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Art and culture activities in Sydney

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Art and culture activities led by local experts

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Take a painting class with an contemporary Indigenous artist

As a Ngemba artist, I work with dot techniques as a way to reflect my community’s stories and contribute to keeping our culture strong. Ngemba people are one of the many First Nations of what is now called Australia. Join me to learn about the meaning behind my work—and create a piece of your own! • After welcoming you to my studio, I’ll share a bit about who I am and how I express stories from my culture through symbols and painting. • I’ll guide you through some of the meaning held within my artwork, and acknowledge the rich diversity of First Nations peoples, cultures, and creative expression across these lands. • You’ll create your own piece on a small canvas using dot-painting techniques, drawing from what’s meaningful to you. I’ll be here to support you, answer questions and help along the way. Together, we’ll reflect on connection, culture, and creativity. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for First Nations cultures and your own unique artwork that speaks to your personal journey.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Sketch the Sydney Harbour with an art professor

Sketching is a wonderful way to capture the essence of what you see in your travels. I have recorded my travels in sketchbooks for over 30 years, and I'd love to teach you how to do the same. Artists of all levels of experience, including beginners, are welcome! • We'll meet at Hickson Road Reserve Park, and I'll hand out sketch paper and pencils. • I'll teach you some essential drawing techniques, and then we'll begin sketching! I’ll assist with tips and guidance as you create your Sydney travel sketch. • You'll have a great view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the ferries, and the Opera House. We'll walk to a second viewing spot in order to capture final touches. You'll gain new drawing skills and confidence, and take home a sketch as a memento of your time in Sydney.

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Discover convict-built Darlinghurst Gaol with a historian

Go back in time with this historian-led walk around Old Darlinghurst Gaol, a former Australian prison that was built by convicts in the 1820s. • We’ll visit the site of the first public hanging in Sydney (10,000 people reportedly showed up to witness the notorious event), see a women’s prison cellblock, and pass a former chapel. • We’ll also imagine the lives of the prison’s famous felons, including bushrangers, serial killers, and eccentrics. The poet Henry Lawson frequented the gaol in the early 1900s for his disorderly conduct and non-payment of debts. His poem, One Hundred and Three, is believed to refer to his time in the gaol; the title is a nod to his prison number. • You’ll also learn the purpose of the tunnel under the complex, which operated as a prison for more than 70 years before being converted into a college. We’ll end our 90-minute walk at The Rusty Rabbit, a cafe where I’m happy to answer your questions, sing a song or two and share more scandalous stories about Sydney’s secret seedy past.

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Foraging walk and weaving with a contemporary fibre artist

Join me, a fiber artist, for a foraging walk and a hands-on weaving workshop at Balmoral Beach and bush trail, where you’ll collect material such as leaves, shells and you'll create a beautiful piece of woven art. • Stroll along the foreshore and adjacent bushland, collecting natural treasures like shells, native leaves, and grasses while taking in the beauty of the coastal landscape. •I’ll show you sculptural basketry technique including looping to transform materials into intricate patterns using just your hands and imagination. • Craft your own woven artwork with my guidance, embracing the meditative rhythm of weaving and the joy of working with natural materials. This experience is not about perfection but about play, creativity, and connection with nature. Come with an open mind and leave with a unique, handmade piece infused with the essence of the landscape.

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Street art walk through Sydney's Inner West

The diverse, bohemian neighbourhood of Newtown has become a destination for graffiti artists and lovers of street art. Join a street art expert for a walk through the district, discovering some of its most original works. • Meet up at Newtown Station, where I’ll start by sharing the history of the area and the evolution of murals, from illegal to internationally recognised. • I’ll guide you through hidden alleys to the 19th-century Newtown Courthouse, featured in the Coldplay music video for “A Sky Full of Stars.” • Visit some of the most iconic murals in Newtown, where I’ll share the stories behind the art. You’ll have a chance to pop into a bakery for a lamington or grab a drink at a hidden laneway bar. (The cost of refreshments is not included.) You’ll leave having visited colourful corners of Newtown that no guidebook will ever mention, and with an insider’s perspective on this area’s vibrant art scene.

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Learn about Sydney’s convict past with a folklorist

Journey into Sydney’s colonial prison past with a historian and folklorist at a UNESCO World Heritage site and hear illuminating stories about the lives of those who lived here. • At Parliament House, I’ll explain the convict transportation system—who came and why—and share tales of the vicious cat-o’-nine-tails, treadmills, chain gangs, female workhouses, and foolhardy escapees. • Tour the museum at Hyde Park Barracks to learn about the thousands of men, women, and children the prison held or housed, and how Aboriginal communities were profoundly affected by the relentless push of colonial expansion. • Hear about a typical day in the life of a convict—from their uniforms and work to their food and treatment. I’ll sing rare long-lost convict-era ballads that bring their tragic stories to life. You’ll leave with new insights into the unique cultural identity of Australia and its history.

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4.97 out of 5 average rating, 312 reviews

Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour - Stories, Laneways, Art & More

Discover the story of Sydney on this expert-led walking tour, while hitting all of the city's main attractions. Perfect for those who have just arrived, as well as locals and those who want to go deeper in learning about Australian history, culture, society & First Nations people. Starting from Customs House, you'll hear about Sydney's colonisation by the British - and how their arrival impacted the original inhabitants, the Cadigal people. Over 3 hours, your guide will present a range of perspectives on how Sydney developed, introducing Aboriginal leaders, British governors, convicts, entrepreneurs & other multicultural migrants. Finish with a beer at a popular brewery that has harbour views of both the Bridge and the Opera House. While there, your host will give you heaps of further tips & recommendations to make the most of your time in Sydney: food, nightlife, art and more. On this walk you'll visit, see & learn about: - Sydney Opera House - Harbour Bridge - The Rocks - Hyde Park Barracks - St Mary's Cathedral - The "Rum Hospital" - Queen Victoria Building - Royal Botanic Gardens - General Post Office - ANZAC Cenotaph - The Tank Stream - and much more See tour photos on IG at @localsaucetours. Note: This tour is not recommended for children under 12 as it involves 3 hours of stories and history, and walking approximately 4 km. Message us for private tour info.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 445 reviews

Sydney's Convict Colony History Tour

ON THIS UNIQUE EXPERIENCE: Join a passionate history-guide on an exploration of Sydney’s notorious convict heritage at Sydney Cove & The Rocks. Expect fascinating stories, delivered with energy & insight, as we explore the remarkable lives of sailors, soldiers, scallywags, convicts, con-artists, craftsmen, larrikins & low-lives as they began to trade rum, quarry stone & etch a living upon Sydney's shoreline. Over 2.5 hours, we'll unpack the process of convict transportation in graphic detail — retracing the steps of its curious colonial characters & their immediate effect Sydney's ancient Indigenous clans. We'll also investigate the haunts and schemes of local street gangs, gambling dens & opium saloons in the 19th C. Navigating the cobbled alley-ways, hidden corridors & forgotten monuments of this port-side settlement, we'll venture off the beaten track to dig up its memories - the good, the bad & the plague ridden. Designed to engage both Sydney locals & visitors, this is a journey through time & space that takes history off the shelf and brings it to life with vivid descriptions, imagery & an infectious passion for the past. N.B: This tour has a 2 person booking minimum. This walking history-tour is best suited for guests aged 12+ and contains some adult themes from Sydney's history. While mostly on flat surfaces, some steps are included on our walk through The Rocks.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 88 reviews

Luxury Hunter Valley Wine & Wildlife Day

This day out to the Hunter Valley leaves from Sydney at 7.40am in a luxury minibus and returns at approx 6pm Stops Include: An Australian wildlife park where you will have a ranger led koala experience and kangaroo feeding. Please note: you will not be permitted to hold a koala as it is illegal in NSW. 2 x Premium Boutique Vineyards for structured wine tastings. I've been taking groups to the Hunter for over 10 years now and feel as much a local there as I do in Sydney. I will personally choose the vineyards each tour based on each groups tastes and interests. Wine tasting is optional and a A$15pp tasting fee applies. This tour also includes a visit to 'Fat Cow Cheese' for a cheese and chocolate tasting with views looking over a vineyard. An optional lunch is available at Cypress Lakes Resort (A$30pp) which includes a glass of wine/beer/soft drink or BYO! Please note: In addition to the A$125 tour price paid here, you will also be required to pay an additional A$70pp to your guide for the wildlife park entry, koala experience, taxes and insurance. If you decide to also taste wine (A$15pp) and have lunch provided (A$30pp), the total cost works out to be $240pp. It's a really lovely day out that I'm sure you will really enjoy!

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews

Chinatown - Street Food & Stories

Sydney's Chinatown is full of secrets and excellent restaurants, and on this experience, you're going to see and taste a bit of everything! We begin outside Paddy's Markets at the start of Dixon St mall. You'll get a run-down on Chinatown's early history and development, before heading off to explore the area. On this tour you’ll sample a range of street foods and snacks from some of Chinatown’s best restaurants, with a minimum of 4 food samples included. All samples are snacks or street foods that represent different parts of China and are designed to be eaten on the move. Vegetarians, vegans and guests with other dietary requirements are more than welcome – just let us know in advance. This tour has a strong focus on uncovering Sydney's long connection with China, and the contributions Chinese-Australians have made to the community. You'll learn more in 2.5 hours about Australia's Chinese community than you could possibly imagine, and "pub trivia" style games will keep it interactive and fun. We finish back where we started, and you'll receive a parting gift of our own guide to Chinatown, covering all the best restaurants and what to order. Check us out on IG @localsaucetours

5 out of 5 average rating, 81 reviews

Photo shoot in the heart of Sydney

This is a private experience. We’ll walk through the most interesting and iconic places of Sydney where I will take lovely emotional shots with you to record the best memories of the day. Just be yourself, enjoy walking and you will know how beautiful, charming and natural you are! Our photo shoot is going to be more like street photography rather than overly staged. Of course I will help you with posing inspiration if needed, but I will go for a more natural look. All you have to do is to bring your smile and an adventurous mood! If you are a couple, I will capture those real moments of love and affection for each other. The main outcome of our photo shoot is to capture some amazing images of your time in Sydney, while of course also having a great time together! If you have doubts feel free to see my work on IG and my website. @janna.melonkvist You will get a minimum of 70 photos with light editing in color and black and white. I will give you access to a link where you can view and download all the photos. I will provide you with this link within 3 working days. Other things to note: You will have to be prepared to pay for the cost of the ferry by card. By request, we can do any other location in Sydney like: Bondi Beach, Bronte beach, Little Bay, Coogee, the Rocks or Botanical Gardens, just let me know. I can also make the experience shorter or longer on request.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 72 reviews

Sydney True Crime & History Walking Tour

See where the locals hang out while exploring murder, history and mystery in Sydney’s most eerie and sinful historical neighbourhoods. You will meander through dark alleys, winding laneways, and Victorian-era cottage-lined streets with a guide who is qualified in Sydney history and archaeology. On this adventure, you will: >Investigate the crime scenes of several historical murders from as far back as the 1820s. >Learn about the old street gangs of Sydney and see where they battled for control of Sydney's vice markets (including the Razor Gangs led by the notorious 1920s Crime Queens Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh). > Discover the history of Australia's pub culture and see which ones had the most violent crimes committed in them. > See Sydney's old red-light district where almost every cute cottage was a brothel. This will also include the special red-light district that was created exclusively for African American servicemen during WW2. > See the most beautiful nineteenth-century architecture. > Finish in a bar that was once an old mortuary. This is only a fraction of what you will see on this 2-hour walking tour. There are two locations for this tour Surry Hills (starts at Central Station) or Darlinghurst (starts at Hyde Park). You will be notified which location to meet at a few days before the tour starts. Message me if you have questions.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 233 reviews

Private photoshoot in stunning places in Sydney

If you are in Sydney for the first time exploring or you are a local looking to get some Insta worthy pictures in unique locations, then you are in the right place:) Please check with me before booking! We are going to explore the surroundings of opera house, bridge and The Rocks. I will make sure to get pictures in creative way that captures you with good poses and also candid! I also do other photoshoots such as weddings/elopements/engagements/events/underwater/half underwater or surf and beach shoots which are listed on my website. You will also find a list of different places in Sydney that I shoot if you are not interested in opera house surroundings. To check my photography style, availability, pricing and any other queries feel free to contact me. Looking forward to creating art and capturing memories with you! Best regards, Ash. P.S. If you book for one, I can't shoot 2 people. There's a 5% discount for a couple photoshoot. I am flexible with 5 to 10min of being late. Don't expect me to stay late if you arrive late. Time starts on when the booking time starts. Hope that makes sense!

5 out of 5 average rating, 357 reviews

Discover Sydney Harbour by e-Bike

Join a small group of riders to explore Sydney's pristine coves, parklands and harbour bays. See iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and ride the Harbour Bridge gaining local knowledge and insight into the history and culture of one of the world's most beautiful harbours. Experience the thrill of riding an electric bike and the joy of fresh air and sunshine with a little bit of added adrenalin. Other things to note Participants must be able to r ide an ebike with gears and have a moderate level of fitness. Participants must be over 12 (12-18 with a guardian) be over 150cms and under 120Kilos.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 73 reviews

Queer Sydney Walking Tour

I'm going to show you round Sydney's LGBT past and present in this friendly, relaxed and informative walking tour. You'll hear the stories of prominent gay citizens of the city, as well as important parts of the cultural scene, including the intenationally renowned Mardi Gras parade. As a gay Sydney-sider, I'll also share personal recommendations - culinary, cultural and anything else you're curious about - plus am always happy to answer queeries you might have :) This tour is perfect for solo-travellers, as you can easily connect with others, many of whom are travelling solo too. Of course, couples and groups will also fit in perfectly! For the daytime tour, we will stop midway for coffee/tea/soft drinks, on me! The other thing to note is that the tour is all walking, but it's without any significant hills.

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 172 reviews

Cook for the Homeless

Learn first hand how powerful giving can be. If you’ve been searching for a Cooking Experience with a difference, then look no further. Meet and bond with other fun loving people at this hands-on cooking experience. You’ll get busy in the kitchen transforming rescued surplus food into restaurant quality meals that are then delivered directly to local disadvantaged communities. Other things to note You don't need any fancy kitchen skills to join, you'll learn on the job! That being said the dishes we prepare aren't super fancy Italian :)

Art and culture activities in Sydney

Art and culture activities led by local experts

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