22 free fun things in Sydney, Australia

For many travellers visiting Australia, Sydney is likely to be the first stop, and for good reason. Fun, vibrant, iconic, and dazzling, the city boasts a stunning skyline, an instantly recognisable harbour, fascinating museums, and buzzing beaches, it has it all. Sydney is, however, also notorious for being an expensive city. Fortunately, there are plenty of free fun things in Sydney to keep you more than occupied. I visited Sydney as my first stop on a three week Sydney to Cairns trip.

Iconic landmarks and views – free fun things in Sydney

Take a free walking tour – free fun things in Sydney

The best way to start a trip to any new city is take a walking tour. It is a great introduction to somewhere, and a chance to get your bearings. Taking a free walking tour is a great option, as they always seem to be run by passionate, knowledgeable people. The perfect for the first free fun things in Sydney to check off your list.

While technically they are free, the guides work purely for tips, therefore make sure to leave what you think they are worth at the end. I took two walking tours in Sydney, both with I’m Free. I spent the first morning learning about the city centre of Sydney, and then an evening tour of the historical Rocks Area.

Wander around the Sydney Opera House

Really this spot needs no introduction. Once of the most recognisable buildings in the world, and an absolute ‘pinch me‘ moment when you see it for the first time. It sits on it’s own little piece of land, jutting out into the sea and surrounded on three sides. It is also actually three separate structures, which might surprise you!

You can walk right up to the Sydney Opera House, and wander around the outside, as well as the public areas inside. It is also a great spot to people watch – more than likely you might catch a proposal or a wedding shoot. It has to be included in a post about the best free fun things in Sydney.

Catch Sunset at Circular Quay

Circular Quay is one of the best places in the city to watch the sunset. Purely for the fact that the buildings, and views, are so iconic. Watching the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge bathed in golden light will be one of the highlights of your trip. As the sun dips, it reflects off the water, creating a shimmering wonder.

The buzz and the atmosphere at this time of the day is really special. And, while it isn’t free, having a sunset drink at the Opera Bar is a must do.

Mrs Macquarie’s chair viewpoint

While exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens, be sure to walk to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for one of the most stunning views across Sydney Harbour. Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of then-governor Major-General Lachlan Macquarie, would reportedly sit at this spot to watch the ships as they sailed in and out of the harbour. The “chair” itself is actually a sandstone rock seat, hand-carved by convicts in 1810, adding a unique historical touch to this scenic viewpoint.

Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge

When it comes to free fun things to do in Sydney, taking in the city from one of it’s most famous structures is a must. You can choose to do the popular bridge climb, but this is hella expensive, we are talking hundreds of dollars. The alternative option os walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and this is free and with, arguably, better views given the angles.

You can start this walk from either side. From the Rocks, begin near Cumberland Street and find the staircase that takes you up to the pedestrian pathway on the bridge’s eastern side. From Milsons Point head towards Broughton Street near Milsons Point Station.

Take your time walking across to admire the Harbour, the Opera House, watch the ferries coming and going, as well as all the other traffic in the Harbour.

Enjoy the view from Observatory Hill

Observatory Hill is a great place to see alternative views of, you guessed it, the Harbour Bridge. It is perfect in the day, and a great place to enjoy a picnic and take photos. But it is equally as interesting as at night, and of course a wonderful spot for sunset.

It is also a historic spot, with the Observatory built there in 1850. This is also free to have a look around, and if you are really interested they do offered paid tours.

Explore the Rocks

The oldest part of the city, the Rocks is a neighbourhood of historic laneways, located close to Circular Quay. It is here that the first convicts who arrived in the city built houses and amenities. Nowadays is has become a hub for trendy restaurants and bars, small museums and boutique stores.

You can also find some of the oldest buildings in the city here. Look out for Cadman’s Cottage, built in 1816, the oldest surviving residential building in Sydney.

Walks and hikes – free fun things in Sydney

Walk through the Botanical Gardens

These gardens are stunning and a fabulous oasis in the middle of a busy city. Come here to escape and relax. The Botanical Gardens cover an area of over 30 hectares, so there is lots to explore. If you want to make a day of it, bring a picnic and relax on one of the many lawns – just watch out for the infamous bin chickens.

Don’t miss the Rose Garden and Pavilion, the Calyx, and the Flower Bed Lawn. As well as, of course, the views of the Harbour again.

Walk through Hyde Park

This is Australia’s oldest park, and named after it’s London counterpart. A 16 hectare space in Sydney’s CBD. It contains the ANZAC Memorial building and visitor centre, the pool of reflection and numerous monuments and statues. As well as approximately 580 mature trees, both exotic and native species, including the historic row of Hill’s Figs that line the main pedestrian walkway stretching from Macquarie Street to the ANZAC Memorial.

Bondi to Coogee Walk

Probably the most famous walk you can do in Sydney is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk. Starting at the world famous Bondi Beach, going past the Bondi Iceberg and then along a path that hugs the beautiful and stunning coastline. Along the way you will pass Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly Beach and finally Coogee Beach.

It will take approximately 2 hours, if you stop briefly at each place. However, if you wanted to make a day of it pack a picnic and enjoy a swim at each of the locations.

Rose Bay to Watson Bay Hike

If you have more time and want a longer walk, then the Rose Bay to Watson Bay hike is for you. It is 8KM long, and should take around 4.5 hours to complete. It has absolutely stunning views along the way, and will make you forget you are in the middle of one of the worlds most popular cities.

To get there, take a ferry from Circular Quay to Rose Bay. Once at Rose Bay, head to Rose Bay Beach and walk along to begin. Leave the beach via the public steps at Dumaresque Reserve, and make your way towards Hermitage Foreshore Reserve. Here the walk begins and the scenery begins to change. The hike takes you through Nielsen Park, Parsley Bay Reserve before arriving at Watson Bay. If you are short on time, you can choose to just to sections of the walk.

Spit to Manly walk

The final popular walk you can choose to do when looking for free fun things to do in Sydney is the Spit to Manly walk. Around 10KM in length, it will take between 3 and 5 hours to complete. It is known for its stunning natural scenery and varied landscapes, taking you through some of Sydney’s most beautiful coastal bushland, hidden beaches, and lookout points.

It is slightly less popular than the Bondi to Coogee walk, so should be a little quieter. To begin, catch the ferry to Manly from Circular Quay. While this is an expense, the views from the ferry are worth it – many people catch the ferry just for this alone!

Beaches – free fun things in Sydney

Chill on Bondi Beach

Sydney has plenty of beaches to relax on, Manly, Coogee, the list goes on. But Bondi Beach is definitely the most famous, in the city and in Australia. It has been affectionally known as the ‘Bondi Bubble’, and has a very different feels from the rest of the city. It is more than just a beach, so make a day of it and find an entire village of restaurants, cafes and shops. As well as the famous Icebergs, and for those who have watched Bondi Rescue, a chance to see the lifeguard station.

Find the wormhole at Manly Beach

Head to Manly to see the beach, and soak up the atmosphere in this lovely suburb of the city. When you are there make sure to discover the Manly Wormhole. Walk towards the Queenscliff Rockpool, pass between the pool and the cliff and up some steps to the rocks. Climb over the rocks until you see the red heart painted on the rock. Turn the corner and walk through the wormhole!

It is thought to have been constructed by fisherman in the early 1900’s. From both ends you can have fun views of the beautiful blue sea appearing.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment – free fun things in Sydney

Explore history and culture in Sydney’s Museums

There are 15 free museums in Sydney, and each one is worth spending some time in. So whatever your interest is, there will be a museum for you. If you are an art lover make sure not to miss the Museum of Contemporary Art, which has more than 4000 works of art by Australian and international artists. Afterwards check out the important Art Gallery of NSW. It is a mix of Australian, Asian and European art spread over 5 floors.

If you want to find out more about the history of Sydney then don’t miss the Hyde Park Barracks Museum. This interactive museum tells the story of the lives of convicts, immigrants, and asylum seekers who passed through the building, how they lived, how the city grew and how the barracks developed.

Other free museums include The Rocks Museum, the Mint, and the Australian History Museum.

Browse the weekend markets

At the weekend there are plenty of markets that appear over the city, all of which are an excellent free fun thing in Sydney to check out. One of the most well known is the Rocks Market, which runs every Saturday and Sunday. Stalls packed full of locally designed fashion & jewellery, unique arts & homewares, gourmet street food & handmade sweets. There are also plenty of street food options, which you can eat under the Harbour Bridge.

Others include the Glebe Market and Kirribilli’s Art, Design & Fashion Market. Glebe Market is held in the grounds of Glebe Public School, has a fantastic vibe with a sprawling lawn, live music, and plenty of delicious food—making it a local favourite for good reason. Kirribilli’s Art, Design & Fashion Market is only held every second weekend, but is worth checking out for its unique finds and location. Set just across the bridge, it offers picture-perfect views of the Harbour Bridge’s north pylons, creating an ideal backdrop for browsing stalls filled with one-of-a-kind gifts. Just be sure to double-check the dates before hopping on the train!

Catch the Darling Harbour fireworks

Every Saturday evening there is a very impressive firework display over Darling Harbour. You won’t believe this is one of the free fun things in Sydney – the fireworks are so good! Head down and find somewhere to sit on Cockle’s Wharf or along the harbour. If you are feeling more flush, then there are plenty of restaurants where you can have a meal while you watch the display. However, these get incredibly busy so make sure to get there early. The time of the fireworks changes through the year, depending on sunset so be sure to check the time for the month you want to see them.

Listen to buskers at Circular Quay

Circular Quay is one of the best places in the city just to while away some time and soak up the atmosphere. One of the reasons for this is the amount of buskers who choose to play in this spot. Every time you head down to this part of the city you are going to be sure to find someone different playing something different. Because of this you are going to want to visit more than once, making it the perfect free fun thing to do in Sydney.

Admire the architecture in Queen Victoria Building

This beautiful building was completed in 1898, and the architecture hasn’t changed since. As a result of this, you are going to feel like you have stepped back in time when you visit. The boutique shops and cafes that occupy the space aren’t the cheapest, so while you might not stop to shop it is worth going in to admire the building.

Known as the QVB by locals (everything in Australia needs to be shortened), it was named to honour the monarchs diamond jubilee. It was saved from demolition by public outcry and resorted in 1980, so add it to your list of free fun things in Sydney!

Check out the cathedrals

Sydney has two cathedrals that you can visit for free and admire the buildings. St Andrew’s is the oldest in the city, but St Mary’s is the largest. St Andrew’s has an intricate stained glass window, and a beautifully carved sandstone exterior. It’s known for its rich history, with connections to early colonial Sydney. St Mary’s was actually only finished in 2000, when they finally added the spire to it in time for the Olympics to be held in the city.

Find the once tallest building in Sydney

When you actually see St James’s Church you may find it hard to believe it was once the tallest building in the city, as it sits dwarfed by the sky rises that now surround it. It was built between 1819 and 1824 and is the oldest church building in Sydney. It was commissioned by Governor Macquarie, who initially intended it to serve as a courthouse for the growing Sydney settlement. However, he was overruled and instructed to convert it into a church instead. You can see this change in purpose reflected in the building’s architectural style.

Discover history at the Big Dig – free fun things in Sydney

When I say to go and visit a YHA hostel to marvel at a historical architectural dig, you might think that it was a joke. However, remarkably, it is not! This area of the Rocks was covered by a car park until 1994, when archaeologists began a dig. It contains remains from the late 18th century, and can be found between Cumberland and Gloucester Streets.

The Big Dig has revealed the foundations of more than 30 homes and shops, some dating back to around 1795, as well as over 750,000 artefacts. This archaeological site offers a rare glimpse into Sydney’s early urban life.

Family fun – free fun things in Sydney

Luna Theme Park – free fun things in Sydney

On the Northern Shore of Sydney, just under the foot of the Harbour Bridge is the nostalgic Luna Theme Park. It’s instantly recognisable entrance of a smiling face welcomes people in. It is free to enter and have a wander around, but you do have to pay for the rides once inside.

Bonus – drinks with a view! Free fun things in Sydney

Ok, so this one isn’t technically free BUT hear me out. One of the most famous views from on high is the Sydney Tower Eye. However, this costs $40 to enter. If you head to Westfield Tower instead you can head up to Bar 83 for incredibly similar views! And the best news is, this is free. Technically you have to spend at least $30 while you are up there, but either way it is cheaper. Depending on the way you look at it, either the view or the drinks are free…

---

Where to stay in Sydney:

There are numerous options of where to stay in Sydney and you really can’t go wrong. The city is incredibly well connected, and the public transport easy to understand For this part of the trip, I would recommend staying near the CBD or the Rocks, to allow you to make the most of exploring those areas.

Check out:

• Hostelworld for budget options
• Booking.com for hotels

---

If you liked this post on free fun things in Sydney, please pin it for later!