ANSWERS TO Frequently Asked Questions
Sydney custom tour advice and tips
Why Book with Personalised Sydney Tours?
Personalised Sydney Tours is a small Australian-owned business offering bespoke Sydney day tours hosted by Ben Barry, a licensed professional tour guide with over 20 years of experience.
Unlike larger operators, Ben personally conducts all tours and manages all bookings, enquiries, and communications, ensuring a genuinely personalised experience from start to finish.
Our tours offer excellent value and include national park entry fees, with no hidden extras.
To Learn more head to the About Us section.
What’s Sydney Like?
Sydney is a vibrant harbour city famous for its iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, diverse dining scene, and spectacular natural surroundings. From the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to its national parks, gardens, and coastal walks, there is something for every visitor.
Regularly ranked among the world's most liveable cities, Sydney is a must-see destination and well worth spending three or four days exploring.
More than a pool. Bondi Beach’s iconic Iceberg’s has a gym, two cafe’s, two drink bars and a fine dining restaurant. Join us for a 🏖️ Bondi Beach Tour
Who Can Travel and How Many Guests Can Join Each Tour?
Our private tours are suitable for solo travellers, couples, families, friends, and business groups.
We cater for 1 to 7 guests, with larger private groups of up to 11 people available by prior arrangement.
Where Do Our Travellers Come From?
We welcome guests from around the world and have hosted travellers from more than 40 different nationalities.
Does It Matter If I’ve Never Been on a Private Tour Before?
Not at all. Private tours are fully flexible and tailored to your preferences, whether you want detailed commentary or a more relaxed, conversational experience. After a private tour experience many guests won’t ask for anything else.
Pat kangaroos on our Koala & 🦘Kangaroos Encounter
Do Private Tours See More Than Big Bus Tours?
Yes. Private tours offer greater flexibility, allowing access to hidden locations that larger buses can’t reach.
With a single pick-up and drop-off, there’s less time spent on transfers, and more time exploring. The itinerary is also tailored to your interests and pace.
Can the Tours Be Customised and Changed as We Go?
Yes. As private tours, the itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted during the day based on your interests, pace, and conditions. Stops and optional experiences can also be added or removed as you go.
“Experience the best of Sydney:
it’s history, people, architecture, neighbourhoods, beaches, gardens, cafes, markets, wineries and wildlife.”
What’s the Best Time to Travel to Sydney?
Sydney can be visited year-round, but the most pleasant times are February to May and September to December, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. These periods avoid the peak summer heat and cooler winter weather.
Which Vehicles Are Used?
Tours are conducted in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles suited to group size and itinerary, including a 9-seat people mover, an SUV for smaller off-road routes, and a minivan for larger groups of 8–11 guests. All vehicles include space for luggage.
Do You Provide Child Seats in the Vehicle?
Yes. In accordance with Australian law, children under 7 must travel in an appropriate child seat or booster seat.
Personalised Sydney Tours provides all required child seats, so there’s no need to bring your own.
Are Driving Conditions Challenging in Sydney?
Sydney driving can be complex due to hilly terrain, tunnels, bridges, and one-way streets, as well as left-hand traffic. Personalised Sydney Tours handles all transport so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Where Do the Tours Start and End?
Tours include pick-up and drop-off from Sydney accommodation, cruise terminals, and airports. Some tours may also finish with a scenic ferry or train journey. Standalone airport transfers are not available.
“Immerse yourself you in all of Sydney: the city, coast and mountains.”
Can each tour be extended into a two-day experience?
Yes — and even into a three-day adventure. Our tours can be extended by combining nearby regions, adding optional excursions, enjoying longer walks or hikes, or travelling at a more relaxed pace.
For example, a Blue Mountains tour can include overnight stays near Jenolan Caves, visits to Mt Wilson and the Hawkesbury, or longer hikes and glow worm experiences. A Manly & Northern Beaches tour can also be combined with destinations such as the Hunter Valley, Central Coast, or Port Stephens for a multi-day journey.
Do you have an inclement weather policy?
Yes. Tours operate in all weather conditions, with guest safety as the top priority. Flexible itineraries allow for indoor alternatives during severe weather, and conditions such as fog or storms can often create unique and memorable experiences — especially for photography.
Cloud plummeting down the canyon wall
What is the history of Sydney?
Sydney’s history spans more than 30,000 years, beginning with the Cadigal clan of the Eora Nation. Established by the British as a penal colony in 1788, the city grew through convict labour, gold rush prosperity, major historical events, and large-scale migration. Today, Sydney is recognised as a vibrant, multicultural, and globally iconic city.
Photo credit: Destination NSW and Personalised Sydney Tours