Looking for affordable things to do in Sydney? As a lifelong Sydney local, I’ll show you how to experience the best of Sydney for $30 or less. While Sydney is known for its luxury experiences, many of the city’s most memorable attractions – from iconic harbour pools to world-class museums – are actually free or surprisingly affordable.
This guide takes you beyond the usual expensive attractions to the places I love most in Sydney. I’ve visited every spot in this guide recently and included current prices and practical tips to help you make the most of your budget.
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Before we begin: prices mentioned were accurate as of August 2025, but check websites for the latest costs. Many places offer discounted tickets when booking online or during off-peak times.
Water Activities and Beaches
Love swimming but don’t want to spend money? Most of Sydney’s beaches and ocean pools are free – here’s where locals go for the perfect day out.
Manly
Take a 30-minute harbour ferry for less than $10. Best views are on port side leaving Circular Quay, starboard side returning.
While you are in Manly grab some fish and chips and head down to the beach for lunch, the seagulls will be happy to eat anything you can’t finish! See our Manly guide for more ideas.
Local tip: Time your return journey for sunset – the harbour light is best between 4pm and 5pm in winter, 7pm and 8pm in summer
Cost: $8.04 with Opal card
Where: Circular Quay
When: 6am to midnight (first ferry 6:20am from Manly, last ferry 11:45pm from Circular Quay)
Wylie’s Baths
An ocean pool carved into the cliffs at Coogee, Wylie’s Baths opened in 1907. The wooden decks are perfect for sunbathing, and the views stretch along the coastline to Wedding Cake Island.
Women travelling alone should also check out McIver’s Ladies Baths next door – it’s the last women’s-only seawater pool in Australia. Both pools have changing facilities and hot showers.
Local tip: Come at sunrise – the morning light on the water is beautiful, and you might spot dolphins playing in the bay
Cost: $8
Where: Neptune Street, Coogee
When: 7am to 7pm in summer, 7am to 5pm in winter
Nielsen Park (Shark Beach)
This newly renovated harbour beach is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. Surrounded by Sydney Harbour National Park, it’s perfect for families wanting calm waters and plenty of shade from the huge fig trees.
The historic Nielsen Park Kiosk and beach house has just reopened after a major renovation, serving coffee and meals with harbour views. Order a smashed avo on toast or pack a picnic – there are plenty of tables under the trees.
Local tip: Walk the Hermitage Foreshore track before or after your swim – it offers some of Sydney’s best harbour views
Cost: Free (parking fees apply)
Where: Vaucluse Road, Vaucluse
Opening hours: Park open daily sunrise to sunset
Bundeena Ferry
One of Sydney’s last wooden ferry services takes you across Port Hacking to the artist community of Bundeena. The 20-minute trip offers views of Royal National Park’s sandstone cliffs and often includes dolphin sightings. A ride on this small ferry feels like stepping back in time.
The ferry drops you at Bundeena where you can explore Aboriginal rock art sites, visit local artists’ studios (open first Sunday of each month), or start the Royal National Park coastal track.
Local tip: Sit on the right side leaving Cronulla for the best views of the cliffs
Cost: $8.50 each way
Where: Cronulla Public Wharf, Tonkin Street
When: Hourly services from 7am to 7pm (weather dependent)
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Sydney’s best known coastal walk winds past five beaches and four ocean pools along 6km of dramatic sandstone cliffs. You’ll pass Bondi, Tamarama (nicknamed ‘Glamarama’ by locals), Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee beaches.
Each beach has its own character – stop at Bronte for a swim in the historic ocean pool, or grab a coffee at the beachside cafes. The walk takes about 2 hours without stops, but allow longer to enjoy the beaches.
Local tip: Start at Coogee end early morning to avoid tour groups who typically start at Bondi. The Federation Cliff Walk from Dover Heights to Watsons Bay makes a great alternative if you want to escape the crowds.
Cost: Free
Where: Start at either Bondi or Coogee Beach
Time: Allow 2-3 hours with stops
Cultural Experiences
Discover Sydney’s best free museums and art galleries, where industrial buildings and heritage mansions have been transformed into world-class cultural spaces. From contemporary Chinese art in a former sock factory to Aboriginal exhibits in historic sandstone buildings, here’s where to experience Sydney’s rich culture without spending a cent.
White Rabbit Gallery
Housed in a converted knitting factory, this four-story gallery showcases one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary Chinese art. The collection changes twice yearly closing briefly as it does.
The basement level teahouse offers a selection of Chinese and Taiwanese teas along with handmade dumplings. Take the free guided tour at 11am, 1pm or 3pm to learn the stories behind the artworks.
Local tip: After your visit, explore the laneways around Spice Alley for some of Sydney’s best Asian street food.
Cost: Free
Where: 30 Balfour St, Chippendale
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 10am-5pm (closed for peiods between exhibitions)
Art Gallery of NSW Indigenous Tour
Free guided tours showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collections are available daily at 11am. The gallery sits in a beautiful spot overlooking Woolloomooloo Bay. Pack a picnic to enjoy at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.
Local tip: The Wednesday evening Art After Hours program includes free talks, music and films. Come early to get a spot.
Cost: Free
Where: Art Gallery Road, Sydney
When: 10am to 5pm daily (Wednesdays until 9pm)
The Rocks Discovery Museum
Hidden in a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse, this small but fascinating museum brings The Rocks’ history to life. Four floors of interactive exhibits trace the area’s journey from Aboriginal settlement to colonial times to the present day.
The museum is particularly good with kids – they can handle old artifacts, and use touch screens to explore stories of convicts, sailors and local characters who once called The Rocks home. Don’t miss the archaeological collection showing items uncovered during local digs.
Local tip: Visit on weekends when The Rocks Markets are on to combine both experiences
Cost: Free
Where: Kendall Lane, The Rocks
When: 10am to 5pm daily (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day)
Barangaroo Aboriginal Cultural Tour
The Aboriginal Cultural Tour shares stories of the Gadigal people and teaches visitors about native plants used for food and medicine. Book ahead as these sell out. Learn about native plants and Indigenous heritage in Sydney’s newest harbourfront park.
Local tip: Pack your swimmers – there’s a harbourside swimming spot at Marrinawi Cove. The sunsets here are spectacular, especially from Stargazer Lawn.
Cost: From $22-36
Where: Barangaroo Reserve
When: Tour times vary, Reserve open 24/7
State Library of NSW
Australia’s oldest library is worth visiting even if you don’t usually have libraries on your to do list. The Mitchell Reading Room’s soaring ceilings and glass dome make it one of Sydney’s most beautiful spaces.
The library hosts excellent free exhibitions that change regularly, often featuring rare books and historical documents from their collection.
Don’t miss the paintings in the Picture Gallery – it houses some of Australia’s most significant colonial artworks. The rooftop cafe offers good coffee with views over the Domain.
Local tip: Head up to the roof for drinks and nibbles at Library Bar or take a wander along Macquarie Street and check out more of the historic buildings.
Cost: Free
Where: Macquarie Street, Sydney
When: Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm, Friday 9am to 5pm, Weekends 10am to 5pm
City Views
From free clifftop vantage points to historic landmarks, Sydney offers incredible views at every budget. I’ll share my favorite spots to photograph the harbour – including both hidden local lookouts and the paid viewpoints that are genuinely worth your money.
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
This heritage viewing point combines Sydney’s colonial history with postcard worthy views. The sandstone bench, carved by convicts in 1810 for the Governor’s wife, sits at the tip of a peninsula jutting into the harbour. Elizabeth Macquarie is said to have sat here longing for home and looking out to sea for boats bringing new life to the colony.
Mrs Macquarie’s point is part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, with a network of paths leading to the chair. Information panels detail the site’s significance to both Aboriginal and colonial history.
Local tip: Morning light illuminates the Opera House’s sails perfectly, while after-dark views capture the city’s reflection in the harbour.
Where: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
When: 24 hours
Getting there: Walk from Circular Quay through the Botanic Gardens, or from the Art Gallery of NSW.
Pylon Lookout
For those seeking harbour views without the Bridge Climb price tag, the southeastern Pylon offers an equally impressive perspective. The 87-meter climb reveals how this massive structure transformed Sydney.
Three museum levels detail the bridge’s construction through photographs, videos, and artifacts. Workers’ stories bring to life the eight-year build that employed 1,400 people and used six million rivets. The open-air viewing platform provides clear views over Circular Quay, the eastern suburbs, and down the harbour.
Access: This site is not accessible and there are 200 stairs split across a few levels to reach the lookout
Cost: $29.95 adult $15 for kids
Where: Bridge Stairs, Cumberland Street, The Rocks
When: 10am to 5pm daily (closed Christmas Day)
Observatory Hill
This historic hilltop offers a different perspective of Sydney, with sweeping views of the Harbour Bridge’s western face and Barangaroo. The grassy slopes make an ideal picnic spot, while the heritage-listed Observatory building adds character to the summit.
It’s perfectly positioned for a rest stop before or after walking across the Harbour Bridge, or as part of a historic pub crawl through The Rocks.
Local tip: photographers gather here at sunset to capture unique angles of the bridge away from the usual tourist spots.
Cost: Free (park access), Observatory museum $10
Where: Upper Fort Street, Millers Point
When: Park open 24/7, Observatory hours vary
Sydney Tower Eye
Sydney’s tallest viewing point offers 360-degree views stretching from the Blue Mountains to the Eastern beaches. The observation deck features interactive displays helping you identify landmarks across the city.
Morning visits will likely mean shorter queues, but arrive just before sunset and watch the city transform from day to night. Skip cloudy days or rainly when visibility is limited – this experience is all about the view.
Local tip: Book online for better rates, and look for combo tickets if you’re planning to visit other attractions like the Aquarium or Wildlife Zoo.
Cost: $28 online advance booking
Where: Level 5, Westfield Sydney, 100 Market St
When: Daily 10am to 9pm (last entry 8:30pm)
Hornby Lighthouse
This heritage walk packs significant Australian history and spectacular views into an easy stroll. The track begins at Watsons Bay, passing Camp Cove – the first landing place of the First Fleet before they moved on to Sydney Cove. The beach is popular with locals who prefer its calmer waters to the ocean beaches.
The path winds past Lady Bay Beach (officially clothing optional, so don’t be surprised by nude swimmers if you venture down the stairs to the sand), Once you reach the distinctive red and white striped lighthouse you’ll get a true sense of Sydney Harbour’s massive entrance, with views stretching across to North Head and out to the ocean.
Local tip: This is one of the best spots to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Boxing Day
Cost: Free
Where: South Head Heritage Trail, Watsons Bay
When: National Park open sunrise to sunset
Getting there: Ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay, or bus 324 from City
Historic Sites
Most visitors walk right past Sydney’s best historic buildings without realising what they’re missing. Forget stuffy guided tours – these places now let you really explore, from convict cells to grand Victorian mansions.
Hyde Park Barracks
If you’ve walked past this large sandstone box like building and wondered what’s inside, now’s the time to find out. In recent years they completed a $20 million renovation and it’s brilliant – nothing like the stuffy old museum it used to be. Pop on the headphones they give you and you’ll hear convicts’ voices telling their stories as you walk around.
The best bit? The ‘rat’s nest’ collection. Turns out Sydney’s rats were busy stealing and stashing things in the walls for 200 years, creating a treasure trove of everyday items from colonial Sydney. You can try lying in a convict hammock too – imagine that was your place to rest after 8 hours hard labour!
Local tip: The gift shop here has some unique souviners and an excellent range of children’s books on Sydney.
Cost: Free
Where: Queens Square, Macquarie Street
When: Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Elizabeth Farm
This is the house that started it all – built in 1793 and still standing. What makes it different from other historic houses? You can actually touch things here. Sit in the chairs, open the drawers, and wander through at your own pace. The wrap-around verandah changed Australian architecture forever – everyone copied it once they saw how well it worked in the heat.
The gardeners have done an amazing job keeping the colonial plants alive, including some varieties you won’t find anywhere else in Sydney. The cafe does a proper morning tea if you’re feeling fancy.
Local tip: Come between September and November to see (and smell) the heritage roses in bloom. Bring a camera – the morning light is perfect for photos.
Cost: Free
Where: 70 Alice Street, Rosehill
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Vaucluse House
One of Sydney’s best historic homes, and the volunteers make all the difference. They’ll walk with you through the rooms, sharing stories about the Wentworth family who lived here and pointing out easy-to-miss details. The kitchen is particularly good – all the original copper pots and cooking equipment are still there.
The gardens are worth a good wander too. Walk down to the beach or check out the working kitchen garden where they still grow heritage vegetables. If you’re peckish, the tearoom in the old stables does a great Devonshire tea.
Local tip: Chat to the volunteers – they know fascinating stories about the house and family that you won’t find in the guidebooks
Cost: Free
Where: Wentworth Road, Vaucluse – Take the 325 bus
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Susannah Place Museum
Want to see how regular Sydneysiders really lived? These four terrace houses tell the story of working families in The Rocks from 1844 to 1990. Each room shows a different era – from gas lighting to the first electric appliances. The old corner shop is still set up, complete with original shelving and 1950s products.
What I enjoyed most was the stories about the families who lived here. They apparently have really detailed records that have helped them keep the musuem as realistic as possible to the time.
Local tip: Book your tour time in advance – groups are limited to 8 people.
Where: 58-64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks
When: Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Q Station
Sydney’s former quarantine station offers affordable self-guided history walks through 150 years of maritime quarantine. Over a million migrants passed through here between 1835 and 1984, and many of their stories are preserved in the buildings and exhibits.
The site stretches across North Head with stunning harbour views. Look for inscriptions carved into the sandstone by past ‘inmates’, and check out the original hospital wards and shower blocks. Not all areas are haunted, despite what the ghost tour marketing suggests!
Local tip: Take the free shuttle from the entrance to the wharf precinct – it’s a long walk otherwise, and you’ll want your energy for exploring
Cost: Self-guided history walk $25
Where: 1 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm (last entry 3:30pm)
Parks and Gardens
There’s more to Sydney’s green spaces than the main tourist spots. Let me show you my favorite peaceful gardens and waterfront parks – places where you can escape the crowds and enjoy harbor views.
Royal Botanic Garden
Ok so this one is not a secret! These gardens have been here since 1816, making them Australia’s oldest scientific institution. The views of the harbour are unbeatable, but the real treasures are the hidden paths and secret gardens that most visitors miss.
Join the free guided walk at 10:30am – the volunteers know exactly which plants are flowering and where to spot the resident water dragons. The succulent garden and oriental garden are particularly peaceful spots for a break.
Local tip: Enter through the gate near the State Library, then follow the path around Farm Cove for the best harbour views
Cost: Free
Where: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
When: Garden open daily 7am to sunset, guided walk 10:30am daily
Wendy’s Secret Garden
Australian Artist Brett Whiteley’s widow turned this old railway land into something special. Wendy started planting here in 1992 after he passed away, and locals still find new paths and spots they’ve never seen before. The harbour views from here are fantastic, especially when the jacarandas are blooming.
Take the steps down from Clark Park – you’ll know you’re in the right place when you spot the first sculptures peeking through the plants.
Local tip: Look for the bronze plaque telling Wendy’s story, and bring your morning coffee – there are plenty of quiet benches
Cost: Free
Where: Lavender Bay (enter via Clark Park)
When: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Chinese Garden of Friendship
Right in the middle of the city, but you’d never know it once you’re inside. The waterfalls drown out the traffic noise, and there’s always a quiet spot to sit, even when Darling Harbour is packed.
Each section has been carefully designed to work with the others – the higher you climb, the more connections you notice.
Local tip: The teahouse does great dumplings, and you can feed the koi fish – buy the special food at the entrance.
Cost: $12 adult
Where: Pier Street, Darling Harbour
When: Daily 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm)
Paddington Reservoir Gardens
Built as a water reservoir in 1866, this sunken garden space is barely visible from the street. The original brick archways and iron columns of the waterworks remain, now wrapped in vines and surrounded by gardens.
The elevated walkway offers a view of the whole space, while the lower chamber garden provides shade on summer days. Interpretive signs explain the site’s journey from water storage to petrol station to award-winning garden.
Local tip: The morning light through the eastern arches makes great photos, especially on foggy mornings.
Cost: Free
Where: 251-255 Oxford Street, Paddington
When: 7am to 7pm daily
Cremorne Point Reserve
A 3km harbourside walk with clear views of the Opera House. The Cremorne point loop takes you past heritage mansions, pretty bushland and the art deco MacCallum Pool, (free to use).
One of the key features of the walk is the Lex and Ruby Graham Garden. It was created from a single elephant’s ear bulb that Lex found while fishing. Today this volunteer-maintained garden features native plants and secret paths. Look for the handpainted signs and mosaics as you explore. The garden is a much-loved community space, with harbour views.
Local tip: Take the path behind Cremorne Point Wharf – you’ll find Lex and Ruby’s Garden just past the apartment buildings.
Cost: Free
Where: Cremorne Point (ferry from Circular Quay)
When: Reserve open 24/7, MacCallum Pool 6am to 7pm
Food & Markets
Sydney’s food scene isn’t all about fancy restaurants. Some of our best eating spots are hidden in heritage buildings or tucked away in local markets. Here’s where to find authentic Australian flavours and fresh local produce without spending a fortune.
Carriageworks Farmers Market
Housed in a restored 1880s railway workshop, this Saturday market is where Sydney’s top chefs shop for ingredients.
Unlike tourist markets, this is a proper farmers’ market with seasonal produce, artisan bread, and some of Sydney’s best coffee. The heritage industrial setting makes a great backdrop for photos.
Local tip: Come at 8am opening for the best produce, or around noon when some stallholders offer discounts
Cost: Free entry
Where: 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
When: Saturdays 8am to 1pm
Flour and Stone
This Woolloomooloo bakery has earned a cult following for their lamingtons – a traditional Australian cake that’s anything but traditional here. Their version soaks the sponge in panna cotta before coating it in chocolate and coconut. Worth every cent of the $12.50 price tag.
Local tip: Arrive early for lamingtons to avoid disappointment – they often sell out by mid-morning
Cost: Lamingtons $12.50, most pastries around $10
Where: 43 Riley Street, Woolloomooloo – a short walk from St Mary’s Cathedral
When: Tuesday to Sunday 7am to 3pm
Sydney Fish Market
The largest working fish market in the Southern Hemisphere is worth visiting even if you’re not buying seafood. Watch the morning auctions (starts 5:30am), grab some sushi for breakfast, or join the locals having fish and chips by the water.
Local tip: The $15 sashimi plates from the smaller vendors are often better value than the big shops
Cost: Free entry, seafood from $10
Where: Corner Pyrmont Bridge Road & Bank Street, Pyrmont
When: Daily 7am to 4pm (retailers), auctions from 5:30am
Spice Alley
Hidden behind Kensington Street, this laneway of hawker-style eateries serves some of Sydney’s best Asian street food. Order from different vendors and share a table under the red lanterns. Most meals are under $15.
Local tip: The Malaysian laksa at Alex Lee Kitchen is the closest you’ll get to Kuala Lumpur without leaving Sydney
Cost: Most dishes $10-15
Where: Kensington Street, Chippendale
When: Daily 11am to 9pm
Chinatown Night Market
Every Friday, Dixon Street transforms into a bustling food market. Follow your nose to find Korean fried chicken, fresh dumplings, and Thai desserts. The atmosphere is lively with lanterns overhead and buskers performing.
Local tip: Try the Emperor’s Puffs from the corner shop – these $1 custard balls always have a queue for good reason
Cost: Most dishes $8-15
Where: Dixon Street, Haymarket
When: Fridays 4pm to 11pm
Experience Sydney Your Way
Most of these spots are within walking distance of public transport and many connect via coastal or harbour walks. Don’t be afraid of riding Sydney’s buses and trains – public transport is the cheapest way to explore Sydney.
Remember Sydney’s weather is generally good year-round, so outdoor activities work in any season. Just avoid outdoor attractions during heavy rain and choose something off this list instead.
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Feature image: view from South Head, Credit: Destination NSW
