The Traveller's Magazine
Sydney has it all: urban cityscape, mountains and rugged wilderness not far off, world-class beaches and more. There’s adventure to be had but Sydney’s chic enough if you want to take a day off from it all too. Sydney doesn’t have to cost a lot, or anything for that matter.
Seeing the city sights
Most of Sydney’s city sights can be enjoyed for free from street level. Take Harbour Bridge for example. It’s free to walk across and is one of the most recognised landmarks in Australia. Next up is Darling Harbour, the first multi-use modern complex in the city. Wander the pedestrian area and enjoy the views of the Sydney skyline and harbour.
The Sydney Opera House is a must for anyone in the city for the first time. We’re not going to try and tell you it’s free to go (because frankly, tickets for shows here are mega expensive). It is free however to wander around the exterior and admire the architecture and design from up close and afar.
Paddy’s Market is as much of a place to buy souvenirs and trinkets as it is a city sight to see. The market has been running since 1834 and hosts vendors selling everything under the sky from hand-printed t-shirts to handcrafted jewellery.
Looking for free museums? Try these:
- National Maritime Museum
- The Rocks Discovery Museum
- Art Gallery of NSW
- Customs House
- Government House
Beach bumming
How could you enjoy a holiday in Sydney without going to the beach? Practically all of them are free, including iconic Bondi. This is where all of the action is but in summer it can get pretty packed. For a look at Sydney’s more posh side, head to Tamarama Beach where some of the city’s most beautiful and most expensive houses are located.
Parks and gardens
For a bit of greenery, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens. There are 74 acres to explore here in the country’s oldest scientific institution. Sign up for a free guided tour at the information centre. In the gardens, you’ll find a mix of native and exotic plants but perhaps most interesting of all are the hundreds of fruit bats that live up in the trees. They’re giant! Arrive at the gardens at sundown to watch them fly off for the night.
Just be sure, when you’re buying your flights to Sydney that you choose the right Sydney. You wouldn’t want to experience this kind of Sydney mix up!
