TOP TEN FREE THINGS TO DO IN SYDNEY
Christine Knight
You’ve made it to Sydney, New South Wales (Yay!) But struggling with the towns steep cost? Well here’s a fix for that. Sydney is blessed with being one of the most loved towns in the South Pacific. People from around the world flock to the coastal hot spot for its food, culture and of course, weather. But just because you’ve already forked out a pretty penny for that flight and accommodation, doesn’t mean you gotta spend big bucks to enjoy this town! Want to get the most out of Sydney on a tight budget? We’ve got you covered with these ten things to do in Sydney for free. From a free walk across Sydney harbour bridge, an art gallery visit to the royal botanic gardens there are so many free things to do in and around Sydney.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
Located on the waterfront in Circular Quay, the MCA has free entry to the permanent exhibitions. The museum houses Australian and international modern art, with a significant collection of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. With over 4,000 works by Australian artists across mediums such as painting, photography, sculpture and moving image, there’s plenty to see for free! Before you leave, be sure to walk up to the rooftop for stunning harbour views from the sculpture terrace.
140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW)
One of Australia’s oldest art galleries, the AGNSW opened in 1871 in the lush surroundings of Sydney’s Domain park. It’s free to roam the large, light-filled rooms featuring modern and contemporary art works, as well as the traditional galleries that feature exceptional examples of colonial and 19th-century Australian works and European old masters. There are also dedicated galleries that display Asian and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks.
Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/
Royal Botanic Garden
Looking for things to do in Sydney for free? Why not take a stroll through the enchanting Royal Botanic Garden, situated right in the centre of Sydney. Since opening in 1816, the garden has offered locals and tourists alike a place to throw down a picnic blanket and enjoy the serenity of the its peaceful surroundings. The garden is open every day of the year and is completely free of charge. Bring a picnic lunch or take one of the free guided walking tours that are offered every day at 10:30am.
More info: https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/whatson/Free-Guided-Walks
Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney
Swim at one of Sydney’s beaches
There are over 100 beaches in Sydney so it’s hard to choose just one. If you only have time for one beach in Sydney, Bondi Beach is a good choice – it’s iconic for a good reason! The beach is just stunning, but the bonus is at the southern end of the beach there is the fantastic cliff top Bondi to Bronte walk that will take you on a stroll that is so breath-taking it will leave you speechless. Bring a picnic lunch and voila! The best views in town are completely free.
1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach
Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Tourists used to pay a premium to climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge – but did you know you can walk across it for free? The walk takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on how many times you stop to take photos. For a small fee you can walk up the top of the south-east pylon for stunning views.
Take a walk back in time at The Rocks Discovery Museum
Explore Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood, starting with this free museum. The museum focuses on the area’s Aboriginal history, including the Rocks’ original inhabitants, the Gadigal (Cadigal) people, as well as its colonial and port periods, through to the present day.
Free Walking Tour Sydney
Walking the streets of Sydney is one of the best ways to explore and see the city’s main attractions. Starting from Town Hall in the CBD, take a leisurely 3-hour walking tour with a knowledgeable tour guide and uncover the rich history, culture and architecture of Australia’s favourite city. Sydney walking tour highlights include the iconic Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Customs House, Parliament House, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney Tour, Circular Quay and the cobbled streets of The Rocks.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKessxLhc1m/?tagged=sydneyharbourbridgeclimb
St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney
For lovers of architecture, St Mary’s Cathedral is a Sydney sight to be seen. Reminiscent of medieval cathedrals in Europe, St Mary’s was constructed in local sandstone in a gothic revival style of architecture. The cathedral sits on the site of the first Catholic Chapel in Australia and is located beside the city’s iconic Hyde Park, so you are able to capture two city attractions in one visit. Although donations are welcome, there is no entrance fee. And to visit the Cathedral Crypt, a small ticket price of $5 is required.
https://www.stmaryscathedral.org.au/
Observatory Hill Sydney
Observation Hill provides one of the best vantage points of Sydney, with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour. Once used to spot incoming ships, the historic hill now provides the perfect spot for a relaxing sunset picnic. The location is also home to Sydney Observatory, built between 1857 and 1859, a well-known Sydney landmark which now serves as a museum and public observatory.
https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/observatory-park
Paddy’s Market
Sitting beside Chinatown in the heart of the city is Paddy’s Market, a bustling haven for foodies and bargain-hunters. The market is open Wednesday to Sunday and offers a fine array of clothing, accessories, jewellery, gifts and gadgets. Looking for a delicious lunchtime bite? Paddy’s Market also has a number of takeaway food stalls as well as fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood to stock up on for the week.
Experience Wonder. Full Sydney.
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SPACE
Kendall Lane
Sydney
Christine Knight is an Australian travel writer and blogger. When she’s not chasing her energetic five-year-old through Sydney’s inner west, you’ll find her “researching” her way through the best high teas in the city.