It might surprise you to hear there is no shortage of amazing free things to do in Sydney. Sydney has a reputation of being an expensive place to visit. And it can be. So we created this list to help you discover free things in Sydney that will help the budget stretch a little further, perhaps so you can splurge on a room with a view!

This list includes spectacular lookouts, popular attractions, and unique activities you can experience without spending a cent.

I spent over a decade working with international students and finding free things to do in Sydney was top of my list when planning activities for them. Whether you are a visitor or a local playing tourist at home (we highly recommend this, it’s the perfect way to remind yourself how lucky we are to live here), you should find something you want to do here.

Keep this list of completely free things to do on hand for those days you find yourself with some free time and a limited budget.

I have included the Google Maps’ location for each of the free things on our list. Click the link and open the map on your device. Then you will have directions from your current location.

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1. Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Along with experiencing the bridge up close, to appreciate its size and beauty, there is no better place to watch the action below on the harbour. It is also a fantastic place to take shots of the Sydney Opera House.

Check out our detailed guide for walking across the bridge before you set off.

Location: Enter from 100 Cumberland Street in The Rocks
Google map location

2. Sign up for a free walking tour of The Rocks

I’m Free Walking Tours run a free evening walk around The Rocks, a perfect crash course in Australia’s colonial history. Hear stories of the colony’s early days and its time as a buzzing maritime centre.

If you prefer, you can do a self-guided Rocks walk instead.

3. See how many of Tracey Emin’s birds you can find

The Distance of Your Heart artwork comprises 67 realistic handmade bronze sculptures of tiny sparrows and starlings hidden around the city. Destination Differentville has a great article about Tracey’s birds – how many can you spot? 

Take a walk up Loftus Street, and when you get to the park, be sure to look for the monument erected in 1818 that is the central point distances from Sydney are measured.

When you are done pop into Quay Quarter Lanes for a delicious Vietnamese Pork Roll, one of Sydney’s ultimate cheap eats.

Location: Macquarie Place Park and surrounds
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4. Get a up close view of the Sydney Opera House

Have you ever taken a close look at the Opera House? Did you know two colours used in the 1,056,006 tiles line the Opera House’s sails?

Climb the steps and walk around the shells, taking in all the interesting angles of this world heritage listed beauty.

If performances are scheduled, you can usually walk inside public areas. If you are a keen architecture or art lover, consider a tour. We discuss the various tours on offer here.

You might also like to take yourself on a walk to photograph the iconic building from all its best angles!

5. Join a morning tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens

The early morning is a special time to experience the Royal Botanic Garden. This is the ideal spot to start your day with a run.

Alternatively, join in one of the free tours that run every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am.

6. Visit the Chau Chak Wing Museum 

Check out the brand new museum at Sydney University, home to an eclectic collection that comprises the Macleay Museum, Australia’s oldest natural history collection, and the Nicholson Museum with 30,000 artifacts from Egypt, Greece, and Italy, Cyprus and the Middle East.

Location: University Place, University of Sydney
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7. Find the paper bag, the treehouse and the hive – Explore the city’s newest architecture.

For a relatively young city, Sydney has some pretty magnificent buildings. From fine Victorian architecture, art deco beauty and modern masterpieces.

We have written extensively about our favourite historic buildings and compiled a list of what we consider the best architecture in Sydney.

Location: The Exchange Darling Square
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8. Learn about the past at the Rocks Discovery Museum

This small collection housed in a restored cottage displays many items uncovered from the area during development. You can also learn about the green bans that helped save these gorgeous streets from redevelopment.

The staff are accommodating, and there are worksheets to engage young visitors.

Pop in before you begin to explore the area and pick up a walking map of the area. History lovers will easily spend an hour taking it all in – for others, a short visit might be enough.

Location: The Rocks Discovery Museum
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10. Check out the Big Dig

After you visit the Rocks Museum, take our self-guided tour and be sure to spend some time looking at The Big Dig site underneath the Sydney Harbour YHA.

You can wander around the dig site and read the info panels. Tours are available for guests of the YHA, but there is plenty to see on your own.

Location: 110 Cumberland Street The Rocks
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11. View the City Model at Customs House in Circular Quay

A great way to get the lay of the land, this scale model of Sydney under glass at Customs House highlight the random layout of Sydney.

No nice tidy grid here. Many of our streets started as rough paths worn in by the original inhabitants, the Cadigal people or tracks created by the newly arrived convicts.

If you have some spare cash, you might like to book a meal at Cafe Sydney on the top floor of the building.

Location: Customs House
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12. Wander through St Mary’s Cathedral

St Mary’s Cathedral is not the largest church in Australia, St Patrick’s in Melbourne takes that gong, and it’s not the oldest catholic church in the country either; that distinction goes to St Brigid’s in Millers Point. However, it is a beautiful structure inside and out and worthy of a visit.

The Cathedral features a marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà, which was bought to Australia by the department store David Jones for a store exhibit and later donated to the church. Another beautiful work is The Unknown Soldier by G. W. Lambert.

Attend any of the services to enjoy the sounds of the organ and choir.

Location: St Marys Rd, Sydney NSW
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13. Marvel at the wonders in the Powerhouse Museum

Although currently undergoing an extensive renovation, there is still plenty to see here. Now showing is an exhibition 1001 Remarkable Objects with over 25 beautifully curated rooms that highlight beauty, invention, art and culture.

Location: St Marys Rd, Sydney NSW
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Related: Check out these free guided tours in Sydney

14. Learn more about Australian art at the Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery of New South Wales has a great program of free events, including Art After Hours on Wednesday nights. Entry is free to most areas, although some major exhibitions have charges.

There is an excellent Aboriginal Art collection and a good range of modern Australian art. Be sure to look for Brett Whiteley’s The Balcony 2, Grace Cossington Smith’s Curve of the Bridge and John Olsen’s Five Bells, three iconic Sydney works.

Check out our guide to art galleries in Sydney for more free things art.

Location: Art Gallery Road Sydney NSW
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15. Take in the view from the rooftop cafe at the MCA

The cafe at the top of the MCA offers themed menus to match current exhibitions, which is a fun way to end a visit to this free gallery.

Affordable dining with a view; however, you don’t have to spend a cent; you can just wander up to the 4th floor and take it all in.

Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Circular Quay
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16. Swim in Sydney Harbour at Murray Rose Pool

Named for Olympic swimming champion Murray Rose, this pool at Double Bay is open daily from 6am to 10pm. A deck runs around the outside of the pool, with central pontoons perfect for sunning yourself.

Nearby Blackburn Gardens offer plenty of shade if you need some respite from the sun and make a perfect picnic spot if you fancy lunch without a side of sand!

Location: 536 New South Head Rd, Double Bay
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Related – Murray Rose Pool is one stop on our 325 self-guided bus tour.

17. Stroll the Hermitage Foreshore trail from Rose Bay to Nielsen Park

A handful of secluded harbour beaches, views back to the city and the beautiful Strickland House are just some reasons to make time to walk Hermitage Foreshore Track from Rose Bay to Nielson Park.

Check out our photo guide to the walk for more inspiration.

Location: Start from Bayview Hill Rd, Vaucluse
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18. Cool down in the water park at Pirrama Park Playground

Pirrama Park is one of the parks along the new Sydney Harbour Foreshore Walk. It offers plenty of picnic space, BBQs, a great playground and an onsite cafe. All just a couple of minutes from the light rail or bus stop.

Want more – you will find a list of water parks here.

Location: Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont
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19. Admire the artwork at the Bondi graffiti wall

While Bondi Beach is one of the most famous in the city, its graffiti wall often gets missed from the list of Bondi’s attractions, and we think that’s a shame.

Work started appearing on the wall in the late 1970s, and by the late 1980s, it moved to a legal space for artists to work. These days you need to apply to paint here. Twice a year, artists are chosen to redo the walls, meaning there is always something new to see. Two murals are permanent, the Anzac one shown about and a memorial to a Bali Bombing victim.

Check out our Bondi guide for tips on where to eat, drink and shop in the area.

Location: Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
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20. Amuse the kids at the Darling Harbour Playground

This award-winning playground at Tumblong Park in Darling Harbour is the perfect place to spend a few hours with the kids. There is a water play area, a massive climbing frame, and several swings and slides for kids of different ages.

The playground is surrounded by plenty of cafes and restaurants, and there is lots of seating, so it’s very easy to spend half a day here.

Location: Tumbalong Park Darling Harbour
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Related: Where to eat in Darling Harbour with or without kids.

21. Challenge yourself on the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk

An exceptional harbour walk, the views and pristine bushland will have you thinking you are hours away from civilisation. Start at the Spit Bridge for a more leisurely walk; it’s more downhill than starting from Manly.

The 10km track is well marked and graded as level 3, so suitable for most people of average fitness.

Location: Fisher Bay Walk, Clontarf
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22. Climb the Observation Tower at the Overseas Passenger Terminal

At the end of Circular Quay’s Overseas Passenger Terminal is a round tower that is an observation deck. It’s the perfect place to capture photos of the city’s icons or watch the ferries as they come and go.

There is a lift to the second floor from near the entry to Quay Restaurant and then one flight of stairs. It’s especially a great spot during the Vivid Sydney Festival.

Location: Nth end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West
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23. Go on a Free Guided walking tour

At least two companies currently offer free walking tours of the city. If you have not been in Sydney long or are visiting, this is a great way to learn more about our past.

Check out I’m Free or Free Tours Sydney for more details.

24. Find the tiny doors in Manly and the northern beaches

Go on a treasure hunt and see how many doors you can find. The doors were created as part of a community art project. They can be found across the northern beaches suburbs, including Manly, Seaforth, Dee Why and Warringah Mall, Narrabeen, Mona Vale and Avalon.

25. Connect with a local by booking a Sydney greeter

Sydney Greeters is a free service that matches visitors with a proud Sydneysider who loves to show off their city. Go on a 2-4 hour walking tour and explore part of Sydney that you might not find on your own.

26. Explore Sydney’s most beautiful shopping arcade, the QVB

Pierre Cardin called the Queen Victoria Building “the most beautiful shopping centre in the world”, and this historic centrepiece of George Street is spectacular.

Visit before the shops open at 9am for some great photographic opportunities. At Christmas, the centre’s giant Swarovski crystal-covered Xmas tree is a must-see.

Location: 455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
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27. Get in touch with nature at Mount Annan Botanic Gardens

Meet the wallabies and wallaroo that call Mount Annan home. The gardens are teeming with wildlife, especially birds. There is a bird hide at Lake Nadungamba, so twitchers should find a spot there and settle in.

There are 20kms of paths and dozens of picnic areas. Don’t miss the blue tree and the Stolen Generations memorial.

Location: 362 Narellan Rd, Mount Annan
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28. Explore Balmain on the Tom Uren Walking Trail

Balmain born Tom Uren was a Labour Party politician who was considered the “conscience of the Labor party”. He served as the Labor Party’s first environment spokesperson and cared deeply about preserving the built environment.

This 2.3km loop walk takes in the Balmain foreshore and some of the suburbs beautiful colonial architecture. While caved markers of Tom’s hat appear along the route, I recommend downloading a map.

Location: The walk starts and finishes at Thorton Park
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29. See the latest exhibition at Hazelhurst Regional Art Gallery

You don’t need to head to the CBD for quality art. Hazelhurst in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire hosts a range of exhibitions almost always free to enter.

A great cafe and a garden for the kids to run around make this a popular spot. Gymea Station is within walking distance if you don’t want to drive. Combine it with a visit to number 63 below!

Location: 782 Kingsway, Gymea
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30. Spot whales from the Sydney shoreline

There are dozens of brilliant spots in the city to see whales as they migrate north for the winter. North Head, South Head, Kamay National Park at Botany Bay and La Perouse are excellent choices.

Check out our guide to whale watching in Sydney for details.

31. Check out Contemporary Chinese Art at White Rabbit Gallery

One of the largest collections of contemporary Chinese art globally, White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale, was founded by philanthropist Judith Neilson. Exhibitions that focus on art produced post-2000 are changed a couple of times a year.

There is a lovely tea room for refreshments at the end of your visit. Spice Alley is just a few minutes’ walk away if you fancy something more substantial.

Location: 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008
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32. See the latest exhibition at the State Library of NSW Galleries

The State Library Galleries can be found in the Mitchell Wing of the library. Along with showing pieces from the library’s extensive collection, they host a range of visiting shows like the popular World Press Photography Exhibition.

Location: 1 Shakespeare Pl, Sydney
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33. Visit the Chinese Garden at Nurragingy Reserve

Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Garden is are one of the biggest drawcards to Nurragingy Reserve in Western Sydney Parklands. The traditional gates, pond and Qin Quan Lang waterfall, are inspired by the Ming Dynasty.

The garden celebrates Blacktowns sister city, Liaocheng Municipal, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China. It’s a great place for a picnic with numerous sites and undercover pavilions.

Location: Knox Rd, Doonside
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34. Wander South Newtown’s quirky shops and street art

Newtown is one of Sydney’s more interesting suburbs with plenty of quirky shops, street art and affordable eats. Think less big-name brands and more small independent businesses, particularly if you begin exploring from St Peters Station at the southern end of King Street and walk north towards the city.

We have written a detailed guide to the street art of the inner west that you might like to read before you head out. However, this 2-hour walk might be a better fit if time is short.

Location: Start at St Peter’s Station
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35. Visit Captain Cooks Landing Place at Kurnell

Captain Cook landed here in 1770 and spent eight days here with the crew of the Endeavour, a visit that changed the history of Australia forevermore. You can learn more about this event from the 8 Days in Kamay online exhibition.

While you are visiting, don’t miss the new whale sculpture and the Burrawang-walk that features recordings of life here before the arrival of the colonials.

Location: Monument Track, Kurnell
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36. Take a walk along the Goods Line

When it was first announced, the Goods Line was touted as Sydney’s answer to NYC Highline, and while it may not have entirely pulled it off, it is still an excellent addition to the city.

It provides a walkway from the Central Station pedestrian tunnel to the back of Darling Square. The famous Chau Chak Wing Building, nicknamed the paper bag by Frank Gehry, is a highlight of the walk.

Location: Ultimo Pedestrian Network, Ultimo
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37. Pay your respects at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park

The Art déco style Anzac memorial sits as a centrepiece of Hyde Park. It was built in 1934 to commemorate the men and women who served in the First World War and, in recent years, underwent a considerable renovation to expand the gallery spaces.

Be sure to pop inside if it is open as there is much to see, and the staff are happy to answer questions you might have about the collection.

A highlight is a bronze sculpture, “Sacrifice”, by Rayner Hoff, located in the Hall of Silence.

Location: Liverpool Street, Hyde Park South
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38. Swim in an ocean pool at Fairlight Beach

Just a short walk from the Manly Wharf, Fairlight beach is much less visited than its neighbour and quite a bit prettier in my view. Access is via a footpath, meaning it attracts fewer visitors than other beaches in the area.

There is an excellent view of Sydney Heads, and it’s a lovely spot to spend a summer evening watching the sunset.

Note: The pool is closed for weekly cleaning for 24 hours between Wednesday and Friday evenings depending on the weather.

Location: Fairlight Walk, Fairlight
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39. Visit the candy striped lighthouse on South Head

South Head provides spectacular views of the harbour from the city skyline to Manly. Add to the mix a cute red and white lighthouse, Lady Bay, one of Sydney’s official nude beaches, and the beautiful Camp Cove Beach, and there are more than enough reasons to visit.

This is one of the best spots to watch the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race start every Boxing Day. There is a self-guided walk you can follow here.

Location: Start from Watson’s Bay ferry wharf
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40. Take a free tour of Government House

Join a free 45-minute tour of the home of the Governor of NSW. Built between 1837 and 1843, this heritage-listed property is beautifully furnished, and the guided tour includes some great historical detail. It’s also a must for anyone interested in the history of design.

Note: The gardens are lovely and can be visited without joining a tour.

Location: Macquarie Street Sydney – inside the Botanic Gardens
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41. Admire the Kite Surfers at Monterey Beach

The Southern beaches of Botany Bay are one of Sydney’s most popular kite surfing spots. Lining the beach is a walking path, perfect for watching the action on the water.

The footpath that lines Lady Robinson Beach allows you to walk 4-5km from Brighton le Sands to Sans Souci; Monterey Beach is about 1.5km into the walk.

Location: The Grand Pde opp Barton St, Monterey
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42. Visit the Brett Whitely Studio in Surry Hills

Step into the studio of one of Sydney’s most loved modern artists. Whitely lived here from 1987 to 1992, when he passed away in Thirroul. From unfinished works to his books and other personal belongings, you see what everyday life may have been like for the artist.

Location: 2 Raper St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
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43. Watch the sunset from Observatory Hill

The afternoon or golden hour light from Observatory Hill makes for a lovely view of the harbour’s western side and is a fabulous place to watch the sunset over Darling Harbour and Barangaroo.

It’s also a top place to photograph the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with historic buildings in the foreground. When you are done, why not check out one of the 12 historic pubs in the area?

If you visit in the daytime, you can pop in and check out the Sydney Observatory for free too!

Location: Millers Point
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44. Take a swim in Maccullum Pool at Mosman

With its cute picket fence and stunning harbour backdrop, this small swimming pool that sits on the foreshore at Cremorne is a local favourite. You will find it just north of the ferry wharf. Arrive midweek, and you might have the place to yourself, but on summer weekends, it can be pretty busy.

Location: Milson Rd, Cremorne Point
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45. Visit the Saturday Carriageworks market for tastings

The weekly Carriageworks Market is one of the best farmers’ markets in Sydney. Being undercover in the old railway sheds makes it a great year-round option.

You will find most sellers offering organic and sustainable – check out my favourites here.

Location: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
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Enjoy a good market? Check out this list of our favourite markets in Sydney for more ideas.

46. Make your way to Summer Bay

If you are a lover of the long-running soap Home and Away, then a day trip to Summer Bay is a must. Filming happens at Palm Beach, 41 kilometres north of Sydney’s CBD. Fans may want to consider booking a tour, where there is a good chance you may see the stars filming.

Even if you are not a fan, this is a lovely day trip with a bushwalk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, a great way to work off the fish and chips you will probably want to order for lunch here.

More details, including transport instructions, can be found here.

Location: Beach Rd, Palm Beach
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47. Watch the Wellema video at Barangaroo

This video installation in the Cutaway at Barangaroo is a 10 minute Welcome to Country that pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Cadigal.

Visually stunning, it’s hard to turn away from once you start viewing. I highly encourage you to stop in when you are nearby.

Location: The Cutaway, 1 Merriman St, Barangaroo
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48. Check out Badu Gili projection on the Opera House

If you don’t know it’s here, you will likely miss this installation as it plays on the eastern side of the two smaller sails of the Sydney Opera House.

The projection appears three times per night, beginning after sunset. The current installation tells the stories of 6 female first nations artists. Check the official site for exact timing as this changes throughout the year.

49. Take a free guided tour of Parliament House

Join a one-hour tour to learn more about NSW parliament, both the process and building and improve your knowledge of our state’s history.

Sit in the speaker’s chair or enjoy a cup of tea in the Stranger’s Dining Room. Tours are held Mondays and Fridays at 1:30pm. Extra tours are added in NSW School holiday periods.

Location: 6 Macquarie St, Sydney
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50. Learn all about money at Reserve Bank of Australia Museum

Learn everything you could ever want to know about Australia’s currency at the Reserve Bank Museum. If you have ever wondered how our colourful polymer money came to be, here is your chance to find out!

Location: 65 Martin Pl, Sydney
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51. Take the famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

It’s not iconic without cause; this well-worn path along the cliffs of Sydney’s eastern beaches is a stunner and a walk I could do every single day!

Be sure to stop for a coffee at Clovelly and check out the beautiful ocean pool at Bronte. You can walk in either direction. We have shared tips and advice on walking the path here.

Location: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach
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52. Explore the art deco beauty of Potts Point & Elizabeth Bay

Sitting on the edge of the city, Potts Point is said to have the highest concentration of Art déco apartments in Australia; in fact, there are over 60 buildings and a theatre here! Wander Macleay Street, Greenknowe Street and Orwell Street for some of the best examples.

Our article on exploring Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay has lots of tips to help you find the best spots.

Location: 20 Macleay St, Elizabeth Bay is a good place to start
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53. Have a swim at Giles Baths in Coogee

The Giles Bath rock pool at Coogee Beach is a natural pool or bogey hole and has been popular with swimmers for over 100 years.

Entry is via the path in Dunningham Reserve, close to the Bali Memorial. The old entryway makes a great photo stop.

Location: 105-109R Beach St, Coogee
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54. Discover Camp Curlews at Sirius Cove

Curlew Camp Artists’ Walk is one of Sydney’s secret places. In the early 1890s, some of Australia’s best impressionists, including Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts, spent several years here painting the harbour.

Today there is a walking track from South Mosman around the foreshore to Taronga Zoo Wharf, allowing you to see the aspects that capture their paintbrushes for almost a decade. You can find some of these works in the AGNSW.

Location: Sirius Cove Reserve, Sirius Cove Rd, Mosman
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55. Stroll the Glebe Foreshore to the Tramsheds

A great pram and dog-friendly walk along the western harbour foreshore, the views are a little different and the path relatively peaceful mid-week.

Reward your efforts with some treats from one of Sydney’s foodie hotspots, the Tramsheds.

Location: 1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge
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56. Explore North Head Sanctuary

This fascinating historic site features 10km of walking tracks, three breathtaking lookouts with impressive harbour views and military sites.
Make sure you stop at the Visitor’s Centre to pick up a map when you arrive. The volunteers can also tell you where you will most likely spot some wildlife. See if you can spot an Echidna – I did!

Related: Check out our visit to the Sanctuary

Location: N Head Scenic Dr, Manly
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57. Have a sunrise swim at Mahon Pool in Maroubra

Our all-time favourite place to watch the sunrise, Mahon is a tidal ocean pool that is hidden from the road and, as a result, gets fewer visitors than it might otherwise.

The pool gets pretty busy on warm days, but you usually have the pool to yourself if you arrive just before the sun comes up.

There is a cafe on-site and new facilities too. After a swim and a coffee tackle, the walking track south from Malabar Headland National Park

Location:15R Marine Parade, Maroubra
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58. Learn about bush foods at Lake Parramatta

The Aboriginal Bush Food Garden, Arrunga Bardo at Lake Parramatta, is a great way to learn about how traditional owners, the Burramatta people, use the plants found in the area.

Download the self-guided walk before you head out for your dose of fresh air and exercise. In summer, the lake is a popular spot to cool off. There is also a cafe in the park.

Location: Illawong Drive, North Parramatta
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59. Visit Parramatta Park and Old Government House

Did you know Old Government House, the centrepiece of Parramatta Park, is the oldest surviving public building in the country? While a tour of the inside is not free, you can explore the outbuildings and gardens.

The park has two great playgrounds, bicycle tracks, and plenty of picnic shelters.

Location: Cnr Pitt and Macquarie St, Parramatta
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Related: Check out this list of 25 things to do in Parramatta for more ideas.

60. Choose your favourite Northern Beaches rock pool

Northern Beaches locals have their favourite rock pools why not take yourself on a tour of all 15 and find yours? We think the South Curl Curl Rock Pool might be top of our list.

The B line bus from Wynyard will get you to Dee Why or beyond if you are carless. From here, slowly make your way back on foot or bus to Manly.

This list of pools on the Northern Beaches council website might help you make a shortlist.

61. Check out the wetlands at Sydney Park

Once a brickwork, Sydney Park is an international awarding-winning urban renewal site complete with wetlands, a skate park, a community garden, and a children’s playground.

It’s also possibly the dog capital of Sydney, so if you don’t love dogs, this might not be the park for you! Birdwatchers may be surprised by the variety of species spotted here.

Related: Want more parks? Check out this guide to the city’s best parks.

Location: 416 Sydney Park Rd, Alexandria
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62. Uncover the secrets of Cockatoo Island

A visit to UNESCO World Heritage site Cockatoo Island is a history lovers dream day out. There are many stories to uncover, from convict prison to shipbuilding yard.

These days you can add art space and campground (the only one near Sydney Harbour) to that list.

You can explore the island for free; guided tours are also available (paid). If you have kids, the Visitors Centre have free activity books for kids 12 and under.

Location: Sydney Harbour!
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63. Enjoy a walk in the Camellia Gardens

One of the most beautiful gardens in the Sutherland Shire, the Camellia Gardens is a lovely spot for a picnic. Camellias flower from autumn until spring, and in summer, the shade is a welcome escape making it a great place to visit year-round.

A family of ducks live in the garden, and duck food is available from the teahouse. Kids will enjoy the two onsite playgrounds.

Location: President Ave &, Kareena Rd, Caringbah South
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64. Learn about Indigenous Australia at the Australian Museum

A must-see, the voices of our First Nation peoples, share the hidden stories of the country’s foundation.

Location: 1 William St, Darlinghurst
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65. Try snorkelling at Cabbage Tree Bay

Just a short walk around from Manly, Cabbage Tree Bay is a fantastic spot for beginners to try snorkelling. An official protected aquatic reserve with calm waters; you will be surprised by the amount of marine life to be seen here. The much loved blue groper is a favourite here. It’s also not uncommon to spot small Port Jackson sharks.

Volunteers list daily sightings on a signboard giving you a chance to learn more about the fish you spot. There is an ocean pool and a cafe opposite for those who don’t want to snorkel.

Location: 5 Marine Parade Manly
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66. Take the Long Reef Headland Walk

Long Reef Headland offers some of the finest views on the northern beaches, and it’s also a dog-friendly coastal walk.

The headland is a popular spot to watch the paraglides or keep a lookout for migrating whales. There is a map here if you want to walk around the entire headland. Arrive at low tide, and you can walk right down to the rock shelf.

Location: Enter off Anzac Ave Collaroy.
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67. Meet the wildlife at Centennial Park

You could spend hours in this park with 11 ponds, a sandstone labyrinth, bushtucker trail, and Ian Potter Wildplay garden for kids.

Over 120 species of birds are found here, including the famous black cockatoos. You can even take their bird-spotting challenge.

Location: Lang Road Centennial Park
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68. Discover the Jibbon Rock Engravings

An easy walk from the end of Jibbon Beach in Bundeena, these Dharawal rock engravings are excellent. A raised walkway has been installed to protect the artwork, resulting in a great view from above.

You will find outlines of whales, kangaroos, a stingray and a spiritual figure. Learn more about the engravings here.

Location: Jibbon Beach Royal National Park
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69. Cycle or walk the 7km Bay Run

This circuit path around Iron Cove Bay will take you from Rozelle to Drummoyne. It’s a popular running and cycling path for locals, and it can be pretty busy on sunny weekends.

If you complete the entire 7km, there are your 10k steps done! Just across the way is Birkenhead Shopping Centre – a great place to reward yourself for your exercise efforts.

Another great detour is Callen Park, with its historic buildings and lovely open spaces.

Location: Henley Marine Drive Drummoyne
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70. Explore the Sydney Fish Markets

One of the largest in the southern hemisphere, the Sydney Fish Market on Blackwattle Bay is a bit of an eyesore from the outside, but inside you will find more seafood delicacies that you can imagine.

A new market is being built adjacent to the site due for completion in 2024.

Location: Corner Pyrmont Bridge Rd &, Bank St, Pyrmont
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71. Check out the Artist’s Precinct at Headland Park

Partway along the Taronga to Balmoral walk, you will find Headland Park. The park is home to Artists Precinct, a collection of studios set up in old military buildings. Home to 21 artists, there are regular exhibitions, and you can often wander into the studios to look around.

There are also several large scale sculptures, including some past Sculpture By the Sea pieces.

Location: Read Pl, Mosman
Google Map reference

72. Walk the Gadyan Bush Track at Berry Island

The “track” is an easy 750m loop walk that takes about 20 minutes to complete. Dotted along the way are signs highlighting the Aboriginal significance of the area and explaining how the original inhabitants used the land.

It’s a great way to see the harbour city as it may have looked before the colonials arrived and changed the landscape, and it is a beautiful spot for a picnic. The park is dog-friendly and also has an enclosed playground and BBQ. Check out our visit to Berry Island here.

Location: 10 Shirley Rd, Wollstonecraft
Google Map reference

73. Take in the view from West Head Lookout

Arguably the most beautiful lookout in Sydney, the view from West Head at Kur-Ring-Gai National Park is breathtaking. The view takes in Barrenjoey Head and Pittwater to the east and Lion Island and the Central Coast beaches to the north.

You can do as little or as much as you like here. Take an energetic hike down to Resolute Beach, check out Red Hand Caves walk or just soak up the view.

Location: West Head Rd, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase
Google Map reference

Visit more National Parks in Sydney

74. Check out Bare Island where Mission Impossible II was filmed

This small island and fort off La Perouse is featured in the Hollywood film “Mission: Impossible 2”. Walk across the old wooden bridge or head down the stairs onto the rock platform.

The island itself is a gate but open to the public on Sundays and extra dates in the School Holidays. Check the official site for information on the tours (not free)

Location: Bare Island Rd, La Perouse
Google Map reference

75. Attend one of the city’s free festivals

There is a festival almost every month in Sydney; favourites include Vivid Sydney in May, Lunar New Year in February, Sydney Festival in January, and Good Food Month in October. When it comes to free things to do in Sydney, you can’t beat a festival.

Check out our events pages to find the dates of Sydney’s best free festivals.

Related – Sydney Budget Travel Bucketlist

Have we missed anything? We would love to add your ideas to this list of free things to do in Sydney. Get in touch via our FB group