Things to do - Freebies
The art of the ‘freebie’ is well-documented among travellers and Australians alike. In a country filled with such natural beauty and amazing views, there’s always plenty to do here that doesn’t break the budget.
Free Stuff in Sydney
Art Gallery of New South Wales
This gallery is located a stone’s throw from the city centre and houses the largest permanent collection of Aboriginal art in the world. Entry is free, as are the guided tours (except for some special exhibits), and you might even be lucky enough to catch a free Aboriginal performance in Yirbana Gallery.
Government House
Government House is located in the centre of the Royal Botanic Gardens, close to the urban centre of Sydney. The gardens that surround this beautiful 19th century building are open to the public daily, and a free guided tour though the magnificently decorated staterooms of Government House is held each weekend.
National Maritime Museum
This museum is located in Darling Harbour and has a large range of exhibits and galleries relating to Australia’s fascinating maritime history, which are open to the public. Temporary exhibitions might charge an entry fee but the permanent displays are free.
Nielsen Park and Sydney Beaches
Nielsen Park in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs is a picturesque spot for a picnic with friends. It’s right on the water’s edge so you can swim and sunbake to your heart’s content. Another great (free) activity is a day out at one of Sydney’s many beaches. Most of the major beaches are surf beaches, but there are plenty of idyllic harbour beaches as well.
Opera House and the Domain
Although you might not be able to get inside for free, you can walk up the sweeping stairs in front of the Opera House and walk all the way around it to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s possible to walk all the way around the gardens to Farm Cove, the site of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair (a famous lookout point), and then go on to the Domain, a huge expanse of lush green garden.
Parliament House
Those with an interest in Australia’s political life might be interested in visiting Parliament House (in the city centre of Sydney). There’s a public gallery from which you can view the proceedings in both chambers of parliament, when the houses are sitting. If you want to sit in on Question Time in the Legislative Assembly, you’d be well advised to book ahead as this is a very popular activity. When the house isn’t sitting, you can look inside both Chambers of Parliament. On these non-sitting days, guided tours are frequent.
Queen Victoria Building
This building was originally a produce market, but it’s come a long way since then. It’s now one of Australia’s most beautiful shopping centres and although the designer goods sold here aren’t free, travelling up and down in its beautiful antique elevator is, not to mention marvelling at the amazing architecture.
The Rocks
The Rocks are one of the most historically important areas in Sydney, as it is the home of some of Australia’s oldest buildings. You can amble through the tiny winding roads, window-shopping as you go, before stopping to check out the street theatre that often springs up on the weekend.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Catch a glimpse of one of the most famous vistas in Australia, the glittering harbour, from one of its most iconic structures, the Harbour Bridge. Although it is expensive to climb over the bridge, you can walk over it for free, minus the vertigo.
Sydney Parks
Sydney has a huge amount of green spaces and two of the best are Centennial Park , south of the city, and Bicentennial Park, located out west near Sydney Olympic Park. Centennial Park is a great place to cycle, rollerblade, or just take a lakeside walk. Bicentennial Park has walkways, cycling path, picnic areas, a bird hide, a wetlands boardwalk and free barbecues. Both are a great place for a day out.
Free Stuff in Brisbane
City Botanic Gardens
These picturesque parklands are home to groups of ducks that just love to be fed, a beautiful boardwalk that winds through the mangrove trees, and no shortage of huge shady trees, just perfect for relaxing underneath.
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
These amazing gardens boast more than 20 000 plant species sourced from all over the globe. There is a beautifully serene Japanese Garden, an impressive collection of succulent plants, and the not-to-be-missed Tropical Dome. There are pamphlets available which outline a variety of self-guided walks through the lush vegetation.
Mount Coot-tha Lookout
This beautiful lookout is located in Toowong, on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive. You can see the whole city of Brisbane laid out, and trace the winding route of the Brisbane River.
Museum of Brisbane
The Museum of Brisbane is located in City Hall and has a range of exhibits covering topics such as art, Brisbane’s heritage and culture.
Old Government House
This is located near the City Botanic Gardens and is the headquarters of the National Trust. Not all the rooms are open to the public, but the few that are have been refurbished beautifully and will give the visitor a great feel for the historical significance of this amazing sandstone building.
Parliament House
Anyone with an interest in Queensland politics shouldn’t miss the tours of Parliament House which run each day (except Saturday) in this historic building.
Queensland Museum
This museum is located on South Bank and is a great place to learn about natural and social history. Some special exhibits charge a small admission fee, but everything else, including a virtual tour back in time, an incredible display of endangered species, and a special display of the biplane in which Bert Hinkler flew from England to Australia, is free.
South Bank Parklands
This is one of the most beautiful walking areas in all Australia. Among the things to do and see are the formal gardens, the Nepalese Temple, and the amazing swimming lagoon (replete with its own lifeguards and sandy beach). The beautiful tropical vegetation provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed barbecue or picnic.
Free Stuff in Melbourne
City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram is free. You’ll recognise it by its distinctive burgundy and cream colouring. It will take you past some of the most interesting attractions that Melbourne has to offer and bring you right back to where you started.
Federation Square
Take a walk around this interestingly designed structure and make up your own mind as to whether it’s a marvel or an eyesore (a point hotly disputed by many Melbournians).
Fitzroy Gardens
One of the most interesting things in the Fitzroy Gardens is Captain Cook’s cottage. After he discovered Australia, the cottage in which his parents lived was brought to Australia (stone by stone) from Yorkshire and painstakingly reconstructed. The garden also has a wonderful Tudor village and landscaped parklands. If you hang around until sunset you might be lucky enough to see the possums that live in the Treasury Gardens nearby.
Royal Botanic Gardens
These beautiful gardens feature amazing landscaping which includes lawns, gardens and beautiful old trees. One of its most interesting attractions is the rainforest gully, in which you can find a colony of noisy fruit bats. As a bonus, these gardens offer free guided walks regularly.
State Houses of Parliament
When Parliament isn’t sitting, you can take a free guided tour of the State Houses of Parliament. This impressive building is located on Spring Street in the city and is the centre of State Government.
Williamstown
Williamstown is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s city centre. A former maritime village, it now boasts a heritage walk that will take you past beautiful historic buildings and old-style pubs.
Yarra River
Melbourne’s iconic river is yours for the exploring. Flinders Walk starts at Flinders Street Station and crosses the footbridge and is a great place to start a walk up and down the river banks. A great place to stop is the Alexandra Gardens, which are located just behind Princes Bridge.
Free Stuff in Canberra
Australian National Botanic Gardens
These gardens are located at Black Mountain and have the claim to fame of housing the largest collection of native plants and flowers in the whole of Australia. There is also a beautiful rainforest gully which features the different rainforest habitats found on the east coast of Australia.
Australian War Memorial
This memorial is dedicated to all victims of all wars and is a beautiful, quiet and reflective space. Although admission is technically free, a donation at the entrance is appreciated. The Memorial also houses the largest war museum in the world, with more than four million items.
Diplomatic Missions
The suburb of Yarralumla is home to diplomatic missions from all around the world. Many of the countries have built or renovated their buildings to represent the architectural influences of their home countries. This diversity is reinforced on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, which has a permanent International Flag Display.
Floriade
Floriade is the nation’s largest flower show. There are free shows and concerts throughout the 30 day festival which starts around mid September, and the flowers planted cover a space of over 10 000 square metres.
High Court of Australia
This building lies within the Parliamentary Triangle and is well worth a look for those with an interest in the Australian justice system. On display in the Great Hall is an educational exhibit, and there are regular tours of the three courtrooms when they are not in use. When they are in use, there is a public gallery from which you can watch the proceedings.
Mount Ainslie Lookout
From this lookout you can get an idea as to the layout of the Parliamentary Triangle, which is the area falling between Capitol Hill, City Hill and Russel Hill, as well as the city. There is also a beautiful walking track starting at the top of Mount Ainslie and leading through Remembrance Nature Park to the Australian War Memorial.
National Capital Exhibition and Lake Burley Griffin
One of the most interesting things about Canberra is its deliberate design, a precise system of concentric circular roads with the man-made Lake Burley Griffin at its centre. The National Capital Exhibition is located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and has information about the design and development of the nation’s capital. Entry is free, as are guided tours.
National Museum of Australia
General admission to this treasure trove of all things Australian is free, and this museum is definitely worth a visit. The museum is dedicated to everything Australian and has a huge and varied range of exhibits, including such oddities as the carcass of a Tasmanian Tiger (a species that is now extinct). The museum is located on the Acton peninsula.
Old Parliament House Rose Gardens
The rose gardens at the former Parliament House buildings are certainly worth visiting anytime between October and April, as it is then that the roses are in full, glorious bloom.
Parliament House
Parliament House is Australia’s most expensive building and when Parliament isn’t sitting you can take a guided tour to explore it. When Parliament is in session, you’re free to sit in the public gallery and watch proceedings (no heckling!).
Free Stuff in Perth
Art Gallery of Western Australia
This gallery is located a stone’s throw from the Western Australia Museum and has an impressive collection of Western Australian and Aboriginal art.
Barracks Archway
This archway, located at the top of St Georges Terrace, is the last remaining vestige of the Pensioners Barracks. Unfortunately it was partly demolished in the name of progress. Public outcry prevented total demolition and thankfully the archway still remains as a memorial to the early colonists of Western Australia.
East Murray Street Precinct
This historic district is classified by the National Trust and dates from the gold rush era. Highlights include Kirkman House, which boasts one of the biggest and oldest fig trees in Australia; and the Fire Museum, which is housed in the Old Fire Brigade Building.
Free Transit Zone
This is a district in the centre of the city where all bus and train travel is free. Jumping on a bus or a train is a cheap and environmentally friendly way to see the city.
Fremantle Walk
This heritage trail will take you past some of the most interesting buildings in this historic port area, including the Fremantle History Museum. This building was originally an asylum and is said to be haunted by a ghost. Although entry is technically free, a donation at the entrance is always appreciated.
Kings Park
Located just a few minutes from the city, this natural bushland is at its most impressive in spring when the wildflowers bloom. A picnic reserve, a war memorial, a floral clock and many beautiful nature walks are just some of the attractions on offer.
Lake Monger
Lake Monger is located in Leederville in the northern suburbs of Perth. The lake is home to a wild fowl refuge and is a great place to get a closer look at Western Australia’s famous black swans, as well as other species of Australian birds.
Perth’s Beaches
Perth has magnificent beaches. Some of the top picks include Cottesloe Civic Centre, which boasts beautiful gardens; Scarborough, which has markets on the weekend; and Swanbourne, which is famous for being a nudist beach.
Western Australia Museum
This museum focuses on the history of Western Australia and includes some of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in Perth. It’s located in the suburb of Northbridge and entry is free.
Free Stuff in Darwin
East Point Reserve
The main attraction at this reserve is the artificial lake, Lake Alexander. You can swim, windsurf or just splash around without the threat of jellyfish or crocodiles. The evenings here are just magical, with wallabies appearing around sunset to graze. The park also has a great boardwalk which winds through mangrove and coastal monsoon forests.
Fannie Bay Gaol Museum
This is Darwin’s former jail and has been turned into a museum. Star exhibits include cells and gallows.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
The highlights at this combined museum and art gallery include a remarkable collection of Aboriginal art and artefacts, such as carvings and bark paintings from Arnhem Land, Bathurst Island and Melville Island; a Cyclone Tracy exhibit and a Sweet and Sour display which focuses on the history and experiences of Asian immigration to the area.
State Square
State Square is where you’ll find all the government buildings, conveniently located right near each other. Some of these buildings, like Parliament House, hold free guided tours each weekend. The Supreme Court, with its amazing mosaic foyer, is definitely worth a visit. Bookworms might enjoy a visit to the Northern Territory Library, which is located in the same square and is open every day.
Free Stuff in Adelaide
Adelaide Botanic Garden
This is one of the most popular open areas in Adelaide city. It covers 16 hectares and encompasses the Bicentennial Conservatory as well as the Victorian Palm House. It’s a great place to spend a laid-back day, with beautifully maintained gardens, shady trees and serene lakes.
Black Hill Conservation Park
This conservation park is located in the Mount Lofty Ranges, just 12 kilometres north east of Adelaide. Admission is free and once you’re in, you can explore the park’s many walking trails and amazing flower gardens.
City Loop and Bee-line Buses
Both these bus services are free of charge and run frequently through the city. The City Look bus traces a circular path through the city and goes in both directions every 15 to 20 minutes. The Bee line route is a bit shorter, running along King William Street and North Terrace every 5 to 12 minutes.
Holy Trinity Church
Adelaide is sometimes referred to as the City of Churches, so a trip to this beautiful city wouldn’t be complete without seeing some of them! Holy Trinity Church, located on North Terrace, is also known as the Pioneer Church of South Australia and boasts a clock made by the clockmaker to King Edward IV.
Montefiore Hill
This lookout spot is located in North Adelaide and is of special significance because it is said to have been a favourite place of Colonel Light, the man who planned the city of Adelaide. There is a statue of him at the summit.
Mount Lofty Summit
This is one of the most spectacular lookouts in Adelaide, and provides sweeping views of the plains below. Go at night for an even more incredible panorama.
South Australian Museum
This museum has some of the world’s oldest fossils among its extensive collection and also boasts many other fascinating exhibits, such as that which looks at Sir Douglas Mawson’s exploration of Antarctica; Pacific and Aboriginal artefacts; and a fascinating section on Ancient Egypt.
St Kilda Mangrove Trail
St Kilda is located north of Adelaide and features an incredibly extensive mangrove ecosystem. There is a boardwalk trail that runs for 1.7km through this fragile environment. This is a must-see for those with an interest in ecology and nature.
Free Stuff in Hobart
Anglesea Barracks
At Anglesea Barracks you’ll find a huge range of historical military buildings, some of which are still in use despite being among the oldest military buildings in Australia. Most of them are able to be visited any weekday, although some are only available for tours on Tuesdays.
Battery Point
This is a historic maritime village and a great place for a relaxing stroll. Highlights include beautifully maintained old-style pubs, quaint fishermen’s cottages and stately larger homes. The village green is particularly beautiful.
City Walk
A walk through Macquarie and Davey Streets in the city will take you past some of the most interesting buildings in Hobart, including Town Hall, the Commissariat Store, the Bond Store, and Hobart’s oldest building, 40 Macquarie Street.
Constitution Dock
The main claim to fame of this port is the fact that each year it is the arrival point for the famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Mount Wellington
This mountain is a great place to go for views over Hobart and the Derwent Valley. Remember to bring a jacket, as it’s usually quite cold and windy even if Hobart itself is sunny and warm.
Queen’s Domain
This bushland reserve is located right near the city centre of Hobart. Don’t miss the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens, which are located near Pavilion Point and surrounded by a wall built by convicts.
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
The highlights of this museum and art gallery’s collection include a great range of landscape paintings and collections of items relating to humanities and natural history. Many of the historic buildings on Macquarie Street are included in the museum site. Entry is free, as is the guided tour that runs in the afternoon, Wednesday to Sunday.