Sydney claims to be the most expensive city in Australia, but don’t let that fact stop you from putting this city on your bucket list. Because if you’re willing to make time for a quick research, you’ll discover plenty of places that spoil travelers on budget.
One thing I love the most about Sydney is that you don’t have to pay entrance fees in some of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see, and they’re easy to get to either via public transportation or car. For car, you do have to pay for parking fee, but if you’re planning to take public transportation, I’d suggest you to get an Opal card that can be used for bus, ferry or train (the card is free but you have to load it with money). The good news is that there’s a maximum fare charge of $15.80 per day and $2.70 on Sundays.
I stayed in Sydney for three months, visited new places every weekend and still think that I haven’t seen even half of what this city has to offer. So far, here are my favorite things to do. The list maybe seem mainstream, but there are reasons why people flock to mainstream places, right?
1. Take a walk around the Quay
Besides being Sydney Harbour’s main transport hub, the Quay also hosts two of Australia’s famous landmarks; the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
It’s a perfect spot to be on a sunny day, watching the ferries come and go, listening to the buskers or just grabbing food at one of the outdoor cafes. If lucky enough, you’ll catch a glimpse of a gigantic cruise ships docks at the International Passenger Terminal.
2. Watch sunset at Mrs Macquaire’s Chair
Wondering where they took the iconic postcard picture of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House together? Take a walk to this place called Mrs Macquarie’s Chair which is especially stunning at sunset. It is said that Mrs Macquarie, the wife of Major-General Lachlan Macquarie (NSW Governor from 1810 to 1821) used to sit on a rock here to watch ships from Great Britain sailing into the harbour.
3. Explore the Rocks District
Only a short walk from the Quay is the Rock District that hosts some heritage buildings to admire and intriguing lane ways to explore. It’s the oldest area of Sydney where just walking can be a memorable experience. There are also a lot of cute cafes and restaurants where you can grab drinks and chill.
4. Have a picnic at the Observatory Hills
Just behind the Rocks District you’ll find the Observatory Hills, a beautiful park with a million dollar view of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour. Very popular among the locals, it’s a great spot to relax in the sun and enjoy a picnic with friends.
5. Check out Darling Harbour
For some city sightseeing, make sure to visit Darling Harbour. The shops, cafes, museums and attractions lining around the vibrant harbour are great choice to feel the pulse of the city.
6. Soak up at world class beaches
It’s kinda hard to talk about Sydney without having beaches in mind. Since it’s almost always warm and sunny, the city has a very strong beach culture. If you want to feel a true Down Under experience, dip your toes into the fresh ocean water at least once.
Bondi Beach
Bondi is the most famous shoreline spanning more than a half-mile long. It’s not really far from the city and there are tons of restaurants and shops, the main reasons why people love it so much.
La Perouse
If you’re looking for a day out of the city, this is a fun place to be. The sand is dazzling white and the water is amazingly clear. The Bare Island that is located here is one of the places where the movie Mission Impossible II was filmed.
Manly Beach
Take a ferry ride to Manly for more scenic views. It’s a pleasing 30-minute ride each way that takes you to the coolest parts of the north end of the city. Manly is famous for its wide beach, giant waves and surfing, and the nearby Shelly Beach is quieter and one of the best spots for snorkeling.
Watsons Bay, Diamond Bay, and South Head
Watsons Bay is Australia’s oldest fishing village and remains a thriving local inlet popular for its splendid views, delightful park and fresh seafood.
Meanwhile, the iconic Hornby Lighthouse stands tall at South Head, in Sydney Harbour National Park not far from Watsons Bay. The place is surrounded by Sydney Harbour to the west, Middle Head and North Head to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. And Diamond Bay reserve that offers surreal cliffs is located in Vaucluse.
7. Plan a coastal walk like the locals
Can’t decide which beach to visit? How about all of them? (Well, not literally). The route I took was from Coogee to Bondi, but there are actually many other options that you can choose, like Spit Bridge to Manly, Rose Bay to Watsons Bay and Federation Cliff Walk. The 6 km walk (normally takes 2 hours) from Coogee to Bondi features stunning views of cliffs, cute beach houses, rock pools, and passes the beaches of Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, Gordon’s Bay and the Waverly Cemetery.
8. Take a stroll at Hyde Park
Hyde Park is Australia’s oldest park, named after London’s own Hyde Park. The 40-acre park contains numerous historic sites like the ANZAC War Memorial and the Archibald Fountain. Spend some time just sitting and watching people in the heart of the city, accompanied by Sydney’s iconic birds. Situated next to the park, St. Mary’s Cathedral is an English-style Gothic church, the first Roman Catholic Church in Australia.
9. Refresh yourself at Centennial Park
This is another park where I feel like I can just visit for hours. The Centennial Park is known as the ‘lungs of the city’ for all the right reason—ponds, grassy hills, woodlands, gardens and various kinds of birds. It’s a great place for a relaxing picnic, afternoon run and a bike or horse riding.
10. Get cultured at Sydney’s free museums
Those who are into art and history will be spoiled by Sydney’s free museums, like the Rocks Discovery Museum. Not really far from there, the Museum of Contemporary Art features Australian artists, including many Aboriginals. You can also visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales, one of Australia’s leading art museums with collections of Australian, Aboriginal, European, Asian and contemporary art.
11. Have some fun at Luna Park
This one I would categorize as an almost free attraction. Because there’s no entry fee to this amusement park with scenic harbour views, but it’s $10 per ride. Trust me, you don’t have to get in the ride to have fun because the sick views and vibes won’t fail to excite you. And don’t forget to take picture in front of the iconic gate.
While you’re in the area, make some time to visit the Milsons Point, Lavenders Bay and Wendy’s Secret Garden nearby for different perspectives of the city.
12. Hang out in Sydney’s cute neighbors
Newtown
Besides being known as of the grungiest suburbs in the city, this bohemian neighborhood is also famous for its street art murals, live musics and local art galleries. This is where Coldplay’s video of A Sky Full of Stars was filmed.
Alexandria
There’s a cute instagrammable place called The Grounds of Alexandria in Alexandria that is known as Mother of All Cafes. If there is one cafe you plan to visit outside the city, I think it should be this one.
Surry Hills
Surry Hills is one of the oldest neighborhood known for its stylish cultural and cafe scene. One of the places to go when you want to see where the locals usually hang out after work.
There are literally dozens of places that I had planned to visit but never had the time to do it. I guess it’s just another reason for me to come back someday.
Disoriented Traveller 