When visiting the 10th most expensive city in the world, there is plenty to do that isn’t an expense at all!
Whether you’re saving your hard-earned dollars or you just love getting thrifty with it, Sydney is bursting with things to do that cost little to nothing. The Air Design team distilled our top 10 so sit back, enjoy and your bank account can thank us later.
10.Snorkel Adventure
Given you’ve got the gear, snorkelling in Sydney is on point (and more importantly, free), with many of our most famous beaches teeming with sea life. From Manly to Botany Bay you’ll find plenty of underwater worlds to explore. Our pick has to be Gordon’s Bay in Coogee – it’s the only spot in Sydney with a dedicated underwater trail. Once you enter the north end you’ll pick up a chain that makes a 500-metre loop around the bay. Dive in!
9.Bike on a Budget
Beachy rides to bush tracks, city trails to suburban climbs – Sydney is the ultimate city to hone your cycling form. Sydney Olympic Park has three recommended circuits for varying levels of fitness. You’ll never tire of the impressive park icons, ample wildlife, lookouts, mangrove walks and shipwrecks. Perfect for a breath of fresh air, and great for your fitness.
8. Beautiful Beaches
Sydney is synonymous with coastal living and is often referred to as the definitive beach capital of Australia. Our sandy shorelines stretch from the north, east and south sides of Sydney, ranging from bustling tourist hotspots like Bondi to quieter suburban inlets like Chowder Bay in Mosman. A day at the beach is completely free, so all you’ll need to bring is a good book and plenty of sunscreen.
7. Window Shop Till You Drop
Ok, so this one has the potential to end up quite expensive, but with a little bit of willpower and self-control – window shopping can be quite a fun thing to do. It’s also a great way to get an insight into the latest fashion trends, according to the locals. The Strand Arcade is probably the CBD’s prettiest shopping mall – it was built back in the 1800s, but today is full of designer dress shops and gorgeous jewellery boutiques for a day of window retail therapy.
6.The Botanic Gardens
Whether you want to stroll, laze about with a good playlist or simply take a midday nap – the Royal Botanic Gardens offers everything from wildlife watching to stunning succulent gardens and free exhibitions across its sprawling 30-hectare site. You’ll have no trouble finding a cosy little corner to kick back and enjoy the idyllic scenery.
5.Stroll Across the Harbour Bridge
The thought of spending $300 to walk OVER Australia’s most famous bridge is tempting but that is for another list. You can still enjoy the same breathtaking views of the harbour, Opera House and The Rocks for free! It will take about 20 minutes if you stop for pics, which of course you will…
4. To Market, to Market
Wandering around stalls packed with cute vintage clothes, jewellery and accessories might be a surefire way to empty your wallet. But if you demonstrate some serious willpower, heading to one of Sydney’s markets can wind up being fairly thrifty. They’ve usually got live music and entertainment happening all day long, so just peruse the stalls or grab a spot on the grass and soak up the ambience.
3. Free Entertainment
Why fork out hundreds of dollars for festivals when you can rock up to a Sydney bar virtually penniless and enjoy local Sydney talent for free? You may have to sacrifice some dollars for a drink or two, but once you’ve done that you’ve basically bought yourself a night-long concert! Our favourite spots are Opera Bar, The Imperial for Drag and Dine, and of course – the beloved Frankie’s.
2. Affordable Art
Getting lost in a gallery, admiring art for hours on end is one of the best ways to spend a day in the city. Sydney’s art scene has serious cultural cred, with diverse and ever-evolving exhibitions popping up all over the city on any given day of the week. The best part is, they’re mostly all free to visit. From major galleries such as the AGNSW to smaller, upcoming art spaces like White Rabbit, there’s a place to inspire every type of gallery-goer. The Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay is great if you’re strapped for cash – they host a variety of free events and artist talks.
1. Accommodation with a kitchen
If you’re planning on staying in Sydney for more than a few days, finding accommodation with a kitchen is definitely the way to go. You don’t need us to tell you that dining out can be the biggest cost no matter where you choose to vacay. Cooking and meal prepping can be one of the biggest penny savers on any holiday. Airbnb.com options are not only great for this over hotel options but they also come with pots, pans and everything you need to cook up that fresh seafood you picked up while walking the harbour!
Air Design Australia has an awesome collection of properties for all kinds of trips to Sydney which can be viewed here.
We’re always on the hunt for more amazing properties throughout Australia so if you’re an owner looking to unlock the potential of your investment property. Contact us today!
