20 Cheap Things To Do in Sydney For Under $30

Overview

• Visit the Sydney Opera House Forecourt
• Walk Across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Royal Botanic Garden Tour
• Coastal Walks and Trails
• Catch the Manly Ferry
• Visit Sydney’s Local Beaches
• Dine At The Opera Bar
• Check Out Sydney’s Museums and Galleries
• Shop At The Sydney Markets
• Explore Darling Harbour
• Go On A Hop-On Hop-Off Harbour Cruise
• Discover The Beauty Of Wendy’s Secret Garden
• Check Out The Chinese Garden of Friendship
• Explore The Royal National Park
• Take A Dip At The Figure Eight Pools
• Stroll Through Hyde Park
• Visit The Sydney Observatory
• Catch A Ferry To Cockatoo Island
• Window shop at Newtown
• Whale Watch At Barrenjoey Lighthouse

While tours inside the Sydney Opera House can be expensive, exploring the forecourt and taking photos of this architectural marvel is completely free. Time your visit during sunset for the most dramatic shots.

One of Sydney’s most iconic experiences won’t cost you a cent. While climbing the bridge costs hundreds of dollars, walking across the pedestrian pathway offers equally stunning views of the harbour and Sydney Opera House.

Join the free guided walking tour of the Royal Botanic Garden, located in the heart of the city. Explore native flora, learn about Aboriginal heritage, and enjoy spectacular harbour views, all while staying within your budget. You could also pack a picnic and enjoy the lush surroundings in a romantic spot for an affordable but fun date.

Embark on spectacular coastal trails offering stunning ocean views, beautiful beaches, and rocky cliffs. You’ll find no shortage of scenic trails to choose from.

Bondi to Bronte

This coastal walk is a stunning 4km stretch along Sydney’s eastern coastline. You should allow 1.5 hours of walking time to complete.

Bondi to Coogee

For a more extended stroll, you can continue beyond Bronte Beach and make your way to Coogee. This is a 6km trail and should take you 2-3 hours to complete.

Spit to Manly

This spectacular 10km trail will take you through Sydney Harbour National Park and ends at one of the city’s favourite seaside spots, Manly. Set aside roughly 4 hours for this walk.

Take the famous Manly Ferry from Circular Quay for a budget-friendly harbour cruise. You’ll get amazing views of the city skyline, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House, plus enjoy Manly’s beaches and cafes upon arrival.

Sydney is famous for its stunning beaches, each offering unique experiences and atmospheres. Here’s a glimpse into some of Sydney’s most beloved local beaches:

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is perhaps the most iconic beach in Australia, known for its golden sands and vibrant atmosphere. Stretching over a kilometre, it attracts both locals and tourists year-round.

Manly Beach

Accessible by a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay, Manly Beach is a favourite among Sydneysiders. It offers a laid-back vibe with plenty of shops, restaurants, and beautiful beachside walks.

Shelly Beach

Next to Manly Beach, Shelly Beach is a hidden gem known for its calm waters and beautiful scenery. It’s an excellent spot for snorkelling due to its marine life and underwater gardens. Shelly Beach has picnic facilities and is less crowded than its neighbouring beaches.

The Opera Bar is one of Sydney’s most iconic venues on the edge of the stunning Sydney Harbour, right next to the Sydney Opera House. Known for its breathtaking views of the Harbour Bridge and the vibrant atmosphere, it offers a unique dining and entertainment experience that captures the essence of Sydney – the perfect stop for your girls’ weekend getaway.

Sydney boasts an impressive array of museums and galleries that showcase the city’s rich cultural diversity and artistic heritage.

Art Gallery of NSW

Located in the city centre, this premier arts destination offers free entry to its permanent collections spanning:

• Classic Australian and European works
• Modern and contemporary art
• Asian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander art
• Annual Archibald Prize exhibition

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

The MCA is a vibrant cultural institution located at Circular Quay in Sydney’s historic Rocks district. Here are the key details:

• Offers free general admission
• Celebrates modern-day artists
• Boasts a collection of over 4,700 artworks
• More than one-third of the artists represented are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists

Australian Museum

The Australian Museum, located in the heart of Sydney, is Australia’s first museum and a leading institution dedicated to natural history and anthropology. The Australian Museum has:

• Free entry to its permanent exhibitions
• Exhibitions exploring nature, science, and culture
• Over 21 million scientific specimens and cultural objects
• Research-driven displays about Australian wildlife and Indigenous cultures

The Rocks Discovery Museum

The Rocks Discovery Museum is a free, family-friendly museum located in a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse in The Rocks. The museum features four permanent exhibitions covering the area’s history.

Offering a wide range of products including vintage clothing and accessories, handmade jewellery and crafts, unique homewares and gift items, gourmet food, and second-hand treasures, there are plenty of Sydney markets to choose from including:

• The Kirribilli Markets
• The Bondi Markets
• The Glebe Markets
• The Rocks Markets
• The Paddington Markets

This waterfront precinct is renowned for its stunning views, diverse attractions, and lively atmosphere. You’re sure to find something fun to do with Darling Harbour’s free entertainment, including occasional fireworks displays, street performers, and public art installations.

Explore Sydney’s harbour at your own pace. This budget-friendly option allows you to see multiple waterfront attractions at your leisure and includes stops at Circular Quay, Watsons Bay, and Manly.

This hidden gem near Lavender Bay offers beautiful harbour views and a peaceful garden setting. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic stroll or a picnic. The garden is free to enter and features beautiful plants, art installations, and stunning views of the harbour. It’s the perfect romantic getaway on a budget.

Located near Darling Harbour, the Chinese Garden of Friendship offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle. The modest entry fee gives you access to traditional Chinese architecture, waterfalls, and tranquil lakes.

The Royal National Park is a stunning natural reserve located approximately 33 kilometres south of Sydney, making it easily accessible for day trips and outdoor adventures.

While visiting the Royal National Park you could check out the Figure Eight Pools, a series of natural rock pools that form a perfect figure eight. Take public transport and walk to this Instagram-famous spot (but make sure you check tides and conditions before visiting).

Take a leisurely walk through Australia’s oldest park. Located in the heart of Sydney’s central business district it spans approximately 16 hectares. Admire its monuments, statues, and impressive fig tree-lined central avenue.

At the Sydney Observatory, visitors can engage in a variety of activities that combine education, exploration, and enjoyment of astronomy. Located on Observatory Hill, the Sydney Observatory is renowned for its historical significance and stunning panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour and iconic Harbour Bridge.

Cockatoo Island, located in the heart of Sydney Harbour, offers a variety of activities, experiences and insights into Sydney’s convict and shipbuilding history. Self-guided walking tours are free once you arrive.

Stroll through the eclectic Newtown neighbourhood, known for its vintage stores, quirky boutiques, and impressive street art. This alternative cultural hub is perfect for window shopping and cheap eats.

From May to November, Barrenjoey Lighthouse is an excellent spot for whale watching as humpback whales migrate along the coast. Bring binoculars for a better view of these majestic creatures.

Sydney offers a wealth of activities that cater to various interests and budgets, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the city. From scenic coastal walks and vibrant markets to cultural experiences in museums and historical sites, there are plenty of options available for under $30. But if you need extra cash for your trip to Sydney, we offer a range of quick cash loans – including holiday loans!

What do people do for fun in Sydney

In Sydney, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, including relaxing on beautiful beaches like Bondi and Coogee, exploring iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and hiking scenic coastal trails.

How do I spend a day in Sydney?

Some must-see attractions for a day in Sydney include:

• The Sydney Opera House
• The Royal Botanic Gardens
• Circular Quay
• Taronga Zoo
• Manly Beach
• The Rocks
• Observatory Hill

Are there any low-cost transportation options for getting around Sydney?

Yes, there are several low-cost transportation options for getting around Sydney. The Opal card system offers affordable fares for public transport, including trains, buses, ferries, and light rail, with a weekly cap of $50 for adults and $25 for children and concession holders.

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