20 free things to do in Sydney
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20 free things to do in Sydney

You don’t need a fat wallet to enjoy the glamour and chic of Sydney. These experiences, attractions and Sydney icons won’t cost you a cent. Who doesn’t want to see one of the world’s most fabulous cities on a budget?

Walkers on the Bondi to Coogee Walk approaching Waverly Cemetery © Lindsay Brown / Getty Images

1. Take the Bondi to Coogee Walk

One of the most spectacular walks and coastlines you could hope to see, this route takes in some of Sydney’s most iconic beaches. In late spring, check out the free Sculpture by the Sea near Bondi.

2. Stroll the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The climb will set you back at least some dollars, but you can get the next best thing for nix by simply strolling along the pedestrian pathway at the bridge’s eastern edge.

Sydney Harbour from the air © Travis Drever / Lonely Planet

3. Gaze out from North Head Lookout

Enjoy sweeping views from the mouth of the harbour to Sydney’s skyscrapers, and if you’re lucky, spot a whale or two. Sunsets at north head are spectacular.

4. Experience tranquillity at the Royal Botanic Gardens

These beautifully kept and appointed gardens have everything from succulents to herbs, as well as a tropical greenhouse. A perfect picnic spot in the heart of the city. Time your visit for one of the excellent free tours.

Peruse the Art Gallery of New South Wales © ArliftAtoz2205 / Shutterstock

5. Feast your eyes at the Art Gallery of NSW

Entry to Sydney’s premier art institution is free, with everything from Indigenous to Asian art on display. Wednesday nights are a bonus with free talks and films. See the gallery website for a schedule.

6. Bob in the waters of Camp Cove

Avoid the crowds at Bondi by heading to Sydney’s most intimate beach, where you can pitch your umbrella at the very doorstep of one of the city’s priciest homes before floating in the wave-free harbour.

7. Tap your toes at Opera Bar

This lovely terrace bar with sumptuous harbour views has free live music each night and on weekend afternoons.

8. Relax in Bronte Park

Coin-operated public barbecues make this Sydney’s best (almost free) al fresco lunch spot. Take a dip before squeezing your sausages in between a Korean family grill and a Brazilian meatfest, while enjoying the sparkling sea views.

Walk beneath the massive smile at Luna Park in Sydney © Aleksandar Todorovic / Shutterstock

9. Raise a smile at Luna Park

There’s no entry fee to this historic fun park with killer harbour views. It’s $10 per ride, though, with adorably retro Coney Island offering the best value for money.

10. Get lost in the Royal National Park

The second-oldest national park in the world, the Royal is home to over 100km of walking tracks through littoral rainforest gullies, over dramatic windswept cliffs and down to pristine beaches. Camping and picnic sites abound. The cost is $12 per vehicle but it’s free on foot. Take the train to Cronulla then the ferry, or just get off the train at Waterfall.

11. Vulture some culture at the Museum of Contemporary Art

Overlooking Circular Quay, this gallery’s permanent collection can be seen for free, though its featured exhibitions carry a hefty price tag.

Spot sea creatures in the pools of Shelley Beach © Simon Elphick / Getty Images

12. Spot sea creatures at Shelly Beach

The Sydney Aquarium is pricey but you can see plenty of marine life in its natural habitat at Shelly Beach. Take the Manly ferry and some swimming goggles. Other good places to spot sea life are Clovelly and Gordon’s Bay.

13. Be uplifted at St James’ and St Mary’s

Two of Sydney’s loveliest churches are separated by just a short walk across Hyde Park. St Mary’s is a prime example of English Neo-Gothic style with some interesting local touches in its crypt (free tours after Sunday Mass), while the elegant St James’ was designed by a convict architect, James Greenway.

14. Soak up the sun at Centennial Park

Unemployed men were enlisted to turn this marshy catchment area into a huge English-style park, which opened in 1901 – the birthday of Australia’s federation – for the enjoyment of all Sydneysiders. Keep your eye out for free events in the warmer months.

Walk from the Spit Bridge to Manly’s famous beach © Ignacio Palacios / Getty Images

15. Meander the Spit to Manly Walk

One of Sydney’s best walks takes you from the Spit Bridge at Mosman, through the Sydney Harbour National Park with its fascinating Aboriginal rock art, past Manly Cove, across North Head and down to Manly’s famous beach. You can download a free map here.

16. Treat your ears at Conservatorium Wednesdays

Australia’s premier musical training institution hosts its Lunchbreak series during the academic year, with free classical music – see here for the schedule.

17. Experience history at The Rocks Discovery Museum

Entry to this museum is free, making it the perfect starting point for an exploration of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood, as well as the area’s rich Aboriginal heritage.

Browse the stalls at Sydney’s Paddington Markets © Kokkai / Getty Images

18. Peruse Paddington Markets

Smack in the middle of Paddington’s famed shopping strip, Sydney’s most browse-worthy markets offer a chance to pick up a unique souvenir or just while away a lazy Saturday.

19. Sunbathe on a floating pontoon with postcard views

A perfect spot for families and less confident swimmers, Murray Rose Pool is not really a pool but a harbourside enclosure with pontoons to sun yourself on. Open year-round.

20. Watch migrating whales from a stunning lighthouse

The Barrenjoey Lighthouse is a 20-minute uphill walk from Palm Beach in Sydney’s north. It’s part of a popular hiking trail and offers stunning views of the spit below as well as the Pacific ocean. During winter (from May to October) passing pods of whales can be spied migrating along the shoreline.

Happy Learning!

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