Product related questions
What is an audio-guided walking tour?
Am I renting or buying the tour?
Do you have to actually do the tour for it to be meaningful
Does it have pictures?
What are the advantages of a Talking of Sydney audio guided walking tour?
Are they available in languages other than English?
Which is the best tour for me?
How many places of interest does each tour cover?
Do I need a map?
What can I expect to see on my walking tour?
What will I hear on the commentary?
What level of fitness is required?
How long are the tours?
Where do the audio tours start and stop?
Do I have to backtrack?
Do we have to cross back and forth over streets?
Who is the narrator?
CD/Cassette Player Usage questions
Do you provide personal CD/Cassette players?
What if I haven’t got a personal CD/Cassette player with me?
What happens if more than one person want to listen?
What do I need to bring, to use my audio guided Talking of Sydney Tour?
How does the tour work with a CD or Cassette?
Should I switch off, or pause my audio tour when crossing streets?
Suitability of product
Who are they suitable for?
Do they make good gifts or souvenirs?
If I live in Sydney or know it well, how can a tour benefit me?
I am organising a conference/event in Sydney, would they be suitable for this?
I work in a company which receives a number of important visitors. Would they be a suitable VIP welcome gift?
Company personnel often transfer to Sydney from interstate or overseas - would these tours be useful in helping them to get to know Sydney?
Are they suitable for educational purposes?
What ages do they suit?
I am here to study English as a second language, could I use these tours to improve my understanding?
I am a backpacker/independent traveller, would I like these tours?
I am an inbound operator/PCO/DMC, How would I use these with my clients?
Purchasing Product
I need a quote for a volume purchase. Is there a form I should complete?
Where can I buy the tours?
If I order direct, when will I receive my order?
Links & Feedback
Can I add a link to your website from mine?
Would you like feedback after I have completed a tour?
Product questions
What is an audio-guided walking tour?
It is like taking a guided tour of Sydney with a personal tour guide, except that you listen to a CD or cassette as you walk.
Am I buying or renting the tour?
You are buying the CD or Cassette, and it's yours to keep, so you can do the tour at your own pace, either in a day or several shorter walks over several days.
Do you have to actually do the tour for it to be meaningful?
No, while it is designed as a walking tour to explore places of interest, it is also enjoyable to listen to at home, in your hotel or in your car, as there are some great tales.
Does it have pictures?
No, it is not a CD Rom, it is an audio CD. You will be seeing the real thing on your tour.
What are the advantages of an audio guided walking tour?
Audio Guided Walking Tours give you total independence, because your guide is at your disposal as soon as you press "PLAY".
You can start and stop whenever you like, there are no fixed time schedules, there's no waiting for others or being dragged away before you've taken your photos, and there's no guide book to carry.
Rather than burying you head in a book or map, you can look up and just enjoy being guided around. And you never miss anything, because you can always replay a section.
You can do a full tour in one go or split it into shorter walks as it suits you. After all, it belongs to you!
The audio format gives you much more information than a typical guided walking tour, where the guide cannot speak while you are moving from place to place.
You also have the tour for keeps as a tangible souvenir, so you can relive your experiences when you get home.
Are they available in languages other than English?
Not at present. Other languages will be considered according to demand.
Which tour would be best for me?
If you want to stay within a limited area of central Sydney, then you have a choice of three:-
‘The Rocks’ on CD or Cassette, covers Sydney's (& Australia’s) most historic area, and is generally regarded as a ‘must see' for visitors who enjoy the quaint old parts of cities.
‘Vision of a City’ on CD only, takes in the Sydney Opera House, harbour foreshore in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of NSW, St Mary’s Cathedral and Macquarie Street’s historic environs.
‘Sydney City’ on CD only, explores the area from Circular Quay and the Customs House, via the Justice & Police Museum, Museum of Sydney, Bridge Street, Martin Place through the central shopping area to Sydney Town Hall and St Andrew’s Cathedral.
For those who have limited time in Sydney and want to get a general feel of it in a day, our ‘Sydney in a Day’ tour, available on both CD and Cassette, covers a wider area and involves your catching a ferry, bus or taxi to get to some of the locations. It includes sections of the other three tours and also covers Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Manly, Bondi Beach, and Kings Cross.
For more details, check out the individual tours on this website.
How many places of interest does each Talking of Sydney Tour cover?
‘The Rocks’ - 43 places.
‘Vision of a City’ - 32 places.
‘Sydney City’ 26 places.
‘Sydney in a Day’ 37 places.
Do I need a map?
No. Clear instructions for getting from place to place are given by the narrator as you walk, but each tour also includes an easy-to-follow map, to help you get your bearings. The places of interest are numbered on the maps, which are also the corresponding track numbers on the CD versions of the tours. Opening times and entrance fees are stated where applicable, as well as those locations that offer their own internal guided tours. The maps also give locations of toilets, ATMs, post offices and police stations where they figure on the route.
What can I expect to see on my walking tour?
Depending upon which tour you choose you will see stunning views, historic streetscapes and buildings, laneways, quaint old and modern cafés, restaurants and pubs. Not to mention interesting shops, museums and galleries, gardens,fountains and statues, major landmarks, churches and beaches.
What will I hear on the commentary?
While you enjoy present day Sydney, you will hear lurid tales of convicts, early settlers and ghosts of the past, who lived and worked in the buildings you are looking at, narrated with humour and drama. The commentary describes the harsh and often debauched conditions of earlier times. For easy listening, passages here and there are told in the character of a convict, a clerk, a Governor, a merchant and a soldier.
What level of fitness is required?
Only average fitness is required as the walks are not arduous and there are few hills. There are plenty of places en route where you can sit down and enjoy what you see while you listen to the commentary. Audio tours are ideal for those who have difficulty keeping up with a group, because you set your own pace.
How long are the tours?
Each tour contains between 70 and 80 minutes of commentary, but to walk a full tour typically takes longer than that, because you will probably want to explore some places of interest. We recommend that you allow a minimum of 2-3 hours for a full tour, with the exception of "Sydney in a Day" for which we suggest you allow a full day, because it includes transport links. But remember, you are always in control, so you can walk as slow or as fast as you like and decide how much time you want to spend at any location. You may wish to stop for refreshments, lunch or shopping and resume your tour later. This is one of the many advantages of an audio guided tour.
Where do the tours start and stop?
The Rocks, Vision of a City and Sydney City all begin at Circular Quay, a central location served by trains, ferry terminals and buses, which is easy to get to.
The Rocks also ends near Circular Quay, at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Vision of a City ends in the Royal Botanic Gardens near Palace Gate on Macquarie Street, not far from Circular Quay and near many hotels.
Sydney City ends at Sydney Town Hall/St Andrew’s Cathedral, where there is a railway station.
Sydney in a Day starts in the city centre at Sydney Tower and ends at Kings Cross. Kings Cross has an underground train station and it is also an easy walk back down the hill into the city, or a short bus or taxi ride.
Do I have to backtrack?
No, not unless you want to. We have planned the tours to avoid backtracking.
Do I have to cross back and forth over streets?
No. You can look at many buildings across the street, to give you a better perspective.
Who is the narrator of these audio guided walking tours?
Nicholas Papademetriou, an Australian stage and screen actor with an easy style and pleasant voice, who sounds like a friend guiding you around. We were anxious to avoid the dry, stilted narrative style that is often used by guides, and as a professional character actor Nicholas adds an element of drama and humour to the narration, occasional speaking 'in character'.
Media Player Usage questions
Do you provide personal MP3/CD/Cassette players?
No, because most households have them, so remember to bring yours with you. The MP3 version is ideal to load on an IPod or any other MP3 compatible player, or on most modern mobile phones.
What if I arrive here without a personal player?
They are very reasonably priced now and widely available from shops in Sydney and everywhere else. Also enquire at the hotel stockists of Talking of Sydney Tours, shown on the website, as some do hire out personal CD players to their guests, such as the Observatory Hotel and the All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel. Decide on which Talking of Sydney Tour you want to buy before purchasing a CD/Cassette player, as only 2 out of the 4 tours are produced on Cassette.
What happens if you are a couple, want to do the tour together and have only one player?
You can purchase an adaptor with twin 3.5mm stereo sockets and a single 3.5mm stereo plug, plus a pair of economical earphones from any good electronics store. Dick Smith Electronics, and Tandy, who have 10 stores within Sydney city centre both stock them. Check out their website www.tandy.com.au or www.dse.com.au for store locations. It does mean walking together, as you are connected to the one player. The alternative is to purchase another player as they are now inexpensive to buy in Australia.
What do I need to bring to use my audio guided Talking of Sydney Tour?
A personal media player, sensible walking shoes and a hat (the sun is powerful in Sydney!). Don’t forget your camera or video, as there are many photo opportunities.
How does the audio guided tour work?
The tour follows a logical numbered route on your map and each place of interest on MP3/CD is a different track. You need to pause the player when each section of commentary concludes, giving you time to explore, or when crossing streets. If you accidentally press STOP on a CD player it will return to the beginning, but you just select the appropriate track number for the next place you want to go to.
With a cassette player you press STOP and PLAY accordingly.
Do I have to switch off or pause my audio tour when crossing streets?
We advise you to do so, for your own safety.
Suitability of product
Who are they suitable for?
Interstate or overseas visitors.
Sydneysiders who want to know their own city better, or who like to walk for pleasure and exercise.
Conference and event visitors, as a registration/welcome or speakers gift, or stand alone tour.
An incentive or pillow gift.
Organisations buying them for VIP visitors or clients, or for new personnel from elsewhere, as a Sydney orientation gift.
Schools/Colleges/Universities as an educational resource tool.
Are they suitable as gifts or souvenirs for family and friends when staying with us in Sydney?
Yes, they are ideal. They are presented in attractive, lightweight, sturdy packaging, so they add little burden to a suitcase; and what a lovely memento of their time here! When organising photos and videos, their audio tour and map can help them relive their experiences and remind them where they've been. Several customers have welcomed these tours as a means of sparing them of a day of playing tour host themselves! It gives your visitors their independence to explore Sydney at their leisure, with confidence that they're seeing all the good stuff, with a map to keep them on track.
If I live in Sydney or know it well, how can the tours benefit me?
People living in cities often admit that they don't know their city well, and even knowledgeable Sydneysiders have commented that these tours have shown them many things they did not know about. Our tours concentrate on the social tales behind the bricks and mortar, the people who lived there and how they lived.
I am organising a conference/event in Sydney, would they be suitable for this?
Yes they would be ideal for a number of reasons:-
Delegates can use them in their leisure time to suit themselves, and their partners can also make use of them during their stay.
They act as a Sydney enticer prior to the visit.
For event registration as a welcome to Sydney gift and stand alone tour.
They are a tangible souvenir of their visit to Sydney, not only for the delegates but as a gift for speakers.
Sydney locals will also welcome this tour, to really get to know their own city.
Note: You just need to advise your delegates in advance, on your event website and pre-registration forms to bring a personal CD player, if you are wanting them to do this as a stand alone tour. Otherwise, they can still be enjoyed when they go home, to remind them of their time in Sydney. The other alternative is to have a few personal CD players for your delegates' use, if they forget their own.
I work in a company which receives a number of important visitors. Would they be a suitable VIP welcome gift?
Yes, ideal. Your visitors will need to be able to understand English.
The tours are in well presented packaging which is attractive, colourful and lightweight to take home. So not only do they get pleasure from the tour while they do it but can relive the experience any time afterwards, by listening to the tour while looking at photographs or video footage.
Company personnel often transfer to Sydney from interstate or overseas - would these tours be useful in helping them to get to know Sydney?
Yes. Several organisations (including relocation companies) give them to clients as a 'Welcome to Sydney' or orientation gift. There is so much to take in when re-settling in a new city, and these tours let them do it at their leisure.
Are they suitable for educational purposes?
Yes. They concentrate on the social history of early Sydney through to the present.
They are suitable for Australian social history, Geography, Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE), and ESL, for example. The tours are not collections of dry facts but stories told in an interesting way, with drama and humour. They can be used both on field trips and within the classroom.
What ages do they suit?
All ages, from school children to seniors and everyone in between.
I am studying English as a second language. Could I use these tours to improve my understanding?
Yes, most certainly. As long as you understand some English, you can follow the tour and replay areas that you miss or don’t understand. It is a fun way of learning about Sydney while also improving your English.
I am a backpacker/independent traveller - would I like these tours?
They are ideal for the independent person who likes to explore in their own time, at their own pace and wants to see the best that Sydney has to offer.
I am an inbound operator/PCO/DMC, How would I use these with my clients?
They can be sent to your clients as a Sydney enticer.
Be part of a value-add or stand alone tour.
A nice giveaway at trade shows.
For FIT/Groups, corporate, conference, event and incentive clients - perhaps even as a Christmas gift for Sydneysiders and interstate and overseas clients.
Registration, speaker or pillow gift for conferences and events, as it is a lasting tangible souvenir of Sydney that can be used on a number of occasions.
Purchasing Product
I need a quote for a volume purchase. Is there a form I should complete?
Yes. See the 'Contact' page on this website or CLICK HERE. Enquiries are welcomed for volume pricing of our tour products from Retail outlets, Travel Agencies, Conference Organisers, Incentive Organisers, Inbound Operators, Educational establishments, Relocation Companies, Corporate & Government organisations, Hotels, Serviced Apartments, Backpackers hostels etc
This form can be completed online, faxed or posted to us.
Telephone enquiries are also most welcome. Telephone/Fax: If dialling within Australia (02) 9969 7616 or from overseas +61 (2) 9404 1771
Where can I purchase the tours?
(1) From Sydney retail stockists - check 'Stockists' page on this website for locations.
(2) Also direct from Talking of Sydney Tours direct via online order, or by completing the online form and faxing or mailing it to us. Alternatively you can telephone us Telephone/Fax: If dialling within Australia 02 9404 1771 or from overseas +61 (2) 9404 1771
If I order direct, when will I receive my order?
We normally ship same day, or within a maximum of 24 hours, Monday to Friday.
Links & Feedback
Can I add a link to your website from mine?
If you are a reputable organization of course, we are happy that you do so.
Our website link is www.talkingofsydney.com.au
Would you like feedback after I have experienced a Talking of Sydney Tour?
Yes please, do complete the online feedback and comment form on our website, or send us an e-mail, in relation either to the tours or this website. Please advise if we have your permission to display your comments here.
We are proud of our products, as a lot of research and many trials have gone into producing an informative, interesting experience for our clients, which we hope meets or exceeds expectations. We shall be adding to our series of audio tours. If there is any area of interest or location that you feel could be covered by our product line, either in Australia or anywhere else in the world, we should be glad to hear from you.
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