Private Sydney: Forbidden Sydney
Sydney, Australia
From EUR 73.31
Office phone number: +61 (0) 414 983 091
Private Sydney: Forbidden Sydney
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
Sydney’s world-famous Mardi Gras is the evolution of 200 years of LGBTQ history in Sydney. From the gay governor whose conduct scandalised the British Empire to the bright lights of the gay strip on Oxford Street, hear the stories and see the sites that define Sydney as one of the friendliest cities for LGBTQ culture in the world on your very own private tour.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Highlights
- Hear the hidden tales of key LGBTQ figures who shaped the Sydney landscape
- Check out Oxford Street, the traditional heart of Sydney’s LGBTQ scene
- Learn about the world-famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
- Have a drink at an iconic gay hangout (and maybe share a table with a drag queen)
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Schedule details
- Duration: 2 hours
- Meeting point:
Hyde Park Barracks Piazza (Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney)
- Starting time: 6.00 PM
- Ending point:
Oxford Street Darlinghurst
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, choice of alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink at the conclusion of the tour.
Exclusions: Additional food and drink, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips or gratuities for your guide.
Take a private tour of Sydney and discover its proud LGBTQ heritage. Learn about the gay governor of New South Wales whose conduct scandalised the British Empire, the gay bushranger who was hanged at Darlinghurst Gaol, and the "most violent woman in Sydney," a tough lesbian criminal who carried a knuckleduster in her handbag and stole male gangsters' girlfriends.
Starting out at Hyde Park Barracks, you’ll explore the eastern part of the city near Hyde Park and the Botanical Gardens before your Sydney tour heads toward the bright lights of the gay strip on Oxford Street. Your local guide will share dark tales of organised crime, corrupt cops, murder, and Oxford Street’s ultimate transformation into the centre of gay life in Sydney in the 1970s.
And, of course, an LGBT tour of Sydney wouldn't be complete without a look at the city’s famous Mardi Gras — how it started, why it began, and how it’s become one of the largest events on Sydney’s festival calendar.
Your private tour finishes at a friendly gay pub where you’ll have a drink on us, rub shoulders with locals, and see why Sydney is one of the friendliest gay and lesbian cities in the world.
This tour is designed for everyone. So don’t worry, no matter who you are or how you identify, you’ll be welcomed!
(If you’d prefer to travel as part of a regular group experience, please book our Forbidden Sydney group tour.)
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, choice of alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink at the conclusion of the tour.
Exclusions: Additional food and drink, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips or gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Dress for the weather: bring a coat and umbrella if it looks like rain, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a bottle of water. Also note we will be entering a bar at the end of the tour, so please be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
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.
Child Policy: Travellers under 18 years of age are not permitted to join this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +61 (0) 414 983 091
Email address: info@sydneyurbanadventures.com
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