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18 Free Things to Do in Sydney When You're on a Budget

Make some room in your calendar for a fun, budget-friendly day out! Check out these totally free things to do in Sydney.

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Whether you're strapped for cash or saving your dollars, Sydney is brimming with things to do, places to explore and events to enjoy that cost absolutely nothing. 

After all, living large doesn't mean having to empty your pockets; so if you're after a well-spent weekend without spending big bucks, you've come to the right place. From the great outdoors like coastal walks and bushwalking tracks to the great indoors like art galleries and music gigs, take inspiration from our essential budget-friendly guide to the harbour city.  Get the lowdown on all the amazing free things to do in Sydney — your bank balance can thank us later. 

Royal Botanic Gardens

1. Lose Yourself in the Botanic Gardens

For those keen on exploring Sydney without burning a hole in their pocket, there's a plethora of free things to do in Sydney. Take a leisurely walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens, a sprawling oasis in the city where one can blend in with nature, be it for a casual stroll or a cheeky nap in the sun. The heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens offers everything from wildlife watching to stunning succulent gardens and free exhibitions across its sprawling 30-hectare site. With so much room to move, you’ll have no trouble finding a cosy little corner to kick back and enjoy the idyllic scenery. It’s the perfect place when you’re in need of a little frolic for free.

Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney

Governor of NSW

2. Take a Free Tour of Government House

While chilling in the gardens, stretch your legs with a free tour through the grounds of Government House. Built in 1845, visitors can have a sticky beak inside one of Australia’s oldest and most historical buildings which have been gorgeously furnished and preserved. Guaranteed to be a lot more interesting than history class.

Macquarie Street, Sydney

3.  Stroll Across the Harbour Bridge

If you’re a Sydney local, the thought of dropping $300 to walk over Sydney’s most famous bridge is likely to leave you cross-eyed. Never fear though, because you can still soak up the same breathtaking views of the harbour free of cost (and harness!). Albeit about a hundred metres lower, taking a stroll across the pedestrian walkway still offers those iconic views of the Opera House, The Rocks and Fort Denison. It will take about 15 minutes if you don’t stop for pics, but obviously, you should – so factor in about 20 minutes one way.  

Balmoral Beach

4.  Visit the Most Beautiful Beaches

Sydney is synonymous with coastal living and is often referred to as the definitive beach capital of Australia. Our sandy shorelines stretch from the north, east and south sides of Sydney, ranging from bustling tourist hotspots like Bondi to quieter suburban inlets like Chowder Bay in Mosman. A day at the beach is completely free (this isn’t Europe, there are no overly priced sunbeds), so all you’ll need to bring is a good book and plenty of sunscreen. 

KGBO via Wikimedia Commons

5. Window Shop Till You Drop

Ok, so this one has the potential to end up quite expensive, but with a little bit of willpower and self-control – window shopping can be quite a fun thing to do. Whether you’re building up a wish list for when you have more cash, or simply “just browsing, thank you” – head to one of Sydney’s many shopping spots for a day of window retail therapy. 

The Strand Arcade is probably the CBD’s prettiest shopping mall – it was built back in the 1800s, but today is full of designer dress shops and gorgeous jewellery boutiques to gawk at. 

412-414A George Street, Sydney

6. Go Snorkelling 

Given you’ve got the gear, snorkelling in Sydney is on point (and more importantly, free), with many of our most famous beaches teeming with sea life. From Manly to Botany Bay you’ll find plenty of underwater worlds to explore. Don your snorkel, mask and fins and plunge into these great swimming spots. 

Our pick has to be Gordon's Bay in Coogee – it’s the only spot in Sydney with a dedicated underwater trail. Once you enter the north end (close to the car park at Clovelly pool) you’ll pick up a chain that makes a 500-metre loop around the bay.

Photo Credit: Pexels

7. Bike on a Budget

Beachy rides to bush tracks, city trails to suburban climbs – Sydney is the ultimate city to hone your cycling form.  Check out our guide to the most scenic cycle routes that are guaranteed to have you two-wheeled obsessed. Or, for the less enthusiastic pedallers, set out on your bike and forge your own path around your neighbourhood instead. Perfect for a breath of fresh air, and great for your fitness, you can say goodbye to expensive cycle club memberships and stop those ghastly spin classes in their tracks. The outdoors awaits – and it’s completely free! 

8.  Get Hiking

From the beach to the bush, Sydney’s walking tracks are just waiting to be explored. Totally free, hug the coast or head inland and set off on a day hike. If you’re wanting to stay in Sydney, the gorgeous Berowra to Cowan walk will occupy you for the best part of a day (part of the Great North Walk) or if you’re wanting to venture further, the Blue Mountains are only an hour and a half away and will leave you spoilt for choice. 

9. Meditate your way to Mindfulness 

The ultimate me-time, meditation is one money-free activity you can literally do anywhere. It not only forces you to slow down, unwind and clear your mind but it’s proven to reduce stress – something we could all do from time to time. Download a free meditation app like Calm or Smiling Mind and head to a quiet spot, secluded beach or park and let the mindfulness flow. 

10. Head to the Markets

Wandering around stalls packed with cute vintage clothes, jewellery and accessories might be a sure-fire way to empty your wallet. But if you demonstrate some serious willpower, heading to one of Sydney’s markets can wind up being fairly thrifty. They’ve usually got live music and entertainment on-the-go all day long, so just peruse the stalls or grab a spot on the grass and soak up the ambience. 

11. Free Gigs

Why fork out hundreds of dollars for festivals when you can rock up to a Sydney bar virtually penniless and enjoy local Sydney talent for free? Ok, ok, so you may have to sacrifice ten dollars for a drink, but once you’ve done that you’ve basically bought yourself a night-long concert – winning! 

From Opera Bar to The Imperial, there are lots of different places to check out. 

12. Take a Walk

Nothing defines Sydney better than a stroll along the magnificent coast. It's a regular weekend ritual for locals – whether it’s for the Vitamin D, the endorphins or just the thought of digging into a delicious brunch somewhere afterwards. 

From Palm Beach to Coogee, Sydneysiders have so much to choose from when it comes to hitting the trails. There’s also news of a brand-new harbour trail that will weave its way through 80km of Sydney’s shore, stretching from Bondi to Manly. It’s set to open in a couple of years, but for those keen bean walkers out there, you can still piece together parts of this epic walk yourself in the meantime to get your hiking fix. 

13. Affordable Art

Getting lost in a gallery, admiring art for hours on end is one of the best ways to spend a day in the city. Sydney’s art scene has serious cultural cred, with diverse and ever-evolving exhibitions popping up all over the city on any given day of the week. The best part is, they’re mostly all free to visit. From major galleries such as the AGNSW and MCA to smaller, upcoming art spaces like White Rabbit, there’s a place to inspire every type of gallery-goer. 

Establishment

14. Learn to Salsa

Leave your wallet in your pocket and let your hair down at Salsa Tuesdays. From 8pm at swanky bar Establishment, you will learn the basics before you take a spin. Expect lively vibes with a live band laying down the soundtrack. 

Australian Museum

15. Visit a Museum

A lot of Sydney's amazing museums offer free general admission to their experience their permanent exhibitions. Learn about our country's rich history with a visit to The Australian Museum, before checking out cool science and technology exhibitions at the Powerhouse Museum.

State Library of NSW (@statelibrarynsw)

16. Read a Book in a Gorgeous Library

Abandon the idea that libraries are meant to be dusty and gloomy. In fact, there are a handful of libraries in the Sydney that'll let you hang out for free as you read a nice book. Enrich your mind or go off on a literary adventure in some of Sydney's beautiful libraries.

If you'd like to grasp the grand force of the written word and learn more about Australia's history, head to the State Library of NSW and peruse various books, relics, and photographs, or enjoy a guided tour of the place. For stunningly designed modern libraries, head to Woollahra Library at Double Bay, The Exchange in Darling Square, or Marrickville Library and Pavilion

Hornby Lighthouse (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au)

17. Visit a Stunning Lighthouse

Sydney's coastal charm isn't just about beaches; it's also home to a slew of remarkable lighthouses, blending history with stunning scenery for the local explorer. 

Channeling the spirit of a bygone lighthouse keeper, visitors can bask in the serene surroundings and take in coastal paths. Who knows, you might just be lucky to spot some whales. Guided tours are available for a few bucks, but save your currency and explore the area at your own pace. Don't know where to start? Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Hornby Lighthouse are top choices as free havens for those seeking a unique escape by the sea.

Adam Hollingworth via City of Sydney (cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au)

18. Watch the sunset at Observatory Hill Park

Spend a lazy afternoon at this Millers Point spot. Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and head to the Observatory Hill Park for a sunset picnic with an awesome view. While there's a short hike up the hill, it's all worth it for the peace and quiet it offers. What's more, as the sun bids adieu to the day, the city lights up; thus, you get an unparalleled panoramic vista of thecity and the Harbour Bridge. The best part is it won't cost you a dime at all!

Upper Fort Street, Millers Point

Loving our list of free things to do in Sydney and looking for more fun things to do? A long lunch in Sydney is just scraping the surface! We have plenty more where they came from. From bottomless brunches and must-try wine bars to creative classes,  Sydney has endless inspiration. 

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