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Arts and culture Sydney

Sydney heritage attractions

Queen Victoria Building, Sydney. Image Anthea Horton, courtesy of QVB

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Heritage tours in Sydney

Discover Sydney's rich history through its fine heritage buildings and architecture on a self-guided walk or guided tour.

Heritage attractions in Sydney

Queen Victoria Building. Image Anthea Horton, courtesy of QVB

Learn more about the history of Sydney’s most recognised landmarks, streets and cultural icons, on a self-guided walk or behind-the-scenes tour.

You’ll find some of Sydney’s best heritage attractions along Macquarie Street, which has significant examples of Australia's colonial architecture. These include the Mitchell Library,which is part of the State Library of New South Wales, Parliament House, the Mint and Hyde Park Barracks, and St. James’ Church. Also in the Sydney's city centre, the Queen Victoria Building is a notable example of Victorian-era architecture, with glorious stained glass windows and grand staircases. Take a behind-the-scenes tour to discover the secrets of this architectural masterpiece that’s now a beautiful place to shop and eat.

Use the Ticket through Time pass from Sydney Living Museums (previously the Historic Houses Trust) to discover the best Sydney heritage attractions at your own pace. The pass gives you three months of unlimited entry into 12 museums and heritage properties in Sydney, including the World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks, the Justice and Police Museum, Vaucluse House, Government House and Susannah Place.

Walk or cycle the streets of Sydney on a Sydney Architecture Walks tour, and gain an appreciation for Sydney’s rich architectural heritage.

The Sydney Opera House also hosts behind the scenes tours, giving you a backstage peek into the dressing rooms, concert halls and orchestra pits that have attracted the world’s most extraordinary performers.

Guided tours and museum passes

There are a number of ways to enjoy Sydney’s historic attractions. A Ticket through Time pass gives you three months of unlimited entry to 11 Historic Houses Trust museums and heritage properties in Sydney, including the Museum of Sydney. You can also join a guided tour and discover backstage secrets of the Sydney Opera House or the historic Queen Victoria Building. Sydney Architecture Tours explore historic streetscapes on foot, giving you a chance to appreciate Sydney’s outdoor heritage.

Sydney Opera House guided tour, image Sydney Opera House

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