Home to fancy bars, a multitude of restaurants, cultural events, 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.
Table Of Contents
Free attractions in Sydney
See the icons of our city on the cheapest tour of Sydney ever devised.
1. Take a seat at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Park yourself down on Sydney’s most famous seat for a captivating harbour view – and maybe a selfie or two.
2. Plan a trip to the iconic Bondi Beach
World-renowned for a reason, Bondi is calling your name, even if just for the afternoon.
3. Stroll along the historical laneways of The Rocks
Few places hold as much recent history as The Rocks, so pop a trip here in your itinerary to discover markets, restaurants, and much more.
4. Unleash your inner child at Luna Park
There’s no entry fee to stroll around Sydney’s iconic theme park – however, you do have to pay for rides, so budget accordingly if you’re planning a visit.
5. Experience the buzz at Carriageworks
Saturday farmer’s market is worth stopping by, too.
6. Stroll across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Drive across it and you’ll need to pay, so instead we’d recommend stretching your legs and soaking in the sights of the harbour at your own leisurely pace.
7. Get a glimpse of Hogwarts at Sydney University
Let’s face it, it’s cheaper than a flight to the UK, and it’s just as magical.
8. Get the ultimate Sydney shot at the Opera House
Australia’s most-photographed building looks great from all angles, so why not add your unique contribution to the world of social media on a visit?
9. Check out the quirky weekend markets in Glebe
Recently saved from closure, our favourite Saturday morning activity is here to stay. A must-try at least once.
10. Take a stroll through the historic Queen Victoria Building
QVB remains a perennial draw for visitors and locals alike. Be warned though, the shops may prove a little too tempting for a free day out…
11. Visit the Hornby lighthouse at sunset
Don’t forget to bring your camera for an iconic shot of the Harbour City.
Free art galleries in Sydney
Art breaks boundaries at every opportunity, but it needn’t break the bank!
12. Spend a few hours wandering around the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
The café boasts some sweet views of Circular Quay, but it’s the spectacular collection of modern art that most enchants visitors. Free guided tours, Spotlight talks, and the popular MCA Lates are all good options for a visit, but avoid Tuesdays, when the gallery is closed.
13. Make a beeline for the exhibitions of The Art Gallery of New South Wales
Over a million people visit this flagship gallery each year, and the fact that most of their exhibitions and events are free probably doesn’t hurt the appeal.
14. Explore the beautiful street art around town
Who said art had to be confined to a gallery? Sydney’s streets are bursting with colourful and powerful street art, so take your art connoisseur pals on a trip through the neighbourhood.
15. Look for the Clifftop Aboriginal Engravings at Dobroyd Head
Etched into the rock is an enduring memory of the original custodians of the land, a powerful portrait of Aboriginal culture.
16. Catch the latest in Chinese art at White Rabbit Gallery
This Chippendale gallery houses one of the world’s most important collections of contemporary Chinese art, and twice a year they close to rehang the entire collection and freshen up the offerings. As a registered charitable institution, they don’t charge an entrance fee.
Free museums in Sydney
Culture vultures can get their fix of history, anthropology, and much more at these museums, without having to dip into the bank account.
17. Sea the sights of the Australian National Maritime Museum
Over 160,000 objects are housed in the collection here, charting Australia’s history with the sea, from Aboriginal explorers to modern naval vessels. The permanent exhibitions and some activities for children are free of cost.
18. See plenty of free exhibitions at The Powerhouse Museum
We agree, this place is a true Powerhouse of Sydney culture. A rotating programme of events usually includes free exhibitions to enjoy, so keep your eyes on their website for the latest.
19. Visit the mummies of the Chau Chak Wing Museum
Art, science, history, and ancient cultures combine at this fascinating museum, part of the University of Sydney. The highlight might just be their dedicated mummy room.
20. Step into the past at The Rocks Discovery Museum
Small but mighty, this free Sydney museum is partly housed in a building dating back to 1844, and tells the complete history of The Rocks.
Parks & gardens with free entry
Lush greenery and beautiful public spaces are part of the fabric of Sydney, so it’s only fair that you check out some flora-filled freebies.
21. Take a guided tour of The Royal Botanical Garden
The oldest botanical garden in Australia is free to explore, and whilst there’s no set price for the guided tour, you’re encouraged to donate what you feel is fair.
22. Climb up to Observatory Hill for some sick views
Few places command as fine a view of Sydney as this hilltop park, which makes it an ideal picnic spot on a summer’s day.
23. Wander the paths of Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
Lavender Bay’s most tranquil spot is an enchanting spot to get lost in, as the winding paths are dotted with sculptures and all kinds of interesting plant life.
24. Walk through the Paddington Reservoir Gardens
It looks like something the Romans might have built, but Paddington Reservoir Gardens date back only to the 1860s. Free to enjoy, they’re a popular spot for sunset photoshoots.
25. Try and find this hidden garden
Located in Hornsby, the picturesque Lisgar Gardens overflow with native and exotic plants that date back to the garden’s founding in 1917.
26. Soak up the sun at Centennial Parklands
There’s acres to explore here on a leisurely stroll, and sporting types can surely find a game to join in across the park’s multiple sporting areas.
27. Experience a slice of Japan at the Auburn Botanical Gardens
Most popular during their annual cherry blossom festival, these beautiful gardens are free to visit on weekdays.
Free pools and swimming spots in Sydney
Swimming is a way of life in Sydney, from the beaches to the public pools. Here’s where to take a dip, free of charge.
28. Splash around in the MacCallum Pool
Stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge whilst you’re practicing your front crawl, with no entry fee? We’ll take that all day long, thank you very much.
29. Visit the stunning North Curl Curl Rockpool
Every swim-mad Sydneysider has a rockpool of choice for their morning dips – and the beauty of North Curl Curl Rockpool is that if it’s busy, you can just mosey down to South Curl Curl Rockpool for an equally dreamy swim.
30. Head for a relaxing swim at Shelly Beach
True, most Sydney beaches are free, but one of our favourites has to be Shelly Beach out in Manly. The sheltered beach is a popular escape, especially if nearby Manly Beach gets crowded.
31. Go beach hopping at the Northern Beaches
So much to explore in the Northern Beaches, but we’ll forgive you if you spend your whole time digging your toes into the sand and cooling off in the ocean.
32. Track down Sydney’s disappearing beach
The elusive – and aptly-named – Washaway Beach is one of the city’s most unique beaches, owing to the fact that it’s completely submerged during high tide. So, check the tide times before you strike out for a visit.
33. Dip into Barangaroo’s newest swimming spot
The first swimming spot west of Harbour Bridge to open since the 70s, Marrinawi Cove is a cosy spot for a dip on a scorching day.
The best Sydney walks to see the city for free
Comfy shoes are a must if you’re seeing the city on foot, but these walks will get you around the scenic way.
34. 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.
35. Or try the short and sweet Cremorne Point Walk
Short in length, but not in beauty or intrigue, this is one of Sydney’s easier coastal walks, making it perfect for beginners.
36. Go for a walk across the Parramatta river
Head west for a series of themed walks around the river, nicely summarised in this City of Parramatta guide.
37. Go for a hike at Palm Beach
About as far north as you can go in Sydney without getting in the water, Palm Beach is a scenic spot surrounded by water on three sides.
38. Follow the Sydney walk voted one of the world’s best attractions
Props to you if you guessed correctly; it’s the Spit to Manly walk that gained this honour, and it remains an attraction that’s well worth lacing up your boots for.
Even more free stuff to do in Sydney
Still searching for a free day out? Here’s the best of the rest!
39. Check out Sydney’s most colourful laneway
A pop of colour can brighten up anywhere, and that’s proved true for Collins Laneway in Rose Bay. Quite the glow-up, indeed.
40. Get lost in a book at Australia’s oldest library
Find the library’s Shakespeare Room for all the resources on the Bard you could wish for.
41. Go window shopping at the Paddington Markets
Your regular reminder that markets are only free if you can resist the temptation of everything on offer…
42. 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.
43. Drop by the wonderful St Mary’s Cathedral
Free guided tours of this spectacular house of worship take place every Sunday at 2pm.
44. Witness a sunrise at Bronte Beach
One for the early birds, really.
45. Or an epic sunset at Bradley’s Head
If sunset’s more your speed than sunrise, a visit to catch the day’s end at Bradley’s Head should be just the tonic.
46. Take a picture with the rainbow wall at Green Square Library
47. Be mesmerised by Darling Square’s futuristic library
As a handy bonus, library membership is free if you live in NSW.
48. Plan a day out in the trendy suburb of Newtown
When boredom strikes on a Saturday, our cure of choice is to head to Newtown for an aimless wander around its shops, cafes, and more.
49. Locate the secret Wormhole at Manly
Also known as the Queenscliff Tunnel.
50. Go whale watching
May to November is peak whale watching season, and our guide has all the details you need to know.
51. Get lost in the magical Grounds of Alexandria
Regular themed makeovers make The Grounds a popular spot for repeat visits.
52. Stretch it out at a free Pilates class in The Rocks
53. Be dazzled by Sydney at night
As the day ends, so does our list. However beautiful Sydney might be by day, it’s just as enchanting by night – so don’t forget your camera on a nighttime walk around town.