The 10 best free things to do in Sydney in 2024

The 10 best free things to do in Sydney, how to get here, public transport, an interactive map and more!

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Home to some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, Sydney is the largest and most populous city in Australia. With world-renowned attractions and stunning harbour views, Sydney is a tourists’ paradise. But that doesn’t mean you can’t visit Sydney on a budget. In, fact, most of the best sights in Sydney are actually free!

Time needed: 1-3 days.

When to go: March-April for warmer weather and to avoid the Summer crowds, June-October for the quietest time.

Weather: Averages of 10°C-15°C in the Winter and 20°C-25°C in the Summer.

Language Spoken: English.

Currency: Australian Dollar.

Free things to do

1) Sydney Opera House

The iconic sail-shaped Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous performance halls in the world, with more than 1.2 million people attending concerts, plays, shows and symphonies here every single year. Designed by award-winning Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Sydney Opera House was officially opened on the 20th of October 1973. Located in Sydney Harbour and looking out over the stunning waterway of Port Jackson, the Opera House is easily accessible form the nearest train station, Circular Quay.

Wandering around the outside of the opera house, soaking up the unique architecture and getting that iconic Sydney photo is one of the best free things to do in Sydney. Sydney Opera Hose is free to look around from the outside and affordable guided backstage tours are available to give you a behind the scenes look at this global attraction. If you have the time (and money), it’s recommended to catch a show in the theatre, with opera performances being very popular. The Opera Bar and Kitchen is located on the lower level and offers delicious food and drink with a view of Sydney Harbour.

Fun fact: There are a total 1,056,006 tiles on the roof of Sydney Opera House!

2) Sydney Harbour Bridge

This Australian heritage-listed steel super bridge through arch bridge lies across Sydney Harbour and caters train, car, bike, and pedestrian traffic. The most famous way to cross the Harbour Bridge is the Bridge Climb, which offers spectacular views of Sydney from the top of the bridge, but is a very pricey experience. Walking over the bridge as a pedestrian however is completely free! The bridge was opened on the 19th March 1932 and joins the Sydney CBD (Central Business District) across the Sydney Harbour to the North Shore. The nearest train stations are Milsons Point (Northside) and Circular Quay (Southside).

3) Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a 30-hectare botanical garden, event venue and public recreation. Home to thousands of different plants, the garden offers respite from the hubbub of the city and is open every day of the year (with a few exceptions for events). Wandering the gardens can also offer some of the best panoramic views of Sydney’s CBD and Sydney Harbour. Don’t miss Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench by convicts in 1810 for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of Major-General Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of New South Wales. The nearest train stations are Martin Place or Circular Quay.

4) Circular Quay

Formerly a working port, Circular Quay is now a major transport hub, featuring walkways, shops, parks and restaurants, as well as a number of ferry quays, bus stops and a railway station. It’s worth wandering around for the view of the harbour alone but you can also enjoy some window shopping and frequent buskers. This harbour is also one of the best connected parts of Sydney and offers multiple ferries to other parts of the city. Check out how to get around Sydney on the cheap in our Getting Around section later in the article. You’ll often find giant cruise ships docked in the quay too.

One of the most popular excursions (although not free) leaves from Circular Quay: Whale Watching Tours. There are a variety of boat companies, offering a range of trips of differing lengths and prices. Humpback whales and southern right whales, as well as dolphins, can be seen from May to November but the best time to go is between late June and early July. Serious cetacean spotters should consider joining a Sydney Whale-Watching Tour by Speed Boat with Ocean Extreme, a responsible whale watching company in Sydney. You can get up close to Sydney’s gentle giants on the the city’s fastest commercial ship.

A barnacle-covered whale tail disappears into the water.

5) Darling Harbour

Just around the corner from Circular Quay lies Darling Harbour. Originally named Long Cove, Darling Harbour is now home to a number of attractions, including Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Sydney Wild Life, Powerhouse Museum and Australian National Maritime Museum. But you’re here for the free things, so what can you do there on a budget?

Explore Cockle Bay Wharf, which features restaurants, bars and Home nightclub (one of Australia’s largest nightclubs). Or stroll through the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a heritage-listed 1.03-hectare Chinese garden. You’ll also find Paddy’s Markets a 5 minute walk form the harbour. Markets can be a great place to souvenir shop, or simply take in the local produce. You should also visit Sydney Town Hall while you’re in the area. A late 19th century heritage-listed building, Sydney Town Hall houses the chambers of the Lord Mayor of Sydney, council offices, and is renowned for its high Victorian interiors and rich decoration.

6) St Mary’s Cathedral

St Mary’s Cathedral (full name: The Cathedral Church and Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Mother of God, Help of Christians) is the oldest church in Australia. First developed when Captain Arthur Phillip settled in Australia in 1788, and constructed in 1821, it is the largest 19th century ecclesiastical building in the English Gothic style anywhere in the world. The original St Mary’s Cathedral was actually destroyed by fire in 1865. In 1868 the new church started to be built but became an ongoing project that didn’t finish until 2000. It is open Monday to Friday from 08.30 – 17:00. The nearest train station is St James Station, which is also right next to Hyde Park.

7) Hyde park

This 16.2-hectare (40-acre) urban park lies in Sydney’s CBD and is the oldest public parkland in Australia. Relax in the park among approximately 580 trees or visit the J. F. Archibald Memorial Fountain, named after owner and editor of The Bulletin magazine, who funded the building of the fountain. Archibald specified that the fountain must be designed by a French artist, both because of his great love of French culture and to commemorate the association of Australia and France in World War I.

8) Relax on the beach

One of the best ways to spend the day in Sydney is on the beach. Sydney gets some incredibly sunny weather and you’ll find the beaches can be very popular in the Summer.

Bondi Beach

Possibly the most famous beach in Sydney, this sweeping white-sand crescent beach is iconic. The curling waves are perfect for taking a surfing lesson, while bars and cafés draw tourists to the area with its hip and trendy reputation. There are several popular walks in the area, including the Coogee to Bondi Walk, a 3.7mile (6km) clifftop coastal walk, which takes in beaches, cliffs and parks, with stop-offs at cafes and viewpoints. Those who wish to learn about the area’s Aboriginal heritage, see where the famous ‘Bondi Rescue’ TV show is filmed and learn how Bondi Beach became a hotspot for tourists, celebrities and surfers can join a Guided Bondi Walking Tour.

Manly Beach

Or escape the crowds at Bondi and head to Manly instead. Manly Beach is one of Australia’s most famous surfing beaches and the first world surfing championship was actually held here in 1964.

Hikers van enjoy the Manly To Spit Bridge Coastal Walk. Opened in 1988, the 6.2 mile (10km) coastal path features scenic trails with sweeping harbour views.

Getting There: Jump on board the ferry from Circular Quay to visit Manly. This also gives you a great opportunity to experience the sensational views of Sydney Harbour from the water.

9) Browse a Market

As previously mentioned, markets are a great destination for those on a budget. Get lost wandering stalls full of local produce and goodies form independent businesses.

The Rocks Markets

This vibrant, open-air waterfront market, features stalls for local crafts and street food. A great place to browse souvenirs, or enjoy a coffee, The Rocks Markets are open every weekend and easily accessible from Circular Quay train station. Those who wish to learn more about The Rocks can join a 90-Minute Guided Walking Tour.

Hours: 10:00–15:00 Friday; 10:00–17:00 Saturday-Sunday

Bondi Markets

Located a short walk from the famous Bondi Beach, Bondi Markets has an eclectic mix of everything from vintage clothes to retro furniture, homemade jewellery to arts and crafts. To get here take the train to Bondi Junction, then the 333 bus to Bondi Beach.

Hours: 09:00–13:00 Saturday; 10:00–16:00 Sunday

Rozelle Markets

Rozelle Collector’s Market is open on weekends and features a Collectors Market on Saturdays and Sundays and a Farmers Market on Sundays only. This market is one of Sydney’s favourite pre-loved antique, vintage and retro markets and is full of stallholders, who have been selling second-hand stuff here for more than 20 years. To get here take bus routes 440, 433, 445, or any bus in the 500’s.

Hours: 09:00–15:00 Saturday-Sunday

10) Visit a Museum

You might think of Australia as hot and sunny all the time, but that’s not always the case and you may find yourself in need of shelter from the rain. Well, there’s no better way to stay dry than in a museum – and there are a few free ones on offer!

Museum of Contemporary Art

Located in Sydney Harbour, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a waterside art deco building. The museum’s collection contains over 4,000 works by Australian artists, including paintings, photography, sculpture, works on paper and moving images, as well as significant representation of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. The museum also runs programs to engage the interest of youth and disabled communities in appreciating and making art.

Hours: 10:00-17:00 Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Monday

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Founded in 1871, the Art Gallery of NSW houses a collection of contemporary, modern & indigenous art. It is the most important public gallery in Sydney and admission to the general exhibition space is free!

Hours: 10:00-17:00 Thursday-Tuesday, 10:00-21:00 Wednesday

The Rocks Discovery Museum

Housed in a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse, this 3-story museum tells the story of The Rocks from pre-European days to the present. The Rocks Discovery Museum is packed with history and will give you a better understanding of the history of Sydney.

Hours: 10:00–17:00 daily

Getting Around

Walking Tour

The cheapest way to get around Sydney is to walk. Wander the city on a self-guided walking tour and take in the sights for free. You can use our map at the end of this article to plan your route! If you prefer an organised tour you’ll be pleased to find out you can actually join a walking tour of Sydney for free with one of the below companies, although donations are welcome at the end.

I’m Free Sydney

Times: 10:30 and 14:30 Sydney Tour; 18:00 The Rocks Tour

Meeting Point: Town Hall Square Sydney Tour; Cadmans Cottage Rocks Tour

Look for a tour guide in a green t-shirt.

Free Tours Sydney

Times: May – October: 10:30, November – April : 10:30am & 14:30

Meeting Point: Near Archibald Fountain at Hyde Park every day at 10.30.

Look for a tour guide in an orange t-shirt.

Train

There will be some bits of Sydney you simply can’t walk due to the size of the city. The best and easiest way to get around is the train. It’s not free, but we can tell you the cheapest way to use it, and that is buying an Opal Card.

Opal Card

An Opal Card is a smartcard ticketing system used to pay for travel on public transport in Sydney. It also covers transport in the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter and the Illawarra. Simply top up, tap and go. You can get a card from any 7/11 or store that has the Opal symbol displayed, as well as at all major train stations in the city. You can top up there too. By using Opal Cards on public transport, you’ll enjoy daily travel caps and the $2.50 per person Sunday cap.

Pro-tip: Family Funday allows you to explore Sydney with unlimited travel on buses, trains and light rail for only $2.50 per person on Sundays, while children under 4 travel free!

Sydney Rail Network Map

Bus

Sydney has a vast public transport network with buses being an affordable way to get around the city. While not free, the Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Bus is a great and affordable way to combine transport with sightseeing and features 2 different routes with 30 stops.

Bike

Cycling is a great, eco-friendly and free way to get around Sydney. You can hire a bike, or take a guided bike tour and take in all the highlights of Sydney on two wheels.