101 free things to do in Sydney
Sydney has a reputation for being one of the most pricey destinations in Australia, but for those in the know, there's a boatload of things to do in the Harbour City that don't cost a cent... So many, in fact, that we've rounded up a full 101 free things to do on your next visit!
- Take a walk around the world famous Sydney Opera House.
- Admire Sydney’s icon, the stunning Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Take a guided tour of the Royal Botanic Garden.
- Snap the ultimate Opera House photo from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair.
- Join one of Sydney's free walking tours, with I'm Free or Loci Tour.
- Visit the amazing Museum of Contemporary Art in The Rocks.
- See Government House, where the colony’s early overlords went about their business.
- Explore Sydney’s scientific side with one of the free exhibits at the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo.
- Visit Cockatoo Island by ferry and explore its unique blend of industrial and convict history.
- Stroll around Olympic Park precinct (where the 2000 Oympic Games were held).
- Traverse the stunning cliff top walk from Coogee to Bondi – especially during Sculpture by the Sea.
- Discover Sydney’s heritage with a free, self-guided historical walking tour.
- Head bush and enjoy the awesome Spit Bridge to Manly walk.
- Enjoy a free show with the street performers at Circular Quay.
- Cut a northerly swathe through the bush of Sydney with a segment of the Great North Walk.
- Take some time to plan your Australian trip with the Backpacker Bucketlist. You don't need to be a backpacker to follow the best guides to saving your hard earned cash when you're out in the harbour city!
- Visit the beautiful and historic St Mary’s Cathedral.
- Browse the art and craft stalls at Paddington Markets.
- Stroll around the fascinating Fish Markets, the second largest in the world.
- Attend one of the Sydney Festival's many free events.
- Relax in the pool or watch a movie during your stay at YHA Sydney Central.
- Visit St James’ Church; the oldest in Sydney.
- If you have access to a bike, ride the Cooks River Cycleway, one of many great cycling routes in Sydney.
- Challenge the locals to a game of chess on the giant board in Hyde Park
- Stop in at the QVB, one of the most beautiful shopping centres in the world.
- Cover the city in a stride at the huge scale model of Sydney at the Customs House.
- ... and while you're there, check out one of the other free exhibitions and events at Customs House.
- Explore and picnic in the vast Royal National Park (free if you don't bring a car in).
- Go for a body surf at Manly Beach.
- Discover early history at St Stephens’ Church and Cemetery in the hip heart of Newtown
- Try a free tasting of all sorts of goodies at the Redfern Carriageworks Farmers' Market.
- Head to the vibrant Darling Harbour and Darling Square precincts. There’s always something going on!
- Check out one of the exhibitions at the State Library of NSW.
- Stop by Sydney Harbour YHA for a 1-hour tour of The Big Dig Archaeology site.
- See every kind of person imagineable congregate at the world famous Bondi Beach.
- Visit the studio of Brett Whiteley, one of Sydney’s most famous artists.
- Discover industrial history at the Brickpit Ring Walk, Olympic Park.
- Explore the huge parklands and gardens at Centennial Park.
- Spot the bird life amongst the mangroves at Bicentennial Park, Homebush.
- Follow the Writer’s Walk along Circular Quay.
- See the elegant and impressive War Memorial in Hyde Park.
- Mingle with the crowds at Kirribilli Markets.
- Discover the bohemian suburb of Glebe and its surrounds on foot.
- Sizzle up a feast with the free electric BBQs in Centennial Park.
- Let it all hang out at Lady Bay, Sydney’s only nudist beach.
- Window shop till you drop at Bondi Junction shopping mall.
- See and hear thousands of fruit bats at dusk in the Botanical Gardens, or Moore Park.
- Head to Dudley Page Reserve for some stunning views of the city.
- Visit The Mint, where Australia’s first coins were produced.
- Lose yourself in the atmospheric laneways of The Rocks.
- Take your snorkel and get acquainted with the fish at Clovelly.
- Play some beach volleyball at Manly Beach – extra points if you make new friends.
- Play spot-the-celebrity at Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo.
- Drop in to Cadman’s Cottage, the oldest residential building in Australia.
- Stroll down historic Macquarie Street and admire the Georgian and Victorian architecture.
- Stroll along the pretty Avenue of Figs in Hyde Park, and keep your eyes out for possums.
- Visit the White Rabbit Gallery, a fascinating private collection of mostly Chinese art.
- Take a photo with the street art at Wooloomooloo.
- See ancient Aboriginal engravings in the rocks at Dobroyd Head.
- Watch the sun go down with a picnic and a glass of wine at Blues Point or Balls Head Reserve.
- Discover amazing contemporary Aboriginal art and more at the Art Gallery of NSW.
- See up and coming artists at SOHO Galleries.
- Enjoy some art on the way to the beach at Manly Art Gallery and Museum.
- Discover all you gotta know about Australia’s bank notes at the Reserve Bank of Australia Museum.
- Travel like the Victorians at the Sydney Tramway Museum – open Wednesdays and Sundays.
- Stroll the expansive campus and Hogwarts-esque lawns of Sydney University.
- See the largest collection of ancient artefacts in Australia, the Nicholson Collection
- Check out the Chau Chak Wing Museum at Sydney University, home of the Nicholson Collection and much more.
- Visit Sydney's Town Hall, the most ornate late 19th century civic building in Australia.
- Discover queer and alternative culture on Oxford Street and its surrounding neighbourhoods – especially during Mardi Gras!
- Have a drink and watch the city lights spark to life on the rooftop at YHA Sydney Harbour.
- See the tomb of Australia’s first saint at Mary Mackillop Place.
- Explore the magnificent funerary memorials at Rookwood Necropolis.
- Marvel at the old brickwork stacks and take in the views from the hill at Sydney Park (also, pat a dog!).
- See how the first settlers lived at The Rocks Discovery Museum.
- Meander under the eaves of the Harbour Bridge at Milsons Point – especially pretty in the evening.
- Take a Saturday stroll around the quirky Glebe Markets.
- Check out iconic Luna Park, which is free to enter (though most attractions will cost you).
- Experience some military history at Newington Armory.
- Walk along the bustling Parramatta River at Blaxland Riverside Park.
- Catch the sunset at Observatory Hill.
- Browse the late night bookshops on Oxford Street.
- Take a day trip west of Sydney to the immense and beautiful Blue Mountains.
- See graves with a view at the windswept Waverley Cemetery.
- Visit the cultural melting pot of Lakemba, especially during Ramadan for the epic night markets.
- Chat with the cockatoos at the Botanic Gardens.
- Transport yourself to Asia in Cabramatta, Sydney’s “Little Vietnam”.
- Walk the boardwalks through the mangroves at Sydney Olympic Park.
- Discover Parramatta with the Harris Park Heritage Walk.
- Look out for whales from the cliffs at Dover Heights (during winter).
- Visit the Macquarie Lighthouse, Australia’s oldest.
- See the city light up with neon colour during the Vivid festival each winter.
- Walk across the Harbour Bridge and wave to the climbers above you.
- Bring out your inner soap star at iconic Palm Beach, site of Home and Away.
- See work by one of Australia’s most popular modern artists at the Ken Done Gallery.
- See how the kids lived at the Old Schoolhouse Museum, North Ryde.
- Cook up a storm with food from the free food shelves at your YHA.
- Set a course for one of Northern Beaches to watch some of the best surfers in Sydney.
- Discover tranquil Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, where YHA Pittwater Eco is situated.
- Walk to the entrance of the Harbour at The Gap/Watsons Bay, and look back at Sydney's skyline.
- Socialise and make new friends with people from all over the world during your stay at a Sydney YHA.
Book direct and save
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YHA Sydney Central
Located in a heritage-listed building in the heart of Sydney, this bustling international hub is next to all major train & tram lines for easy access to the city's top attractions.
YHA Sydney Harbour
This modern, sustainable property in The Rocks draws an international crowd with its world-class harbour views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
YHA Pittwater Eco (Sydney)
Perfect for those wishing to get out of the city without actually leaving Sydney, YHA Pittwater Eco (Sydney) is nestled on the hillside of Morning Bay in Ku-ring-gai National Park.
YHA Blue Mountains (Katoomba)
This historic lodge located right in the middle of Katoomba is as cosy as it is hospitable. Escape the city and make it your base for your next outdoor adventure.
