There are plenty of things to do in Sydney – the capital of New South Wales, Australia – that won’t cost a cent, but still allow you to enjoy the classic Sydney experience. Check out some of our top ideas for free things to do in Sydney below. We’ve got everything from art therapy to free walking tours to whale-watching.
1. Catch the sunrise of a lifetime over Sydney Harbour
Sydney’s deep-water harbour is one of the busiest waterways in Australia. It is also visually iconic thanks to the world-renowned Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. In addition to its architectural wonders, the area around the harbour is embellished with pockets of bushland and natural beauty. Arguably, the most stunning time of day to admire the skyline is at sunset. Golden hour and dusk sees the harbour transform by the second with red, orange and pink skies, followed by the illumination of the city lights.
2. Embark on one of the Coastal Walks
The 80km walking trail between Bondi and Manly beaches is perfect for being one with nature and getting steps in. Some of the popular trails include the South Head Heritage trail, the Hermitage Foreshore Track, and the Bradleys Head Walk. The tracks, which are rich in Indigenous heritage, pass through some of the city’s most spectacular coastal and harbourside suburbs. You can even spot vistas of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Whether you take a couple of hours to explore a small section of the walk or seven days to experience the whole 80 km, there are countless highlights along the way. Our top picks? The majestic historic beauty of Vaucluse House and the significant aboriginal sites at Grotto Point.
3. Enjoy free live music at Opera Bar
Arguably the most iconic bar in Sydney, Opera Bar offers chill alfresco vibes with unparalleled views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Music lovers can indulge in the bar’s daily live music from a variety of local and internationally-known artists free of charge.
4. Spot whales from Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Looking for something out of the city? Head for a day trip to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, which stands at Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches. Built in 1881, this heritage lighthouse is just an hour’s drive from Sydney’s city centre. The iconic Sydney attraction was made famous from its feature in the television soap opera Home and Away. And it’s also ideal for whale watching! Those visiting from May to November should bring their binoculars as they might be able to get a glimpse of the gentle, majestic migrating whales.
5. Indulge in art therapy at the Art Gallery of NSW
One of the most important public galleries in Sydney, the Art Gallery of NSW was established in 1871 and exhibits fine international and Australian art in one of the most beautiful art museums in the world. In December 2022 the Art Gallery of NSW’s new Sydney Modern Wing opened to the public, almost doubling the museum’s exhibition space and connecting it by a public art garden. Modern and contemporary works are displayed in expansive, light-filled spaces. Those looking for older art can head to the splendid Grand Courts for a distinguished collection of colonial and 19th-century Australian works and European old masters. There are also dedicated galleries celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
6. Wander round Carriageworks Farmers Market
Get a glimpse of some of the best organic produce that Sydney and New South Wales have to offer at Carriageworks Farmers market every Saturday. Expect a host of Certified Organic stalls offering fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, flowers, oils, nuts as well as delicious gluten-free pastries, hearty pies and sumptuous cakes. Yum!
7. Explore Sydney on a free walking tour
There’s no better way to explore a place than with a local. Walking tours such as I’m Free and Free Tours Sydney delve into the history, culture and architecture of the city and are peppered with interesting tidbits and insights from the local guides. From the iconic spots to hidden gems, the free walking tours are a great way to discover the best of Sydney.
8. Browse street art around Newtown and Bondi Beach
Tucked on the western fringe of Sydney’s CBD, art lovers will appreciate Newtown’s stunning street art. Since the 1980s, this suburb has made its mark with its wide range of prominent graffiti. You’ll be able to admire visual art ranging from large-scale painted murals to hand-painted political slogans. If you’re still keen for more art inspiration, head to Bondi Beach. You’ll find the iconic Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall. Over the years, the wall has hosted the work of some of the best-known street artists across the globe. Featured artworks have ranged from collages, stencils, pop art, textworks, love notes and memorial portraits.
9. Take a dip at the Maccallum Harbour Ocean Pool
On the western side of Cremorne point, Maccallum Pool is a heritage 33m harbourside pool with its architectural style dating from the 1920s. Accessible by ferry from Circular Quay, you can access this pool free of charge. Plus it’s open 24 hours (expect once a week when it’s closed for cleaning). Here you can soak in the sun with the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in full view.
10. Be wowed at The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Located within the heart of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, The Calyx is defined as ‘the sepals of a flower, typically forming a whorl that encloses the petals and forms a protective layer around a flower bud’. Known as the jewel of the Royal Botanic Garden, The Calyx boasts stunning architecture. Plus, it has the largest vertical floral display in the Southern Hemisphere. A café by day and an event space by night, the Calyx is considered one of Sydney’s most unique and show-stopping venues and is a must-visit.