Take a tasting tour in your own city with this local Sydney legend who's just won a huge award
When was the last time you went on a tour? I reckon it was probably when you were last overseas (I went on a food tour in Osaka just last week! Sorry for the flex). But have you ever done one in Sydney? A few years ago, I was lucky enough to join Justin Steele, founder of Local Sauce Tours, on one of his small-group experiences. And boy, was it good. Over a couple of hours, we delved into the rich and layered history of Chinatown, learning about the stories and people behind this significant – and seriously delicious – pocket of Sydney. And we ate. A lot. Think: plump, soupy and aromatic dumplings, fish balls doused in curry sauce, and a rocking Chinese-style pork burger with lashings of chilli oil.
In 2018, Steele founded Local Sauce Tours to bring together locals and tourists alike to discover Sydney from a fresh perspective. As he puts it: 'It's not about being a better tourist in your city, but about being a better local.' He and his team now offer a range of tours across Sydney, spanning food walks, secret bar crawls, street art explorations, cultural history tours and dining experiences with refugee chefs.
Now, Steele has been recognised for his efforts, winning gold at the inaugural NSW Top Tour Guide Awards, delivered by the NSW Tourism Association and held at Sydney Harbour this month. The awards celebrate individuals who bring destinations to life through storytelling, knowledge and unforgettable visitor experiences.
'The best tours aren't just informative – they make people feel something,' says Steele. 'Guests want to connect with a place, with each other and with a great guide. In a world missing spontaneity and real conversation, that human connection is everything.'
'This award is a timely reminder of the critical role guides play in shaping how NSW is experienced by international and domestic guests. So often, the focus is on attractions, landmarks or restaurants – but it's the tour guides who welcome visitors, share stories and create those unforgettable moments,' he adds.
As the winner, Steele will now go on to represent NSW at the national Top Tour Guide Awards in Canberra later this year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
15 hours ago
- Time Out
The food trends shaping Johannesburg's menus right now
Johannesburg's food scene has always been a melting pot of cultures, and in 2025, it's going global in the best way. This week, I got a front-row seat to the launch of the Future Menus Report by Unilever Food Solutions, hosted right here in Johannesburg. Not only did we dive into the insights shaping restaurant menus around the world, but we also got to taste them. The hottest global trend, according to the report? Street Food Couture. Think gourmet mac and cheese, Korean rice rolls, and even a luxe take on our beloved lamb and apricot sosaties. This trend is redefining how we dine out, with bold flavours, informal vibes, and high-end touches all wrapped in wax paper and grit. For a city that thrives on food trucks, weekend markets and pop-ups, Johannesburg is more than ready to run with this. Another standout trend is Borderless Cuisine, which refers to dishes that mix influences and ingredients across continents. It's a concept that mirrors how many Joburg kitchens already operate. From truffle-enhanced bunny chow to Joburg-style tteokbokki, our local chefs already know how to mix things up with flair. This trend just gives them permission to go even bolder. But my favourite part of the day was the interactive Diner Designed showcase. The Diner Designed trend is a playful, customisable approach to dining where guests become co-creators of their meals. This isn't just build-your-own burger territory; it's about turning the entire dining experience into something personal, memorable, and fun. This concept came to life in the most decadent way at the launch when we were asked to use a QR code to access a short quiz on our phones to determine the perfect sauce to pair with our crème brûlée (mine landed on an indulgent chocolate espresso sauce), and then we got to decorate it ourselves based on personal taste. It was delicious and creative, but more than that, it showed just how much diners love being part of the process. For Johannesburg restaurateurs, the message is clear: experiment, localise, and personalise. Diners want food that tells a story and sparks connection, whether that's through nostalgic street eats or unexpected global mashups.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Scotsman
'Champagne' train makes tracks for Edinburgh
Northern Bell is 'Grand Dame of luxury' Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Champagne-sipping passengers from Edinburgh will have a rare opportunity to travel on one of the world's most luxurious trains next month. The 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle normally brings visitors to the city from all over the rest of Britain. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But on Friday, July 11, it will set out from Edinburgh on a slap-up champagne lunch trip through the beautiful Scottish countryside. Music while you dine ... the train's band serenades passengers Passengers will board over a red carpet laid across the platform at Waverley Station before being handed their first glass of champagne. Then after snacking on caviar and canapes, they will tuck into a sumptuous seven-course meal with wine. A spokesman for the Northern Belle, once part of the iconic Orient Express set-up, said: 'We will be transporting them back to the golden era of rail travel. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'A time when nothing was too good for the pampered passenger.' All aboard ... happy passengers with the Northern Belle Actor Bill Nighy called the train as 'the Grand Dame of luxury travel' when it featured on a Channel 5 TV programme. And a journalist once described it as being like 'Downton Abbey on wheels'. The Northern Belle even has its own musicians to serenade passengers while a conjuror wanders from carriage to carriage to add an extra touch of magic. The train is scheduled to leave Edinburgh at noon after setting off from Glasgow at 11.10. It is expected back at 17.50.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
The closest Caribbean island to the UK that has Maldives-like overwater villas
Plus, the safest Caribbean island that's 'back on map' in 2025 BEACH BUNGALOW The closest Caribbean island to the UK that has Maldives-like overwater villas Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOR beautiful views over the Caribbean sea with private plunge pools and glass-bottom floors, check out these bungalows. Royalton Antigua is a five star Caribbean all-inclusive that became home to Antigua's very first overwater bungalows back in 2019. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The Royalton Antigua has six overwater bungalows Credit: Google maps 5 The bungalows have a glass floor in the living area Credit: Google maps The six bungalows are split into different categories; Chairman, Presidential, and Junior Suite. Each has king-size bedrooms, lounges, dining areas, and gorgeous outdoor terraces overlooking the Caribbean. And every bungalow has direct access to the clear waters of Deep Bay near the capital of St John's. There are also infinity plunge pools, an overwater hammock, a large soaking tub, a private deck and a glass floor. A stay in one of the bungalows includes a personal butler, private fitness and yoga classes, a sunset mixology service, laundry service, and a golf cart shuttle. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "What a great trip for an anniversary, we stayed in the water bungalow - great experience. There was a huge sea turtle that visit the bungalow, and jelly fish." Another added: "Stayed at the overwater bungalows, beautifully scenic and secluded for alone time with the beach nearby perfect for parties. Plenty of day and night activity options to fit any crowd." Across the resort there are fitness classes, mixology courses, a spa, an on-site casino and dance lessons. Children are welcome too, and there's a Clubhouse Kids Club and at the Seaside Summer Camp. One night a week the resort holds a signature Royalton White Party on the beach where there's dancing and live music. Luxury at adults-only resort in Antigua 5 The bungalows sit over the clear waters of Deep Bay Credit: Google maps 5 Guests can snorkel outside of the bungalow to see turtles and fish Credit: Google maps For food there are multiple restaurants which serve Caribbean-style classic dishes as well as holiday staples. There's also a gelato and coffee cafe and the chance to be hosted by a personal chef. Antigua is known for having 365 reef-lined beaches, with clear waters and golden sands. Popular spots such as Dickenson Bay, feature calm waters making them perfect for swimming, kayaking and other water sports. Antigua, along with its paired island, Bermuda, are also home to rainforests and a wide range of wildlife. The airport is only 30 minutes away from Royalton Antigua. And from the UK, the flight time to the island is eight hours and 30 minutes - making it the closest to us. It is also much closer than the Maldives, which can be 11 hours by plane, followed by a seaplane in Male. Here's more about Caribbean island with the world's best beaches that's even easier to travel to this summer. And the Caribbean's safest island that's 'back on map' as 2025 holiday spot.
