Sydney for free

Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales and home to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

Whilst Sydney is seen as an expensive destination by many there also lots of free places to visit or activities to enjoy.

Art Options

If you're interested in art there are a number of free options:

The Art Gallery of New South Wales has a collection of modern and contemporary art from Australia and around the world. Displayed in light filled space the Gallery also offers stunning views of the Harbour.  

Tours of the Gallery's permanent exhibits, exhibition talks, music, film and children's activities are all free. Entry fees (approx $10) apply for special exhibits such as the Archibald Prize exhibition.

With a cafe, restaurant and shop there's plenty to keep you busy and spend some money if you're inclined.

The Gallery is located on the eastern side of Sydney's CBD next to the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Domain.

Another option is the Museum of Contemporary Art where you'll see modern art in this recently redeveloped Museum.  Located at Circular Quay one of the most iconic location in Sydney, the Museum overlooks Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

The MCA has a continually changing display of exhibits ensuring there is always something interesting to see. Volunteer guides provide free tours to assist you discovering the art and the artists. 

Special exhibits are at a cost of approx $20 per person.


Historic options

If history interests you  visit Government House which is located alongside the Botanical Gardens with stunning views of the Harbour and the Sydney Opera House. 

Built in the Gothic Revival style, Government House has predominately been the official residence of the Governor of NSW since 1845. It includes an outstanding collection of 19th and 20th century furnishings and decorations.

Government House

Open to the general public since 1996 the House can only be accessed via guided tour Friday to Sunday.

The Rocks Discovery Museum  tells the story of The Rocks area of Sydney from pre-European days to present.  The Museum is in a 1850's sandstone warehouse where you can see and experience a range of images and archaeological artefacts, interactive touch screens and audio visual displays.

Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday except for Good Friday and Christmas day you will find the Museum in Kendall Lane, The Rocks. 

ANZAC Memorial located on the southern edge of Hyde Park is the main commemorative military monument in Sydney. The building was designed by C Bruce Dellit and the exterior adorned with figural reliefs and sculptures by Rayner Hoff. 

Open every day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  except for Good Friday and Christmas day.

ANZAC Memorial

The Mint provides an insight into Australia's first coining factory and also houses the Caroline Simpson Library and Research Collection, a gift shop and cafe.

The Mint is located at 10 Macquarie Street Sydney and open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gardens and Walking options

No visit to Sydney is worthwhile without visiting Circular Quay home to the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbour Bridge 

Indigenous music at Circular Quay 

Wandering around this area is free and you'll often find lots of buskers entertaining visitors.  There are also many cafes, restaurants and take away food options on both sides of Circular Quay.

You can also walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the North shore and see this area from a different perspective. Walking across Sydney Harbour Bridge


The Botanical Gardens are certainly worth a visit. Located on the edge of Sydney Harbour the Gardens span 30 hectares and house an outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas.

Early morning on the edge of the Harbour and Botanical Gardens

I love to wander through this area whenever I visit Sydney and have time to explore. Many people also use the area to keep fit - walking or jogging and enjoying an amazing view along the way.

The Gardens include a range of feature gardens; herb gardens, rainforest walk, palm grove and  pioneer garden to name a few. 

A range of activities are also regularly on in the Gardens find out more 


Hyde Park Gardens is Australia's oldest park and host to many cultural events including the Sydney Festival, Australia Day, ANZAC Day and the Food and Wine Fair.

Much smaller than the Botanical Gardens the park is interesting as it features a central pedestrian walkway from Macquarie Street to the ANZAC Memorial.

Hyde Park Gardens

If you're interested in exploring further a field take a bus to Bondi or a ferry to Manly will allow you to experience some other interesting walks.

Bondi to Bronte walk

Manly and northern beaches walk


To assist in getting from one destination to another there is a free CBD bus shuttle that runs on a regular basis.

Early morning walk in Sydney

One of my favourite activities when staying in Sydney is to take an early morning walk around the Harbour area and return to the city via the Botanical Gardens.

As I wander it provides a chance to gaze at some of Sydney's most iconic sights, commune with nature and look back in history.

Sydney Harbour Bridge and one of the fast ferries waiting for passengers

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most photographed attractions in Sydney.  Opening in March 1932 its construction took more than 1,400 men 8 years to build.  It greets me as I arrive at Circular Quay and wander past the ferry depot.

Today the Bridge carries an enormous amount of traffic as people travel between the city of Sydney and the North Shore.   Some of the best views can be experienced from the top of the Bridge if you're game enough to go on a Bridge Climb.

The Bridge also forms an amazing backdrop to Sydney's New Year celebrations each year.



The iconic Sydney Opera House

Designed by Denmark’s Jørn Utzon the Sydney Opera House was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973. Its a masterpiece of modern architecture and recognised all around the world as being located in Sydney. So much so that it was inscribed onto the World Heritage List in June 2007.

 For some strenous exercise many people run up the steps

The Royal Botanical Gardens cover 30 heactares of prime land at the edge of Sydney Harbour and around Farm Cove.  The Gardens historically created a buffer for the Governor from the general public, which of course in those days consisted predominately of convicts.  They were opened to the public in 1831, and now many people enjoy their beauty and serenity.

View towards the Botanical Gardens from the Opera House steps

Throughout the Garden there are a number of featue gardens, an extensive collection of trees and a range of flowers and art.

One of the many sculptures within the Botanical Gardens

The Garden is also a haven to a range of wildlife and birdlife. You can find out more information on the various species on the Garden's site.

At the entrance to the Botanical Gardens

The gardens near Macquarie Street

There are also a range of building within the Gardens including Government House, Herbarium, Pavilions and a Garden shop.

Justice & Police Museum

Walking back to the hotel I love to wander through the streets close to the Harbour where many lovely old buildings remain.

One such building is the Justice and Police Museum  which was a historic police and court building between 1856 and 1886. Today it holds an archive documenting police investigation and other important records proving insight into NSW's social history.

Museum of Sydney

The Museum of Sydney building blends the history of Australia's first Government House with modern architecture. Interestingly it is also the first point of contact between the Gadigal people and the British arriving on the First Fleet.