Living in Sydney is no cheap feat, but it also happens to be an outdoors city, making it a playground for surfers, hikers, and anyone who enjoys nature. The city is also home to several museums, and if you know the right time to go, you can get in for free.
After all, the best things in life are free, so here are six things you can do in Sydney without breaking the budget.
Attend a gig in a fridge
Usually, attending a music festival or performance would cost a pretty penny, but this exclusive gig in a fridge is completely free. As you might imagine, there’s a catch, which is you have to win a ticket, but we will tell you how. BWS is hosting a Client Liaison gig inside a literal cool room. Think music festival, except on a smaller scale. It’s also the world’s second-ever music performance in a big fridge (after Melbourne, of course). To enter, you will need to create a BWS account. Once you’ve done that, click this link and pop in your details. Good luck!
Beaches
There are more than 100 beaches lining the coast, from Bondi to The Entrance on the Central Coast. Even if you don’t want to drive two hours to Toukley, you can soak up the sun on Bondi Beach, or snorkel at a secret beach such as Milk Beach in Vaucluse, or Chinamans Beach in Mosman. Ride the waves at Sydney’s top surf beaches, including Cronulla, Manly, Palm Beach, Curl Curl, and Narrabeen.
National Parks
Get lost in a leafy lush parkland that is less than an hour drive from the city centre. The Royal National Park is a majestic playground boasting beaches, lookouts, rivers and wildlife. Head to the Blue Mountains to chase waterfalls, find quaint mountain towns, and jaw-dropping views. A few other national parks include Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast, Sydney Harbour National Park, a great option for views of the city and waterways, and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Walking Trails
Whether you want to go on a quick walk by the beach or a five-hour hike up a mountain, there are plenty of walking trails. Awe at the million-dollar mansions on the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, or lace up your walking shoes for a four hike from Manly to Spit. Bradleys Head Chowder Bay starts with a view of the Harbour Bridge and ends at a secret beach. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk is always a showstopper, with a view at the top, and Bondi to Coogee winds around the coast, offering ocean views the entire way around.
Museums and Attractions
Gawk at a Monet, or enjoy a bit of culture at the Museum Of Contemporary Art Australia and the Art Gallery of NSW, which offer free entry. You can also get into the Powerhouse Museum for free, as well as some parts of the Australian National Maritime Museum. If you want to climb aboard a ship, you need to buy a ticket. You can visit Cockatoo Island for the cost of a ferry ticket, and you can enter the grounds of the Sydney Observatory to view the museum for free.
Markets
Visiting a market is free, but we take no responsibility for how much you spend at the market. Still, perusing through your local market is always a great way to see what’s out there, to find the best pastries and sourdough, and maybe something unique to add to your homewares. The Rocks Markets boasts stalls by talented artists selling fashion, jewellery, textiles, art, and more. On Saturdays, hit the Glebe Markets, Balmain Markets, or Rozelle Collectors markets to find some treasures. Manly also has markets by the beach which are worth a browse. If you’re a foodie, the Sydney Fish Market is a must-do and Carriageworks Farmers Market in Redfern is where you will find fresh pie, bread, vegetables, and other tasty treats.
Picnics
Shake out a rug, pack up a wicker basket with cheese, fruits, and snacks, for a picnic on one of Sydney’s best picnic spots. Picnics are a great way to spend time with family and friends and is cost-effective too. There are plenty of spots to set up camp, including Bradley’s Head Amphitheatre in Mosman, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Observatory Hill in Millers Point. Blues Point Reserve in McMahons Point has views of the Sydney Harbour, as does Cremorne Reserve, and Dudley Page Reserve.
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