Sydney Explorer team gathering at Sydney Harbour with Opera House in background

About Sydney Explorer

Passionate local experts dedicated to showcasing the best of Sydney since 2016

Our Story

Sydney Explorer began as a passion project by Rebecca Chen, a Sydney native who returned home after years of international travel. Having experienced the transformative power of local insights while exploring cities around the world, Rebecca was struck by how many visitors to her hometown were missing authentic Sydney experiences.

In 2016, she gathered a small team of fellow travel enthusiasts with deep knowledge of different aspects of Sydney's culture, history, and hidden gems. What started as personalized walking tours for small groups quickly grew into a comprehensive resource for travelers seeking to experience Sydney beyond the typical tourist trail.

By 2019, Sydney Explorer had expanded to include a diverse team of local experts, a popular blog, and partnerships with Sydney's premier attractions and cultural institutions. When global travel paused in 2020, we pivoted to virtual experiences and local exploration guides, helping Sydneysiders rediscover their own city.

Today, Sydney Explorer continues to grow, guided by our founding principle: that the most memorable travel experiences come from authentic local connections and insider knowledge. Whether you're visiting Sydney for the first time or the tenth, our mission is to help you discover the soul of our beautiful harbor city.

Sydney Explorer founder Rebecca Chen leading a tour at The Rocks

Our Mission & Values

At Sydney Explorer, we believe that travel should be transformative, sustainable, and respectful of local communities. Our mission is to connect travelers with authentic Sydney experiences that create lasting memories while supporting local businesses and preserving our city's natural and cultural heritage.

Authentic Experiences

We go beyond tourist clichés to showcase the real Sydney, connecting visitors with experiences that reflect our city's diverse cultures, rich history, and vibrant contemporary life. We believe the most memorable travel moments come from genuine connections with places and people.

Local Expertise

Our team consists exclusively of Sydney locals with deep knowledge and passion for their specialties, whether that's Aboriginal heritage, culinary traditions, architecture, or natural environments. We're committed to continuous learning to ensure our information is accurate and insightful.

Sustainable Tourism

We promote responsible travel practices that minimize environmental impact and support local communities. From highlighting public transportation options to partnering with eco-friendly businesses, we strive to help visitors enjoy Sydney in ways that preserve its beauty for future generations.

Inclusive Travel

We believe Sydney's wonders should be accessible to everyone. We provide information on accessibility for different attractions and experiences, and continually work to make our resources useful for travelers of all abilities, backgrounds, and travel styles.

Meet Our Team

Rebecca Chen

Founder & Head Guide

A Sydney native with Chinese heritage, Rebecca combines her deep love for her hometown with insights gained from traveling to over 40 countries. Her specialty is connecting visitors with Sydney's multicultural neighborhoods and food scenes. With a background in cultural anthropology, she brings both academic knowledge and personal passion to every tour.

Daniel Kowalski

History & Architecture Specialist

With a Master's degree in Australian Colonial History and 15 years of experience as a heritage consultant, Daniel brings Sydney's past to life through engaging storytelling. His walking tours of The Rocks and historic neighborhoods are consistently rated as "transformative" by visitors. When not leading tours, he's documenting Sydney's architectural evolution for a forthcoming book.

Leila Nguyen

Digital Content Manager

Leila combines her skills as a photographer and writer with her marketing expertise to create Sydney Explorer's engaging online content. After working in digital media in Melbourne and Singapore, she returned to her hometown of Sydney with fresh eyes for what makes the city special. She's particularly passionate about highlighting sustainable travel options and Sydney's emerging creative scenes.

Jason Walters

Outdoor & Adventure Guide

A former national park ranger and certified wilderness first responder, Jason specializes in Sydney's stunning natural surroundings. From coastal walks and hidden beaches to Blue Mountains adventures, he helps visitors experience the breathtaking landscapes that frame the city. Jason's Aboriginal heritage also informs his deep knowledge of native plants, wildlife, and traditional land management practices.

Our Achievements

Since our founding in 2016, Sydney Explorer has grown from a small passion project to one of Sydney's most trusted travel resources. Here are some milestones we're proud to have achieved along the way:

50,000+

Satisfied Travelers

We've helped over fifty thousand visitors discover Sydney's wonders through our guides, tours, and resources.

120+

Local Partnerships

We collaborate with over 120 local businesses, artists, and community organizations to create authentic experiences.

4.9/5

Average Rating

Our consistent excellence has earned us nearly perfect ratings across major review platforms.

2022

Tourism Excellence Award

Recognized by Destination NSW for our contribution to sustainable and authentic tourism experiences.

30+

Hidden Gems Documented

We've researched and documented dozens of lesser-known Sydney attractions not found in traditional guidebooks.

100%

Local Team

Our entire team consists of Sydney locals with deep knowledge and passion for their city.

What Our Travelers Say

Olivia Wilson from Canada smiling at Sydney Harbor

"Sydney Explorer completely transformed our family vacation. Their insider tips about visiting the Opera House early morning helped us avoid crowds, and the coastal walk recommendations led us to breathtaking views we would have missed otherwise. The personalized itinerary they created perfectly matched our interests and pace. I especially appreciated their restaurant suggestions - we had the best seafood of our lives!"

Olivia Wilson, Canada

"As a solo traveler, I was worried about feeling lonely in Sydney, but the group tours recommended by Sydney Explorer were fantastic for meeting people! Their Aboriginal heritage tour gave me insights into Australia's history I would have never found in guidebooks. The Sydney Explorer blog became my daily companion, with its neighborhood guides and public transport tips saving me time and money throughout my stay."

Marco Rossi, Italy

Aisha and Omar Khan from UAE at Royal Botanic Gardens

"We contacted Sydney Explorer for our honeymoon planning, and they curated the perfect romantic Sydney experience. Their sunset harbor cruise recommendation was magical, and the hidden lookout points they suggested gave us the most Instagram-worthy photos of our trip! What impressed us most was their attention to detail – they even noted our dietary preferences and suggested halal-friendly restaurants with spectacular views."

Aisha & Omar Khan, United Arab Emirates

Sydney Explorer in Action

Sydney Explorer walking tour in The Rocks historic district

Sydney Explorer coastal walk tour at sunrise near Bondi

Sydney Explorer Aboriginal heritage tour in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Sydney Explorer food tour in Chinatown markets

Sydney Explorer team planning session in office overlooking harbor

Sydney Explorer photography workshop at Mrs Macquarie's Chair

Ready to Discover the Real Sydney?

Whether you're planning your first visit or looking to explore Sydney like a local, our team is here to help create your perfect Sydney experience.