About Us
Private Tours | Local Guides
Welcome to Harbour City Tours, a boutique tour operator offering premium and personalised private tours of Sydney’s iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and the city's surrounds. We believe the best way to experience Sydney truly is with people who have lived here most of their lives, who know the harbour city inside and out. This local perspective makes all the difference. We craft customised experiences for small groups that turn sightseeing into unforgettable travel memories. Our tours immerse you in the true spirit of Australia and Sydney, fostering authentic connections and unexpected discoveries along the way. Every guest is different, and every tour reflects that. Before your experience begins, we take the time to understand what excites you about your trip to Sydney, the must-see iconic spots you want to visit, and your personal interests. We'll weave them into your day, creating a personalised experience that goes beyond the standard tourist trail.
Our Story
Harbour City Tours is owned by Jack Pellow. After a long career in tourism and destination marketing, Jack turned his passion for travel and storytelling into Harbour City Tours, creating private tours that are authentic, relaxed, and, most of all, fun. We’re a team of real locals who have lived and raised families in Sydney for more than 30 years and have spent most of our lives exploring the beautiful city, its beaches and waterways. When you take a private tour with us, you're not just seeing Sydney; you're experiencing it through the eyes of someone who truly calls it home.
Personal & Premium
Our focus is on delivering premium experiences with a warm, approachable style that makes every guest feel like they're exploring with a knowledgeable friend. Our vehicles are comfortable and well-appointed, our guides are engaging storytellers, and our connections throughout Sydney ensure you experience the best the city has to offer, from harbour viewpoints and hidden beaches to wildlife sanctuaries and local eateries that don't make it into the guidebooks.
Authenticity Over Itineraries
While we have carefully crafted tour options, we're always ready to adapt. Want to spend more time at that lookout? Interested in Aboriginal culture? Prefer craft breweries to wineries? Your interests shape your experience.
Small Groups | Big Experiences
Our private tours mean you're never lost in a crowd. Whether you're a couple, family, a small group of friends, or corporate group, you receive our full attention and a tour designed around your preferences.
Meet the Team
Jack
HollyMae
HollyMae
As the Managing Director & Founder, Jack brings a wealth of knowledge from over 15 years in the tourism industry. From designing tours, working with suppliers and trade partners to leading tours, Jack's passion and love of Sydney & Australia is clear in everything he does. His drive to create enriching and bespoke tour experiences inspires the team.
HollyMae
HollyMae
HollyMae
Originally from Wales, HollyMae has called Sydney home for the past decade. She is passionate about Sydney's heritage and culture from her work in Aboriginal archaeology. She is an expert storyteller as well as a skilled photographer, author, trivia host and freelance heritage consultant.
Tristan
HollyMae
Tristan
A local of Mosman on Sydney’s North Shore Tristan is a keen bushwalker, surfer and is passionate about sharing Sydney’s culture and heritage. When he’s not touring with international visitors, Tristan is an award-winning cinematographer having worked on numerous feature films, television series and commercials.
Paco
Chantal
Tristan
A Sydney local for over 30 years, a tour with Paco is memorable and engaging. Before settling in Sydney with his family he lived in New York and Canberra. Paco has specialist knowledge of the city's arts, culture and live music scene and regularly plays keys and piano as a solo artist and in local bands.
Chantal
Chantal
Chantal
Leading our Hawkesbury River Cruises is Chantal who brings over 20 years of guiding experience across Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Berowra Valley National Park. A qualified tour guide since 2005, she’s passionate about sharing the Hawkesbury’s rich stories, spectacular scenery and local secrets. Born in England to a French mother a
Leading our Hawkesbury River Cruises is Chantal who brings over 20 years of guiding experience across Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Berowra Valley National Park. A qualified tour guide since 2005, she’s passionate about sharing the Hawkesbury’s rich stories, spectacular scenery and local secrets. Born in England to a French mother and English father, Chantal is bilingual and brings a French-Mediterranean flair to every tour.
Tom
Chantal
Chantal
Tom is the frontline of the business - dealing with customer enquiries, designing personalised itineraries and offering expert travel advice for our guests. Customer satisfaction is our top priority so Tom ensures our clients have the best possible experience. When not working at Harbour City Tours, Tom is a leading DJ playing house music at bars and clubs across Sydney.
Nicole
Nicole
Nicole
As Director of Brand & Marketing Nicole connects customers from around the world with our tour products. With over 25 years of marketing experience, Nicole is a strong advocate for the power of brand, marketing, and organisational culture in driving business performance.
Tim
Nicole
Nicole
Tim (Efficient Media) leads SEO, website optimisation, digital promotions and technical innovations for the business. He ensures we stay at the cutting edge of new trends and the online visitor experience is seamless. Tim brings 17+ years of digital experience to the business.
Chris
Nicole
Chris
Chris (Substance) is the financial powerhouse of the business ensuring we remain a viable and successful company and meet our tax obligations under Australian and international law. He takes a hands on approach to finance supporting us from a family-run start up to a major Australian tour operator.