9 Free Things to Do in Sydney, Australia

Markets

Take advantage of the sunshine and landmark backdrops at Sydney's countless markets. My favorites are Bondi (food on Saturdays, clothing on Sundays), Paddington (Saturdays), and the Rocks (Saturday and Sunday). There are dozens more in the surrounding suburbs. There's no cost to enter, and most goods are locally made, inexpensive, and make great authentic souvenirs.

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Royal National Park

The expansive Royal National Park (the second oldest national park in the world) is about an hour south of Sydney. While there is a parking fee at some beach entrances, it's free on foot, and it's home to more than 60 miles of walking trails. If you don't have access to a car, you can take the train to Cronulla and then take a ferry; or take the train to Waterfall station.

Ocean-Fed Pools

There are dozens of free ocean-fed pools in the Sydney area that are a perfect way to escape the summer heat without going in the open ocean. From Clovelly's concrete baths to the Karloo Pools in the Royal National Park, there's an endless amount to discover. Also check out the Murray Rose Pool in Rose Bay and Cronulla's Beach Rock Pools. For a full list of ocean baths and rock pools surrounding Sydney, check out this guide.

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Sydney Harbor Bridge

Don't bother spending hundreds on the Sydney Bridge Climb when you can get the same views just by walking (or running) across the bridge for free. You may not experience the same adrenaline-pumping thrill, but you will get breathtaking views (and even some vertigo) that cost nothing.

Museums

The Art Gallery of NSW and the permanent collection at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia both offer free admission and prestigious exhibits. Wednesday nights at the Art Gallery of NSW also include free talks and films, and the rooftop cafe at the Museum of Contemporary Art offers some of the best views of the city.

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Opera Bar and Royal Botanic Garden

There's no better way to enjoy the Opera House (without going inside it) than at the Opera Bar or with a walk through the Royal Botanic Garden. Opera Bar has an infinity view of Sydney Harbor set against the Opera House, and offers live music on weekend afternoons. Or, opt to stroll through the tropical Royal Botanic Garden on a free tour, where you'll end up on a path towards the Opera House.

Bondi To Coogee Beach Coastal Walk

The three-mile walk along Sydney's beaches and coastline is perhaps one of the most picturesque in the world. It is immaculately clean and offers dozens of spots to stop at along the way. Start in Coogee with a snack (or drink) on the rooftop at the Coogee Pavilion and make your way towards Bondi Beach, stopping at Clovelly, Tamarama, and Gordon's Bay—a secret snorkeling spot—along the way.

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Festivals and Pop-Ups

From the Magnum Pop-Up Ice Cream bar in 2015 at Sydney's Westfields mall to Vivid, where the city's landmarks are decorated in elaborate light shows, to the Night Street Noodle Market where Hyde Park turns into an Asian night food market, Sydney certainly knows how to show off. With decent weather year round, the city takes advantage of its outdoor spaces to provide free cultural events in every season. A can't-miss event if you're visiting October or November is Sculpture by the Sea, the largest free public sculpture exhibition set along the Bondi to Tamarama Beach section of the coastal walk.

For pop-up restaurants and festival guides, check out Broadsheet, Urban List, and TimeOut.

Manly

The suburb of Manly is a 30-minute ferry ride away (go on a Sunday when the price cap on public transportation is $2.50 AUD with an Opal card), but once you're there you can do almost everything for free. From sunbathing on the famous Shelly Beach to the breathtaking views on the North Head hike in Sydney Harbour National Park, you'll find a full-day's worth of free activities.

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Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for more advice on travel hacks and destination ideas.