Sydney Open’s Historical Tours of Long’s Lane

On Sunday 16 February 2025 we had the pleasure of hosting two insightful and enriching Historical Tours of Long’s Lane and Susannah Place, organised by Museums of History NSW (MHNSW) as part of their curated Sydney Open series. With Long’s Lane bathed in summer sun, the ticketed tours drew fantastic crowds across both the morning and lunchtime sessions.

Expertly led by MHNSW Curator, Anna Cossu, the tours offered a fascinating glimpse into the history of this unique heritage site, but it was also the personal stories shared by our several attendees that truly brought the experience to life.

Two descendants of former occupants, Diane and Kate, who joined the second tour, shared vivid memories passed down through their family. One delightful anecdote was about Kate’s grandmother, affectionately known as Nana Mon, who lost all her teeth from eating too many of the lollies she sold at 111 Gloucester Street when she ran a grocery store! Hearing these personal connections added a heartfelt layer to the historical narrative, bridging the past with the present.

We were also honoured to have former NSW Premier and current Chair of MHNSW, Bob Carr, join us for a tour. Bob expressed his admiration for the exceptional conservation efforts undertaken by Wentworth Capital, as well as the marketing and sales campaign that has brought renewed attention to Long’s Lane.

The tours provided unique insights into the lives of the original occupants, tenants, architects and original builders of these incredible buildings dating from the mid-1800’s, when The Rocks was a very different suburb to what it is now.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all involved at MHNSW, as well as those who joined us and contributed to making the event a memorable success.