Travel guide to Sydney, NSW

If you are planning a road trip through New South Wales, Sydney is a must-see. From the Sydney Opera House to pristine beaches and art galleries, there are so many awesome things to do! From fun, kid-friendly adventures to free art exhibitions, we have put together a list of 25 free things to do in Sydney, Australia, without spending a dime. One night you're catching a gig by the harbour or checking out an art opening; the next, you're sipping cocktails on a rooftop, finding a secret cinema, or discovering your new favourite restaurant. Whether you're after free activities, a midweek date idea or a reason to stay out late, there's something here for every kind of Sydney explorer. Maybe one of the best things to do at night with kids, in saying that you need the right type of kids for these tours.
With a lot of time to kill during school holidays, reading any of these books is a great way for teens to learn how to put their time to good use. This selection includes books on becoming more efficient, techniques to increase their level of happiness and even confidence building books like ‘What’s my super power’. Perfect for those that are looking to stuff to do in sydney learn more about themselves or just read a good book on a rainy day. Desire Books and Records is brimming with literary gems and records, and is the perfect place for all bookworms, both young and old. The owner collects the items from OP shops while touring throughout the country as a stand up comedian. The atmosphere in here is that of a fairytale nook- quirky and whimsical.

Locals use it every day on their commute to work, but the Manly Ferry voyage is an impossibly beautiful treat. Perched 83 storeys above the streets of the CBD, this quirky, retro-futurist cocktail lounge is among the highest places to drink in Sydney, located on the second-to-highest floor of Sydney Tower. For years, the land was tangled, overgrown and strewn with rubbish, but when Whiteley died in 1992, his widow, Wendy, channelled her grief into creating a place of enchantment.
It’s the oldest public park in Australia, with beautiful gardens and majestic trees. This park is an ideal spot to relax or picnic in the shade on a sunny day. With its golden sands and clear waters, it’s an excellent location for sunbathing and swimming. A scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay takes you to this picturesque beach. No trip to Sydney is complete without a walk on this iconic bridge.
Check out Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park or try the cliff-top walking trails from Bondi to Cogree and Federation Cliff Walk from Dover Heights to Watsons Bay. If you’re not keen on a cruise, there are a few great whale vantage points around Sydney too, where you may just be lucky enough to spot one of the giant creatures from the shore. Whale watching is a perfect Sydney family activity to witness these magnificent creatures up close on a comfortable vessel. They also have free hands-on school holiday programs during the NSW school break.

Plus, we know where to get the best and discounted tickets to a truckload of things to do when bored for teens. There is a flat and easy 1km walking trail that starts at the car park and looks back over the city, before moving around to provide expansive views of the ocean before curving back to Manly. The Bondi to Coogee Walk is the perfect jetlag remedy or weekend pick me up, mixing fresh sea air, exercise and stunning views to help fight the tiredness. For many people, this is top of the list of the best things to do in Sydney.
For an added bonus, stay after the performance for the chance to meet the musicians and learn more about their instruments. You can also enjoy free creative play activities in the foyer before and after the performance. The Australian Chamber Orchestra is putting on a stunning theatrical show this winter, with a live classical concert performed by the talented ACO musicians. This family-friendly performance follows the story of The Princess and the Pea, in an amazing blend of drama, adventure, storytelling and music. If your inner child feels left out, don’t worry, as Monster Jump has activities to keep the adults entertained too.

Sail with a crew of passionate navigators, explore the natural beauty of the harbour and learn about its history. You can also take a tour of the Opera House to learn the history of this unique building and how it came to be. It’s one of the most iconic things to do with kids in Sydney as it gives them an amazing view of the city and a whole new way of experiencing it. The Observatory also has an immersive family tour to take kids on a journey into space with all sorts of astronomical knowledge. The Sydney Observatory is a great place to visit if your kids love astronomy and science. It is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world, including Australian native wildlife like Kangaroos and Koalas.
Safe, guided, and surprisingly achievable, this is an experience you'll never forget. If you’re a fan, head inside and enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, or even see a show (depending on what’s on). There’s all kinds of music, dance, theatre, and stories waiting to unfold. Tours – Alternatively, 1-hour guided tours go beneath the sails and explain the building’s construction. Arrive early to explore the interior and enjoy a drink in one of the bars while watching the sunset over the harbour. One of the best ways to experience this historic precinct is with a classic pub crawl.

The kitchen is particularly good – all the original copper pots and cooking equipment are still there. The gardeners have done an amazing job keeping the colonial plants alive, including some varieties you won’t find anywhere else in Sydney. It’s perfectly positioned for a rest stop before or after walking across the Harbour Bridge, or as part of a historic pub crawl through The Rocks. Australia’s oldest library is worth visiting even if you don’t usually have libraries on your to do list. The Mitchell Reading Room’s soaring ceilings and glass dome make it one of Sydney’s most beautiful spaces.
Whether you’re looking for activities to suit babies or toddlers or tweens and teens, we’ve got you covered. Here is a big list to inspire  you on your adventures on a family day out. Just a short boat ride from Circular Quay, Cockatoo Island is renowned for its rich history of housing convicts—making it a perfect day trip to learn of Sydney’s settlement history.
Built between 1837 and 1843, this heritage-listed property is beautifully furnished, and the guided tour includes some great historical detail. It’s also a must for anyone interested in the history of design. 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. At least two companies currently offer free walking tours of the city. If you have not been in Sydney long or are visiting, this is a great way to learn more about our past.

The architectural design of houses is interestingly beautiful as they appear different from what I’ve seen before and are uniquely built to have such stunning views of Sydney’s coastlines. It is a great place if you want to visit Sydney during the school holidays. It has various types of family programs and workshops that make art fun for kids.