The Best Things In Life Are Free!
Regardless of whether you’ve got cash to burn or not a penny to your name, we’ve discovered Sydney has an absolutely ridiculous amount of cool free stuff to do. Check out our guide below to the best free things to do in Sydney!
Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney
Located on Sydney Harbour right near Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is Australia’s home for contemporary art. Entry to the museum is free and some of the programs workshops, talks and events also free. Check out the museum’s website for the most up to date information and what’s on’s.
Luna Park
Luna Park Sydney is a heritage-listed amusement park and iconic Sydney tourist attraction. The park is located right underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Milson’s Point and boasts incredible views of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour and Sydney CBD skyline. It’s completely free to walk around the park and check it out but costs apply if you want to participate in any of the rides or amusement park attractions.
Spit to Manly Walk
As the name implies, the walk kicks off at the Spit Bridge and then follows the coastline around Clontarf, Dobroyd Head and Fairlight before arriving at the Manly wharf area. The walk offers spectacular city, harbour and ocean views and a number of aboriginal rock engravings and sites can also be found along the way. Plus you can’t help but marvel at the incredible harbour front mansions and dream big! Be advised that the walk has unpaved sections so we suggest hardy shoes for gravelly and rock surfaces.
Royal Botanical Gardens Sydney
The Royal Botanical Gardens is a stunning 30-hectare garden oasis located in the middle of the Sydney CBD. The gardens offer incredible insta worthy views of the Sydney Harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge along with a number of different themed garden areas to explore.
Watsons Bay – Best Views in Sydney
Watsons Bay is a popular tourist spot located on the southern side of the Sydney Heads. The naturally scenic area has incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline as well as a stunning clifftop walk. You can also discover the Hornby Lighthouse, perched atop of The Gap, a dramatic cliff point with a sheer drop to the surf below.
Wendy Whitely Secret Gardens – Best for nature lovers
The Wendy Whitely Secret Gardens are a hidden gem located near Luna Park in Lavender Bay. Wendy’s Secret Garden – which is at the foothill of her private home in Lavender Bay was designed by Wendy Whitely following the loss of her husband Australian artist Brett Whitely. The gardens are popular for nature lovers and also offer views of the harbour foreshore, Harbour Bridge and the fringes of North Sydney and the CBD.
The Rocks – Most popular free attraction in Sydney
The historic Rocks precinct in Sydney CBD is a popular tourist destination where you can step back in time and explore the oldest area in Sydney. We recommend exploring the area on foot which includes shops, restaurants, pubs, parks, businesses and historic buildings. On the weekends the Rocks markets come alive with tourists and locals shopping for food, handicrafts and other wares.
Sydney Markets
Every weekend you can find vibrant buzzing markets in lots of different suburbs across Sydney. Some of our favourites are the popular Glebe, Kiribilli, Paddington and Bondi markets. Be sure to check dates as not all markets are on weekly.
Darling Harbour
A trip to Sydney wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Darling Harbour. The Darling Harbour area is located right in the heart of the city and includes a large recreational space, pedestrian precinct and busy shopping and restaurant area.
Free 555 Bus
Walking isn’t your thing? Or just need a few mins sit down? There is a free 555 shuttle bus that will take you throughout the city centre from Central Station, Circular Quay, George St & Elizabeth St so if you’re looking to explore the city without any physical effort now you can do it for free!
Need a place to stay?
MAD MONKEY COOGEE BEACH
Mad Monkey Coogee Beach is your dream hostel in Sydney to explore the best free things to do in Sydney. We’re located right on the waterfront so just a stone’s throw away from the sand, surf and swimming in Coogee, as well as tons of great bars and restaurants including FNKY MNKY located on the first floor of the hostel.
Our beachside hostel is sparkly clean with super friendly staff available to help with anything you need, and don’t miss the Mad Monkey social atmosphere that we are famous for. Our unique accommodations offer everything from traditional dorms to apartment-style lodging with private living rooms.
