Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
6km clifftop walk
Six kilometres of cliffs, ocean pools and beaches — Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee.
- Best for
- Everyone
- Where
- Eastern Suburbs
- Price guide
- Free
Sydney on a budget
The best free things to do in Sydney
Some of Sydney's greatest experiences cost absolutely nothing. Here are the best free things to do in Sydney, from clifftop walks to world-class art.
The short answer
The best free things to do in Sydney are the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Art Gallery of NSW, walking across the Harbour Bridge and exploring The Rocks.
| # | Pick | Why it's here | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bondi to Coogee coastal walk | Sydney's best walk | Eastern Suburbs |
| 02 | Royal Botanic Garden Sydney | Best picnic spot | Sydney CBD |
| 03 | Walk the Harbour Bridge | Free bridge views | The Rocks |
| 04 | Art Gallery of NSW | Free general entry | The Domain |
| 05 | The Rocks | History + weekend markets | The Rocks |
| 06 | Sydney Opera House forecourt | Iconic, free | Bennelong Point |
| 07 | Barangaroo Reserve | Sandstone + sunsets | Barangaroo |
| 08 | Spit Bridge to Manly walk | Hidden beaches | Mosman to Manly |
| 09 | Watsons Bay & The Gap | Dramatic cliffs | Watsons Bay |
| 10 | State Library of NSW | Beautiful + quiet | Sydney CBD |
Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Harbourside gardens
Gardens wrapping the harbour, ending at Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the classic Opera House-and-Bridge photo.
- Best for
- Picnics
- Where
- Sydney CBD
- Price guide
- Free
Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)Walk the Harbour Bridge
Pedestrian path across
The eastern footpath gives you harbour views for free. Walk to Milsons Point and catch the ferry back.
- Best for
- Visitors
- Where
- The Rocks
- Price guide
- Free
Art Gallery of NSW
Two buildings of art
Free general entry to one of Australia's great galleries.
- Best for
- Art lovers
- Where
- The Domain
- Price guide
- Free
The Rocks
Sydney's oldest neighbourhood
Wander sandstone laneways, historic pubs and weekend markets.
- Best for
- History buffs
- Where
- The Rocks
- Price guide
- Free
Photo: Sydney Opera HouseSydney Opera House forecourt
Walk the steps and the exterior
Walk around the sails, touch the tiles and soak up the harbour.
- Best for
- Visitors
- Where
- Bennelong Point
- Price guide
- Free
Barangaroo Reserve
Harbour foreshore park
A reimagined headland park with sandstone terraces and harbour sunsets.
- Best for
- Sunset walks
- Where
- Barangaroo
- Price guide
- Free
Spit Bridge to Manly walk
10km harbour bushwalk
Bush, beaches and Aboriginal rock engravings on the way to Manly.
- Best for
- Hikers
- Where
- Mosman to Manly
- Price guide
- Free
Watsons Bay & The Gap
Clifftop lookout
Clifftop lookouts over the Pacific, then fish and chips by the water (not free, but worth it).
- Best for
- Day trips
- Where
- Watsons Bay
- Price guide
- Free
State Library of NSW
Reading room & exhibitions
One of the city's most beautiful interiors, free to visit.
- Best for
- Rainy days
- Where
- Sydney CBD
- Price guide
- Free
Frequently asked questionsThings you might ask
What is the best free thing to do in Sydney?
The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is widely considered the best free thing to do in Sydney, followed by the Royal Botanic Garden and walking across the Harbour Bridge.
Are Sydney's museums free?
The Art Gallery of NSW, the Australian Museum and the State Library of NSW offer free general entry. Some special exhibitions are ticketed. The MCA now charges for entry (free for under-18s).
Is the Manly ferry free?
No — it costs a standard Opal fare, but it's one of the cheapest and best harbour cruises in the world.
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