5 best free and cheap things to do in Sydney according to locals
In 1934, he discussed in his book, Your Health, about his concern with the state of kids health. Being part of the Boys Brigade is not just about adventure and skills; it's also about building lasting friendships. Styled like a Tokyo dive bar, the late night haunt is decked out with private karaoke booths, pool tables and vintage arcade games. Tuck into spicy fried chicken and juicy gyoza before turning your attention to their drinks menu, which includes the notoriously potent sake banger bomb. Gather the gang and test your trivia at The Royal's Tuesday quiz night.
Besides the huge number of cafes and restaurants around Circular Quay, one of our favourite things to do in Sydney is enjoy the Aboriginal music that the buskers play during the day. Make sure you go inside to check out the stained glass panels and huge pipe organs. The entrance doesn’t cost anything, cool things to do in sydney which is why it’s on our free things to do in Sydney guide. Today with its spectacular Gothic-style design and prominent location, it is a wonderful place to visit.
The University of Sydney neighborhood blends historic charm with vibrant student life, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Sydney. From the iconic Luna Park to Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden, this neighborhood offers unique things to do for... Take in iconic landmarks under sunny skies, watch ferries glide by, or enjoy a picnic with Opera House splendor as your backdrop. Recommended things to do include soaking up harbour views, watching boats cruise by, and sampling local eats nearby.
It’s the perfect stop for tourists exploring the city and locals rediscovering their own backyard. Take a walk on the wild side at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo located in Darling Harbour where you’ll be able to spot and learn about some of Australia's iconic native and endangered species. Cue Tasmanian Devils, numbats and adorable koalas all in one convenient location.
Each climber is equipped with more than enough safety gear, and the whole climb includes railings on both sides. Scaling the beautiful and historic Sydney Harbour Bridge is a once in a lifetime experience. From the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge, you get unbeatable views of the Sydney Opera House and the harbor. One of the best things to do in Sydney is to take some sort of cruise or boat ride in the harbor.
The destinations change constantly, but the intention behind the flowers is usually the same. Someone wanted to show a little care at exactly the right moment. Many of our deliveries go directly to office buildings throughout the city. Birthdays, farewells and thank-you gestures are some of the most common reasons flowers arrive at reception desks across the CBD.
See Sumatran tigers, gorillas, Asian elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, sun bears, meerkats, kangaroos, koalas and lots more. Sydney can be a pretty exxy place to live, but if you keep your bargain hunting eyes open, you’ll find heaps of free and cheap things to do on any day of the year. For a more chill tasting, head to Poor Toms in Marrickville where, for $20 you can taste four of their gins and get a discount off any bottle, you buy at the end of your visit. Archie Rose Distillery in Rosebery and Manly Distillery also offer tasting experiences.
You’ve no doubt heard of smash rooms, splash rooms and escape rooms. Well, now Sydneysiders are the first people in the world to get up close and personal with ‘challenge rooms’. Plucked from the madcap minds of the team at Funlab, Hijinx Hotel pairs silly good times with a competitive edge. And it also has a fantastically 'grammable cocktail menu to boot. There is only one thing more magical than watching an expert musicianwho is lost in their own craft; that is, being that musician. Become one with aninstrument produces a sense of flow, enjoyment, confidence and pure bliss.
These venues combine nostalgia with cutting-edge technology, creating gaming experiences that bridge generational gaps and let families compete on equal footing. Sydney’s comedy scene delivers sharp, local humour that gives you insight into Australian culture while making you laugh until your sides hurt. These dedicated comedy venues attract both rising stars and established acts who know how to work an intimate room. Perfect for solo travellers who want to experience Sydney after dark without the planning stress or safety concerns of going it alone.
There is a jaw dropping maze of nets, cubby houses and ropes, dual flying foxes and swings. There’s also a smaller, but just as fun, playground for toddlers that has ropes, bridges and slides – but at a closer tumbling range to the spongy ground. To avoid the heavy summer crowds and even heavier parking fees, head off the beaten track with a walk down to tucked-away cove, Collins Flat Beach. As well as hosting a gorgeous stretch of secluded sand, it's the closest waterfall to Sydney Harbour and is a habitat for fairy penguins. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to make a date romantic.
Be sure to check the North Sydney Council website for exact opening hours. The library provides public computers, a children’s area, free WiFi, plenty of study spaces, meeting rooms, and ample room for quiet reading or studying. The futuristic Darling Square Library spans two floors of the iconic Exchange building in the new Darling Square precinct in Haymarket.
If you want to take your adrenaline levels up a notch, you can also walk the Skywalk at The Sydney Tower Eye, which is the highest outdoor activity in Sydney. For just $29.95, you get fantastic views plus 3 levels of exhibits on the history of the bridge and its creation. If you’re not sure where to book lessons, Let’s Go Surfing is the original learn to surf company in Bondi and has a great reputation. You can also walk along the oceanfront walk to the sheltered Shelly Beach, or visit The Corso, a vibrant pedestrianized strip lined with restaurants and bars. A ferry ride to Manly is a great and cheap way to experience Sydney Harbour with stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Make sure you spend some time at Bondi Beach, which is one of the most famous beaches in the world.
A fully interactive whodunit hosted in-person by an actor, featuring themed gameplay, teamwork, and mystery-solving challenges. Choose your decade and enjoy a 3-hour bingo and trivia extravaganza with two costumed hosts and multimedia nostalgia. A thrilling outdoor detective game combining treasure hunt and escape room puzzles, with actor hosts and hipster photo challenges. Fast-paced filmmaking challenge where teams direct, star and shoot a mini movie, ending with awards, laughs and applause. Escape-room inspired murder mystery where teams unravel clues, crack puzzles, and reveal the truth behind a 1920s crime.
Whether you’re a local looking to explore new spots or a visitor wanting to soak up the city’s natural beauty, we’ve been there and done that to give you a few handy pointers. From the cobbled laneways of The Rocks to the swish foreshore playground that is Barangaroo, our city streets are recognisable to — and frequented by — tourists and locals alike. And when it comes to shopping, the CBD delivers something for everyone (and every budget). Greenwich Baths on the Harbour is another one of Sydney’s best kept secrets. There’s a café by a netted harbour pool, plenty of clean sand for kids to dig about in, plus sun lounges and loads of beach toys for visitors to use. Make the outing even more fun by getting there on a Sydney Ferry – the Woolwich/Balmain route docks at Greenwich Point just metres from the baths.