Craving adventure on a budget? Forget expensive tours; we’re unlocking the best free things to do with your family or for a weekend escape!
Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge, explore secret gardens, and discover iconic landmarks—all without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways
- Taking guided walks along Royal Botanic Garden and Sydney Harbour Bridge are among the free activities for families in Sydney.
- Visiting kid-friendly beaches, strolling through Wendy’s Secret Garden, and experiencing Centennial Park also.
- Free weekend adventures in Sydney include checking out the Art Gallery of NSW, taking ferry rides on Cockatoo Island, hiking in the Royal National Park, and visiting weekend markets.
Free Things to Do in Sydney for Families
Walk Across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Want to soak in stunning Sydney views for free? Take a stroll across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. This landmark isn’t just a symbol of the city, it’s a scenic walk for families too. Explore both sides of the bridge on dedicated paths and lose yourself in the panoramic views of the harbour.
The bridge, fondly called “The Coathanger” by Aussies, opened in 1932, connecting Sydney CBD to the North Shore. With 8 lanes for cars and 2 rail lines, it’s a remarkable feat of engineering that families can admire together.
Visit the Royal Botanic Garden
In Sydney, a fantastic activity for families is visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s a lovely garden close to the Sydney Harbour Opera House, where you can relax away from the busy city and admire the flowers.
At the Royal Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, you can learn more about the gardens. Plus, they provide free guided walks or self-guided tours for you and your family to enjoy.
Relax on the Beach
Sydney boasts incredible beaches with white sands and plenty of sunshine, perfect for families to enjoy. Whether you head north or south, you’ll discover some of the world’s finest beaches.
Up north, spots like Manly and Palm Beach await, while quieter destinations like Cronulla and beaches stretching to Wollongong are found down south. Accessing these beaches via public transport is easy. While Bondi is Sydney’s most famous beach, it tends to get crowded, so families should plan accordingly.
Discover the Secret Garden
If your family enjoys beautiful gardens, Wendy’s Secret Garden is a must-visit spot in Sydney. It’s free to enter, easily accessible, and offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour, Lavender Bay, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Once neglected and filled with rubbish, Wendy transformed this land owned by the NSW Rail Corporation into a magnificent garden with the help of two gardeners. It’s a lovely place for families to explore and appreciate Wendy’s dedication to creating this oasis.
Stroll Through Hyde Park
Hyde Park, a beautiful 40-acre green space in the heart of Sydney, is free for families to enter. Surrounded by must-see attractions like St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Archibald Fountain, it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Families can enjoy a sunny day by relaxing, having lunch, and feeding the birds with fellow Sydneysiders.
Take a Free Walking Tour of the City
Just like in other parts of the world, families in Sydney can join free walking tours. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the city’s history and get insider tips from locals. Similar to tours in Europe, you meet a group at a set spot and walk for 2–3 hours with breaks.
These tours are free to join, but you can leave a donation at the end if you like. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Walk or Cycle Through Centennial Park
Experience the Aussie tradition at Bicentennial Park, a sprawling 40-hectare green space perfect for family outings. It’s ideal for an afternoon escape, and it’s only half an hour by train. Once there, you can enjoy free electric BBQs, picnic shelters, and playgrounds.
Also, you can walk or cycle along scenic paths, climb the Treillage Tower for views, and grab a coffee at the café. It’s the perfect way for families to unwind away from the city.
Free Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend
Take a Free Tour of the Art Gallery of NSW
Looking for an interesting indoor activity? Visit the Art Gallery of NSW for a free cultural experience. Marvel at fine international and Australian art in a beautiful museum setting.
Get your art fix at established galleries and exhibits. See modern and contemporary masterpieces while soaking in stunning Sydney and harbor views. See diverse collections, from Asian art to Aboriginal works, colonial finds, and 19th-century treasures. Events, tours, talks, music, and even films add to the experience.
Take a Ferry to Cockatoo Island
Just a short ferry ride from Sydney’s CBD lies Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour’s largest island and a fascinating historical site.
Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, it served as a convict gaol (1839–1869), reformatory, industrial school (1888–1908), and shipbuilding yard (1847–1992). After extensive remediation, it opened to the public in 2007 under the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.
View the Artwork at White Rabbit
Discover one of Sydney’s hidden gems at the White Rabbit Gallery, featuring breathtaking contemporary Chinese art. Founded by Judith Neilson, this globally significant collection focuses on art created after 2000.
Located in a leafy Chippendale backstreet, the gallery is free to visit but only open Wednesdays through Sundays. Keep in mind that it closes for a few weeks in February and August for installations.
Hike the Royal National Park
Sydney’s Royal National Park is less than an hour’s drive from the CBD, yet many locals haven’t experienced this hiking trail. It winds through over 15,000 hectares of bushland along the coast.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a day of adventure, this place offers stunning trails to explore and breathtaking views to discover.
Visit One of the Many Weekend Markets
Sydney is renowned for its weekend markets, which are perfect for browsing even if you’re not shopping. Some favorites include Paddy’s Markets, which offers souvenirs and treats.
The Rocks Markets is ideal for strolling and enjoying coffee amidst historic surroundings, and Bondi Markets boasts vintage finds and artsy crafts near Bondi Beach. Don’t miss the Rozelle Collectors Market for vintage fashion and eclectic treasures.
FAQs
Which area should you not miss when visiting Sydney?
One area not to miss in Sydney is Circular Quay, where you’ll find iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s a bustling hub with lots of things to see and do.
How much spending money do you need for Sydney?
The amount of money you’ll need for Sydney depends on your preferences and activities. While some attractions come with entrance fees, there are many free options available. Budgeting for meals, transportation, and any paid activities you plan to do will help determine your spending.
How many days in Sydney is enough?
The best length of time to stay in Sydney really depends on what you want to do. If you just want to see the main sights and get a sense of the city, aim for three to five days. But if you want to really get to know Sydney’s culture, food, and outdoor fun, consider staying longer.
