While it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Sydney is certainly not the cheapest. And with the Australian dollar exceeding parity with the US dollar, visitors are looking for ways to make their money go further.
Fortunately, there are a variety of activities that won’t leave your wallet hurting.
Luna Park
The entrance to Luna Park is perhaps one of the most iconic landmarks in Sydney, second only to the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House. Located just a short ferry ride across the harbor, Luna Park is Sydney’s only amusement park.
Entrance to Luna park
The park first opened in 1935 and has kept its sideshow charm. Walk through the giant grinning mouth and visitors are surrounded by a carnival atmosphere.
Admission to the park is free, but you pay per ride. Indulge your inner child (or your own children) with everything from the Ferris Wheel, to slides, to carnival games.
After working up an appetite, head to the nearby Lighthouse Cafe for one of the meal deals. It’s a cheap and easy way to grab food on the go!
Cost Breakdown
- Admission: Free
- Rides: $10/ride
- Meal Deal at Lighthouse Cafe (burger OR hot dog plus chips and a drink): $12
Behind the Scenes Tour of the Sydney Fish Market
Ranking up there with the top seafood markets in Japan and Pike’s Place in Seattle, the Sydney Fish Market is the largest seafood market in the Southern Hemisphere.
A behind the scenes tour* of the market is a great way to see how seafood makes its way from the ocean to the plate. The tour takes visitors onto the auction floor of the market to get an up close look at the haggling and trading of seafood. There is also a stop at the Sydney Seafood School where visitors might get to watch a cooking class in action, or a demonstration of oyster shucking.
After the tour, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. The menu is extensive, offering everything from the standard offering of fish and chips, to Lobster Thermidor!
*Tours start at 6.55am and end at 8:30am.
Cost Breakdown
- Fish Market Tour: $20 adults/$10 children 13 years and under
- Lunch:: $10+
Darling Harbor
Darling Harbor is one of Sydney’s main tourist areas and a great place to take kids. Set along the harbor are a variety of shops, restaurants and attractions. Spend a couple of hours at the Sydney Aquarium and check out some of Australia’s marine animals, including crocodiles, the duck-billed platypus, and sharks. There is also an exhibit showcasing the marine life of the Sydney harbor.
Fish not your thing? Right next door is the Sydney Wildlife World, home to some of Australia’s most deadly inhabitants: snakes, scorpions, and one of the largest crocodiles in captivity.
The nearby Ice Cube Restaurant is a great place to grab a meal of fish and chips. Here’s a tip: the restaurant serves a wide variety of local seafood, but you’re looking at $25+ for a plate. Just around the corner is Ice Cube Ahoy, the restaurant’s takeaway counter. The two restaurants use the same kitchen and the same ingredients, but the take-away prices are about a third less. There’s less variety to choose from, but you can’t beat the prices.
Cost Breakdown
- Wildlife World or Aquarium Adult General Admission: $34.99
- Takeaway Lunch: $10+
Chinese Garden of Friendship
Located near busy Darling Harbor, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is a peaceful oasis in the middle of a bustling metropolis.
Picturesque view of the Chinese Gardens
The garden is filled with perfectly manicured landscapes, weeping willows and plenty of massive koi fish. One thing that you won’t find in most Chinese gardens are the large lizards that call the grounds home. They freely roam the area, sunning themselves on rocks and ignoring passersby.
The garden’s Teahouse is a nice way to end a visit. The menu features a variety of refreshments from traditional Chinese tea, to a more European fare of cream scones.
Don’t miss the life size replica of a traditional Chinese bridal carriage carved completely out of jade. The ornate carriage is the only one of its kind outside of China.
Cost Breakdown
- Garden Entrance Fee with Tea Included: $11
To find other things to do in Sydney that won’t cost you a penny, take a look at the Top 5 FREE Things to Do in Sydney.
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