Enjoying Sydney is easy, as this city has so many attractions that you will hardly know where to start. But when you are on a budget, it becomes a little harder to find things that you can enjoy. Here’s a list of free things that you could get up to in Sydney, for those days when you are lacking funds but still full of energy.
Bondi to Coogee Walk
If you love beautiful coastlines and taking long walks, then this is going to be right up your street. Stretching, as the name suggests, from Bondi Beach to Coogee, this route is fantastic for viewing the best beaches in Australia. There’s also the Sculpture by the Sea to check out near Bondi in late spring, another free attraction.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
It might cost you to climb up the Harbour Bridge, but walking along it is totally free. There’s a pedestrian pathway at the eastern edge of the bridge which is perfect for a stroll. Not only will you be walking along a famous landmark, but you will see plenty more from your vantage point, too. You can stay for as long as you like, or turn around halfway and come back if you want to – that’s the beauty of it being free.
Art Gallery of NSW
The premier art institution in Sydney is totally free to enter, which is fantastic news for art fans. The exhibitions include Indigenous art, Asian classics, modern Aussie pieces, and more from all around the world. There are also free talks and films shown on Wednesday nights, which makes this the ultimate rainy day activity in Sydney.
Royal Botanic Gardens
These beautiful gardens are also free to enter, which means one of the top attractions in Sydney will cost you absolutely nothing. The greenhouses are packed with exotic plants, and they range from the tropical to succulents to common herbs. There are free tours daily, so make time for one of these – you won’t regret this introduction to the world of exotic plants.
Camp Cove
If you like your beaches a little more secluded than Bondi, then Camp Cove is the best option for you. There’s no fee to come and lay down on the sands here, and the homes that sit on the waterfront are some of the most expensive in the city, so you might even spot a face or two that you know. The harbour is wave-free, which makes it perfect for families or those who just want to float and relax.
Bronte Park
The sea views make Bronte Park a great place to sit and relax in the sun, and they also have an added bonus if you happen to have a little loose change. The public barbecues here are coin-operated, so you can get cooking on a very low budget. Or just bring your own pre- cooked food and have a picnic amongst the families and couples doing the same. It’s a perfect place to relax.
Luna Park
They might both be called Parks, but Bronte and Luna are very different. Luna is a theme park with great views of the harbour and historic rides, and it’s free to go inside. While the rides will cost you $10 a pop, there’s no obligation to have a go on any of them. You can simply wander around and enjoy the lights, sounds, and sights of this fantastic retro park.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Another day, another museum. This gallery has recently expanded, has a fantastic position overlooking Circular Quay, and is free to enter. What more could you ask for? Be aware that it’s only the permanent collection that you can enter for free. The temporary and featured exhibitions, on the other hand, come with a price tag. If you haven’t been before, or you don’t mind revisiting old favourites, you don’t need to spend anything at all.
There’s so much to do for free in Sydney that you may be surprised at how far you can get without even bringing your wallet. Whether you are going out on a date, hanging out with friends, or entertaining yourself on the weekends, you can do it all on a shoestring so long as you stick to the best of Sydney’s free attractions.