Balmain Pub Walking Tour
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Group size
- Up to 15 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 18 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the third heritage pub walk on our Sydney pub crawl page, run by the same company as the Rocks Pub Walking Tour but in Balmain, the inner-west suburb the operator calls Sydney's most famous puburb for its pubs per person. Over 3 hours a guide takes up to 15 people to four Balmain pubs, with a drink at each, and the stories of duelling colonists, escaped convicts and gangsters along the way.
It rates around 4.9, but from only about a dozen reviews so far. Food is not included, so eat first. It runs in all weather, asks for moderate fitness and is 18 and over; bring photo ID. The listing says minimum numbers apply, so a quiet date can be cancelled after you book. The meeting instructions are brief, so check your voucher for the pub where you meet Dave. Balmain is a ferry or bus ride from the city.
Good for
- Pub history away from The Rocks crowds
- A second pub walk after the Rocks tour
Think twice if
- You want a long review record before booking
- You do not drink. The drinks are most of the price
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
Visit Sydney's most famous 'puburb' on the Balmain Pub Walk. This 3 hour small group historical walking tour visits four iconic Balmain pubs, stopping for a drink in each. Step away from the tourist crowds and get some local stories with a local flavour.
Balmain is Sydney's most famous 'pub-urb' as it has the highest pub to people ratio in Australia.
Balmain has been the home of duelling colonists, escaped convicts, gangsters and football players that can’t be killed. Combine all of them in the place that has more pubs per person than anywhere else in Australia and you've got a recipe for some of the most colourful local history in the country.
The pubs here have seen it all, convicts, movie stars, gangsters, Olympians and even been the birthplace of a major political party.
This 3 hour tour walking weaves through the streets and stories of Balmain visiting 4 of its most iconic pubs where you can enjoy a choice of craft beer or wine in each.
Tour highlights include:
- Balmain's Oldest Pub
- The Watch House
- Escape from Cockatoo island
- Balmain gangsters
- The Balmain Tigers' 'Team of the Penitentiary'
- Duelling colonists
- The murderous confectioner
- The hidden treasure of Australia's most audacious robbery
- and many more tales of murder, vice and intrigue
From the listing by Daves Pub Tours on Viator.
What's included
- Professional guide
- Beverages
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
Meeting point
Meet you Dave at the bar
Checking in
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- A current valid passport, Drivers License or 18+ card is required as you may be asked to provide identification
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 18 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
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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