Which Local Sauce Tour Is Right For You?

Justin Steele - 15th Apr 2025

At Local Sauce Tours, we offer a diverse range of food, culture, and history tours that let you experience the best of Sydney and Brisbane from a local’s perspective.

Whether you’re craving unique culinary experiences, curious about the vibrant street art scene, or eager to uncover hidden stories from the past, our tours provide an authentic way to explore the cities.

Read below to find out more about each of our exciting tours and discover the perfect experience for you!

Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour

Looking for the perfect introduction to Sydney? The Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour is the best way to kickstart your visit. Running daily from 10:00 am, this 3.5-hour adventure is designed for first-time visitors, solo travellers, curious locals, and anyone keen to dive deeper into the stories, history and culture behind the Harbour City’s postcard-perfect sights.

This small-group experience takes you beyond the guidebooks. From First Nations history to colonial secrets, modern Aussie identity to laneway art installations and local legends, you’ll explore must-see landmarks like The Rocks, Hyde Park, the Queen Victoria Building and more, all while enjoying insider tips and fun storytelling from your passionate local guide and meeting fellow guests.

The tour wraps up with a small glass of craft beer or a non-alcoholic drink at a brewery with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. You’ll also walk away with a curated list of our favourite local spots to eat, drink and explore during the rest of your stay.

Want to keep the good times rolling? This tour pairs perfectly with our Sydney by Night – Secret Bars & Stories experience for a night out you won’t forget, or the Newtown Chewtown – Food & Street Art tour for those who want to see a more local side of Sydney.

Whether you’ve got 3 days or 3 weeks in Sydney, the Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour is the ultimate way to begin. Book your spot here.

Five people sit at an outdoor dining table, smiling towards the camera with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background. Drinks and a small bag are on the table. It's a sunny day, and they are seated under umbrellas.

Finish at a brewery with views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House & enjoy a drink with your fellow guests.

Sydney by Night – Secret Bars & Stories

Discover a side of Sydney most visitors (and even plenty of locals) never see. The Sydney by Night – Secret Bars & Stories tour is a 3.5 hour small-group walking tour that invites you to explore hidden laneways, unmarked doors and surprising spaces as you uncover the city’s best small bars and its most intriguing stories.

Running Tuesday to Saturday evenings, each night features a different route and a fresh lineup of venues. That means you can join us more than once for a completely new experience. You’ll visit three or four unique bars, hearing tales of female gangsters, legendary anonymous street artists, immigrant entrepreneurs and other strange but true Sydney stories along the way.

We only include the first drink (beer or wine), which means that you don’t even need to drink to enjoy yourself. Of course, if you do want to sample a few beverages, your host will be able to give you recommendations on cocktails, beers, wine and options at each bar. This tour is perfect for solo travellers, with normally half the group coming on their own, with the rest being a mix of couples, friends, and even a few locals looking for a fun date night activity.

This tour pairs perfectly with our Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour if you want to explore by day. Or come along on two different nights of Secret Bars & Stories for twice the fun.

A group of people smiling and raising glasses during a gathering at a dimly lit bar with vivid lights illuminating a large chandelier, shelves of bottles, and brick walls in the background. They are seated around a wooden table with drinks and menus.

Visit fancy cocktail bars, live music basement bars and historic drinking holes hidden throughout Sydney.

Chinatown – Street Food & Stories

Hungry to explore the stories behind the flavours? Our Chinatown – Street Food & Stories tour is a 2.5-hour walking food experience that runs Fridays and Sundays at 11:30 am. It’s ideal for locals, travellers, and anyone curious about Sydney’s Chinese heritage and street food culture.

In a small group, you’ll wander through Sydney’s historic Chinatown along Dixon Street, explore parts of Darling Harbour, and stop outside the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship – all while tasting 4 to 5 different street foods or snacks that represent regional cuisines from across China. Expect a delicious mix of foods that could include soup dumplings, lamb skewers, Taiwanese breakfast snacks and fusion-style Cantonese entrees. Together, these dishes make up a full meal for most guests.

Your local guide will share stories of Chinese immigration to Australia, starting from the very first arrival up to more recent times. Along the way, you’ll learn about the evolution of Chinatown, the communities that have shaped it, and the recent changes that keep it thriving today.

This tour pairs perfectly with Newtown Chewtown – Food & Street Art for those wanting more foodie adventures, or our Secrets of Thaitown Food Tour if you’re lucky and the dates align.

A group of seven people, six standing and one kneeling, smile at the camera in an outdoor setting with trees and modern buildings. One individual holds up a collage. They appear relaxed and casually dressed, enjoying a sunny day together.

Engage in fun activities on the Chinatown tour, which will help you learn more about Australia’s Chinese community

Newtown Chewtown – Food & Street Art

Get off Sydney’s beaten track with our Newtown Chewtown – Food & Street Art tour, a 3-hour walking experience that combines delicious snacks with vibrant street art and local stories through our favourite inner-west neighbourhood.

Running on Sunday afternoons (and Wednesdays during peak season from January to March), this experience is the perfect blend of delicious food and urban culture. You’ll sample 4 unique snacks that reflect Newtown’s diverse food scene, from gourmet Australian meat pies to multicultural delights like Egyptian falafels, Turkish ice cream, and vegan Mexican tacos. Your guide will tell the backstories of the venues and enlighten you on how Australia’s culinary traditions have developed.

As you walk, you’ll also explore Newtown’s impressive street art scene, discovering works by some of the biggest names in Australia’s street art scene. These murals cover a range of social issues and local legends, reflecting the neighbourhood’s ever-evolving identity.

This tour pairs perfectly with our Chinatown – Street Food & Stories tour for a cross-cultural food adventure, or the Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour to experience both the iconic and indie sides of the city. Book your spot here.

A group of nine people, gathered in a rustic Sydney pub, sit around a rectangular wooden table, enjoying drinks and smiling. The brick walls are adorned with framed photos and posters. A red hat and menu lie on the table, suggesting it's one of their cheerful EOFY team activities.

Finish your tour at a Newtown institution, Young Henry’s brewery, with a shared tasting paddle of craft beers

Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour

Go a little deeper in your exploration of Brisbane with our Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour, a 3-hour walking tour that provides the perfect balance between history, culture, art and bar and restaurant recommendations. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want the best possible introduction to the Sunshine State’s capital, but also suits return visitors to Brisbane who have either overlooked the city centre or just left it a while between visits.

Running daily, this small-group tour will guide you through Brisbane’s CBD, starting at one bend of the river and finishing with a drink and views of the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point. Along the way, you’ll see historical landmarks, impressive street art and unique architecture that showcases the city’s development. Along the way, you’ll also learn about influential figures who have shaped Brisbane’s identity.

Your guide will share stories about Brisbane’s evolution, from its European settlement to its rise as Australia’s third biggest city and how it shook off its “big country town” label. This tour offers a well-rounded perspective, connecting the city’s past and present in a way that deepens your appreciation for its culture and character.

This walk pairs perfectly with the Brisbane Small Bars & Street Art tour for a day vs night perspective on the city, or the Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour for guests also heading to Sydney.

Learn about Brisbane’s history and development from a friendly local guide

Brisbane Small Bars & Street Art

Uncover Brisbane’s after-dark charm with our Brisbane Small Bars & Street Art tour, a 3-hour evening adventure that combines creative cocktails, hidden bars, and street art exploration in the heart of the city.

Running on Thursday and Saturday evenings, this small-group tour is perfect for those wanting to discover Brisbane by night. You’ll visit 3 unique small bars, each offering a distinct atmosphere, from kitsch neighbourhood bars, rock and roll dive venues to Queensland meets Wild West saloon bars. Along the way, you’ll sample drinks that showcase Brisbane’s growing cocktail scene, with non-alcoholic options available if preferred. There’s also the option to enjoy a nightcap or grab dinner after the tour.

As you stroll through the city, your guide will introduce you to street art pieces by some of the city’s top street artists, including spotting a few of Brisbane’s popular “Tiny Doors”. Your guide will explain the range of social issues and local stories contained within some of the murals and how the street art scene is reflective of Brisbane’s growing creative energy.

This tour pairs perfectly with the Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour for a day vs night perspective on the city, or the Newtown Chewtown – Food & Street Art tour for those heading to Sydney.

Learn the backstories behind the artwork, with drink breaks provided at amazing small bars

Sydney Small Bars & Street Art

Discover where the locals hang out with our Sydney Small Bars & Street Art tour, a laid-back afternoon or evening of bold murals, surprising stories and distinctive small bars across two of Sydney’s most creative neighbourhoods.

This 3-hour tour alternates between two routes: one through the post-industrial laneways and mural-filled streets of Chippendale and Redfern, the other through the graffiti-lined backstreets and popular bars of Newtown and Enmore Road. The experience runs on Saturday afternoons from April to September, rotating routes each weekend. From October to March, it shifts to Wednesday evenings and Saturday late afternoons to make the most of the warmer evenings.

As you walk, you’ll discover works by some of Australia’s leading street artists and hear the social, political and cultural context behind them, from iconic “bin chickens” to council-led projects. You’ll also visit 3 small bars, each with its own flavour and charm, where you can enjoy a drink and chat with your fellow guests.

This tour pairs perfectly with Sydney by Night – Secret Bars & Stories for solo travellers wanting a second social outing, or with the Brisbane Small Bars & Street Art tour for those exploring more of Australia’s after-dark creativity.

A vibrant mural welcomes visitors to "The Block" with Aboriginal art, including traditional patterns, animals, and dancing figures. The mural prominently features a central figure with the Aboriginal flag overhead. Nearby, urban buildings and an older brick structure set the perfect backdrop for a bar crawl.

Our only tour that takes place in Redfern, the Small Bars & Street Art tour goes deep into Aboriginal art

Five Dock “Little Italy” Food Tour

Get a taste of Italian-Australian heritage on this delicious walking tour through Five Dock, one of Sydney’s most proudly Italian neighbourhoods. Just a short ride from the city, this tour offers a relaxed and authentic look at a local community with deep roots and plenty of flavour.

Running on select Saturdays, this 2.5-hour experience is perfect for food lovers, cultural explorers and anyone curious to see a different side of Sydney. You’ll sample deli cheeses and cured meats on fresh bread drizzled with olive oil, enjoy sausages and other meat specialties at a family-run butcher, and finish with sweet Italian pastries like cannoli and ricotta-filled treats.

Along the way, your guide will share the story of Italian migration to Australia and how Five Dock became a hub for Italian culture and cuisine. You’ll stroll the suburb’s lively main street, meet local characters and learn how traditions from the old country have been adapted and preserved across generations.

This tour pairs perfectly with either the Chinatown or Newtown tours for a broader taste of Sydney’s multicultural food scene. Book your spot here.

In a small shop in Little Italy, a woman serves various Italian dishes on plates from behind the counter. Several people are gathered around, watching and photographing her. The shelves behind her display numerous bottles and jars, with maps and signs adorning the wall.

Visit an Italian deli which has been operating for over 45 years & sample delicious cheeses and meats

Secrets of Thaitown Food Tour

Tucked away in the southern part of the city, between the better-known Chinatown and the nightlife-focused Koreatown, lies a neighbourhood that even many Sydneysiders don’t realise exists. Thaitown is packed with bold flavours, fascinating stories and some of the city’s best-value eats – if you know where to look. This tour takes you beyond the obvious to uncover the secrets of Sydney’s Thai community and its rich food culture.

Running on select dates, this 2 to 2.5 hour walking tour is ideal for adventurous food lovers and curious travellers. You’ll enjoy 6 to 7 savoury and sweet dishes, plus one refreshing Thai drink, for a total of 8 tastings across a range of eateries. From spicy salads to comforting curries, street-style snacks to northern Thai specialties, you’ll discover just how diverse Thai cuisine can be.

As you eat your way through Thaitown, your guide will share the story of how this community formed, the waves of migration that shaped it and how it continues to thrive today. You’ll also engage in some fun trivia and activities to learn more about Thai cuisine and ingredients. Your tour will conclude with your guide pointing out a secret Thai live music bar – kick-ons anyone?

This tour pairs perfectly with either the Chinatown or Newtown tours for a broader look at Sydney’s multicultural food scene.

Sample the tastiest chicken and coconut noodle curry you’ve ever had on the Thaitown tour

Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet

Step into a cosy local cafe and experience a side of Sydney’s food culture that most never see. The Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet is more than just a meal – it’s a powerful evening of food, connection and storytelling. Each dinner features a different refugee or asylum seeker chef sharing their home-country dishes and personal journey in an intimate and welcoming setting, catering for a maximum of 16 guests.

This monthly event takes place in Newtown and runs for approximately 2.5 hours. You’ll enjoy a generous three-course meal, with the cuisine of choice a surprise until you are there. Depending on the chef, you might get to sample Syrian, Iranian, Sri Lankan, Afghan or Somalian cuisines. It’s a chance to try recipes you’re unlikely to find in restaurants, prepared with pride and passion.

Between courses, your host will introduce the chef and cafe owner, who will share their stories, bringing a deeply personal and human perspective to Australia’s multicultural food landscape. The atmosphere is relaxed, communal and heartwarming, with family-dinner style seating, shared plates, and friendly conversation encouraged.

The Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet pairs perfectly with our Newtown Chewtown – Food & Street Art tour, which also explores how migration has shaped Sydney’s food scene and takes place in the same neighbourhood. Book your spot or sign up to the waitlist here.

A smiling woman with a dark apron holds a plate of food with several meatballs in front of a bookshelf filled with books, perfect for some cozy Sydney EOFY team activities. The background also includes a well-lit lamp and wood furniture adorned with various decorations.

Enjoy a tasty three-course meal from the homelands of your chef on the Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet

Ready to book in?

Check out our Sydney tours here or Brisbane tours here.

About Local Sauce Tours

Local Sauce Tours offers Sydney and Brisbane’s “funnest” small-group experiences, bringing together locals and visitors to make friends and discover the city from a different perspective. Launched in 2018, walking tours explore vibrant inner-city pockets of Sydney and Brisbane, along with an annual calendar of special events and exclusive dining experiences. Passionate and entertaining guides host groups of up to 12 guests on tours that blend foodie experiences with stories of the city’s history, culture, nightlife and street art. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop.