Exams are done, the sun is out, and you’re free for the next couple of months! It’s time to make the most of the gorgeous Australian summer.
If you’re on a budget and don’t have too much to spend on activities, don’t stress! There are plenty of free things to do in the summer, no matter where you are in Australia. Here are a few of our ideas.
Hit the beach
Australia’s beaches are free, and there are thousands of them. Pack a towel, a hat and plenty of water, and don’t forget to slip, slop and slap. Always swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags, and read our tips on swimming safely in Australia before you dive in.
If you’re in Sydney, try the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. It’s free, 6 kilometres long and takes around two to three hours at a relaxed pace (plenty of time for a catch-up with a friend). You’ll pass cliffs, beautiful beaches and ocean pools, some of which charge a small entry fee, so bring a few coins.
In Brisbane, head to Streets Beach at South Bank, a man-made lagoon with sand and palm trees. It’s free to use and is patrolled by lifeguards year-round (check the lifeguard hours before you go).
Each Australian city has plenty of their own coastal walks and swimming spots, so ask your friends if they have a favourite.
Catch a free summer festival
Summer is festival season, and plenty of these events are free. In Melbourne, the St Kilda Festival is one of Australia’s biggest free music events, taking over the St Kilda foreshore for a weekend in February, with live bands, food stalls and carnival rides, and a day dedicated to First Nations music.
Melbourne’s Moomba Festival is billed as Australia’s largest free community festival. It’s held over the Labour Day long weekend in March along the Yarra River. Look out for the parade, with floats, giant puppets and marching bands, and the Birdman Rally, where brave “pilots” try to fly homemade machines across the river. There are also fireworks at night.
In Adelaide, the Adelaide Fringe runs from 19 February to 21 March 2027, with more than 1,500 shows. Most shows aren’t free, but there are plenty of free outdoor events to enjoy.
In Perth, the free Sculpture by the Sea turns Cottesloe Beach into an outdoor gallery each March.
For more ideas, see our Australian summer festival guide and our state-by-state summer programs guide.
Get cultural for free
Need a break from the heat? Head inside to an air-conditioned art gallery. The National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the Art Gallery of South Australia in Adelaide both offer free general entry, although some special exhibitions do cost extra. You can easily fill a whole afternoon with the free sections alone!
Living in the capital? Our guide to things to do in Canberra this summer has plenty of ideas, including hiking Mount Ainslie and visiting the NGA’s Sculpture Garden. Another budget-friendly idea is to volunteer at a community event or music festival. You’ll meet plenty of new people and start building your resume at the same time.
Ring in the new year
Many cities put on free fireworks for New Year’s Eve, so you can celebrate the new year in style.
In Perth, the fireworks light up the Swan River at midnight, and you can watch from Elizabeth Quay or Barrack Square. In Adelaide, midnight fireworks go off at Elder Park. Brisbane has midnight fireworks at a few spots, including South Bank and Howard Smith Wharves, while in Sydney, popular viewing points include Dawes Point, Barangaroo and Observatory Hill.
Arrive early, bring a picnic blanket and plenty of snacks, and if you’re not driving, check public transport options in advance, as buses and trains can get very busy.
You don’t need a big budget to have a memorable Aussie summer! Grab your friends and get out and enjoy the sun!
