The best free things to do in and around Sydney
You will have plenty of chances to get up close while finding your best selfie angle and with someone else calling the shots you don’t have time to be shy! Alternatively this photography tour that is aimed at improving your skills on a digital camera. Perhaps make a weekend of it and spend the night in one of the Blue Mountains most romantic hotels or explore more things to do in the Blue Mountains. The ride includes some river crossings and coastal lookouts, experienced riders also get a chance to gallop on the hills. Beginners can book a 1-hour ride or a lesson to test their feet. Check out the deals page for the latest happy hour and special offers in Sydney.
The smartest way to save money on nights out is finding venues that don’t charge entry fees and offer genuine value on food and drink. These places prove you can party hard without your wallet taking a beating. These spots prove you can have a brilliant time without breaking the bank, just pick your vibe and check what specials are running immersive sydney before you head out. Compare all harbour cruise options or book a harbour view hotel room to wake up to these same stunning views. Manly is the classic—sit outside if you can and swap sides for Opera House and skyline views each way.
There are about 100 mezcals and tequilas expressions on show, including rare and vintage selections and the menu changes often, but if you're not sure where to start, we love the house staple Margarita OK! If you are someone who enjoys a late-night picky bit with your bev, try their seafood crudo, sourdough with cultured butter, mozzarella fritti, or three different takes on caviar. For cocktails, expect decadent creations on par with the view—their carrot cake manhattan is made with cacao butter and white miso, and rested with carrot cake for 72 hours. For food, take your pick between their raw (perfect for lovers of fresh seafood and beef tartare) and not raw menus (for those who prefer their meat charcoaled, charred or crumbed).
For those of us who have been lying about having seen The Godfather their whole lives, good news. The team behind Sydney’s tiniest and coolest Margarita boozer, Cantina OK, are behind subterranean tequila bar, Centro 86. Meaning centre in Spanish, Centro 86 is hidden in a CBD basement on Pitt Street (entry is via Hoskings Place) in the centre of Sydney’s high-rolling and drinking action. And while tequila and Margaritas are the specialty at Centro 86 – there are 100 tequilas on offer, including some ‘world's rarest’, plus five signature Margs – don’t expect just a bigger version of Cantina OK. Instead, creative director Jeremy Blackmore says you’ll stumble into “an old fancy Mexican cantina on shrooms.” Add on cracking service and Tio's famous popcorn, and you'll be in for a good time indeed. Whether you’re going for a stroll or jog, playing football, walking the dog, or having a picnic, Centennial Park is a perfect spot to spend a few hours outdoors.
It involves traversing from one platform to another, typically high above the ground, via a suspended cable. Participants wear a harness that is securely attached to the zipline, allowing them to glide through the air with a sense of freedom and speed. The thrill of adventure team building also injects a sense of excitement and enthusiasm into the team dynamic. Overcoming shared challenges creates a bond among team members, fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
Taronga Zoo offers visitors picturesque views of the harbour and the privilege to see native and rare animals. While a day at the zoo is fun, you can add to your memories with either the Wild Ropes climb or a special experience like a koala encounter. After an award-winning school holiday program that kids will love?
If you’re visiting, make it a mission to stroll through these markets, even if you’re not planning to shop. Bring your lunch, as picnicking in the garden is a great way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings without extra expenses. If you ever need to temporarily store your luggage in Sydney, check out one of our many locations around the city. There is a lot to get excited about on the streets of Sydney at the moment. The calibre of restaurants making their grand debuts is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Sydney’s CBD has many great museums, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which has a vast collection of art. Yes, Sydney’s Virtual Reality Room is a thrilling experience. You can explore virtual worlds and go on adventures with cutting-edge tech. Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art or embark on a virtual adventure at the Virtual Reality Room.
While the original exposed brick and wood beams of the site remain, an interior refresh brings new appeal to the much-loved Sydney CBD restaurant. Menu options range from local seafood and tender meat cuts to rich pastas and a vegan-friendly menu, with influences from around the world (a true virtue of modern Australian cuisine). The over 200-bottle wine list is expertly explained by the on-site sommelier, who knows exactly how to elevate your long lunch or romantic dinner. You can’t book, but feel free to walk on in and pull up a seat, or order ahead online. Best of all, Vinabar stays open until 2am, every night of the week.
At a staggering 309m (1,014ft) tall, the Sydney Tower’s observation deck offers the ultimate 360° view of the city. Luna Park is a colorful amusement park located on Sydney Harbour, next to the Harbour Bridge. Featured are thrilling attractions, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and arcade games. If you go all of the way to Luna Park, you can either return by walking across the bridge again or riding the ferry to Circular Quay.
Choosing the right exercise will build trust and create a workplace environment that's more productive, efficient, and inclusive. We are a multicultural family from Peru, Nicaragua & Australia. We believe adventures can be global – and local – and are one part of our sustainable lifestyle, and raising children who are global eco-citizens. There are 200 stairs to the Pylon Lookout and we thought it was doable when doing our planning. What we didn’t take into account was that it was already a steep climb up onto the bridge (from Harbour Level) and we’d been walking all morning.
Pause outside the Museum of Sydney to uncover local trivia and historic details. This Emerald City landmark is ideal for urban explorers seeking unique things to do in Sydney. Sydney's top attractions blend Aussie iconic landmarks with modern excitement. From the Opera House Splendor to Bondi Beach Bliss, sightseeing here means endless photo ops and memorable moments around every corner.
Explore our events calendar to find out what’s on today, this weekend and throughout the year across the city. The biggest Irish cultural event in the country goes even further than The Rocks, with events around Circular Quay including a parade, Irish markets, live music, dancing and family activities. A free outdoor cinema screening of the Dublin-set film Sing Street on 12 March will kick off the celebrations earlier in the week. Located about an hour from Melbourne, Murphys is Geelong’s long-running Irish pub and a popular spot for St Patrick’s Day celebrations with live music, hearty Irish dishes and a packed house of locals. Melbourne’s Irish pubs don’t need much encouragement to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, with live music, hearty food and Guinness pouring across venues throughout the city.
Lining the beach is a walking path, perfect for watching the action on the water. South Head provides spectacular views of the harbour from the city skyline to Manly. Add to the mix a cute red and white lighthouse, Lady Bay, one of Sydney’s official nude beaches, and the beautiful Camp Cove Beach, and there are more than enough reasons to visit. A handful of secluded harbour beaches, views back to the city and the beautiful Strickland House are just some reasons to make time to walk Hermitage Foreshore Track from Rose Bay to Nielson Park. I spent over a decade working with international students and finding free things to do in Sydney was top of my list when planning activities for them. Whether you are a visitor or a local playing tourist at home (we highly recommend this, it’s the perfect way to remind yourself how lucky we are to live here), you should find something you want to do here.