Susannah Place

Susannah Place is a really interesting visit for locals and tourists alike! This used to be a free experience and now costs $20 per person. As the tour now comes at a price, I feel it’s important visitors are receiving structured and relevant information whilst on the tour. Our tour guide was Ramy, who was very friendly, however, at times went off on tangents and was somewhat reserved about what information was shared about the houses, and at times would only provide information when prompted. This is why I think the guides should have a somewhat structured “script” for the tour, so guests receive value for money and walk away feeling educated.

Yesterday's Street party heralded the reopening to the public of these historic terrace homes at The Rocks in Sydney. Guided tours enhance the experience of stepping back in time to Sydney of the mid 19th century.

Went on a free tour on a Saturday morning of Susannah Place. Need to book the tickets online in advance. Our tour started promptly at 11am and our tour guide Ted was entertaining, factual, and a great storyteller. I thought there was the right mix with reference to Indigenous history while acknowledging that this house and most of its history is European centric. Two of the four buildings were open on this visit. We started in the backyard with laundry and bath and made our way into the basement kitchen before heading upstairs to the bedroom. Each room was woven with stories from past tenants and we were shown pictures of them on the ipad including pics showing the exact location we were in. We then went into the building next door with a more recent interior. The ethos at this living museum is to preserve the heritage - so yes the paint is peeling from the walls and the floor has been covered over in parts, but renovating it would lose its authenticity. Would be interested to see the other 2 buildings when they open later in the year. Worth checking this and other Museum of History properties out while entry is still free to them (via a multi year government funding). Time your tour and head across to the Heritage pub for lunch before or after. No photography is allowed inside.

Susannah Place is a small, unassuming building located within The Rocks. It is only open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with some free tours throughout the day. In order to gain entry into the museum, you need to prebook online. The building is quite small, so tour numbers are limited. I absolutely loved visiting! Our tour guide was so friendly and enthusiastic not to mention extremely knowledgeable on the area, the people and families who used and occupied the house as well as its history. She was very patient and accommodating of questions and included the history of other visitor's counties in her presentation and how it could be relevant to the early settlement of Sydney. When booking, I did not think there would be enough to see for the tour to last a whole hour, but all of us on the tour found it so fascinating and were engaged the entire time. I would highly recommend visiting here!