Two of Australia's liveliest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, have a wide range of free things to do. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden to take in Sydney's natural splendour. Here you may relax amongst verdant foliage, gawk at colourful blooms, and take in breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour.
Bondi Beach, with its golden sands and pounding waves, is a popular tourist destination. Take the day to relax in the sun, swim, or maybe give surfing a shot. Don't miss out on discovering Sydney's colonial past in the Rocks, a neighbourhood full of charming cobblestone alleyways and well-preserved sandstone buildings.
In the meantime, Melbourne provides its own set of free sights. Hosier Lane is a haven for admirers of street art, as it is always being updated with new and interesting graffiti and murals. Explore this lively alley at your own pace and marvel at the artwork that lines its walls.
Free concerts and festivals are regularly held at Federation Square, making it a focal point for the city's artistic community. The Southbank Promenade in Melbourne is a popular tourist destination known for its lively cafe scene, riverside location, and abundance of street performers.
Parks and gardens in both cities are lovely places to unwind. Hyde Park in Sydney, with its vast lawns and beautiful fountains, is a tranquil refuge from the city. Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike who are interested in trying new foods and finding a good deal. You can have remarkable experiences without paying a dollar in these cities, which highlight the best of Australian culture, nature, and innovation.
Things To See And To Do In Sydney In Sydney
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia, was the first British colony established in the continent in the latter half of the 18th century. The city has grown into a gigantic metropolis that stretches from the ocean to the mountains, yet thanks to well-designed streets and convenient public transportation, it is still very easy to get around.
You can visit the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Observatory Hill, as well as the Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of New South Wales to learn more about the area's history and culture.
Keep in mind that Sydney was designed for a combined urban and coastal lifestyle. You may go swimming or surfing in the Pacific Ocean with the Sydney skyline as a backdrop in Bondi or Manly, all of which are just a short trip away.
It might be overwhelming to consider where to begin when planning a trip to Sydney. For your convenience, we have created a list of the top activities in Sydney. The unusual suggestions on this Sydney bucket list are guaranteed to make your visit in Australia's largest city unforgettable.
Sydney Opera House
You can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, two of the most recognisable icons of Sydney, from Circular Quay. The Sydney Opera House is a recognisable part of the city's skyline, but a visit to Sydney wouldn't be complete without taking in a live show as well.
Take In The Breathtaking Scenery From The Sydney Harbour Bridge
One of the city's most recognisable monuments, the Sydney Harbour Bridge towers 134 metres over the harbour below. BridgeClimb guides will lead you to the top of the steel arches, which the locals call "The Coathanger" (for its similarity to a coat hanger).
Take A Guided Stroll Through The Rocks
A stroll through The Rocks is a must for anyone who enjoys learning about the past and culture of a place they visit.
It might be said that The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney. The Rocks, which is on the harbor's southern shoreline, is close enough to Sydney's Central Business District and Circular Quay to be reached by foot. Located under the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, these old streets have been around since the city's inception in 1788 as a penal colony.
See The Beautiful Flowers At The Royal Botanic Garden
Among the many fascinating excursions and walks offered frequently at Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden are Ghostly Garden excursions, Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tours, and Nature Therapy Walks.
The botanical gardens in Sydney are a popular place for tourists to visit, but there's much more heading on here than just plants and flowers.The Royal Botanic Garden is a tranquil oasis in the middle of Sydney's busy central business district. It's a chance to get in touch with nature without having to leave the city, thanks to the abundance of lush foliage, unusual flowers, and curious plants that can be found there.
Views From Observatory Hill Are A Must
One of the best sites in Sydney to take in the sights is atop Observatory Hill, which towers high over The Rocks.
Since Observatory Hill is the tallest peak in downtown, the first British colonists built a fort there in 1800 to keep an eye on the growing town.Over time, there was less need for a fort with cannons, so the hill became a message station, a telegraph relay point, a school, and, most importantly, an observatory.
Take A Trip Back In Time At Australia's First Museum
The Australian Museum, the country's first and oldest museum, is one of the city of Sydney's top attractions. The Australian Museum is the world's fifth-oldest natural history museum, notwithstanding the young age of the contemporary Australian nation.
The museum opened in 1827, just a few years after the first British colonists had set up their settlement in Sydney. The museum was founded in 1849 specifically to accommodate the growing collection of rare natural specimens and fossils that were being discovered at the time.
Art Gallery Of New South Wales
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of the oldest and most prestigious art museums in Australia, having opened in 1871. The gallery evolved from a club and society for art enthusiasts in early 20th-century Sydney to become a major cultural institution in Australia.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales may be found on Art Gallery Road in a magnificent neo-classical sandstone edifice. The entryway is flanked by classical Greco-Roman pillars, and once inside, you'll find an astonishingly comprehensive art collection.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales displays works by artists from all around the world. European paintings such as Aesop by Jusepe de Ribera are among the oldest items in the collection, with a possible date of creation in the 1600s. The permanent collections feature works by countless renowned artists, including Goya, Detaille, Ford Madox Ford, and many more.
Sydney's Chinatown Markets
Chinatown Markets are a great place to experience the city's diverse culture.
The Chinatown Friday Night Markets are open every Friday from 4 p.m. to late at night, filling the air with the tantalising scents of delicious street cuisine.
The Chinatown Markets in Sydney are a popular Friday night destination and a great example of the city's multiculturalism. Your first stop should be "Little Eats Street," where you'll be torn between Hong Kong dim sum and a Vietnamese banh mi. What about sushi or ramen if you just can't make up your mind?
Take The Ferry To Manly
Many of Sydney's top attractions and activities may be experienced without breaking the bank. Taking the Manly Ferry across the harbour is a fun and inexpensive way to see Sydney.
Since its opening in 1855, the Manly Ferry has been transporting people over the harbour as part of Sydney's comprehensive public transportation system. It is not just a beautiful and attractive method to get across the harbour, but it is also historically significant.
Visit Bondi Beach, A Popular Urban Beach
Sydney is one of the few cities with a true "urban beach" vibe. Although the Central Business District (CBD) and historic districts (such as The Rocks) lie inland, you may easily reach some of Australia's most famous beaches by taking a bus or ferry from nearby terminals.
Bondi is home to one such beach, and its surf culture and lifeguards are legendary (and a regular fixture on reality TV beach shows). Bondi is named after the Aboriginal word for "surf," which you'll understand when you see the having broken waves and rip curls.
Hike To Hornby Lighthouse Along South Head Heritage Trail
We believe you'll have a great time hiking to the Hornby Lighthouse, a famous Sydney landmark with stunning views of the Pacific.
In Sydney Harbour National Park can be found Hornby Lighthouse. Located on a rocky outcrop at the mouth of Sydney Harbour, this landmark dates back to 1858. The South Head Heritage Trail is a short but beautiful route that can be taken from Camp Cove to the lighthouse.
Whaling In The Pacific Ocean
From Sydney Harbour, you can reach the open sea in about 15 minutes on a fast catamaran. Because of its location on the coast of the Pacific, whale watching tours in Sydney are a must for any visitor.
Between May and November, the Southern Migration passes by the shore near the city, making for prime whale-watching months. Tens of thousands of humpback whales make the arduous journey up the east coast of Australia every year on their way from the Antarctic to the warmer tropical waters of the north.
Take In A Game At The Iconic Sydney Cricket Ground
Cricket is one of Australia's most popular sports, and widely enjoyed throughout the country. If you're not from a cricket-loving country, you might find the sport strange. However, Sydney is the best spot to immerse yourself in cricket culture and understand the regulations.
With a capacity of 48,000, Sydney Cricket Ground is one of the world's largest cricket stadiums. It has been around since 1848, making it one of the oldest as well. Among Australia's best sporting venues, this is where the country's most important international test matches and one-dayers take place.
Spend A Day In The Breathtaking Blue Mountains
Sydney may be Australia's largest metropolis, but you'll love how simple it is to get out of the city and into the country to experience the stunning natural beauty of the area. The Blue Mountains are an excellent day trip location since they are close to Sydney but far enough away to feel like a wilderness adventure.
The Blue Mountains are located within the larger Great Dividing Range, which divides coastal and inland New South Wales. Katoomba is a great starting point for exploring the surrounding area.
Katoomba is located on the rim of the mountainous Jamison Valley. You can take a stroll to one of the vantage points that looks out over the gorge (like Echo Point) and take in the breathtaking panorama.
Ring In The New Year As One Of The First Persons In The World
The New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney are world famous. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be illuminated by fireworks when the clock strikes midnight, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be among the first people on the planet to ring in the New Year at a party unlike any other. Sydney is in the GMT +10 time zone, therefore it won't be the first city to welcome in the New Year. This means that, unless you have friends or family in New Zealand or the Pacific Islands, you may boast about being among the first people to welcome in the new year.
Things To See And To Do In Melbourne
Travellers from all over the world flock to Melbourne because it is Australia's cultural epicentre. Read on if you're planning a trip to Melbourne, Australia's most "European" city, and want to know what you shouldn't miss.
There is literally nothing you can't do in this city, which is home to several museums, vintage shops, coffee shops, art galleries, events, festivals, etc.
In an effort to show my appreciation for Melbourne, I have put together this comprehensive travel guide that will show you all the top spots in the city and provide some useful tips at the conclusion to help you plan your trip more effectively.
The City Center
The best way to experience all that Melbourne's city centre has to offer is by signing up for one of the fantastic Melbourne walking tours. The downtown area is the focal point of most walking excursions.
This 2.5-hour Melbourne city trip is highly recommended; it will take you to some of the city's most interesting and important landmarks, such as Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and more.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground
Visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), or "the G" as the locals call it, to see where sporting legends are produced. Some of the most memorable moments in Melbourne's illustrious sporting history have taken place at the MCG. Visit the National Sports Museum and take in a game or other sporting event at the massive stadium. Visit the G and relax in one of its many bars or cafes while taking in the sights.
Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market is one of the largest open-air marketplaces in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 600 stalls selling a wide variety of goods. You may get plenty of locally grown produce, unique trinkets, and delicious seafood dishes in this area. There are a lot of antique and independent clothes stands, so you can express your own sense of style.
Collins Street
The urban sophistication, gourmet cuisine, interesting architecture, and charming trams that make Melbourne so appealing to tourists are all congregated along Collins Street.
Arena Rod Laver
The Rod Laver Arena is a world-class facility for a variety of events, including the Australian Open tennis tournament, other sporting events, and concerts with retractable roofs.
Melbourne's Sea Life
This Melbourne aquarium, considered one of the best in Australia, showcases the incredible variety of life found in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean. Being an expert in this field provides a front-row seat to the incredible diversity of marine life.
The Princess Theatre
The stunning Princess Theatre is one of Melbourne's most famous buildings. This exquisite theatre is home to many popular shows. Marvel at its grand design, enjoy an unforgettable performance, and maybe even chat with a friendly ghost.
Conclusion
Sydney and Melbourne are two of Australia's most vibrant cities, offering a variety of free activities to enjoy. Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden offers stunning natural splendor, while Bondi Beach offers golden sands and pounding waves. The Rocks, a neighborhood filled with charming cobblestone alleyways and well-preserved sandstone buildings, is a popular tourist destination. Melbourne's Hosier Lane is a haven for street art enthusiasts, and free concerts and festivals are regularly held at Federation Square. The Southbank Promenade in Melbourne is a popular tourist destination known for its lively cafe scene and riverside location. Parks and gardens in both cities are lovely places to unwind, and Hyde Park in Sydney is a tranquil refuge from the city.
Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia, and it has grown into a gigantic metropolis that stretches from the ocean to the mountains. Visitors can visit the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Observatory Hill, as well as the Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of New South Wales to learn more about the area's history and culture. Sydney was designed for a combined urban and coastal lifestyle, and visitors can enjoy swimming or surfing in the Pacific Ocean with the Sydney skyline as a backdrop in Bondi or Manly.
The Sydney Opera House is a prominent landmark in Sydney, with live shows and tours available. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of the city's most recognisable monuments, towers 134 meters over the harbor below. A guided stroll through The Rocks is a must for those who enjoy learning about the past and culture of a place they visit. The Royal Botanic Garden offers fascinating excursions and walks, including Ghostly Garden excursions, Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tours, and Nature Therapy Walks.
Observation Hill is a must-see site in Sydney, with its tallest peak towering over The Rocks. The first British colonists built a fort there in 1800 to keep an eye on the growing town, which later became a message station, telegraph relay point, school, and observatory. The Australian Museum, the world's fifth-oldest natural history museum, opened in 1827 and is now one of Australia's top attractions.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales, one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious art museums, is located on Art Gallery Road in a magnificent neo-classical sandstone edifice. The permanent collections feature works by renowned artists, including European paintings and renowned artists like Goya, Detaille, and Ford Madox Ford.
In conclusion, Sydney and Melbourne offer a variety of free activities to enjoy the city's diverse culture and history. Sydney is a city known for its multiculturalism and offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. One popular Friday night destination is the Chinatown Markets, where visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes such as Hong Kong dim sum, Vietnamese banh mi, sushi, and ramen. The Manly Ferry, which has been a part of Sydney's public transportation system since 1855, is a fun and inexpensive way to explore the city.
Bondi Beach, an urban beach, is a popular destination with its surf culture and lifeguards. The South Head Heritage Trail offers a beautiful route from Camp Cove to the lighthouse. Whale watching tours in the Pacific Ocean are a must, with tens of thousands of humpback whales making the journey up the east coast of Australia every year between May and November.
The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, one of Australia's most popular sports, is one of the world's largest and oldest sporting venues. With a capacity of 48,000, it is one of the world's oldest and one of the best sporting venues. The Blue Mountains, located within the Great Dividing Range, are an excellent day trip location for exploring the surrounding area.
The New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney are world-famous, with the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge illuminated by fireworks at midnight. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be among the first people on the planet to ring in the New Year at a party unlike any other.
Melbourne is Australia's cultural epicentre, with numerous museums, vintage shops, coffee shops, art galleries, events, and festivals. A comprehensive travel guide is available to help travelers plan their trip more effectively.
The City Center is the focal point of most walking excursions, taking you to some of the city's most interesting and important landmarks. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is home to sporting legends and offers a variety of events and attractions. The Queen Victoria Market is one of the largest open-air marketplaces in the Southern Hemisphere, offering locally grown produce, unique trinkets, and delicious seafood dishes.
Collins Street is a popular destination for tourists, with its urban sophistication, gourmet cuisine, interesting architecture, and charming trams. The Rod Laver Arena is a world-class facility for various events, including the Australian Open tennis tournament and concerts with retractable roofs. Melbourne's Sea Life Aquarium showcases the diverse marine life found in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean.
Lastly, the Princess Theatre is a stunning building that offers many popular shows and experiences.
Content Summary:
- Two of Australia's liveliest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, have a wide range of free things to do.
- Visit the Royal Botanic Garden to take in Sydney's natural splendour.
- Bondi Beach, with its golden sands and pounding waves, is a popular tourist destination.
- Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike who are interested in trying new foods and finding a good deal.
- Keep in mind that Sydney was designed for a combined urban and coastal lifestyle.
- For your convenience, we have created a list of the top activities in Sydney.
- The unusual suggestions on this Sydney bucket list are guaranteed to make your visit in Australia's largest city unforgettable.
- You can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, two of the most recognisable icons of Sydney, from Circular Quay.
- A stroll through The Rocks is a must for anyone who enjoys learning about the past and culture of a place they visit.
- It might be said that The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney.
- The botanical gardens in Sydney are a popular place for tourists to visit, but there's much more heading on here than just plants and flowers.
- The Royal Botanic Garden is a tranquil oasis in the middle of Sydney's busy central business district.
- One of the best sites in Sydney to take in the sights is atop Observatory Hill, which towers high over The Rocks.
- The Australian Museum, the country's first and oldest museum, is one of the city of Sydney's top attractions.
- The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of the oldest and most prestigious art museums in Australia, having opened in 1871.
- The Art Gallery of New South Wales displays works by artists from all around the world.
- Chinatown Markets are a great place to experience the city's diverse culture.
- Taking the Manly Ferry across the harbour is a fun and inexpensive way to see Sydney.
- A Popular Urban Beach Sydney is one of the few cities with a true "urban beach" vibe.
- In Sydney Harbour National Park can be found Hornby Lighthouse.
- Trail is a short but beautiful route that can be taken from Camp Cove to the lighthouse.
- Whaling In The Pacific Ocean From Sydney Harbour. You can reach the open sea in about 15 minutes on a fast catamaran.
- Because of its location on the coast of the Pacific, whale watching tours in Sydney are a must for any visitor.
- Cricket is one of Australia's most popular sports, and widely enjoyed throughout the country.
- Katoomba is located on the rim of the mountainous Jamison Valley.
- The New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney are world famous.
- It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be among the first people on the planet to ring in the New Year at a party unlike any other.
- Sydney is in the GMT +10 time zone, therefore it won't be the first city to welcome in the New Year.
- Travellers from all over the world flock to Melbourne because it is Australia's cultural epicentre.
- Read on if you're planning a trip to Melbourne, Australia's most "European" city, and want to know what you shouldn't miss.
- In an effort to show my appreciation for Melbourne, I have put together this comprehensive travel guide that will show you all the top spots in the city and provide some useful tips at the conclusion to help you plan your trip more effectively.
- The City Center The best way to experience all that Melbourne's city centre has to offer is by signing up for one of the fantastic Melbourne walking tours.
- Visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), or "the G" as the locals call it, to see where sporting legends are produced.
- Visit the National Sports Museum and take in a game or other sporting event at the massive stadium.
- Visit the G and relax in one of its many bars or cafes while taking in the sights.
- Queen Victoria Market is one of the largest open-air marketplaces in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 600 stalls selling a wide variety of goods.
- This Melbourne aquarium, considered one of the best in Australia, showcases the incredible variety of life found in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean.
- The stunning Princess Theatre is one of Melbourne's most famous buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The top cities between Melbourne and Sydney are Canberra, Katoomba, Shoalhaven, Wollongong, Healesville, Beechworth, Kiama Municipality, St Kilda, and Port Stephens. Canberra is the most popular city on the route — it's 6 hours from Melbourne and 3 hours from Sydney.
If you are sure you just want to visit Sydney and Melbourne, 7 or 8 days should be more than enough time. If you want to get out into the country, allow for 2 weeks.
If you've never visited Australia before and are looking for in-your-face classic tourist activities and Instagrammable heaven, then Sydney might be the best choice. But if you're looking for a destination where you have to scratch the surface a little to discover some rich culture, give Melbourne a try.
Driving from Sydney to Melbourne is one of the cheapest ways to travel from city to city. Whilst the Sydney to Melbourne flight time is around an hour, and the Sydney to Melbourne by train is usually overnight, a Sydney to Melbourne road trip is the scenic option and will cost you a tank or two of fuel.
NSW TrainLink offers daily services that take you from Sydney Central station to Melbourne Southern Cross station in just over 10 hours. With comfortable seating and scenic views along the way, NSW TrainLink is a convenient and enjoyable way to travel between Australia's two largest cities.