Home to fancy bars, a multitude of restaurants and super Instagrammable brunches, Sydney has a lot to offer, usually at a hefty cost. But fear not, although Sydney is far from being a cheap city, there are plenty of fun, memorable things you can do without burning a hole in your pocket. From harbourside activities to excellent museums, free shows and more, check out our guide on some of the best free things to do in Sydney.
1. Enjoy a picnic at one of many gorgeous lookout spots
2. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
3. Watch a free show at the The Art Gallery of New South Wales
4. Tackle the Bondi to Coogee walk
This Sydney staple won’t cost you a penny but you will be rewarded with great views of the coast, skyline and beyond.
5. Take a guided tour of The Royal Botanical Garden
6. Visit the Sydney Conservatorium of Music
The public doesn’t have access to all the areas, but you can scope out three levels of the Atrium for free.
7. Drop by the wonderful St Mary’s Cathedral
8. Witness a sunrise at Bronte Beach
9. Or an epic sunset at Bradley’s Head
10. Head for a relaxing swim at Shelly Beach
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11. Get the perfect shot at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
12. Get lost in a book at Australia’s oldest library
13. Take a stroll through the historic Queen Victoria Building
14. Get the ultimate Sydney shot at the Opera House
15. Visit the Australian National Maritime Museum
The permanent exhibitions and some activities for children are free of cost.
16. Head to Observatory Hill for some sick views
17. Go window shopping at the Paddington Markets
18. Get your workout the Sydney way with a coastal walk
19. Or try the short and sweet Cremorne Point Walk
20. Plan a trip to the iconic Bondi Beach
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21. Take a dip in the Bondi Icebergs
22. Explore the beautiful street art around town
23. Stroll along the historical laneways of The Rocks
24. Get a glimpse of Hogwarts at Sydney University
25. Soak up the sun at Centennial Parklands
26. Go beach hopping at the Northern Beaches
27. Visit the Hornby lighthouse at sunset
28. Go for a hike at Palm Beach
29. Be mesmerised by Darling Square’s futuristic library
30. Sweat it out with a free dance class
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31. Splash around in the MacCallum Pool
32. Visit the trendy suburb of Newtown
33. Experience the buzz at Carriageworks
34. Visit the stunning North Curl Curl Rockpool
35. Try and find this hidden garden
36. Experience a slice of Japan at the Auburn Botanical Gardens
*Note: entry is only free on weekdays.
37. Go for a walk across the Parramatta river
38. Locate the secret Wormhole at Manly
39. Look for the Clifftop Aboriginal Engravings at Dobroyd Head
40. Go whale watching
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41. Take a picture with the rainbow wall at Green Square Library
42. Get lost in the magical Grounds of Alexandria
43. See plenty of free exhibitions at The Powerhouse Museum
44. Walk through the Paddington Reservoir Gardens
45. Stretch it out at a free Pilates class in The Rocks
46. Check out the quirky weekend markets in Glebe
47. Watch a show at the State Theatre
48. Go on a stroll on the Sydney Harbour Bridge
49. Unleash your inner child at Luna Park
There is no entry fee to stroll around the park however, you do have to pay for rides.