For a very long time, Sydney has been infamous for burning that fat hole in everyone’s pocket. One of the most expensive cities in the world – Sydney, often, gives nightmares to travelers. We, therefore, decided to hunt down 10 free things to do in Sydney. Yes, they can be experienced at almost no cost; they are absolutely free!
1. Free Bus Shuttle
2. Free Internet
3. Free Festivals and Events
4. Free Walks
5. Serenity amidst the Royal Botanical Gardens
6. Visit the Government House for some heritage feel
7. Cycle through the Centennial Park
8. Photography at Observatory Hill
9. Free Tour at St Mary’s Cathedral
10. Stroll through the Hyde Park
1. Free Bus Shuttle
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First things first! Let’s get you some wheels for free. The Route 555 of free CBD shuttle in Sydney runs on a loop of 10 minutes from Central Station. Circular Quay via Elizabeth and George Streets are some major stations on the way.
2. Free Internet
Image Courtesy: Lifehacker.com.au
Next we move to free internet venues in Sydney. On a general note, you will be told that there is no free internet in Sydney but here is a list of cafes and restaurants around which you can access free internet over their Wi-Fi:
Try browsing through Urban Spoon to spot other cafes and restaurants offering free Wi-Fi.
Suggested Read: Explore The Vibrant Capital City With These 22 Must-See Sydney Tourist Attractions
3. Free Festivals and Events
Image Courtesy: Thesydneysiders.com
Now, fests are almost always free, but events? Sydney hosts a lot of events that do not ask for a single penny. All you need to do is that you should be in Sydney during some of these amazing fests and events.
- The Sydney Festival: Held during the first three weeks of January, it hosts around 80 events including theater, cross media, music, visual arts, dance, and forums.
- Sydney Mardi Gras: This LGBT pride parade is among the largest festivals in the world. Thousands of people march through the lanes and streets to Oxford and Flinders Station.
- Vivid Sydney: As the name says, the city welcomes its visitors by transforming into a spectacular frame of lights, shades and music.
- New Year’s Eve: And, what better than the last evening of the year? You will not find any better fireworks across the world.
4. Free Walks
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“Walking is the real seeing” – they say. And of course, it’s free for most of the time. Add to it the list of some walks through the charms of Sydney that will bring you closer to the sights and views to behold for life. Rain, hail or shine, some of these walk operators run these amazing experience walks every day at these amazing locations:
- CBD and Harbor Front: A walk from Central Station to Circular Quay along the George or Pitt Streets is a 30-minute stroll. While at Circular Quay, roam around and use your camera to frame the spectacular Sydney landmarks like Opera House, Harbor Bridge etc.
- The Harbor Bridge: Climbing this majestic bridge in Sydney usually costs above $ 200. A walk from The Rocks at the southern extreme towards Milsons Point at the southern end is an experience to cherish for life.
- Bondi to Coogee Coast: Stunning cliffs to watch out, bays and rock pools that pass through the beaches of Tamarama – one can’t ask for more in one short walk of 6 km. To add, one can stop by the way for a swim, or chill out at a cafe for a drink and bite to eat.
5. Serenity amidst the Royal Botanical Gardens
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A blanket, couple of wine bottles, and a picnic basket – the Royal Botanical Garden is the prefect free escape to celebrate the serenity of the city. A walk around the gardens is Among some of the free things to do in Sydney that leaves an admirer with memories for life.
Don’t miss: A free self-guided walking tour; view from the Mrs Macquarie’s Chair – best vantage point to look over the stunning views of Opera house and Harbor Bridge.
Opening hours: 7:00 am till sunset.
6. Visit the Government House for some heritage feel
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While at Botanical gardens on a weekend or a public holiday, a tour to the Government House and its interiors is another name in the list of free things to do in Sydney. It offers a guaranteed heritage day out for strollers. Located in the Domain, it overlooks the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House.
Don’t miss: The outstanding collection of 19th and 20th century furnishings and decoration in the ground floor State rooms.
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Suggested Read: 21 Best Resorts In Australia For The Perfect Vacation Down Under
7. Cycle through the Centennial Park
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Known as ‘lungs of the city’, the Centennial Parkland is one of the most visited urban spaces in Sydney. Originally a swamp, it was reconstructed and made open to public in 1888. A day out at the park is another experience to have from the list of free things to do in Sydney.
Don’t miss: Horse-riding and cycling in the park which is among the other many things to do in Sydney for free.
Opening hours: Sunset to sunrise
8. Photography at Observatory Hill
Another perfect vantage point for the famous Harbor Bridge is the Observatory hill located behind The Rocks district. It offers a list of activities including camping and photography which are among the best things to do in Sydney for free.
Don’t miss: A selfie with your gang with one of the most spectacular bridges in the background; and photography
9. Free Tour at St Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral, an English-style Gothic church and a symbol of the spiritual origins of the city is located next to Hyde Park. It was the first Roman Catholic Church in Australia.
Don’t miss: Free guided tours of the cathedral and crypt on Sunday afternoons.
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
10. Stroll through the Hyde Park
Australia’s oldest and Sydney’s central open green space, the Hyde Park is a popular name among casual strollers. The park is good hideaway from the concrete jungle of the city.
Don’t miss: A stroll through the various monuments and statues; and walk through the central pathway lined with fig trees.
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Further Read: 27 Most Beautiful Beaches In Australia To Pamper The Beach Baby In You
Need more? Alright! Try spending your day at the awesome beaches of Palm, Freshwater, Manly, Bronte, and Bondi. Also, explore the neighborhoods of Paddington and Darling Harbor. Happy? Go, pack up and have a happy Sydney!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Free Things To Do In Sydney
What are the best things to do in Sydney?
Some of the best things to do in Sydney includes visiting the Sydney Opera House, climbing the Harbour Bridge, exploring the beaches, buying souvenirs from the rocks, and shopping at the Sydney markets.
What can you do in Sydney for a day?
While you’re in Sydney for a day make sure to not miss experiences like exploring the Sydney Tower Eye, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Visitor’s Centre and also the Sydney Opera House. Alongside that one can also go for some street shopping at the markets.
What can you do in Sydney for free?
Some of the things which the travelers can experience for free are going on a guided tour for free and also take a stroll across the Queen Victoria Building. Apart from that one can also experience the Coogee to Bondi Walk. Alongside that one can also explore the Hyde Park.
What should you not miss in Sydney?
When in Sydney, one should not miss out the places like Circular Quay, The Glenmore hotel, Surry Hills & Hyde Park, Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, and also walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
What can couples do in Sydney?
When someone is visiting Sydney with their partner make sure to not miss out on the Harbour Cruise, Harbour Bridge Climb, Blue Mountains and the Opera House. Alongside that one can also go for hiking and the secluded beach.
How many days in Sydney is enough?
To explore the best attractions and indulge into some amazing activities in Sydney, 5 days are enough to spend here.
What can you do in Sydney for 3 days?
For the people who are visiting Sydney for 3 days, these are some of the best things to do – Taking a walking tour and exploring the Darling Harbour. Alongside that one can also explore the museum of Sydney and Garigal National Park. On the last day explore Bondi beach and the Botanic Gardens.
What is there to do in Sydney cheap?
For people who want to do things on a budget experience activities like taking a tour of the Bondi to Coogee Walk. And alongside also make a visit to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and also the North Head Lookout. Apart from this don’t miss the tranquil surroundings of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
An avid traveler, photographer, and writer, he can be spotted in a remote Indian destination twice every month. A true believer of “live like there’s no tomorrow”, Pushkar is out to strike all places off his bucket list before others have even made one!
