest of hotel licensees from 1897. This heritage building also boasts grand Georgian proportions that are enhanced by a classic, relaxed style that harks back to the nautical origins of the hotel’s founders. Find them here.
The Cruise Bar – Sydney’s premier wharf-side oasis moored in the heart of bustling Circular Quay. Let them guide you on a scenic journey in pure aqua luxe style across three unique spaces overlooking one of the world’s most celebrated views – the iconic Sydney Opera House and waterfront harbour life. Find them here.
Restaurants
Ribs & Burgers in The Rocks….rocks. With an absolute smorgasbord of delicious options on the menu with our friendly staff serving it all up in a relaxed, unpretentious environment. Find them here.
Harbourfront Sydney Restuarant – Pristinely positioned at Campbell’s Stores in The Rocks, this restaurant provides Sydney-siders with a place to relax and enjoy quality food and drinks whilst enjoying the iconic view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Includes a modern twist on beautiful Australian cuisine. An exclusive yet casual dining experience. Find them here.
Post tour Cocktails
The Doss House – is an intimate, heritage underground bar with a stylish vintage interior, allowing you to easily feel transported back to another time. The Doss House unites fine whiskies, spirits & cocktails with original sandstone walls so you can soak up the historical charm of the city’s oldest suburb, The Rocks. Find them here.
The Push – offers a range of craft, boutique and international beers, classic cocktails, a wonderful range of Australian and International wines, and an inspired menu – all served within a modern and chic small bar. The Push sits on the ground floor of the much loved Russell Boutique Hotel building which is steeped in history and designed with character. Find them here.
Getting Here by Public Transport
If arriving by Train; taking the train into Circular Quay will leave you with a 5-10 minute walk to the tour starting point.
If arriving by Ferry; taking the ferry into Circular Quay will leave you with a 5-10 minute walk to the tour starting point.
Getting Here by Car
On most evenings, metered street parking, with a mix of 2 hours and 4-hour limits, is available on William St and Darlinghurst Rd and other surrounding streets.
Occasionally, this wonderful city hosts events & festivals that can make street parking a challenge. On such nights we recommend booking a car park space in advance online($25 approx), at Wilson Parking – Gateway located right on top of Circular Quay and a 5-10 minute walk to the tour meeting point. Find the carpark here.
Fitness Level
- The tour is approximately 1-2 km in length, taken at a very leisurely gentle walking pace with plenty of stops along the way.
- It usually takes 90-100 minutes with hills kept to as minimal as possible, with some stairs to navigate. Aside from which the tour runs mostly on flat terrain.
Running Late?
- If for reasons beyond control you are running late, please contact us and provide an estimated time of arrival, and the tour host will be notified.
- If you are running more than 10 minutes late, as the tour will have already started, we will attempt to coordinate with you and the tour host for an alternative meeting point.
A1. The answer was c – Executioner and you get a half-point if you chose b – Hansom Cab Driver.
Nosey Bob was a handsome six-foot, blue-eyed young man who worked for many years as Hansom Cab Driver for the rich and famous. Disaster struck when one of his horses kicked Howard in the face, completely smashing his nose and disfiguring him for life. This is how he acquired his nickname of “Nosey Bob”. His clientele fell away drastically and forced him to look for new employment. With his mangled face, the only job he could get was as a hangman at the Darlinghurst Gaol. He went on to carry out 66 executions at Darlinghurst Gaol, even acting as ‘guest’ hangman in other states and in New Zealand. He became known as “The Gentleman Hangman”, despite horribly botching many executions.
A2. The answer was b – Bubonic Plague. Bubonic Plague struck Sydney several times between the years 1900 to 1910 and lead to the demolition of several slum sites that existed at the time.
See you soon :-)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Gift Card Purchases are subject to the following terms and conditions:-
– Gift cards can be redeemed for any product in any location.
– Gift cards are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.
– Gift cards are non-refundable, but remain fully transferable.
Rain and Weather:-
– Dark Stories will contact you via SMS or Email on the day your tour runs if there are weather issues that are likely to impact the tour.
– Please be patient; inclement weather during the day often(but not always) leads to clear skies in the evenings.
– Tours will usually operate under most conditions including sporadic light rain.
– Dark Stories will be in touch as early as possible(at the latest 90 minutes prior to tour start times) if the tour is impacted in any way.
– Dark Stories reserves the right to make the final decision to proceed or cancel an event for rain impacted days/nights.
Minimum Attendance Clause
– Dark Stories requires a minimum number of participants to proceed. If this number is not met, the tour may be cancelled, and attendees will be offered the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
General
– Please respect all other participants, and tour hosts. No rudeness or aggressive behaviour will be tolerated. Dark Stories reserves the right to remove any person/s from the tour who pose a danger to others or are disruptive to the tour.
– Dark Stories reserves the right to refuse entry and evict persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol who are disorderly or engage in inappropriate behaviour or vandalism.
– Rules are strictly enforced for the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
