Sydney is commonly mistaken for Australia's capital city, largely due to its array of iconic attractions. Unfortunately, most of these big sights cost money to visit and entry fees can seriously cut into tighter travel budgets.
However, there are still plenty of free things to do in Australia's harbour city and we've found 10 of the best!
Visit The Royal National Park
Sydney’s Royal National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the world and is also free to walk around (although you will have to pay for vehicle entry). There are dozens of kilometres of rainforest gullies, hidden beaches and dramatic cliffs. The coast walk in particular is known for its spectacular scenery.
Glorious Coastal Walk
Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach (Getty)
Walk the beautiful Coogee to Bondi walk, taking in the spectacular coastal views of the coast and stop off for a swim at beaches and coves along the way.
Wander The Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens are the largest of three major botanical gardens open to the public in Sydney. This beautifully maintained park includes one of Sydney best vantage points, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, on the edge of the gardens.
Cross The Bridge On Foot
The harbour bridge offers endless photo opportunities (Getty)
It may cost to climb it, but crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge by foot is completely free – and provides spectacular photo opportunities.
Hike On The North Shore
Hike from Spit Bridge to Manly, through tiny secluded coves, before seeing the view open out towards Manly. Just as good in the other direction (and refuelling options are available at either end).
Rock Pool Dip
It's Gordons Bay for groper (Getty)
Snorkel in Sydney’s rock pools, which abound with sea-life. Try Gordon’s Bay for groper and Cabbage Tree Bay in Manly for colourful fish species. Needless to say, it’s also free to use the city’s world famous surf beaches, including Bondi.
Take A Free Art Tour
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), recently refurbished following a multi-million dollar development, offers free daily tours, as well as the ARTBAR, an evening put together by artists held on the last Friday of each month.
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Picnic In Centennial Park
Close of day at Centennial Park (Getty)
The Centennial Park, one of the largest open parks in the city, is the perfect setting for a summer’s day outdoors. Watch the continuous stream of runners, rollerbladers, cyclists and horse riders go past while you relax on the grass with a picnic.
Get Up Close To The Opera House
The Opera House is just as spectacular close up (Getty)
Walk around the Sydney Opera House, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Designed by the enigmatic Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world – and looks just as remarkable up close as it does in the photos.
This article was from The Daily Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.
