One of the most spectacular walks and coastlines you could hope to see, this route takes in some of Sydney’s most iconic beaches. In late spring, check out the free Sculpture by the Sea (www.sculpturebythesea.com) near Bondi (sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-east/bondi/beach-lifestyle).
The climb will set you back at least $148, but you can get the next best thing for nix by simply strolling along the pedestrian pathway at the bridge’s eastern edge.
Enjoy sweeping views from the mouth of the harbour to Sydney’s skyscrapers, and if you’re lucky, spot a whale or two. Sunsets at north head are spectacular (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/sydney-harbour-national-park/north-head/lookout).
Entry to Sydney’s premier art institution is free, with everything from Indigenous to Asian art on display. Wednesday nights are a bonus with free talks and films. See www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au for a schedule.
These beautifully kept and appointed gardens have everything from succulents to herbs, as well as a tropical greenhouse. A perfect picnic spot in the heart of the city. Time your visit for one of the excellent free tours.
Avoid the crowds at Bondi by heading to Sydney’s most intimate beach, where you can pitch your umbrella at the very doorstep of one of the city’s priciest homes before floating in the wave-free harbour.
This lovely terrace bar with sumptuous harbour views has free live music each night and on weekend afternoons. For another free live music venue, try the Beach Road Hotel in Bondi (beachroadbondi.com.au).
Coin-operated public barbecues make this Sydney’s best (almost free) al fresco lunch spot. Take a dip before squeezing your sausages in between a Korean family grill and a Brazilian meatfest, while enjoying the sparkling sea views.
There's no entry fee to this historic fun park with killer harbour views. It’s $10 per ride, though, with adorably retro Coney Island offering the best value for money.
The Sydney Aquarium is pricey but you can see plenty of marine life in its natural habitat at Shelly Beach. Take the Manly ferry and some swimming goggles. Other good places to spot sea life are Clovelly and Gordon’s Bay.
Overlooking Circular Quay, this recently expanded gallery’s permanent collection can be seen for free, though its featured exhibitions carry a hefty price tag.
The second-oldest national park in the world, the Royal is home to over 100km of walking tracks through littoral rainforest gullies, over dramatic windswept cliffs and down to pristine beaches. Camping and picnic sites abound. The cost is $11 per vehicle but it's free on foot. Take the train to Cronulla then the ferry, or just get off the train at Waterfall (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Royal-National-Park).
Two of Sydney’s loveliest churches are separated by just a short walk across Hyde Park. St Mary’s is a prime example of English Neo-Gothic style with some interesting local touches in its crypt (free tours after Sunday Mass), while the elegant St James’ was designed by a convict architect, James Greenway.
This is a surprising and delightful little gallery devoted exclusively to contemporary Chinese art. Entry is free Wednesday-Sunday, and there is an excellent tea room downstairs. There are guides all over the place willing to explain the art, as well as free tours (www.whiterabbitcollection.org).
Every Saturday from 8am, enjoy gourmet eats in a funky industrial setting. Check out the artisans’ market on the first Sunday of the month, which offers excellent local design and craft goods to browse (www.eveleighmarket.com.au).
Unemployed men were enlisted to turn this marshy catchment area into a huge English-style park, which opened in 1901 – the birthday of Australia’s federation – for the enjoyment of all Sydneysiders. Keep your eye out for free events in the warmer months (www.centennialparklands.com.au).
One of Sydney’s best walks takes you from the Spit Bridge at Mosman, through the Sydney Harbour National Park with its fascinating Aboriginal rock art, past Manly Cove, across North Head and down to Manly’s famous beach. You can download a free map here: www.walkingcoastalsydney.com.au.
Australia’s premier musical training institution hosts its Lunchbreak series during the academic year, with free classical music – see music.sydney.edu.au/event-listings for the schedule.
Entry to this museum is free, making it the perfect starting point for an exploration of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood, as well as the area’s rich Aboriginal heritage.
Smack in the middle of Paddington’s famed shopping strip, Sydney’s most browse-worthy markets offer a chance to pick up a unique souvenir or just while away a lazy Saturday (www.paddingtonmarkets.com.au).
Sydney has recently been scoring quite high on lists of the world’s most expensive cities. Here are some tips for saving cash:
This article was published in July 2013 and republished in August 2014.
