About Us
Where Every Step Tells a Story
Real History Walking Tours brings the past to life through the streets, buildings, landscapes, and stories of Sydney and regional New South Wales.
Our founder, Ned Dickson, started Real History Walking Tours at just 15 years old, turning his passion for Australian history into a unique collection of guided historical walking tours across Sydney and regional New South Wales.
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Driven by a lifelong fascination with local history and heritage, Ned launched his first Mudgee history walking tour in his hometown, where his family has lived since 1852. After moving to Sydney to study at university, he expanded the business to include Sydney history tours exploring the historic streets, heritage architecture and hidden stories of Glebe, Watsons Bay, Sydney CBD and The Rocks.
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As a descendant of three convicts, Ned developed a particular interest in Sydney's colonial history, convict heritage and the forgotten stories behind Australia's most historically significant landmarks. His goal was to create entertaining, accessible and engaging history walking tours that bring the past to life through fascinating characters, remarkable buildings and the events that shaped Australian society.
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What began as a single walking tour in Mudgee has grown into a dedicated team of four, delivering guided heritage tours and historical walking experiences across several distinctive locations. From Sydney's convict-era laneways and historic architecture to Mudgee's rich regional heritage, every tour combines compelling storytelling, local history, beautiful landscapes and remarkable places to create a memorable way to discover the past. Whether it's architecture tours, convict tours, crime tours or sightseeing tours, we cover it all!
Discover the Stories Behind the Streets
Our guided history walking tours in Sydney and regional New South Wales explore the social, architectural, cultural and Indigenous histories that have shaped Australia's cities, suburbs and historic towns.
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Each of our carefully researched historical walking tours uncovers the people, events, myths and hidden stories behind significant heritage buildings, historic landmarks and lesser-known local places.
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From Aboriginal history and convict uprisings to shipwrecks, underground tunnels, religious conflicts, grand Victorian mansions and industrial heritage, our Sydney history tours and Mudgee heritage tours reveal a different side of Australia's past. Explore the once crime-ridden laneways of The Rocks, the architectural treasures of Sydney CBD, the heritage streets of Glebe and the dramatic coastline of Watsons Bay, or uncover the rich regional history of Mudgee.
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Whether you're passionate about Australian history, heritage architecture, historic buildings, local culture or discovering unique things to do in Sydney and regional NSW, our entertaining guided heritage tours offer a memorable way to explore.
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Plan Your Tour
Each tour operates at scheduled times. For private bookings, group tours, or alternative times, please contact us.
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These tours are great for children as well. Children under 13 can join free of charge, and dogs are welcome when kept on a leash.
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Have a question about accessibility? Please contact us before booking. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.