Top Free Things to Do in Sydney

1. Romantic Stroll Through Wendy's Secret Garden 

This place is so romantic, it is the perfect place to escape the city while still feeling connected to it. The views are amazing, the smell of flowers beautiful and it is one of the more quieter parks you will come across.

2. People Watching at Opera Bar

I love this spot you get great photos of both the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from here plus the added bonus of people watching. You don't have to buy anything at the actual bar just sit on the wall across from the bar which is surprisingly very comfy.

3. Picnic in Botanic Gardens

Head on through to the Botanic Gardens once your finished people watching at the Opera Bar for a picnic and check out the sunset from Mrs Macquarie Point. You can also get free walking tours of the gardens daily from 10.30AM.
4. Fireworks at Darling Harbour

Every Saturday night you can watch the sky light up with a free firework display down at Darling Harbour from 8.30PM in winter months and 9pm during the summer. 

5. Stroll Through Newtown

Newtown has to be the coolest neighbourhood in Sydney! It is like you are strolling through the 90s with students strolling around in original 501's, printed shirts and long leather jackets. From window shopping in thrift stores to checking out the street art you won't be bored. 
6. Bondi to Coogee Walk

My favourite thing to do in Sydney for free is hikes and walks, there are so many beautiful walks with amazing views that it doesn't even feel like exercise. Bondi to Coogee is a must if you haven't done it but a few other of my favourites are the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, Manly to Spit & Watson Bay to Hornby Lighthouse. This walk is also a great way to see whale watching for free.

7. Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge

To climb the Harbour Bridge it is pretty pricey but you can always walk across it for free which gives great views of the Opera House and brings you over to North Sydney for free.

8. Check Out the View From Dover Heights

One of the best views in the city, in my opinion, it looks over the whole city and harbour below and is also a great starting point for the Hermitage Foreshore walk. Stroll down the hill through the neighbourhood of Vaucluse and be in awe of the mansions that surround the streets before arriving at the Hermitage Foreshore Reserve to start the walk. 
9. Release your Inner Child at Luna Park Head on over to Luna Park to get a photo beneath the giant smile entrance. Although entry into here is free the rides are around $10, it is still worth heading to walk around the old fashioned amusements though. 

10. Hike Manly to Spit 

Head on over to Manly on a Sunday for discounted ferry fares and walk to Spit. This 10km hike is definitely a little more tough than your Bondi to Coogee but the stunning views along the way make it worth it and you feel amazing at the end. 
11. Sunbath on Tamarama Beach

An obvious free thing to do in Sydney is to catch a tan while lying on the many gorgeous beaches around. One of my favourites is Tamarama beach, you will find this quiet beach along the Bondi to Coogee walk. 
12. Explore Local Markets 

One of our favourite things to do on a weekend is to stroll through the local markets. Our local markets are down on Bondi Beach where on Saturday you can find all local fruit and veg and on Sunday handmade jewellery, fashion as well as homeware. The hours on Saturday are from 9AM-1PM and on Sunday 10AM-4PM. 
13. Whale Watching in Palm Beach 

Palm Beach home to the famous Home & Away is just a short 2-hour car ride away. Hike up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for spectacular views of the bay and if you do this walk during winter (May-October) you may catch a glimpse of the humpbacks migrating.

Top Things To Do & See in Sydney When Visiting

There is so much to do in Sydney and when planning your trip it can be a bit overwhelming. I had a list the length of my arm of things I wanted to do and see before I came and I have done a pretty good job at ticking them off. Below are the top things that I would recommend doing if you are only visiting or what should be on the very top of your bucket list. 

1. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

This walk is so beautiful it is a MUST do when visiting Sydney. Overall the walk is 6km which isn't bad and the walk itself is pretty moderate. There are quite a few steps at some stages so I wouldn't go on the warmest of days as you might die with the heat! The views you get to see along the walk are amazing and if you do the walk around May/June or November/December you may even spot some humpbacks on their migration so keep your eyes peeled.

I personally prefer to start the walk in Coogee and walk to Bondi rather than the other way around. The reason for this is that there is more to do in Bondi so when you are finished you can pop into the Iceberg bar for some drinks and a bite to eat, which brings me to my next top thing to do.


2. Bondi Icebergs

You might recognize this popular bar from Instagram, its the famous Bondi Icebergs. At the end of the Coogee to Bondi walk, you will find yourself at the Icebergs pool. This is a great spot for getting a well-deserved drink after your walk and getting that Insta pic.

If you don't fancy having some food and drinks you can pay into the pool & sauna for just $8.

*Remember to bring ID as you will need it to get in even if you don't plan on drinking.


3.  Opera House/ Harbour Bridge/ Rocks Area 

Is it even a trip to Sydney if you don't get a pic of the Opera house & Harbour bridge?? I love this area of Sydney as it really makes you realise where you are with the two main tourist attractions side by side.

Head on down to the Opera Bar to do some serious people watching, this is also a great place to get a picture of both the Opera house and bridge. Once you are finished there walk up to The Rocks area for some food. If you are an Italian lover you need to check out Zia Pina (AMAZING) or Munich Brauhaus for dollar wings & $5 drinks every day from 4pm-6pm.


4.  Taronga Zoo

TBH I am not the biggest lover of zoo's I just feel sad every time I see the animals in their tiny cages but Taronga Zoo is so much more than your average Zoo.

Catch the ferry from circular quay across the water to the zoo and jump on the free cable car up to the main entrance. This gives great views of the city while also looking down at the zoo below. There are so many different species to go see they also do seal shows, as well as pictures beside some koalas. One thing we came across and I am sorry we didn't pay to do it was the Wild Ropes. It is basically an activity course up in the trees where you walk across ropes, navigate suspension bridges and climb walls. There are four different type courses suitable for all ages.

5. Ferry to Manly 

If you want a short day trip from Sydney hop on the ferry at Circular Quay and head over to Manly for the day, where there is plenty of places to eat, beaches to chill and work on that tan or if you were feeling active why not do the 10km walk Manly to Spit.

*Go on Sunday for a $2.80 trip

6. Sunset From Mrs Macqurie Point 

The perfect place to catch the sunset is strolling through Botanic Gardens to Mrs Macqurie Point, here you will get to see the sun going down behind the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.


7.  Cocktails at 360 Bar/ O Bar & Dining 

If you want 360-degree views of Sydney from above what better way to see it than sipping on a cocktail. Both these bars offer a 360-degree view whilst revolving so you don't even have to get out of your seat to see every angle. Personally, my favourite is O Bar & Dining as it feels less touristy and you don't have a minimum spend.


8. Luna Park& North Sydney 

Head over to North Sydney to experience Luna Park and why not check out the Olympic swimming pool while you're there. Another gem I found over at North Sydney was Wendy's Secret Garden, this place is so beautiful and a great escape from the city. This place is great to come chill while you figure out your next stop and there are tables for picnic opportunities also.


9. Darling Harbour Fire Works 

I love Darling Harbour it is a great place to head get some food with beautiful harbour views. Our favourite place there so far is Casa and shock it's another Italian. Head for some food Saturday night and watch the firework display at 8.30pm.


10. Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

If you have the time I definitely recommend catching the train from Central out to the Blue Mountains. We got the train from Central to a town called Katoomba which is just a two-hour train ride away. Here you will be just a short bus ride from the famous Three Sisters and Scenic World. I will do a full blog post on a day trip to here and everything you need to know soon.

Have you ticked any of the above off your list and what are your top things to do here? :)

Lots of Love, 

Leah