Top 10 Free Attractions in Australia

1. Sydney, Centennial Park, Centennial Park for Sydneysiders is like Central Park for New Yorkers, a place where you can jog, rollerblade, cycle, ride horses, walk dogs and play soccer. The park covers 467 acres, with endless places to play and have picnics, plus cafes, playgrounds and barbecues. The new Wildflower Playground will delight children, featuring trails, historical buildings, formal gardens, ponds, avenues and statues, as well as local animals and plants.

2. Sydney, Seaside Sculptures, as one of the world’s largest free public sculpture exhibitions, Seaside Sculptures in Sydney and Perth are highly anticipated. The Sydney one will take place at the beautiful Bondi to Tamarama foreshore in late October, featuring over 100 sculptures created by Australian and international artists. Perth’s stunning Cottesloe Beach hosts a free exhibition in March, extending from the sea wall to North Cottesloe.

3. Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens, along a peaceful path, within Melbourne’s stunning green space in the city center, you can see Oriental roses and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, or simply lie under trees and enjoy forest bathing in the bathing pool. Spending a day there is wonderful, and it’s completely free. The 94-hectare garden has over 50,000 plants, plus a viewing lake, sculptures, greenhouses, pavilions and the Victorian National Plant Obsession Collection.

4. Queensland, Brisbane, the best way to experience Queensland’s capital is the Brisbane River. You can enjoy a free white-water rafting trip along the Brisbane River, starting at the new riverside farms, walking in the lush riverbank park at New Farm, and then strolling along the Brisbane River to the revitalized Howard Street Wharf.

5. Queensland, Brisbane, another must-do in Brisbane is a ferry trip to the South Bank precinct, where you’ll find all the galleries, museums and restaurants. Here you’ll discover Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city artificial beach, a great place to cool off in hot weather. There are also plenty of other free activities, like morning exercise and movie screenings.

6. Western Australia, Perth, Kings Park is a remarkable space in terms of urban space. In fact, it’s one of the largest city parks in the world, offering views of the Perth skyline and the Swan River. It has walking and jogging paths, various play areas, and quiet places for picnics and sunbathing.

7. South Australia, Adelaide, Adelaide’s free bicycle scheme is well worth trying. Adelaide has a variety of rental locations and many bike paths, making it perfect for cycling. Try the Torrens Linear Park trail, a 35km cycling and walking route from the sea through Adelaide’s Central Business District to the Adelaide foothills.

8. Tasmania, Walk Mount Wellington, as Australia’s southernmost capital, Hobart has many entertainment venues, including the stylish Salamanca Wharf with its historic buildings and market, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. But if you want to see the best views of the city, take a walk along the trails on Wellington Range, either through the bushland or around the summit.

9. Victoria, Melbourne Fed Square, from an aesthetic perspective, Melbourne’s modern city square may distract people, but it’s undeniable that there are plenty of things to entertain you. Besides various installations and free film screenings and sporting events, you’ll also discover some of the city’s top attractions, many of which are free.

10. Northern Territory, Darwin Waterfront precinct, in this relaxed tropical city, there are many ways to save money. Start with a stroll along Darwin waterfront, which is always buzzing with activity. There are grassy areas, pedestrian streets, public art installations, and an artificial saltwater pool and beach, where you can swim for free (although the wave pool does charge). You can also find other free activities, such as morning exercise classes and movie screenings.