Australia boasts a wealth of free activities that showcase its stunning landscapes, endemic wildlife and vibrant cities. Here are our top 10 free things to do in Australia.
Have you wondered how to explore a new city without breaking the bank? Throughout major cities across Australia, you can find free walking tours. These are a great way to learn about the architecture, culture, history and hidden gems with a knowledgeable local guide.
Australia is truly a paradise for nature lovers and there are countless opportunities to have a close encounter with the native wildlife. From spotting koalas to whale watching along the Great Ocean Road, kookaburras to kangaroos on Pebbly Beach, wombats to quokkas on the beautiful Rottnest Island. The best times of day to see native wildlife are often dawn and dusk when animals are at their most active.
With thousands of kilometres of coastline, Australia offers endless occasions for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. The most popular choices include Byron Bay, Bells Beach, Bondi and Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. Don't forget to pack your swimwear before heading to Australia!
Australia hosts numerous free festivals throughout the year, celebrating music, art, culture, and food, including Vivid Sydney. This annual festival of light illuminates diverse iconic buildings and landmark across the city, a free event you don’t want to miss!
Sydney's world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks display is considered as one of the best in the world. There are plenty of vantage points with free access including Bradley Park & Mary Booth Reserve and Blue Points overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Darling Harbour. A truly magical and once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Most of the capital cities across Australia operate free public transport within the Central Business District (CBD). So climb aboard the historic gold and green City Circle W class tramway providing audio commentary detailing city landmarks and major attractions in Melbourne, or hop on the CityHopper ferry to enjoy the city skyline views along the Brisbane River.
Australia offers a plethora of walking trails for all fitness levels. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, and from the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk to the iconic multi-day Overland Track in Tasmania. Australia with its diverse range of landscape, from lush rainforests to arid desert, is a hiker's paradise.
With its rich cultural heritage, the museums and art galleries across Australia offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's historic and artistic traditions. The Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney are all free to enter.
Take advantage of the remote and sparsely populated regions in this vast country offering ideal conditions for stargazing. Many national parks and regional towns have designated ‘dark sky’ sites, where you can witness the Milky Way, The Southern Cross and other celestial wonders.
Australia boasts a vibrant market scene - from Fremantle Markets to Adelaide Central Markets and Salamanca Markets to Eumundi Markets. Offering a diverse range of handmade crafts, fresh produce and cultural experiences, they are also a fantastic way to connect with the locals and learn about the place.
Australia has many 'big’ structures scattered throughout the country. These range from a 'big banana' to a 'big lobster', a 'big guitar' to a 'big koala'. Keep a lookout for these quirky icons and of course, take a photo and share it on Insta! #bigthingsaustralia
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Siobhan Blest
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Siobhan is our Web Content Supervisor based in our Kensington head office.
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