Free and low cost things to do in Sydney.

Free and Low-Cost Things to Do in Sydney

Sydney is a fantastic city for outdoor adventures, free indoor activities and memorable sightseeing experiences. If you’re visiting during a rainy day or the cooler winter months, there are plenty of museums, art galleries, historic sites and cultural experiences to discover.

When the weather warms up, even more opportunities open up to explore Sydney’s beaches, parks, harbour and scenic walking trails.

In this guide, our concierge team has rounded up a selection of free things to do in Sydney, along with a few low-cost experiences that let you enjoy the city without spending a fortune. That way, you can save your budget for the things that matter most to you.

Visit Wendy’s Secret Garden

Tucked away in Lavender Bay, Wendy’s Secret Garden is one of Sydney’s most charming hidden gems. Created by Wendy Whiteley, this lush garden is filled with winding paths, native plants, sculptures and peaceful spots overlooking Sydney Harbour.

It’s the perfect place to escape the city for a while, enjoy a quiet stroll or simply sit beneath the trees and take in the views. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it.

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers and anyone looking for a peaceful escape.

Distance from the hotel: Approximately a 6-minute train ride.

Cost: Between $3 – $4 for public transport

Walk from Bondi to Coogee

Arguably Sydney’s most iconic coastal walk, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk takes around two to three hours at a relaxed pace and offers beautiful photo opportunities, swimming spots and plenty of cafés for a quick break along the way.

For first-time visitors to Sydney, or for those showing friends and family around the city, this is an iconic experience to add to your itinerary.

The trail passes five much-loved Sydney beaches and two historic cemeteries, including Waverley Cemetery. Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Waverley is considered one of the world’s most beautifully situated cemeteries. Many notable Australians are buried here, including politicians and other public figures. If you visit, remember that it remains a place of remembrance, so visitors are encouraged to explore respectfully.

Best for: Café lovers, swimmers, walkers and anyone catching up with old friends.

Cost: Between $2 – $6 for public transport

View a guide to the walk here.

Join a Run Club

Want to explore Sydney while getting some exercise? Joining a local run club is a great way to discover the city from a different perspective. Run through Sydney’s neighbourhoods, taking in historic streets, harbour views and iconic landmarks along the way.

It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people, stay active and enjoy the city while you’re here.

Discover some of Sydney’s popular run clubs, as recommended by Time Out Sydney: The 14 best running clubs in Sydney for a social run

Cost: None

Best for: Runners, fitness enthusiasts and social travellers.

Prefer to run solo? Our concierge team has created an exclusive jogging map that takes you from the hotel to some of Sydney’s most iconic harbour sights. View the map.

Cost: None

Go Swimming in Sydney Harbour

For a quintessential Sydney experience, pack your swimmers and head to one of the city’s harbour swimming spots. You can enjoy a refreshing dip while surrounded by some of the best scenery in the city.

From harbour beaches to iconic ocean pools, swimming is a fantastic way to cool off on a warm day without paying for an attraction.

One of our team’s favourites is the newly reopened North Sydney Olympic Pool, an iconic Sydney pool with a history dating back to 1936. Today, the pool offers a range of facilities and experiences, including a sauna, gym and group fitness classes, making it a great spot to enjoy a swim while taking in the harbour views.

Best for: Sunny days, swimmers and anyone wanting to experience Sydney like a local.

Cost: Adult casual swim $11

Make the Most of Sydney Without Breaking the Bank

You don’t need a big budget to experience some of Sydney’s best attractions. From hidden gardens and spectacular coastal walks to harbour swimming spots and historic neighbourhoods, there are plenty of ways to explore the city for free or at very little cost.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying a little longer, add a few of these experiences to your itinerary and discover another side of Sydney without spending a fortune.