Step back in time and explore the forgotten corners of Sydney’s YCK Laneways with expert guide, historian Max Burns-McRuvie.

This small-group walking tour will take you off the beaten path to explore hidden corners and forgotten stories of this fascinating district, once filled with cobblestone streets, quirky characters, and colourful history. As we wander through the eclectic mix of industrial and ornate architecture, we'll step back in time to the 19th century — an era that saw the transformation of Sydney’s downtown, from the rough-and-tumble wharves of Darling Harbour to the polished shopfronts of George Street.

But there's more to YCK Laneways than meets the eye. Tucked amongst the bustling storehouses, laneways and cellars of YCK Laneways' chequered history, there once lurked a shadowy underworld of opium dens, flesh merchants and mysterious murders —stories Sydney has long forgotten.

Join us for an exciting walking tour of secret spots and stories!

Cost: $29 includes free Cocktail on arrival

Meeting Point: Papa Gedes, 348 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000

Tour Dates

Wednesday 2 and 9 April - meet at 5:30pm for a drink, walking tour starts at 6:00pm

Duration Approx 2 hours

Accessibility

Tour contains some stairs, uneven surfaces and a moderate slope on occasion.

YCK Laneways and the Community Improvement Distrcit Pilot program

YCK Laneways is the buzzing precinct between Town Hall and Wynyard, a consortium of independently operated retail, hospitality, corporate and entertainment businesses around York, Clarence and Kent streets. Discover world class hospitality at a range of hidden small bars and be looked after by some of the best barbers in the city. The precinct's industrial heritage lives on, with many of the venues clustered around the area embracing restored original architecture in their laneway, carriageway and storehouse locations.

YCK Laneways is a trial Community Improvement District (CID) pilot proudly funded under the NSW Government’s CID Pilot program. This new tour has been produced by Cobalt Engagement for YCK Laneways as part of the physical interventions that are funded as part of this trial CID pilot.