Sydney is an amazing city that is one of the dream destinations for many travelers. I absolutely loved my short stay in this gorgeous city and I know how expensive it is here. Do not fret. I have listed here the top 10 very best things to do in Sydney for free when you are traveling on a budget!
1. Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens | Glorious Sunrise/Priyadarshini Rajendran
These gardens are a must visit for everyone. It is very tranquil inside the gardens even though they are located right in the middle of the city. There is a beautiful rose garden, an oriental herb garden, scenic walking trails, a fantastic scenic lookout point at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair inside the Royal Botanic Gardens. Catch great views from this point of the world-famous Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Opening hours: It opens at 7 AM everyday but the closing time can vary depending on the season from 5 PM to 8 PM.
Please check the official website for the timings before you go.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk
Sydney Harbour Bridge | Glorious Sunrise/Priyadarshini Rajendran
Stroll across the iconic Harbour Bridge at sunrise or sunset and drink in the amazing views of the Opera House and the city’s harbour. Start at Circular Quay, look for the sign indicating ‘Sydney Harbour Bridge Bridgeclimb‘ on George Street and climb onto the pedestrian walkway on the bridge. It takes less than an hour to stroll the entire 2.5 kilometers to the other side of the bridge including the stops to take pictures.
Opening hours: Always open
3. Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach | Unsplash/Pedro Lastra
Sydney’s aquarium is famous for being best in the country, but it has an expensive entry ticket. No matter, you can enjoy watching awesome marine life right along the beach at Shelly’s Beach which is part of a protected marine reserve in Manly. Go for a peaceful stroll along the beach and enjoy looking at breathtaking sea life.
Opening hours: Always Open
4. Royal National Park
Royal National Park, Australia | Glorious Sunrise/Priyadarshini Rajendran
The coastal walk trails in Royal National Park are absolutely stunning. This park is a nature-lover’s paradise. Go hiking here and discover wildlife along the way while enjoying awesome coastal views along majestic sand-cliffs and incredible beaches.
Opening hours: 7 AM to 8: 30 PM
Sometimes it may be closed due to a fire alert or bad weather. Do check the park alerts before you start.
5. Bondi to Bronte coastal walk
Watson Bay, Australia | Priyadarshini Rajendran
This scenic walk recharges you with absolutely splendid views all along the 3 kilometer trail dotted with stunning beaches and majestic cliffs. You can start this walk from anywhere even in the middle of these two beaches. Bondi beach is famous for its pristine white sand shore and is also close to Watson’s Bay. Check out incredible ocean views at the Gap Bluff National Park too when you are in near Watson’s Bay.
Opening hours: Always Open
6. Museum of Contemporary Art
Art Museum | Pixabay
This museum is a treasure in Sydney’s Rock District. Entry is free except for the rare ticketed exhibitions. Soak up the art that would take at least two hours of your time. There are even free guided tours to the exhibitions everyday starting at 11 am.
Opening hours: Opens daily at 10 AM. Closing time varies from 5 PM to 10 PM on different days of the week.
Please check the museum’s official website for specific timings for that day and for timings of free guided tours.
7. Centennial Park
Centennial Park | Pixabay
When the sun is out, head out with a picnic basket and bask in the beautiful day at this huge park. This park is famous as a weekend getaway for Sydneysiders as well. Bicycling through the park is a great idea too.
Opening hours: Most gates open at 6 AM and close from 4 PM to 8 PM depending on the season.
Please check the official park website for specific timings before you go.
8. Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery | Unsplash
Enjoy the gorgeous art at this super large and prominent gallery in the country that is free to public. They even offer free drop-in art workshops for kids and families.
Opening hours: 10 AM to 5 PM daily. Open till 10 PM on Wednesdays. Closed on Christmas and Good Friday.
Please check the art gallery’s official website for specific timings for the day.
9. Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour | Pixabay
Darling Harbour is a favorite local hang out in the evenings to enjoy conversation or chow down on steamy food in the area. Or just sit at the shore close to Sydney’s IMAX building and soak up the nightlife happening around. There are free fireworks shows on Saturday nights seasonally and on specific special event days.
Opening hours: Always Open
Find out when the fireworks are going to happen at the Darling Harbour’s official website.
10. Rocks Discovery Museum
Rocks Museum | Pexels
This museum is brimming with thousands of years of history. It is a cool family-friendly spot to learn more about history of the Rocks area from pre-European age up until the present day.
Opening hours: 10 AM to 5 PM everyday. Closed on Christmas and Good Friday.