Sydney is where most people start their travels in Australia, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the activities going on here. It may seem like everything is expensive, but it is possible to enjoy Sydney on a budget! Here are some free/cheap things to do in Sydney.
Royal Botanic Gardens
The gardens are nice to stroll around in, and it offers great views of the Opera House. It was established in 1816 and is the oldest scientific institution in the country. Plants range from rare ones from around the world to local Australian species. Free guided tours are also provided everyday. Mrs MacQuarie’s chair is a great spot to catch a sunset in the evening, just follow the path along the water from the Opera House.
Sydney Opera House
A given of course, and I’m only mentioning it because we had an UNREAL experience there. We decided to look online one night to see what kind of shows/concerts were happening in the near future. Turned out a marine biologist/National Geographic photographer I’m a huge fan of was doing a presentation there at the end of the week (We are marine biologists and FLIPPED). It ended up being one of our favorite experiences in Oz, and not very expensive at all ($45 each). So yes, walk around the building, take a million selfies for the pour souls back home in the middle of winter, but also check online to see what’s playing, you never know!
Darling Harbour Fireworks
This city is insane and does a free firework show EVERY Saturday night. Take advantage and check it out if you’re not going to be around for New Year’s Eve. Check out the schedule here.
Chinese Garden of Friendship
Also within Darling Harbour, it’s an inexpensive ($6) cool little place to walk around for a couple hours. Take your time, find your Zen, and watch the fish feeding. It’s full of exotic plants, waterfalls, and pavilions – and way bigger than we were expecting. (Also they filmed Wolverine in here!)
Manly ferry cruise
The ferry to Manly Beach accepts Opal Cards and is a cheap way to see the harbour by boat. It provides great views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Once you’re in Manly you can relax on Manly or Shelly Beach, go snorkeling in one of the best locations around Sydney, head out for a surf, or check out the cool markets that are open on the weekend! Bondi Beach may be the famous Sydney beach, but we preferred Manly over it any day.
Harbour Bridge
Walk across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. It offers iconic views of the Opera House from above. A bridge climb is around $300 but it’s completely free to walk across, or get off the train at the station on the bridge.
Coastal Walks and Hikes
Starting from near the city, Sydney has multiple amazing coastal walks that take in the rugged coastal cliffs and wild waves. Some great ones (that are also easy) include Bondi to Coogee Beach, Federation Cliff walk, and Bradley’s Head to Chowder Bay. If you’re looking for something more challenging, head to The Blue Mountains or into the Royal National Park.
Read more about the best walks and hikes around Sydney!
TIPS:
When you arrive in Sydney, get yourself an Opal Card! They’re free, and are used for public transport. You can pick one up at major train stations and convenience stores (They’ll have an Opal symbol in their window) and load money onto it there or online. On Sundays, your daily cap limit is $2.50 instead of $15, making it a perfect day to visit The Blue Mountains or Royal National Park!
If you’re planning on taking the train to/from the Sydney Airport – don’t. Because the airport is private, they charge more onto your Opal Card and it will cost more than $15 for just a 15min ride to the CBD. Instead catch the bus to Mascot Station, then get on the train from there. It might take a tiny bit longer, but it’ll save you some decent money!
Leave a Reply!