Best 17 Free Things To Do in Sydney
We all know that Sydney is one of the most stunning cities in the entire world, but it’s not always easy on the wallet. Luckily you don’t need a big bank balance to have a good time. Sydney is bursting at the seams with amazing things that cost you nothing at all! It’s not difficult to explore Sydney on a tight budget; there are plenty of free activities in Sydney that let you take advantage of everything the city has to offer. We’ve put together a list of our favourite free (or nearly free) things to do in Sydney to help you save some of your hard-earned cash.
Free Things to Do in Sydney
In no particular order, here are the best free things you can do in Sydney.
1. Hit the Beach
From the famous sands of Bondi or Manly to hidden harbour beaches that only the locals know, Sydney has it all! Every Sydneysider will have their own favourite, though Balmoral Beach in Mosman, Camp Cove in Watson’s Bay and Freshwater in the Northern Beaches are at the top of our list.
2. Royal National Park
The Royal National Park, located south of Sydney, is a great destination for a day out at any time of the year. With activities like whale viewing, bushwalking, fishing, barbeques and camping, the Royal National Park has it all. Make sure you don’t miss Wedding Cake Rock, the Figure 8 Pools, and Wattamolla Beach!
3. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
You can’t miss the famous Bondi to Coogee walk, Sydney’s most well-known coastline stroll. Enjoy this 6 km stretch of breathtaking coastal vistas while you pass by some of the nicest beaches on the eastern shore. Soak up the sun and the surf and make sure to bring your swimmers so you can cool off along the way. There are some great cafes to stop at along the way and we recommend grabbing a bite to eat or drink with a view at the Coogee Pavilion.
4. Go Snorkelling in Sydney
Sydney is the ideal location for a snorkelling experience, with the Harbour and so many gorgeous beaches right outside your door. Shelly Beach in Manly, Clovelly Beach and Gordons Bay in the eastern suburbs and Bare Island in La Perouse, are some of our favourites!
5. Check out a Local Market
Sydney has a thriving market scene! Visiting Carriageworks for delicious local produce, the Glebe Markets for vintage fashion and Kirribilli Markets for homewares, crafts and fashion are some of our favourite ways to spend the weekend, but you can find fabulous local markets all across the city!
6. Art Gallery of NSW
Explore the outstanding modern and contemporary artworks that are displayed on the walls of the Art Gallery of NSW and let yourself be inspired. Visit the gallery for a fascinating guided tour and learn about art from around the globe. A variety of continuous free and artistic events are also available, ranging from unique talks by prominent figures in the art world to entertaining tours for young kids.
7. Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Not especially original, but this is a walk you MUST do at least once! If you’re not done with beautiful views after walking the bridge, visit Bradfield Park on the northern side for some of the best views of the Sydney CBD. While you’re in the area, make the most of your time by visiting Wendy’s Secret Garden and Luna Park, both within walking distance along the Lavender Bay seafront walk.
8. Luna Park
Did you know that the most well-known theme park in Sydney offers free admission? Save your cash for the ferry ride over, and don’t forget to pack your camera for some seriously Instagram-worthy pictures of the famous Luna Park face. However, if you want to take part in all the excitement and enjoyment, you will need to set aside some extra cash for rides. If you want to ride on a budget, look into their annual passes or twilight saver deals (starting at 6pm).
9. Visit Sydney’s Free Museums
Sydney has a number of excellent museums that are well worth a visit. Even better, some of these museums are free! A trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) at Circular Quay is a must if you enjoy contemporary Australian and international art. The MCA is committed to showing, collecting, and interpreting the work of today’s best modern artists. Over 4,000 pieces by Australian artists dating back to 1989 are housed ithere, including a sizable collection of works created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. It is housed in a magnificent art deco edifice that faces the harbour. If you’re feeling hungry, grab a snack from the rooftop MCA Cafe for some of the best Opera House views in the city.
The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM), established in 1991 as a part of the revitalisation of Darling Harbour, is the national hub for maritime collections, research, exhibitions, and archaeology. In addition to its free permanent galleries, the ANMM maintains a fleet of historic vessels at its wharves in Darling Harbour as well as a changing selection of temporary exhibitions.
For a chance to discover more about the realm of applied arts and sciences, including advancements in technology, science, engineering, and design, creative and curious minds should visit the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo. To gain free access to the 12 permanent exhibitions of the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, as well as subsidised admission to the Sydney Observatory and free access to the Museums Discovery Centre, sign up as a member.
10. Visit Cockatoo Island
Visiting Cockatoo Island in Sydney, located in the heart of gorgeous Sydney Harbour, is one of our favourite free things to do. Cockatoo Island is listed as a National and World Heritage Site by UNESCO and you can see why! The island has a long history as a shipyard, a naval base for the Commonwealth, and a notorious prisoner island. From Circular Quay, take a ferry, pick up a free map from the visitor centre, and have a great time. Love it too much to leave? Why not reserve a tent at the campground and spend two days exploring this unusual island.
11. Visit Sydney’s Largest Park, Centennial Park
The largest park in the city, Centennial Park in Sydney’s East, is a must-visit. It’s a great option for picnics, dog walks, and bike rides. Or join a tour conducted by Parklands Rangers to discover more about the park’s distinctive plants and animals. Kids will love Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden and a chance to immerse themselves in an oasis of nature-play and adventure!
12. Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens is the ideal location for a fun-filled family visit, a romantic picnic date, or a solitary stroll with a view. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Australia’s oldest operating scientific institution, is a centre for education and research as well as a provider of distinctive Aboriginal Heritage Experiences. It was founded in 1816 and spans 30 hectares. The Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, the Conservatorium of Music, and the Domain are just a few of the treasures that can be found in this enchanted locale. The Royal Botanic Garden, beloved by tourists and locals alike, houses a sizable collection of plants from all over the world with an emphasis on those from Australia and the South Pacific.
13. Visit Manly North Head
Manly North Head is one of Sydney’s hidden gems. Along with the gorgeous views of Sydney Harbour, the North Head is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora. The famous Manly Scenic Walkway, which also covers the Spit to Manly hike, includes the Manly North Head circuit walk. The quick Fairfax circular walk, which includes some magnificent viewing points is also worth doing!
14. Partake in Local Events such as Vivid Sydney
The annual Vivid Festival is a Sydney staple, and should not be missed. As part of its programme, the city lights up with magnificent light installations dispersed around well-known areas including The Rocks, Royal Botanic Gardens, Darling Harbour, and more.
But it’s not just Vivid! Sydney has an abundance of free events. Find the finest free activities in Sydney to help you plan the ideal evening or day by visiting the City of Sydney’s List of Free Events. You can also check out the City of Sydney’s List of Free Exhibitions, and the Sydney List of Free Tours & Experiences.
15. Explore the Artistic & Fashionable Neighbourhoods
Take a stroll through Surry Hills, one of Sydney’s vibrant areas with the oldest terrace homes (walk down Cleveland, Bourke, and Crown streets). A huge range of cafes, restaurants, wine bars, and pubs can be found in Surry Hills, offering cuisine from many different cultures and culinary methods.
The upscale neighbourhood of Paddington is renowned for its boutique shopping and Saturday market events. Also well-known for its rows of charming Victorian terraces, cafes, and restaurants this is one trendy neighbourhood to explore in your free time. .
This bustling Darling Harbour district features eateries, a sizable playground for children, and a terrific weekly schedule of free Sydney entertainment, plus it is only a 10-minute walk from the CBD. Cockle Bay’s waterfront is a great place to stroll, see the harbor’s boats, or people watch.
If you’re in the CBD, you must explore the historic Rocks District. It’s the oldest part of Sydney and every turn has a tale to tell; beautiful historic structures to admire, a fascinating past, and charming cobblestone paths to wander around. Visit the Rocks Discovery Museum to learn more about the region’s past and the experiences of those who lived there in the early days of Australia by spending some time exploring the three floors.
16. Visit the Barrenjoey Lighthouse
This is a relatively short walk from Palm Beach in Sydney’s northern beaches, and it has a massive payoff! The epic views of Palm Beach to the left, and Broken Bay are most definitely worth the climb! Warning; it’s pretty steep! Visit in winter to spot whales as they migrate past our coastline.
17. Check out the Fish Market
The largest seafood market in the southern hemisphere, the Sydney Fish Market is located on the harbour in Blackwattle Bay, Pyrmont. A working fish market, it’s home to the freshest seafood in Sydney. A word of warning; it gets incredibly busy over the run-up to Christmas as Sydneysiders stock up on prawns, bugs, oysters and scallops for their Christmas feasts. Expect to queue.
If you want to explore more of what Sydney has to offer, read our guide to The best spots for outdoor day trips near Sydney or spending 24 Hours in Sydney.
