Cheap Things to Do in Sydney
Just past the Sydney Opera House, you’ll find the expansive grounds of the The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. If you need a break from city life and crowds, head to the oasis of the botanic gardens. You can also walk around the gardens and see native and exotic plants throughout the garden. Taronga Zoo is a must-visit for families with teenagers in Sydney. In Sydney you can spend the morning at the beach, lunch in the city and the afternoon in the bush. You can swim in the lanes of Olympians, climb into the treetops in unexpected places and sail boats as the fun things to do in sydney sun sets. Use this list of things to do in Sydney with kids for their best holiday ever. One that takes you on a 10 km picturesque journey, with idyllic harbour views on one side and 1,000-year-old Aboriginal rock engravings on the other, offering up the perfect blend of new and old Australia. Guided by a local, these tours are perfect for anyone who have just arrived in the city and wants an insight into the many areas of Sydney, its long history and what there is to see today. There are multiple walking tours every day, come rain, hail or shine. A great way to see Sydney Harbour and the iconic buildings that surround is from one of the many rooftop bars in the city. The Great Southern Oceans exhibit showcases a variety of marine lif,e including seals, penguins, and sea lions. Situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour, the zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, representing over 350 species. Hours & Prices – The gardens are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The highlight is the Teahouse, where you can enjoy a traditional tea overlooking the garden. Designed to create a sense of balance and harmony, winding paths lead through the gardens adorned with carved pavilions, statues and ponds. There’s also plenty going on in the northern beaches, such as Bucketty’s Brewing Co and Modus Operandi Brewing. Showcasing everything from farm-fresh produce and condiments to vintage fashion and knick-knacks, the city’s best markets offer unique treasure hunting meccas. Wendy Whiteley, the wife of Sydney artist Brett Whiteley who passed away in 1992, has created a wonderland of sculptures, flora and fauna in her favourite corner of Lavender Bay in Sydney’s north shore. Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden attracts visitors from around the world for its distinct zen and astounding views. Go there with plenty of time up your sleeve — its powerful ambience is tough to kiss goodbye. 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. It’s the world’s most significant collection of Chinese contemporary art. But, if you need to drive, there is some paid parking near Bondi Pavillion, but it’s about $10 an hour. Tip – While lifeguards patrol Bondi, the waves can be strong and are not ideal for very young children. If you have young kids, consider visiting Camp Cove or Shelly Beach instead. The Rocks is one of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhoods and a must-visit for anyone spending time in the city. In this article, we take a closer look at those lesser-known corners of Sydney, offering experiences that are offbeat, entertaining, and a little unexpected. Beach, river or lake – you’re never far from the water in Sydney. 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. For something different, book a unique 90-minute Tall Ship Cruise with Sydney Harbour Tall Ships. Board one of their traditional tall ships Southern Swan or the impressive Soren Larsen and discover the sights and sounds of Sydney on a unique ‘historic meets modern’ harbour cruise. It’s a great spot to walk around and enjoy the movement of ferries back and forth over the harbour as well as enjoying the buskers performing for commuters and tourists. Aside from the horse riding, the leafy grounds of Centennial Parklands make it a perfect inner-city location for family picnics and strolls. Kids will love the Wildplay Garden, a free, nature playground amid the lush surrounds of the park, open daily from 10am ‘til 5pm. It is definitely worth braving the crowds, though, because this spectacular stretch of coastline is the stuff dreams are made of. To avoid some of the Bondi crowds, start your walk from the Coogee end. Stop as many times as you like along the way to have a swim, grab a coffee and enjoy the scenery. Each year, crowds flock in around November to see the Sculpture by the Sea open air exhibit where sculptures are installed along the walk. One of Sydney’s most iconic attractions, particularly for families is the Sea Life Aquarium at Darling Harbour that is home to two Dugongs and a remarkable walk-through shark tunnel. In recent times, the aquarium has also added two pengiun exhibits – one of which comes with a cute little boat ride through the snow to see them in their natural habitat. Located in the heart of Sydney Harbour and just a short ferry ride from the CBD, Cockatoo Island is well-known for its significant historic landmarks. What many people don’t realise, however, is that you can actually spend the night on the World Heritage-listed island, with accommodation ranging from camping to heritage buildings. If you only have one day in Sydney with kids, this is the thing you must do. Head to Circular Quay on the train, the bus or the ferry and walk around to the Opera House. This easy flat walk will give you an incredible view of the Harbour Bridge. You can walk up the stairs of the Opera House to see the fascinating tiles up close. It might feel like an impossible task right now, but with RedBalloon’s family activities in Sydney, it’s a cinch. If you're looking for the best things to do in Sydney, there are plenty of options with RedBalloon, whether you want to explore by sky, land, or sea, let us help you plan the perfect day out. Partway along the Taronga to Balmoral walk, you will find Headland Park. The park is home to Artists Precinct, a collection of studios set up in old military buildings. Home to 21 artists, there are regular exhibitions, and you can often wander into the studios to look around. From understanding the distilling process to choosing your own botanicals, a lot goes into making the perfect gin. Try it for yourself at some of Sydney’s distilleries, including Archie Rose and Manly Spirits Co. Take a cocktail-making class or simply just enjoy sampling some of the city’s spirits. Or for something a little different, head to Govinda's for movies and all-you-can-eat Indian food. A rainy day is the perfect excuse to enjoy some delicious ramen.