It’s no secret that Sydney can be an expensive place to live. Between the cost of dining out, entertainment, entry fees and even transportation, a day out on the town can quickly rack up a hefty tab.
We’ve pulled together a list of five free and fun things to do in Sydney to prove you don’t have to spend a small fortune to enjoy the city.
1. Stroll around the great outdoors
Make a day out of exploring one of Sydney’s beautiful parks and gardens. Choose between The Royal Botanic Gardens, Centennial Park or Hyde Park – each boasting lush gardens, native Australian flora and fauna, and picturesque views. Better yet, forego the cafe lunch and why not pack a picnic of bread, cheeses and fruit, and enjoy the sunshine for a perfect group activity?
But don’t forget the outdoor activities in Sydney that go beyond the CBD. Check out the Auburn Botanic Gardens, and Parramatta Park, or ride your bike around the parklands of Sydney Olympic Park including Bicentennial Park and Blaxland Riverside Park.
2. Go gallery and museum hopping
Sydney is brimming with a whole host of galleries and museums that don’t require an admission fee. While you may find some of these venues will charge an entry fee for select exhibitions, generally you should be able to walk around and explore the sights for free.
This includes the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chau Chak Wing Museum located at Sydney University and plenty more. Just be sure to check each venue’s website to see what’s showing so you’re not unexpectedly stung with a fee.
3. Visit one (or all) of Sydney’s landmarks
Make like a tourist and enjoy the day exploring some of Sydney’s famous landmarks – they’re iconic for a reason! Meander your way through Barangaroo Reserve before stopping for a photo opportunity at Dawes Point Reserve located underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a different perspective that overlooks the Sydney Opera House.
While climbing the bridge isn’t within everyone’s budget, it’s completely free to walk and cycle along the walkway at road level. Take in the scenic views before making your way down to the Opera House to watch the ferries go by. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the now-famous long-nosed fur seal that likes to lounge on the steps.
4. Do as the locals do and walk from Bondi to Coogee
Take a trip to the Eastern suburbs of Sydney on a warm Saturday and you’ll join the crowds making their way across the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Pack a hat and sunscreen and don your best activewear as you stroll along the 6km path (it’ll take you around two to three hours one way depending on how fast you walk and how many photo stops you make!) to see the stunning views of surf and sand.
Make a quick stop in Clovelly to snorkel the calm waters and keep your eyes out for the legendary groper fish that swims around the area – just don’t forget to bring your own goggles, mask and flippers! When you reach your destination, lay out a towel to enjoy watching the surfers and swimmers in the ocean.
5. Enjoy a little window shopping
Take advantage of Sydney’s bustling shopping scene by spending a few hours window shopping the many centres around town like Westfield or Chatswood Chase. If you prefer the outdoors, make your way down to any number of the popular shopping districts like Crown Street in Surry Hills, King Street in Sydney’s Inner West or rub shoulders with the rich and famous along Oxford Street and The Intersection Paddington.
Sydney is also host to a number of weekend markets including Bondi Markets, Glebe Markets, Rozelle Collectors Markets, The Rocks Markets and more selling local crafts, secondhand clothing, home decor and more, often with live music and food vendors.
