Best Free Summer Activities in Sydney

Sydney is one of the world’s finest cities, especially during the summer when there are events and activities to be enjoyed all over the place. Some of Sydney’s best summer activities are absolutely free and the following are among the many fantastic options available.

Summer in Sydney
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Visit the Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens, Sydney
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Few parts of Sydney are as beautiful as the Royal Botanic Gardens and there is no better time to visit this free and spectacular destination than during the summer. Located right next to Sydney Harbour, these incredible gardens are a magical oasis that will impress adults and kids alike. This is the perfect place to relax with a book, enjoy a picnic or spend hours just wandering around and soaking up the natural beauty. Best of all, you are sure to find something new and wondrous every time you visit.

Head to the Beach

It is no secret that Sydney is home to dozens of gorgeous beaches and when the summer heats up there is no better way to spend the day than cooling off by the water. However, keep in mind that thousands of others will be planning to spend their summer days at the beach as well, so if you want to find some space on the sand you will need to get there early.

Do the Bondi to Congee Walk

Bondi Beach, Sydney
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Summertime in Sydney is all about getting out and being active and one of the best free ways to do so is to walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee. This famous stretch of coast offers magnificent ocean views and is a relatively easy walk that will take most people less than 2 hours. The Waverley Cemetery located on the cliffs of Bronte is a definite highlight and you will have more than a few opportunities to swim at the many great beaches you pass along the way.

Visit the Art Gallery of NSW

Art gallery of New South Wales
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Art lovers are in for a real treat at the Art Gallery of NSW, where you can spend a summer day in air conditioned comfort viewing some of Australia’s finest art free of charge. Home to a magnificent collection of Aboriginal art as well as a wide selection of works from around the world, you can easily spend an entire day here immersed in the art and culture. The Art Gallery of NSW also plays host to regular exhibitions; however, there is usually a small entry fee required to view them.

Spend the Day in Centennial Park

Centennial Park, Sydney
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Centennial Park is one of Australia’s finest inner city recreation areas and is a wonderful place to spend a summer’s day in Sydney. Featuring kilometres of walking trails and cycling paths, plenty of great spots to relax by the water and a seemingly endless amount of space for picnics, this great park is a true summer gem. Those willing to part with some cash should stick around for the Moonlight Cinema, which is a wildly popular summer tradition here.

Walk Across the Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge
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The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the world’s most famous landmarks and walking across it is a great way to get a fantastic view of this beautiful city. While it will cost you a pretty penny to walk across the top of the bridge, walking from one side to the other at road level is absolutely free and will take approximately half an hour each way.

Every year Sydney showcases a staggering array of free summer activities. The best way to find them all is to ask the locals, do some research online or pick up a free copy of ‘Timeout’ which offers a great weekly guide to what’s on in Sydney.