.png)
Sydney, a bright city brimming with iconic landmarks, stunning beaches, and green spaces, offers an array of experiences that don't require breaking the bank! Dive into our list of the top 10 free places to visit in Sydney and discover the beauty, culture, and unique activities this world-famous city has to offer without spending a cent!
Table of Contents:
10 Best Free things to do in Sydney
Places to Stay in Sydney
Restaurants in Sydney
Bonus: Easy Guide to Plan a Road Trip from Sydney to places like Blue Mountains, Wollondilly, and Palm Beach
10 Best Free Things to do in Sydney, Australia
1. Government House
Located inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Government House is the official residence of the Governor of New South Wales and is one of Australia's oldest buildings. It was constructed in the 1800s and with its beautiful gardens and Gothic style architecture, makes it one of the most unique buildings in Sydney. Besides its stunning exterior features, the interiors are absolutely beautiful with hand painted ceilings depicting the purpose of each room and stunning pieces of art.
You can join the free weekend guided tours to make the most of your experience and on one Sunday a month you can also enjoy jazz ensembles from the State's best service bands! Check the dates and more details here. The tickets are on a ‘first come first served’ basis with up to 20 people on each tour- Make sure to carry your ID!
Timings: The Government House is accessible on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm, with guided tours operating half-hourly.
2. Walking Tours
Explore Sydney with I'm Free Tours, offering engaging, daily walking tours that uncover the city's beauty and vibrancy. The Sydney Sights Free Tour departs from Town Hall Square at 10:30am, guiding you through key landmarks and fascinating stories. In the evening, the Rocks Free Tour at 6:00pm reveals the intriguing past of Sydney's historic district, with tales of convicts and mysteries.
3. Dudley Page Reserve
Sydney offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world, and Dudley Page Reserve definitely ranks among the best spots you catch a sunset in this city. Offering panoramic views of the city skyline, harbour, and iconic landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, this elevated park in Bondi is a perfect picnic spot. especially at sunset when the city is bathed in golden light.
Timings: Open 24 hours
4. Green Square Library
Green Square Library is not just a place for books; it's a modern architectural marvel. The library features an underground garden, reading rooms, and creative spaces. It's a great place to relax, read, or explore the innovative design elements.
Timings:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
5. Watch candy making at Sticky
Sticky is a unique candy store in The Rocks, famous for its handmade rock candy. Visitors can watch live candy-making demonstrations and sample delicious sweets throughout the day. They usually share when they’re going live on @stickylollies on Instagram too. It's a delightful experience for both kids and adults, and the best part is, it's completely free to watch and sample. But we know you won't be able to resist picking up some rock candy here! You can also personalise and Get Your Own Custom Candy from Sticky!
PS - Our favourite is the watermelon flavour!
Timings:
All Days: 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM
6. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Just a stone's throw from the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden is a lush oasis in the city. Stroll through themed gardens, admire exotic plants, and enjoy scenic views of the harbour. Especially during spring, the gardens come alive in every colour! The garden is also home to Mrs Macquarie's Chair, a historic sandstone seat carved by convicts, offering one of the best views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Perfect to combine your visit with the Government House tour! Check out some hidden trails HERE!
Timings: 7 am to 5:30 pm
7. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
This famous coastal walk offers some of the most spectacular ocean views in Sydney. The 6-kilometer trail winds along cliffs, beaches, and parks, providing plenty of photo opportunities and places to relax. Start at Bondi Beach and make your way to Coogee, passing through Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly Beaches. You can also book in surfing lessons or hop over to Bondi Icebergs for a bite or dip in the world's most famous ocean pool for a great price ($9 for adults and $6 for kids).
Timings: Open 24 hours
8. Art Gallery of New South Wales
Step into the Art Gallery of New South Wales and immerse yourself in a captivating world of Australian, European, and Asian art that promises to inspire and enchant. The gallery offers free general admission and free guided tours for most displays, exhibitions and events. They now have two museum buildings one is the historic Naala Nura, on the south part of the site and Naala Badu on the north side. Don't miss the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection, which provides deep insights into Indigenous Australian culture.
Timings:
All Days (Except Wednesdays): 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
9. The Rocks
The Rocks is Sydney's historic district, where you can wander through cobblestone streets, explore markets, and discover the city's colonial past. You can visit the Rocks Discovery Museum, which offers free admission and showcases the area's history from pre-European days or even wander through the weekend Rocks Markets. But to truly know the history behind the precinct, book one of the FREE evening Rocks tours or the spooky ghost tours and get ready for Goosebumps!
Timings:
Shops and museums typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Markets are open on weekends: Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
10. Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden
Situated in Lavender Bay, this 'secret' garden offers tranquillity and natural beauty amidst Sydney's urban rush. Created by Wendy Whiteley, wife of Australian artist Brett Whiteley, this green garden features winding paths, serene picnic spots, and stunning views of Sydney Harbour. Open to the public daily, visitors can explore this garden adorned with native plants, exotic flowers, and occasional artworks, making it perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike!
Timings: Open 24 hours
11: Australian Museum
Discover the Australian Museum where history and natural wonders converge under one roof. As Australia's oldest museum, it boasts a treasure trove of exhibits showcasing the continent's rich biodiversity, Aboriginal heritage, and cultural artifacts. From towering dinosaur skeletons to interactive displays on indigenous cultures, every corner invites visitors to explore, learn, and marvel at the diverse tapestry of Australia's past and present.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
General Tips
Transport: Consider renting a car for flexibility or use public transport options like trains and buses where available.
Timing: Plan your itinerary to maximize daylight hours and avoid peak traffic times.
Safety: Pack essentials such as sunscreen, hats, and comfortable footwear for walking.
Local Information: Check for any park closures or special events that may affect your visit.
Sydney is a city that offers an abundance of experiences without breaking the bank. From its stunning natural landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, there are countless free attractions to explore. Whether you're enjoying a scenic coastal walk, immersing yourself in art, or relaxing in a tranquil garden, Sydney has something for everyone.
Places to Stay in Sydney:
Budget:
Stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, budget-friendly dormitories and private rooms.
Central location near Hyde Park and Museum Station, comfortable rooms at affordable rates.
Mid-Range:
Contemporary boutique hotel in Chinatown, stylish rooms with modern amenities.
Convenient location near Central Station, spacious rooms with city views.
Luxury:
Iconic waterfront location with views of Sydney Opera House, luxurious rooms and impeccable service.
Historic hotel near Circular Quay, elegant rooms with harbour or city views.
Restaurants in Sydney:
Budget-Friendly:
Chat Thai Haymarket
Authentic Thai cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.
Address: 20 Campbell St, Haymarket.
Mamak
Malaysian street food with an open kitchen experience.
Address: 15 Goulburn St, Haymarket.
Mid-Range:
The Grounds of Alexandria
Rustic café with artisanal coffee and hearty brunch options.
Address: 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria.
Bills
Modern Australian dining known for its signature ricotta hotcakes.
Address: 359 Crown St, Surry Hills.
Fine Dining:
Quay
Award-winning restaurant with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.
Address: Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks.
Bennelong Restaurant
Fine dining experience inside the Sydney Opera House with Australian cuisine
Address: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point.
Road-Trips you can take from Sydney:
1. Blue Mountains:
Highlights:
Echo Point and Three Sisters: Iconic rock formation with panoramic views.
Scenic World: Cableway, skyway, and railway offering breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley.
Leura: Charming village known for its cafes, galleries, and gardens.
💡 Tip: Start early to avoid crowds and make the most of your day. Check weather conditions for optimal views (strong chance of mist/fog at the higher viewpoints if it rained the day before).
2. Wollondilly:
Highlights:
Warragamba Dam: Scenic lookout points and informative visitor centre.
Picton: Historic town with heritage buildings and local cafes.
Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre: Explore vintage trains and railway history.
💡 Tip: Pack snacks and water as facilities can be limited in some areas. Respect local heritage sites and natural surroundings.
3. Palm Beach:
Highlights:
Ocean Beach: Golden sandy beach ideal for swimming and surfing.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse: Stunning views of the coastline from atop a historic lighthouse.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: Nearby bushwalks and Aboriginal rock engravings.
💡 Tip: Visit early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Check tide times for the best beach experience.
General Tips:
Transport: Consider renting a car for flexibility or use options like trains, buses and even ferry! Most of these popular places are easily accessible via public transport as well!
Timing: Plan your itinerary to maximize daylight hours (especially during winter) and avoid peak traffic times (like office hours or festive dates if you're driving).
Safety: Pack essentials such as sunscreen, hats, and comfortable footwear for walking.
Local Information: Check for any park closures or special events that may affect your visit.
Sydney is a city that offers an abundance of experiences without breaking the bank. From its stunning natural landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, there are countless free attractions to explore. Whether you're enjoying a scenic coastal walk, immersing yourself in art, or relaxing in a tranquil garden in Sydney, you can have a really great time.