Five Free Sights of Sydney
A stunning harbour, exciting night-life, and elegant shopping. What more could you want? Sydney offers all this, making it a fantastic holiday destination.
However, it can be an expensive city, especially for families. Luckily, Sydney boasts several sights which are free to visit, except for the cost of a ferry or bus ride. These include harbour-side suburbs, art galleries museums, and churches. Here are five must-see free sights of Sydney.
Enjoy Walking or Shopping at Manly
The pretty suburb of Manly, beloved by generations of Sydneysiders, is only a relaxing, short ferry ride away from the city. Manly offers several walks to enjoy. Choose between the inner-harbour walk near the ferry stop, past rock coves and leafy green lawns, or go through the Corso and take the stroll to Shelley Beach. On the way to Shelley Beach, you can see the Fairy Bower Pool, a pool cut into the rocks along the coast. Children love this enchanting pool! Sometimes, you can watch whales, or dolphins playing in the sea as you walk.
Shelley Beach offers great facilities for families, including a café, and free barbeques. It is also possible to go snokelling, or scuba-diving, and see the marine life. Steps from Shelley Beach lead to a bush track where you can see breathtaking views of North Head. Note the interesting native trees, and flowers along the bush track, as well.
Enjoy the market along the Corso on the weekend, with its array of clothes, prints, and jewellery. Afterwards, visit one of the many restaurants, or simply eat delicious fish and chips overlooking the wide sandy beach surrounded by Norfolk Pines.
See Beautiful Views at Cremorne
Cremorne is another appealing harbour-side suburb, just a short ferry ride away from the city. Be sure to take your camera here, so that you can photograph the many amazing views from the walk along the harbour foreshore. Cremorne also features historic architecture, including Edwardian and Art Deco houses and apartment buildings. One of these if the famous ‘Laurels’, a grand Federation manor built in 1907.
If you like gardens, visit the Lex and Ruby Graham Gardens along the way. Lex began these gardens by planting an elephant’s ear bulb, which he fished out of the oceans on his morning swim. The rocky paths and trails of delightful flowers and plants lead down to a rock pool in the harbour.
Spend A Day At The Art Gallery of NSW
Experience a day out at the imposing Art Gallery of NSW, with its amazing art collections, including Indigenous, medieval, colonial and modern painting and sculptures. There is an array of free tours available to help you appreciate the artworks, and the guides are excellent. Why not take in an exhibition, as well?
The new extension to the Art Gallery, the North Building, is now open. This spacious gallery features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a public garden, and beautiful views, as well as interesting art, of course. Be sure to see the Yiribana Gallery on the ground floor, one of the largest collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait art in the world, and the strange humanoids by Francis Upritchard in the outdoor canopy.
After this, visit the shops with their enchanting range of books, jewellery, postcards and scarves, and enjoy lunch or coffee and cake at one of the cafes. If you prefer to dine in style, sample the fine food at the restaurant with its Mediterranean-inspired menu by chef Matt Moran. Then walk down the harbour through the flower-filled Botanical Gardens.
Learn About Sydney’s History at the Museum of Sydney
The Museum of Sydney was the home and office of the first governors of the colony of NSW. This museum tells the city’s story, and also holds artifacts, paintings andother artworks from the State’s colonial past. You can also see the outline of Governor Philip’s residence, the First Government House, which was on the site. This is marked out on the piazza.
Visit Sydney’s Magnificent St Mary’s Cathedral
Even if you are not religious, St Mary’s Cathedral is worth seeing. This magnificent Gothic cathedral, designed by William Wardell, features rose windows, stunning stained-glass and the Grave of the Unknown Soldier. There are many other treasures here, and free tours are available.
If you are a Christian, be sure to go to a Mass here, especially if you are in Sydney during Easter or Christmas. It’s a very spiritual and moving experience, and the choir is renowned.
These are just a sample of the several free sights in this stunning city. Enjoy your holiday in Sydney!
