Wizzley
PopularLatestDiscussedEditor's Choice
AuthorsForum
Wizzley

A community of writers publishing stories worth your time — on the topics they know and love.

Explore

  • Popular
  • Latest
  • Discussed
  • Editor's Choice

Community

  • Top authors
  • New authors

Service

  • Help
  • Contact
  • Imprint
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy

Check out our other international Webhaus communities!

Explore another site:English·Deutsch

© 2026 Webhaus LLC. All rights reserved.

TravelVacations and ExcursionsCulture & SocietyHistory, Religion, PoliticsFood & RecipesCooks and CookingCelebrationHolidays and OccasionsReal EstateHome Buying and Moving
Article

Free Attractions and Things To Do In Sydney

There are many wonderful free things to do in Sydney, so there's no need to break your budget.

Cities can be expensive places to visit, but you don't need to spend your entire savings on sightseeing and entry fees when you can maximize your visit with cheap and cheerful DIY adventures. Some of the best memories are made when we let ourselves explore with the least amount of interference as possible. Simply going on one of the many enchanting walks that the city has to offer, will uncover a treasure trove of experiences that you'll remember for a lifetime. Enjoy!

National Maritime Museum Darling Harbour, Sydney

Free Things To Do in Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a waterside plaza on the shores of Sydney Harbour in the CBD. You’ll find parks, shops, conference centers, museums, restaurants, cafes, IMAX theatre, outdoor performances, and nightclubs.

Australia has a rich maritime history and the National Maritime Museum is a free attraction well worth a visit (special temporary exhibitions may attract a fee). Located in the Darling Harbour Precinct it is easily located by following the signposts to Murray Street.

Chinatown

Located in Dixon St in the CBD, you can explore the Chinatown district at your leisure on your way to Darling Harbour. You will find many notable Chinese Restaurants including Kam Fook, which is the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. There are also lots of market stalls and skilled outfitters who will make you a unique garment overnight.

 

Sydney Sights

  • Sydney Sights 2011: a travel guide to the top 40+ attractions in Sydney, Australia (Mobi Sights)

    This illustrated Travel Guide is a part of the Mobi Sights series, our concise guides that only feature the most essential information on city attractions. This guide is ...

    $0.99

Advertisement

Historical Sydney - The Rocks

Free Things to do at The Rocks, Sydney

The Rocks is an historic area of Sydney which now boast a variety of galleries, shops, and restaurants. Wander your way through the streets and check out Sydney's oldest pubs.

The Rocks Farmers Markets at Jack Mundy Place, are a great place to while away a few enjoyable hours. Wander through the amazing flower and fresh food stalls, and be entertained for free by the tunes of the buskers. You will find the markets on the corner of Argyle and George Streets, The Rocks.

The Rocks Weekend Markets are open from 10am through to 5pm on both Saturday and Sundays, and are located on the corner of Playfair and George Streets, The Rocks. There is an interesting display of local talent on hand that provides you with a huge range of designer and fashion products including:

  • Gifts
  • Accessories
  • Homewares
  • Art
  • Ceramics
  • Fashion
  • Jewellery

Cadman's Cottage

Originally the Coxswain’s barracks, Cadmans Cottage is Sydney’s oldest house. It was built in 1816 from stone to provide shelter for the officer in charge of the fleet of government boats. The history of the building explains how the boats were crewed by convicts.

Originally Cadman’s Cottage was located on the Sydney Harbour foreshore, but is now quite a distance from the shore line as land has been reclaimed from the ocean over the years with landfill. Access is from 110 George St, The Rocks.

Queen Victoria Building

Window shopping in Sydney

The Queen Victoria Building is a must see free thing to do in Sydney. From a near ruin to one of the most stunningly beautiful retail spaces in the world, the Queen Victoria building is well worth a visit. Do some window shopping and take your time to admire the architecture and use of space in this gorgeous building located at 455 George St, Sydney.

Picture Postcard Views of Sydney

Free Things to do in Sydney - Royal Botanical Gardens

Another wonderful free thing to do in Sydney is to visit the 30 hectares of Botanical Gardens located on Mrs Macquarie Road, Sydney with the harbour at your side. There are spectacular views overlooking Farm Cove, the Sydney Opera House, and Circular Quay. The gardens abound in wonderful trees, scrubs, and bird life and will delight the sightseer who enjoys a free day out.

Hyde Park, Sydney

Free Things to do in Sydney - Hyde Park

 In the early 19th century Hyde Park, in Sydney’s CBD, was home to a sporting ground and racecourse. Now with the passing of time its use has been reallocated to recreation and it is the best outdoor free thing to do in Sydney. You can play chess on the Western side of the park, or stroll through the central pathways under the shade of magnificent mature fig trees. The War Memorial was erected in 1934 and is an art deco tribute to the soldiers who fought in WWI.

The War Memorial is located above the pool of remembrance, but underneath is an exhibition of photography worth exploring. In the summer months Hyde Park comes alive with lots of free activities to enjoy during the Festival of Sydney.

The Iconic Paddy’s Markets

Free Things to do In Haymarket, Sydney

The iconic Paddy’s Markets are one of the best free things to do in Sydney. The stall holders offer a huge range of:

  • affordable clothes imported from overseas
  • fresh fruit and vegetables
  • gift-ware
  • fresh seafood

Give yourself a good couple of hours to soak up the sights and sounds of this great market venue. Located at Darling Drive, Haymarket


Some of my other articles related to Australia

  • Australian Cattle Dog

    The Australian Cattle Dog is intelligent, loyal, and hard working.

  • Buy Didgeridoo

    When you buy a Didgeridoo you will want to know more than just the price. Find out why playing a Didgeridoo is so good for your health!

  • Jobs In Australia For Americans

    Are there any jobs in Australia for Americans? - You Bet There Is! I'll show you how to get work before you even leave the U.S.

  • Broome and the Kimberley Region of Australia

    Broome stands on the edge of the magnificent Kimberley Region In Western Australia and is one of Australia's most unique and picturesque travel destinations.

How to plan an Australian working holiday.

http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-plan-an-australian-working-...
Finding a job in Australia when you're on a working holiday is as easy as making a phone call. Find out the hotline number that will put you in touch with employers who need workers immediately, no matter where you are in Australia....

Updated April 12, 2012

Comments

No comments yet.

AboutAustralia
AboutAustralia
7 articles
FollowMessage

Related articles

  • Blue Mountains, Australia
  • Sydney, Australia: History and Heritage
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Sydney Essentials: Circular Quay