Sydney's Secret Bars Nightlife Tour
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Group size
- Up to 12 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 18 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is our pick on the Sydney pub crawl page for anyone who has already done the Rocks pubs. A host takes 12 people at most to three or four bars, including well-hidden ones a first-timer would walk past, and it rates close to 5. The route changes with the night: Surry Hills and Oxford Street on Saturdays, the CBD on Tuesdays, The Rocks and Circular Quay on Thursdays, Chinatown's Friday night markets on Fridays.
Only the first drink, a beer or wine, is included. The operator itself tells you to budget at least A$50 more per person for drinks. There is no pressure to drink, and the listing welcomes non-drinkers. Because the meeting point changes by night, read your voucher carefully: the Wednesday route, for example, starts at a mural on King Street. It is 18 and over, so bring photo ID. Book ahead for weekends; it usually books out more than a month in advance.
Good for
- Bars you would never find alone
- Solo travellers and couples who want a small group
Think twice if
- You want drinks in the price. The Rocks pub walks include four
- You want a big party night
Written by SydneySide Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked October 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
Drink and discover on Sydney's top-rated nightlife experience - now with 5 different routes!
Perfect for solo travellers, couples, friends, non-drinkers, locals, visitors - anyone who wants a fun & unique night out.
Over 3.5 hours, your host will take you to 3 or 4 different bars including very well-hidden ones and some of Sydney’s top-rated bars. We include the first drink (beer or wine) and then leave it up to you to choose how you want to enjoy the night. There’s no pressure to drink, so if you prefer not to, we promise you’ll still have fun!
As we explore, you’ll hear a few fun stories, covering crime, local legends & other “pub trivia” worthy tidbits.
TUES: City Centre - North ("YCK Laneways" - York, Clarence and Kent streets)
WED: Newtown & Enmore Rd
THURS: The Rocks & Circular Quay
FRI: City Centre - South (Town Hall, Chinatown & Thaitown areas)
SAT: Surry Hills & Darlinghurst
After the tour, you'll get a map with all the bars visited, plus some extra spots to check out.
From the listing by Local Sauce Tours on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- On our Saturday night route (Surry Hills and Darlinghurst), we'll hit up Oxford Street, where you'll hear about the history of Sydney's Mardi Gras. About 10 min.
- On our Tuesday night route (city centre/CBD), we'll pass through Queen Victoria Building (QVB) and tell you a few interesting stories about the building as we do. About 15 min.
- On our Thursday night route (Rocks/Circular Quay), we'll see the Opera House and share a story or two about the history of this magnificent building.
- On our Thursday night route (Rocks/Circular Quay), we'll see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and share a story or two about the history of this magnificent structure.
- On our Friday night route, we'll wander through Sydney's Chinatown, during the weekly Friday night markets. We may stop somewhere along the way for some street food. About 20 min.
What's included
- Group photos
- Expect to spend at least $50 AUD extra per person on drinks
- Map with our personal recommendations of best bars in Sydney
- 1 alcoholic drink included (beer or wine only)
Not included
- Gratuities
Meeting point
WEDNESDAY ONLY: The tour starts at the "I Have A Dream" mural on King St. Your host will be standing near the mural and wearing a shirt with "Local Sauce Tours" on it. IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not go to this location unless you have booked for the Wednesday night tour.
THURSDAY ONLY: We meet outside Customs House building, on the right-hand side as you face the building, near the access ramp. Your host will be there 10 minutes early, wearing a "Local Sauce Tours" shirt. IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not go to this location unless you have booked for the Thursday night tour.
TUESDAY & FRIDAY ONLY: We meet outside the southern end of the Queen Victoria Building (QVB). There are 2 statues, one of Queen Victoria and one of a talking dog. Your host will be between the 2 statues. IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not go to this location unless you have booked for Tuesday or Friday's tour.
SATURDAY ONLY: We meet at a bar on Crown St, Surry Hills. We will message you on the day of the tour via WhatsApp with the name of the bar, so please keep an eye on your messages. IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not go to this location unless you have booked for the Saturday night tour.
Where it ends
Wednesday: We finish at a bar in Newtown, near Newtown train station.
Saturday: We finish at a bar in Surry Hills, near Central and Museum train stations.
Thursday: We finish at a bar near Circular Quay train station.
Tuesday & Friday: We finish at a bar near Wynyard and Town Hall train stations.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Meeting points vary depending on the day, please double-check what day you have booked for (or contact the operator)
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our pub crawls page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
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