With the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney is Australia’s most well-known and touristy city. Nicknamed the “Harbour City”, it offers visitors a rich multicultural experience and a glimpse at luxury living. But Sydney is also known to be pretty pricey with all its stunning architectural marvels and unique natural beauty. Swoosh is here to the rescue! Here are our top 10 free things to do in Sydney. You can make your next visit a spectacular one without needing a holiday loan to see you through.
Overview:
- Free things to do in Sydney CBD
- Free things to do in Sydney at night
- Free things to do in Sydney on a rainy day
Free things to do in Sydney CBD
Sydney CBD is a hub of bustling activity, but it’s also home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders. These free experiences will ensure you can get in touch with mother nature right in the heart of Sydney without selling a kidney to do it!
And if you want to explore another world-popular Australian city, there are tonnes of cheap things to do in Melbourne too. If you want to add it to your trip, Melbourne is only an hour and a half flight away.
1. Whale Watching
Whales are majestic and elegant creatures and catching a glimpse of them in their natural habitat can be an experience of a lifetime. You just might be able to see one of those beautiful giants on the Sydney coastline.
Try these whale watching hotspots:
- Cape Solander
- Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
- The Federation Cliff Walk
2. Beaches
Framed by rugged coast and boasting white sand, blue water, and lush marine life, Sydney beaches are world-famous. And of course, they are one of the best free things to do in Sydney.
Visit some of Sydney’s most famous beaches:
- Bondi Beach
- Coogee Beach
- Bronte Beach
3. Parklands
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Located right next to the famous and epic Sydney Opera House, The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (TRBGS) is Australia’s largest botanic garden. Spanning an incredible 416 hectares, this incredible space showcases plant collections from across the world, with a heavy focus on plants from Australia and the South Pacific.
A key focus of the TRBGS is honouring the traditional custodians of the land and celebrating Indigenous heritage through educational experiences, guided tours and themed gardens.
Blaxland Riverside Park
Kids are great, but why should they have all the fun? If you’re wanting to get in touch with your inner child then be sure to visit the Blaxland Riverside Park. This awesome park offers giant equipment that is specifically designed for both children and adults. So instead of sitting on the sidelines watching your children live their best life, you can join them!
The Great River Walk
Put on your best walking shoes, pack a picnic, or grab your bike, the Hawkesbury-Nepean River is calling you! The Great River Walk runs along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River and Penrith at the foot of the Blue Mountains. It offers stunning natural scenery, the chance to view local wildlife, and signs displaying historical stories along the way.
4. Markets
There are plenty of markets in Sydney with extra Christmas markets occurring during the summer holidays. You can spend your day window shopping and browsing the fun and interesting wares or purchase a few goodies within your budget.
Two big markets include:
Free things to do in Sydney at night
Sydney at night is a magical place. It’s vibrant and full of multicultural delights that will transport you to another world. If you’re looking for some night-time Sydney fun that won’t put you in debt, check out these awesome places and experiences.
5. Luna Park
Luna Park is an amusement and theme park with historical carnival decorations, bright lights, and an electric atmosphere. While you will need to pay for a daily pass in order to go on any rides, entry to the park is completely free. If you’re taking the kids and want the full experience at Luna Park, save some extra money for your holiday or apply for a personal loan for a holiday. Otherwise, you can always take a stroll through the park one night.
There’s plenty of food and drink choices, bright lights, and free entertainment to make it a worthwhile visit. If you want to treat yourself and grab a daily pass, make sure you book ahead online so you can grab the cheapest price possible.
6. Fairy Penguins at Manly Wharf
If you want something free to do in Manly, Sydney, Manly Wharf is home to the cute and endearing fairy penguin. Every night, these sweet little creatures come in pairs to nest at Manly Wharf. So if you’re looking for a romantic thing to do in Sydney with a special someone, head down to Manly Wharf to have a picnic and watch these tiny cuties.
7. The Sydney Harbour Bridge
Whether seeing it up close or from far away, Sydney Harbour Bridge is an epic landmark that is recognisable worldwide. Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a popular activity for those who are brave (or insane) enough to handle heights.
But if you’re low on cash and feeling a little woozy just thinking about it, you can simply take a stroll across the bridge — the views are just as good. It takes roughly 20 minutes to walk across and, if you do it at night, you’ll get the stunning Sydney city lights reflecting off the harbour.
Free things to do in Sydney on a rainy day
So you’ve decided to spend the day in Sydney but dark clouds have moved in and are threatening to rain on your parade? No need to worry! Sydney has plenty of rainy day solutions for visitors.
8. Art Gallery of New South Wales
One of the largest galleries in Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales offers both a taste of culture and shelter for a rainy day. Open 7 days a week with free entry, the gallery offers visitors the chance to see some of the most significant pieces of Australian, European, and Asian art.
9. Australian Museum
Ever wanted to see a funnel web spider without the danger of getting bitten? Maybe you’ve wanted to get closer to some of Australia’s deadliest creatures but you’re pretty attached to being alive? The Australian Museum is a classic free thing to do in Sydney on a rainy day. Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s scariest fauna (don’t worry, they’re stuffed) or explore Australia’s rich Indigenous history.
10. The Rocks Discovery Museum
Another great free thing to do in Sydney is to explore The Rocks Discover Museum. A family friendly museum to learn about different areas of history. This is a great place to explore in Sydney on a rainy day and the whole family can be entertained. With new exhibitions coming in every few months and some permanent exhibitions, you can keep coming back to learn more.
Need a Sydney staycation but low on cash?
Taking advantage of all the free experiences and activities in Sydney is a great idea. But sometimes you need to turn that casual day out into an epic staycation. So if you’re looking to make the most out of Sydney but not sure how to afford it, Swoosh has you covered. We offer secured loans up to $5000 with same day approval. Use our online application form to apply for a holiday loan in 5 minutes or less.
