Discover the best free things to do in Sydney, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems and scenic coastal walks.
Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it’s also one of the priciest places to live or holiday. Fortunately, with its near-perfect climate, diverse natural scenery, and iconic landmarks, there are plenty of free attractions and activities to enjoy without spending a cent.
To help you hold onto more of your hard-earned dollars, we’ve put together a list of our favourite free things to do in Sydney that are easy on the wallet!
1. Hike from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach
The Bondi to Coogee Walk is one of Sydney’s most popular coastal tracks, stretching 6 km between two of Australia’s best beaches.
With scenic views, clifftop lookouts, and plenty of sights along the way, this walk is a must for any visitor. Best of all, it won’t cost you a thing.
Read more about this hike in our guide to the Bondi to Coogee Walk.
2. Do a Sydney CBD Discovery Walk
Sydney’s CBD is compact, with most iconic landmarks and tourist attractions within easy walking distance. The best way to explore the city’s highlights is by simply wandering around.
While there are several walking trails to choose from, our favourite is the CBD Discovery Walk. And if your feet need a break, the City Circle train or George Street light rail can offer a quick and convenient ride.
Sydney CBD Discovery Walk:
- Chinatown
- Darling Harbour
- King St Wharf + Barangaroo
- Barangaroo Reserve
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- The Rocks
- Sydney Opera House
- Royal Botanic Garden + Domain
- Hyde Park
Read our guide on the best city walks with more of these exciting walking trails in or close to the Sydney CBD.
3. Discover the Royal Botanic Garden
Established in 1816 and spanning 30 hectares, the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney is Australia’s oldest botanic garden and scientific institution.
A favourite among tourists and local office workers, it features a vast collection of plants from around the globe.
Located on the eastern edge of the CBD, the easiest way to reach the garden is via Circular Quay and the Opera House. From there, follow the shoreline and explore this beautiful green space.
4. Explore Manly’s North Head
One of Sydney’s most underrated destinations is Manly’s North Head, offering panoramic views of Sydney Harbour alongside a rich military history.
The area is also home to diverse wildlife and native flora, best explored on the scenic Manly North Head Circuit walking track.
Read our guide to the Manly North Head Walk for a complete outline of this fantastic hiking adventure.
5. Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the best free activities in the city. While the bridge climb comes with a hefty price tag, strolling across the walkway won’t cost you a thing.
After crossing from the city side, head down to Bradfield Park for stunning views of the Sydney CBD and the bridge itself.
Read our guide on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk to learn more about this unique free Sydney activity.
6. Explore Cockatoo Island
Visiting Cockatoo Island, set in the heart of Sydney Harbour, is one of our favourite free activities.
This UNESCO World Heritage and National Heritage-listed site boasts a fascinating past as a shipbuilding yard, Commonwealth naval base, and infamous convict island.
Hop on a ferry from Circular Quay and start exploring this unique destination!
Read our Cockatoo Island guide to learn more about this unique spot in Sydney Harbour.
7. Visit a Secluded Beach
With its stunning harbour and extensive coastline, Sydney offers plenty when it comes to beaches.
While Bondi, Manly, Coogee, and Cronulla are well-known, the city also hides a few surprises for those seeking quieter, more secluded spots.
Athol Beach, Resolute Beach, and Milk Beach are just a few of our favourites for a peaceful escape.
Read our guide on secluded beaches in Sydney and pick your favourite strip of sand to visit.
8. Explore Trendy Potts Point
Potts Point is a great spot for nightlife, charming cafes, beautiful Victorian-style properties, and affordable hotels.
Within Potts Point lies Kings Cross, a lively inner-city area with its own train station, just one stop from the city centre.
A stroll through the streets of Potts Point, followed by a coffee at one of its many cafes, makes for a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon.
9. Spend a Day in the Blue Mountains
Just over an hour from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer beautiful walking tracks, waterfalls, valleys, rainforests, and countless lookouts with stunning views.
If you’re looking for a quick escape from the city, this is the perfect destination. Easily accessible by car or public transport, a day in the Blue Mountains will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Read our guides on Blue Mountains walks and things to do in the Blue Mountains to help plan your day out.
10. Enjoy a Picnic with Views
With its abundance of beautiful parks, lookouts, and beaches, picnicking with friends and family is a favourite pastime for Sydney locals.
Some of the best spots for a picnic include the Royal Botanic Garden, Observatory Hill, North Head, Robertson Park in Watsons Bay, Cremorne Point, Berry Island, and West Head Lookout.
Read our guide on picnic spots in Sydney for a complete list of great locations to organise a picnic with views.
11. Explore Sydney’s South Head
South Head is one of two headlands that form the entrance to Sydney Harbour, with North Head as the other.
The best way to explore South Head is by following the Watsons Bay walking trail, which features highlights like the Hornby Lighthouse, South Head Heritage Trail, and Camp Cove Beach.
Read our guide to the Watsons Bay Walk with a summary of the highlights at South Head.
12. Watch a Sydney Sunset
With its stunning skyline and picturesque harbour, it’s no surprise that Sydney offers plenty of great spots to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Some of our favourite places to catch the sunset include Robertson Park, Burragula Lookout, Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Dudley Page Reserve, and Observatory Hill Park.
Read our guide on sunset spots in Sydney for a complete list of beautiful locations to watch a sunset.
13. Go Snorkelling at Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach in Manly is part of Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected aquatic reserve spanning around 20 hectares. To reach it, follow the walking path from Manly’s main beach, past the Manly Life Saving Club and the Fairy Bower Sea Pool.
In addition to swimming, Shelly Beach is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling, with plenty of marine life to discover in its shallow waters.
Read our article about things to do in Manly for a complete list of exciting activities in this beautiful part of Sydney.
14. Enjoy City Views from Kirribilli
Kirribilli is an affluent suburb on Sydney’s lower north shore, just east of the Harbour Bridge.
The southern shoreline of Kirribilli provides fantastic views of Circular Quay and the city skyline. Start at the Broughton Street Lookout, and walk east for even more scenic viewpoints.
Read our guide on lookouts in Sydney for more of these great lookout points with the best views.
15. Visit the Art Gallery of NSW
Housed in a grand building along the eastern edge of the Domain, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is Sydney’s most important public gallery and one of the largest art museums in Australia.
The general exhibition space is free and showcases a wide variety of Australian, European, and Asian art. The new Sydney Modern Project extension, which opened in December 2022, is also free to visit.
Read our list of free museums in Sydney for more ideas to spend a lazy but educational afternoon.
16. Visit the Justice and Police Museum
Another free museum we highly recommend is the Justice and Police Museum, located at the corner of Phillip and Albert Streets. It’s open every Saturday and Sunday.
The museum is housed in two 19th-century courthouses and a former police station, offering an extensive collection of historical artefacts, photographs, and documents related to law enforcement and justice.
17. Walk to Bradleys Head
For a quick and easy escape on Sydney Harbour, catch a ferry to Taronga Zoo and take the short, family-friendly walking trail to Bradleys Head.
Bradleys Head is a fascinating spot, easily recognisable from the water by the large mast standing at the tip of the headland, overlooking the harbour.
Read our Bradleys Head Walk article with all the highlights of this walking trail, including pictures.
18. Discover the Auburn Botanic Gardens
Established in 1977, the Auburn Botanic Gardens in Sydney’s west feature several themed gardens, a community picnic area, a large playground, a rainforest garden, and a scented garden.
The park’s highlight is the Japanese Garden, which surrounds a large lake. While it’s especially stunning during cherry blossom season, it’s a beautiful spot to visit year-round.
Read our guide on gardens in Sydney for more of these beautiful places to visit.
19. Enjoy the Views at Dobroyd Head
Dobroyd Head in Balgowlah Heights offers several vantage points with fantastic views of the harbour, the two heads, and the distant ocean.
It’s easy to reach Dobroyd Head by car, with plenty of parking at Tania Park. However, an even better way to get there is by taking the scenic Spit to Manly Walk.
Read our guide on the Spit to Manly Walk with Dobroyd Head as one of the many highlights.
20. Explore The Rocks
The Rocks is Sydney’s once-notorious historic district, located west of Circular Quay and south of the Harbour Bridge.
This charming neighbourhood is a great place to explore, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, pubs, and museums to discover.
Read our guide on pubs in The Rocks to help you plan your day out in this popular area in Sydney.
21. Visit the State Library of NSW
The heritage-listed State Library of New South Wales, located between the Domain and the Royal Botanic Garden, is Australia’s oldest library, established in 1826.
In addition to being a functional library, it also houses several galleries showcasing both permanent and temporary art exhibitions.
If you’re after a few hours of quiet reading or study, the State Library is an inspiring place to visit. Plus, there’s a nearby café if you fancy a coffee.
22. Swim in an Ocean Pool
Sydney’s coastline, stretching from Palm Beach in the north to Cronulla in the south, is dotted with a surprising number of ocean and rock pools.
Nearly all of Sydney’s major beaches feature one or more of these man-made ocean pools, some of which hold significant heritage value.
Read our guide on ocean pools in Sydney with a complete list of pools along the Sydney coastline.
23. Explore the Paddington Reservoir Gardens
The Paddington Reservoir Gardens is a state heritage-listed site tucked away in the trendy suburb of Paddington.
These gardens incorporate the former Paddington Reservoir, which was part of Sydney’s third water supply system in the 19th century.
Opened in 2009 in its current form, the site is now an intriguing blend of the reservoir’s original foundations, boardwalks, and garden beds built in and around it.
Read our guide with hidden gems in Sydney for more of these unique places to visit in Sydney.
24. Swim at Barangaroo Reserve
Did you know there’s a public swimming pool at Barangaroo Reserve? Opened in 2023, the new swimming enclosure at Marrinawi Cove has been a welcome addition to Sydney Harbour.
The enclosure features safety netting around the swimming area, along with railings, signage, and shower and toilet facilities.
Read our Barangaroo Reserve article to learn more about this unique area so close to the Sydney CBD.
25. Explore the Royal National Park
Established in 1879, the Royal National Park is Australia’s first and the world’s second national park.
Located just south of Sydney, the park offers a variety of walking trails, lookouts, waterfalls, and beaches. All free to explore, however, there is a small fee for parking within the park’s boundaries.
Read our guides on walks in Royal National Park and beaches in Royal National Park to help plan your day out.
26. Visit a Weekend Market
Across Sydney, open-air markets come to life on the weekends, offering an eclectic mix of artisan goods, fresh local produce, and unique handcrafted items.
These markets reflect the city’s diverse culture and creativity, making them a great way to experience Sydney’s vibrant local scene.
Some of the most popular free weekend markets to visit:
27. Discover Sydney’s Historic Buildings
While Sydney may be a relatively young city compared to its European counterparts, it still boasts a range of historic buildings from the 19th century.
Many of these landmarks are located along Macquarie Street, including the Hyde Park Barracks, the Sydney Mint, and Parliament House. Some of these buildings are free to visit.
Read our guide on historic buildings in Sydney to plan a fun day out exploring in the Sydney CBD.
28. Visit the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park
The impressive Anzac Memorial is a heritage-listed war memorial, museum, and monument located in the southern part of Hyde Park, near Liverpool Street.
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, the Anzac Memorial is free to visit. You can also join a free one-hour tour on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays to explore the fascinating art, architecture, and history of this significant site.
29. Explore the Queen Victoria Building
First opened in the late 19th century, the heritage-listed Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, located on George Street in the heart of the CBD.
After several major renovations, the QVB has become one of Sydney’s top shopping destinations, featuring a variety of fashion boutiques, jewellery shops, and cafes.
30. Visit the Darling Square Library
The futuristic Darling Square Library spans two floors of the iconic Exchange building in the new Darling Square precinct in Haymarket.
The library provides public computers, a children’s area, free WiFi, plenty of study spaces, meeting rooms, and ample room for quiet reading or studying.
It’s a lovely spot to spend a few peaceful hours.
31. Swim at MacCallum Pool
The MacCallum Pool at Cremorne Point is a historic swimming spot where visitors can swim laps with stunning views of the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge.
The pool is free for all to enjoy, though it does close periodically for cleaning. Be sure to check the North Sydney Council website for exact opening hours.
Read our Cremorne Point Walk article with a summary of the highlights and photos of this fun walk.
32. Cycle Along the Parramatta River
Love cycling? The Parramatta Valley Cycleway is a 15 km shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians, following the Parramatta River in Sydney’s west.
The cycleway starts at Morrison Bay Park in Putney and runs along the river to Parramatta Wharf, and is completely free!
Read our guide on cycling routes in Sydney for more of these great bicycle tracks.
33. Visit the St Mary’s Cathedral
The impressive St Mary’s Cathedral, located on College Street next to Hyde Park, is the spiritual home of Sydney’s Catholic community.
Visitors are welcome to walk in for free, and free guided tours are available every Sunday at 2 pm, offering insight into the cathedral’s history and architecture.
34. Climb to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse
The heritage-listed Barrenjoey Lighthouse, built in 1881, stands 113 metres above sea level on Barrenjoey Headland.
Visiting the lighthouse is free, but you’ll need to tackle the steep Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk to reach it!
Read our guide on the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk for more details about this exciting walking trail, including photos.
35. Be Active at Centennial Park
Centennial Park, Sydney’s largest free outdoor playground in the Eastern Suburbs, spans 189 hectares of wide-open spaces dedicated to recreation and leisure.
Whether you’re going for a stroll or jog, playing football, walking the dog, or having a picnic, Centennial Park is a perfect spot to spend a few hours outdoors.
