With all there is to see and do in Australia, what sets Sydney apart from the rest? If you’re looking to make a trip down under without breaking the bank, we’ve got your back with some free activities and places to check out that will give you the true Sydney experience.

If you’re looking for a glimpse into life down under, Sydney is the right place to start. This is where you get a little bit of everything — where history and heritage meet cutting-edge architecture and innovation. Catch a wave at Bondi Beach in the morning, explore the iconic Sydney Opera House in the afternoon, indulge in a world-class dining experience along the waterfront for dinner and dance the night away in one of Sydney’s electrifying nightclubs. There’s just so much to see and do! 

And if you’re looking to maximise your savings and catch some of the best deals, be sure to make use of your YouTrip card and check out YouTrip Perks which will be your greatest companion from the start to the end. From getting up to 6% cashback on flights on Trip.com and an additional 7% off on Agoda, to booking activities and tours with an additional 5% cashback on Klook, score exclusive cashback deals and discounts every step of the way!

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10 Free Things To Do In Sydney:

1. Go On The Bondi-Coogee Coastal Walk

Image credits: Sydney, Australia

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is one of the most iconic coastal walks in Australia. Spanning slightly over six kilometres, it offers you stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, some of the most beautiful beaches, and great views of the city as you walk along the coastline. Especially along spots like a suspended walkway along Waverly Cemetery and secret swimming spots like Gordons Bay and Coogee’s rock pools. Beginning at Bondi Beach and ending at Coogee Beach, it’s a pretty manageable walk even for young children and is a great free activity to see what the beaches of Sydney are all about.

🕐 Opening Hours: Open 24 hours (But best in the daytime)

📍 Starting Point: Bondi Beach Notts Ave Bondi 2026

YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Sydney 2023: For more information, check out this website here

2. Explore The Markets Around Town

Image credits: TimeOut

Sydney is well-known for its weekend markets that are worth checking out even if you don’t intend to spend much. From great food stalls to little trinkets that make for great souvenirs, it’s fun to check out the stalls of local products and take in the bustling atmosphere of a weekend staple. Check out Paddy’s Markets for unique souvenirs and local food, The Rocks Markets for a great cup of coffee as you wander along the alleyways of old buildings, or Bondi Markets for a more vintage vibe to get your hands on some pre-loved items. Each market has its own opening time, so be sure to check it out before you head down.

Paddy’s Markets:
📍 9/13 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
🕐 Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM

The Rocks Markets:
📍 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
🕐 Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Bondi Market:
📍 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
🕐 Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM

YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Sydney 2023: Check out this guide on how to start a working holiday in Australia

3. Visit A Beach — Or Three

Image credits: Conde Nast Traveler

What’s a trip to Sydney without checking out its beaches? Spend a whole day of fun in the sun sunbathing, swimming, catching some waves, or even just checking out the trendy cafes along the coastal promenade. Bondi is Sydney’s most famous beach and is a must-see. It can get pretty crowded in the summer, so if crowds aren’t your thing, then maybe some of the other beaches that are a little more secluded like Manly Beach, Bronte Beach, or Tamarama Beach will be better options. For a more family-friendly beach, check out Coogee Beach and take a swim in the seawater pool or go for a stroll in the park. 

❗ One thing to note: The sun can get pretty strong in Aussie, so try to avoid the midday sun and remember to lather on the sunscreen frequently to avoid getting burnt!

📍 Address: Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia

YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Sydney 2023: Check out our list of top 10 things to do in Australia here

4. Visit The Art Gallery Of New South Wales

Image credits: Conde Nast Traveler

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s top art museums with its extensive collection of art from different regions around the world and different time periods. From iconic indigenous art to local Australian, European, and Asian Art, as well as seasonal art exhibitions from around the world, it’s a pretty good spot to appreciate some of the best pieces from around the world. The gallery is also known to host the annual Archibald Prize exhibition — one of Australia’s most prestigious art awards. Whether you’re a fan of visual arts or not, this museum is a must-see. Plus, entrance into the museum is free too!

🕐 Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays (10 AM – 5 PM), Wednesdays (10 AM – 10 PM)

📍 Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Sydney 2023: For more information, check out Art Gallery of NSW here

5. Explore The Rocks

Image Credits: Timeout

The Rocks is another must-see place to check out while you’re in Sydney. Located at the base of Sydney Harbour Bridge and adjacent to Circular Quay, the area is laden with so much history in its walls dating back to the 19th century that’s worth checking out. This area is known as the birthplace of modern Sydney where the first European settlers arrived back in 1788. You can see the European influence in its cobblestone streets and architecture.

Check out the Rocks Market, or the Museum of Contemporary Art, or go on a free walking tour to learn more about this area (keep on reading for some of our best free tour suggestions). During Sydney’s exciting New Year’s Eve Celebrations, the Rocks is the place to be as it comes alive with fireworks, festivities, and street performances.

YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Sydney 2023: For more information, check out the Rocks here

6. Take A Stroll Along The Sydney Harbour Bridge

Image credits: Conde Nast Traveler

Located right in the heart of Sydney’s central business districts, Hyde Park is one of Sydney’s most iconic and historic public parks that provides a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. It dates back to the early 19th century and was influenced by Hyde Park in London. Besides taking a leisure stroll, there are different monuments and statues to check out such as the Archibald Foundation, the Anzac Memorial honouring the men and women who served in WWI, and the Sandringham Gardens. There are also plenty of cultural events and performances during major Sydney festivals that are popular among both locals and visitors. 

🕐 Opening Hours: 24 hours

📍 Address: Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Sydney 2023: For more information, check out Hyde Park Sydney here

7. Check Out The Bondi Icebergs Club

Image credits: Have Clothes, Will Travel

If you prefer some fun in the sun that’s a little less sandy, you should check out the Bondi Icebergs Club —  another iconic place in Sydney at the heart of the community spirit in Sydney. Founded in 1929 by dedicated swimmers who embraced swimming even in the winter months (hence the Icebergs), Its iconic ocean pool extends out into the Tasman Sea and is open to both club members and the public. The pool is filled with seawater every time the waves come crashing in, which also makes it different from any other swimming pool in the area.

🕐 Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays (11 AM – 10 PM)

📍 Address: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia

YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Sydney 2023: For more information, visit the Bondi Icebergs Club website here

8. Enjoy Free Performances At Darling Harbour

Image credits: We Build Value

Darling Harbour is another iconic location in Sydney that’s known for its entertainment, attractions, and plenty of dining options for visitors. It’s located in the heart of the city right by the central business district and is perfect for a nice evening out. Take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy performances by street performers and buskers, visit the Capitol Theatre and catch a musical, or enjoy a nice dinner at Cockle Bay Wharf. Darling Harbour also hosts a variety of cultural festivals and events throughout the year that are mostly free to explore.

📍 Address: Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Sydney 2023: Check out Darling Harbour’s line-up of events here

9. Explore The Queen Victoria Building

Image credits: The Ultimo

Built in 1898, the Queen Victoria Building has had multiple functions over the years. Market grounds, concert hall, library, office space — truly multi-purpose. Today, the building is a high-end shopping centre with different boutiques, cafes, and the Tea Room on its top floor, known as a top spot for afternoon tea. Even if you aren’t too keen on high-end retail therapy, just wandering around the mall and enjoying its architecture is good enough. If you want to learn more about the history of the place, there are in-house tours available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:30 AM for A$15(~S$13) per person. 

🕐 Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays (9 AM – 6 PM), Saturdays & Sundays (10 AM – 6 PM)

📍 Meeting Point: 455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Sydney 2023: Check out the Queen Victoria Building here

10. Go On A Free Walking-Tour In The City

Image credits: Sydney, Australia

Going on a guided tour around Sydney is one of the best ways to get to know the city. With experienced guides, they’ll take you around some of the local’s best-kept secret spots with breathtaking views. I’m Free Sydney has tours around popular Sydney sights and around the Rocks and Free Tours By Foot offers specialised history tours, tours around the Botanic Gardens and self-guided tours if you prefer to explore on your own.

YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Sydney 2023: Check out what’s on for free in Sydney here

There’s So Much To Do In Sydney!

There’s plenty to see and do in Sydney at little to no cost, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank even while on holiday. For more tips and tricks, be sure to check out our guide on how to budget for your travels. And most importantly, don’t forget to bring your YouTrip card along for the best AUD rates!

As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.  

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Bon voyage! 

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