Sydney is a city that celebrates its pub culture, innovative craft beers, and lively nightlife in ways that make a drinking tour a perfect way to experience its local flavor. Whether you’re savoring a pint in a centuries-old pub in The Rocks or exploring Sydney’s hidden bars, this city offers a diverse lineup of tours that combine history, socializing, and great drinks. Our favorite? The Sydney Pub Walking Tour, which blends storytelling with visits to historic pubs—ideal for history buffs and casual drinkers alike. Or perhaps the Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour appeals if you want behind-the-scenes brews and local craft insight. Whatever your style, Sydney’s brewing scene and bar culture promise a memorable drink-filled adventure.
Quick Overview
Our list features walking pub tours, craft brewery visits, nightlife pub crawls, and hidden bar explorations. Many tours include local guides sharing stories, sampling opportunities, and behind-the-scenes looks at the city’s most iconic or secret venues. Prices range from budget-friendly options like the Big Night Out Pub Crawl to more comprehensive experiences like the Hunter Valley wine and beer tours. Now, let’s explore what makes each of these tours special.
1. The Rocks Pub Walking Tour
Starting your Sydney pub journey in The Rocks is a no-brainer—this historic district is packed with centuries-old pubs and stories of convicts, smugglers, and early settlers. This 2.5-hour walking tour combines history with a pub crawl, visiting four of The Rocks’ oldest establishments. You’ll sample a different craft beer, cider, or wine at each spot while hearing tales of Sydney’s foundation. The guide, often praised for their storytelling, also points out historic buildings and legendary residents, making it perfect for history lovers who want a drink with a side of stories. The tour has a five-star rating based on 415 reviews, with visitors calling it “an enjoyable history lesson” and “a fun way to explore the area.”
What sets this tour apart is its focus on authentic pubs that have survived fires, floods, and urban changes, giving you a taste of old Sydney. Ideal for those interested in local history and craft drinks, it offers great value for its $78.31 price tag. Be prepared for lively conversations and a chance to see the city’s oldest watering holes firsthand.
Bottom Line: If you want a relaxed, historical pub crawl, this walk in The Rocks is an excellent choice with a friendly, knowledgeable guide and four old-world pubs.
2. Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour
For anyone passionate about craft beer, this small-group tour explores Sydney’s vibrant brewery scene. Over roughly 3 hours, you’ll visit several top breweries—such as the Sydney Brewery—and enjoy behind-the-scenes looks at the brewing process. The tour emphasizes local craftsmanship and gives you the opportunity to meet brewers, learn how beer is made, and sample different styles. Visitors love the personalized experience and the chance to skip the tourist trail for local favorites. It’s especially suited for beer enthusiasts eager to taste Sydney’s brewing innovation.
At just $104.41, the tour offers ample tastings and insights, making it good value for those who want an educational and flavorful experience. Most reviews mention the host’s extensive knowledge and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Plus, you leave with a better understanding of Sydney’s craft beer scene. Whether you like IPAs, stouts, or ciders, this tour caters to all tastes with its variety of brewery visits.
Bottom Line: A perfect pick for beer lovers wanting an insider’s look at Sydney’s craft breweries, with ample tastings and expert guides.
3. Big Night Out Pub Crawl
If your goal is to experience Sydney’s nightlife and meet new friends, the Big Night Out Pub Crawl is hard to beat. Spanning 4 to 7 hours, this social tour takes you to up to four bars and clubs, with welcome drinks, pizza, snacks, and fun games included. Hosted by local party hosts, it’s designed to give a lively, energetic introduction to Sydney’s bar scene, especially suited for solo travelers or first-timers. The tour’s flexible schedule means you can dance, socialize, and soak up the city’s nightlife.
At just $33.22, it offers great value with four included drinks, entry to popular spots, and a lively group atmosphere. Reviewers praise the host’s energy and the fun, relaxed vibe, making it a go-to for travelers looking to party and make memories. It’s a longer, more flexible way to explore Sydney’s after-dark scene compared to shorter pub walks.
Bottom Line: For those wanting an energetic night out with friendly locals, this pub crawl packs fun into a budget-friendly package.
4. Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour
Dating back to the early days of Sydney, this 2.5-hour tour explores The Rocks’ historic pubs, combining heritage sites with local drinks. The tour includes visits to four pubs where you can enjoy a classic Aussie beer, wine, or soft drink. The guide shares stories about Sydney’s earliest settlers, rum deals, and liquor smuggling, bringing history alive in each pub.
Rated five stars from 231 reviews, visitors describe it as a “great way to learn about Sydney” while enjoying authentic pub culture. The tour is ideal for history buffs who want a relaxed walk with plenty of sampling opportunities. It’s a solid pick for those who want to combine cultural education with drinks and start an evening out on a high note.
Bottom Line: An excellent way to combine Sydney’s history with a laid-back pub crawl, perfect for those interested in local stories and heritage pubs.
5. Sydney’s Secret Bars Nightlife Tour
This tour offers a 3 to 4-hour exploration of Sydney’s hidden bar scene, along with engaging stories and a complimentary drink. It varies depending on the night—covering areas like CBD, The Rocks, Surry Hills, and Newtown—and is geared toward curious travelers who want to uncover Sydney’s secret drinking spots. The small group format ensures personalized attention, and you’ll hear tales of local legends and fun crime stories.
At $44.07, it’s a cost-effective way to get off the beaten path and discover venues you might never find alone. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and the fun atmosphere, especially those wanting to explore quirky, less touristy bars with a local’s perspective.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventurous spirits eager to explore Sydney’s underground bar scene with a friendly guide.
6. Sydney Cocktail Harbour Bar Cruise with Charcuterie Board
For a relaxed, scenic experience, this 2-hour cruise lets you sip cocktails while taking in the Sydney Harbour skyline. With reserved lounge seating and a complimentary charcuterie board, it’s an elegant way to enjoy the city’s famous sights like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. During weekends, enjoy live music onboard, adding to the atmosphere.
Priced at $53.56, it combines sightseeing with drinks—perfect for couples or anyone wanting a romantic or laid-back outing. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and the comfortable setting, though some note the dinner service can be cold and not worth the extra cost. Still, the cocktail and scenic views make this a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: A charming way to relax on Sydney Harbour with drinks in hand, especially suited for romantic dates or small groups.
7. Sydney: Secret Bar Guided Tour with Complimentary Drink
This 3.5-hour tour takes you through five different secret bars in Sydney, with stories, fun, and a complimentary drink to start. Available on different routes depending on the night—like CBD, The Rocks, or Surry Hills—it’s tailored for nightlife explorers who want a curated experience of hidden venues. The guide shares tales of Sydney’s lively bar scene and local legends.
At $43, it’s an excellent value for a guided night out. Reviewers highlight the friendly guides and the chance to discover bars they would never find alone, making it perfect for solo travelers and couples alike.
Bottom Line: Great for discovering Sydney’s secret bar scene with a knowledgeable guide and a relaxed vibe.
8. Sydney: Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts
For a full-blown party experience, this 4-hour pub crawl features four lively venues, each with a free drink and games. Led by local party hosts, it’s designed for travelers who want to dance, socialize, and take photos. Pizza is included, as well as prizes for games, making it a lively, fun way to meet people.
Priced at $32, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for young travelers or those wanting an energetic night. Many reviews praise the friendly hosts and the fun atmosphere, ideal for solo travelers and groups seeking a lively night.
Bottom Line: Best suited for lively, social travelers looking to make new friends in a party setting.
9. Sydney Small Bars and Street Art Tour
This 3-hour tour combines visits to small, quirky bars with a street art discovery. Designed for art lovers and bar enthusiasts, it explores areas like Newtown and Redfern with a guide sharing stories about murals by renowned Australian artists. The first drink—beer or wine—is included, and the tour offers a refreshing mix of urban culture with local nightlife.
Rated five stars from 9 reviews, travelers love the unique combination of art and drinks. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, and locals wanting a different perspective on Sydney’s vibrant street art scene.
Bottom Line: A creative, engaging way to experience Sydney’s street art and small bars in one tour.
10. From Sydney: Hunter Valley Beer & Wine Group Tour
For a long, indulgent day, this 11.5-hour group tour takes you north to Hunter Valley to sample both wines and beers. You’ll visit a winery, a distillery, and enjoy a 1-course lunch with drinks. The tour includes guided visits to vineyards, behind-the-scenes production, and multiple tastings. It’s ideal for travelers wanting to combine wine, beer, cheese, and spirits in a scenic setting.
Rated 4.7 stars, it’s praised for the informative guides and the diverse tasting options. It’s a full-day experience suited for those willing to travel outside the city and enjoy relaxed tastings in beautiful surroundings.
Bottom Line: Best for wine and beer lovers eager to explore Hunter Valley’s renowned producers on a guided tour.
11. Sydney Grains and Grapes Hunter Valley Wine and Beer with Lunch
Offering a more personalized experience, this 11.5-hour tour focuses on wine, beer, cheese, and spirits with a delicious lunch included. The tour features visits to local wineries and distilleries, with options to taste wines or beers and even chocolates. The guide works hard to provide a behind-the-scenes look at production processes, making it ideal for those who want a deeper understanding of local drinks.
Rated five stars, travelers appreciate the informative guides and the variety of tastings. It’s perfect for those who want a luxurious, relaxed day with options to customize their experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for connoisseurs looking for a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes day trip with great food and drink.
12. Sydney: 3-Hour Craft Beer and Breweries Tour
This 3.5-hour tour highlights Sydney’s craft beer scene, taking you behind the scenes at three local breweries. It emphasizes learning about the brewing process and tasting a variety of beers and ciders, with plenty of snacks and water to keep you refreshed. It’s perfect for beer aficionados who want a short but informative experience.
Rated 4.9 stars, guests mention the expert insights and relaxed atmosphere. The tour offers a focused exploration of Sydney’s craft movement, making it suitable for those who want depth without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: Great for craft beer fans wanting a short, educational tour with plenty of tastings.
13. Sydney: Street Art & Small Bar Tour with Complimentary Drink
This 3-hour tour combines street art with small bars, exploring areas like Newtown or Redfern. You’ll visit quaint, hidden bars and see murals by talented artists, all while enjoying stories about urban culture. The included complimentary drink adds to the experience, which is perfect for art and bar enthusiasts alike.
Rated five stars from three reviews, travelers love how different this tour is, offering both culture and drinks in a relaxed setting. It’s ideal if you want a more local and artistic perspective on Sydney.
Bottom Line: Unique and creative—best for those who want to combine art with a casual bar crawl.
14. Sydney: Marrickville Breweries Walking Tour
This 3-hour tour takes you through Marrickville’s innovative breweries, focusing on behind-the-scenes tastings and inside views of the brewing process. It’s led by a local expert who knows the neighborhood’s craft scene inside out. You’ll visit three breweries, enjoying tastings and knowledge at each.
Rated five stars from two reviews, it’s perfect for beer enthusiasts interested in local brewing innovation. The tour’s intimate size and focus on small, independent breweries make it a special experience.
Bottom Line: Best for beer lovers eager to explore Sydney’s inner-west craft scene.
15. History on Tap: The Rocks Pub Tour
This 2-hour, 5-minute tour offers a history-rich pub crawl through The Rocks, with stops at four heritage pubs. You’ll enjoy a middy of beer, house wine, or soft drink at each pub while hearing tales of rum deals, razor gangs, and colonial life. Led by a passionate storyteller, it makes history fun and accessible.
Rated five stars from two reviews, participants appreciate the engaging stories and the authentic pub atmosphere. Perfect for those wanting a quick, immersive experience that combines history and drinks.
Bottom Line: An engaging, fast-paced pub crawl ideal for those interested in Sydney’s darker, drunken past.
How to Choose Your Sydney Drinking Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and preferred style. If you love history and heritage pubs, the History on Tap or The Rocks Pub Walking Tour might be best. For craft beer enthusiasts, the Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour or Sydney: 3-Hour Craft Beer and Breweries Tour offer in-depth tastings. Those looking for a lively night out should consider the Big Night Out Pub Crawl or the Sydney Nightlife Secret Bars Tour.
Practical tips: Book early in peak seasons, especially for highly-rated experiences like the Hunter Valley wine and beer tours. For a romantic outing, the Cocktail Harbour Cruise provides a scenic escape, while art lovers should try the Street Art & Small Bar Tour.
Final Thoughts
Sydney’s diverse drinking scene offers options for every taste—from historic pubs and craft breweries to secret bars and scenic harbor cruises. For a deep dive into history, try the The Rocks Pub Walking Tour. For something more social and lively, the Big Night Out Pub Crawl is perfect. And if you’re after sophisticated scenery with your drinks, the Harbour Bar Cruise offers a beautiful backdrop.
Whatever your choice, booking early and tailoring the experience to your interests will ensure you make the most of Sydney’s vibrant drinking culture. Cheers to a memorable time in this lively city!