A new interactive walking tour of The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest district, has been developed with the support of the New South Wales Government.

Visitors will now be able to tap NFC tags or scan QR codes to learn more about 37 historical locations in The Rocks:

“With just a simple tap of their mobile phone, visitors will be taken on a journey through laneways of The Rocks, along cobblestone streets and up and down sandstone steps to reveal fascinating stories of families, friends, convicts and colonists,” says Andrew Stoner, deputy premier of New South Wales and minister for trade and investment.

“The implementation of near field communication technologies will give visitors access to a wealth of information and experience interactive self-guided tours of the traditional home of the Aboriginal Cadigal people and the first European settlers like never before.”

“We anticipate the new technology will offer the 14 million visitors who come to The Rocks each year a richer experience and encourage them to spend more time in the precinct,” he adds. “This is just the first stage in an exciting technology development in The Rocks, with future plans to introduce video, audio and bi-lingual capabilities.”

The tour was developed by NFC specialist Tapit and was made possible via assistance provided by the NSW Government’s Mobile Concierge program, which supports the development of innovative mobile solutions for Australia’s tourism and retail industries.

Future plans include extending the functions of the tags to alert visitors to nearby shopping and dining opportunities, special offers, follow social networks and make a purchase or booking. Visitors who do not have compatible phones can also obtain printed walking tour booklets and other guides from The Rocks Sydney Visitor Centre on Argyle Street.

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