Australia can be one of the world’s more expensive vacation destinations, but you don’t have to break the bank to take a trip Down Under. The city of Sydney is filled with budget-friendly options for travelers. Here are six free things you can do on your next trip to Sydney.
Eastern Beaches Coastal Walk
Australia has long been beloved for its shores, whether you’re into surfing or scuba diving. Get a look at these pristine waters with a seaside stroll along the Eastern Beaches Coastal Walk, which stretches along the cliffs between Bondi and Coogee. Views, parks, beaches and rock pools are all waiting for you.
Walking tour
Explore Sydney’s top sights with a free guided walking tour through the city, courtesy of I’m Free Walking Tours. Two daily tours take you along iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower, Circular Quay and Town Hall on a three-hour walk. A free evening tour delves deep into past mysteries and crimes of The Rocks, where the first Europeans settled in Australia.
Royal Botanic Gardens
The gorgeously lush Royal Botanic Gardens are free to enjoy, so grab a picnic lunch and stake out your own slice of this 74-acre garden. Free guided tours are available, or you can appreciate the exotic plants and blooming flowers at your own leisure.
Walk the Harbour Bridge
While you could climb this iconic bridge for a hefty fee, budget-conscious travelers are much happier to stroll across the Sydney Harbour Bridge for free. The bridge offers sweeping views of Sydney and the Opera House, so bring a camera.
National Maritime Museum
Explore Australia’s watery past at the National Maritime Museum, which offers free admission. Exhibits cover everything from the country’s indigenous history to its European settlers, and you’ll also find the largest museum fleet of historic vessels here.
Art Gallery of NSW
The impressive Art Gallery of NSW includes a vast range of works, including European modernist pieces by Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet. Australian artists – both historic and contemporary – are well represented, and you can also drop in on a guided tour, art discussion or film screening while visiting the gallery.
(Main image: apdk)
