5 best free and cheap things to do in Sydney according to locals

Forresters is a long-running Surry Hills tavern that’s been serving locals for more than a century. For St Patrick’s Day, the pub is leaning into Irish whiskey cocktails, including Irish coffees, Old Fashioneds and highballs alongside its usual pub fare. Check out our list of the best bars in the CBD for even more recommendations. And there could hardly be a more quintessentially Sydney vista than that found at the Opera Bar (Bennelong Point), where you can crack a cold one in sight of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. But should you find yourself famished in the wee small hours, you can always rely on some late night eating. If you’re coming from Manly, the ferry is your best bet, and if you’re based in Parramatta, you can even catch the river ferry, which will drop you off at either Barangaroo or Circular Quay in under an hour.
This favourite transforms popular Netflix challenges—like “Red Light, Green Light”—into group puzzles and competitions. Designed for teams who love a twist of drama and high-energy thrills, it encourages quick thinking, strategy, and trust under playful pressure. Sydney loves ‘70s-inspired cocktail bars—and Disco Pantera is certainly no exception. An elevated New York nightlife setting, the interior is fitted with vintage lighting and tiles, alongside splashes of royal blue, and late-night DJs light up the dancefloor on best indoor activities sydney Fridays and Saturdays. With clear views of Sydney’s iconic harbour and drinks that quite literally include Vegemite, it’s hard to find a more Aussie rooftop bar experience than Henry Deane. When the bar is set atop Sydney’s glitzy Cartier flagship, you know you are in good hands.

At ActiveActivities we provide information and reviews to help you decide on the best activities for kids and toddlers to suit any occasion. Our team sifted through every good time the Big Smoke has to offer and put together a Sydney bucket list for the ages. From free fireworks to overnight zoo experiences, the city offers family-friendly adventures that create lasting memories. These activities prove that bedtime doesn’t have to mean the end of the fun—sometimes the best family experiences happen when most kids are supposed to be asleep. As participants navigate through the heart of Sydney, the race fosters a  sense of camaraderie and teamwork, creating lasting memories for individuals and groups alike.
Strike a pose for the paparazzi on the red carpet, challenge your favorite sports heroes, and sing along with your favorite music stars. The globally-recognized celebrity brand in Sydney’s Darling Harbor provides interactive experiences for the whole family. Madame Tussauds opened in Sydney in 2012, allowing Australian and international visitors to come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous celebrities.
Thankfully we have a comprehensive wet weather plan for all outdoor events in Sydney. You can choose to simply postpone to another date, or switch to an indoor activity (may require a venue). Gather the eggheads in your group and make for The Royal Hotel Paddington where this great Sydney quiz night takes over every Tuesday evening.

Flight Club also offers fun events like team tournaments and their high tea social, complete with prosecco and bottomless sandwiches, cakes, tea, and darts for just $79 each. From its sprawling harbour and coastal national parks to famous brewery crawls and nostalgic drive-in cinemas, there are heaps of exciting experiences and activities in Sydney to get around. Made for the out-of-towners, the actively dating, or even the longtime Sydneysider ready to get their adventure on, we have you covered. If you're wondering what fun things to do in Sydney's CBD, why not check out Bopp & Tone's Soul Saturday events?
From Bondi's blue seascapes to the buzzing streets of the CBD,our gorgeous city is packed full of cool and quirky ways to fillthe weekends. While going Full Monty in public isn't for everyone, there's something undeniably liberating about taking to the harbour waters in just your birthday suit. One of Sydney's few legal nude beaches, so if you're feeling the au naturale vibe, then shed some layers here.

Best of all, entry is free to permanent exhibits and there’s certainly lots to see. A zoo with amazing views, Taronga Zoo is an easy ferry ride across Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay. You’ll be occupied for hours with more than 4,000 animals to see. There are giraffes standing tall, all the way down to the meerkats bobbing around. To really make your visit special, try staying overnight in their eco-lodges or wildlife retreat.
The result is team building in Sydney that feels smooth, engaging and genuinely enjoyable. Your Team Days event planner will help you find the perfect venue for your group, from the cute and quirky to the regal and royal. You can let loose in Kings Cross, keep it corporate in Potts Point, or rub shoulders with the locals as you soak up the suburban nightlife of Darlinghurst, Newtown or Glebe. Whether it’s adrenaline you’re seeking, outdoor adventures, wining and dining or a day of luxury, Sydney offers up endless possibilities. Every team building activity has been hand-selected and road-tested by our team. Welcome to the stunning Gold Coast, a city nestled in the southeastern corner of Queensland, Australia.
The Rocks’ Laneway Cinema hosts weekly movie screenings at the cobblestone Atherden Street and the best part? The cinema is returning for its spring and summer season with a number of delightful movie nights planned including Chicken Run and Spirited Away. Open until midnight on Friday and Saturdays and open until 10pm every other day, Hijinx Hotel is one of the best places in visit in Sydney at night (if you consider 12am late). There’s a bar, but you don’t need to get drinks to unleash your inner child in one of the 15 challenge rooms. Test your wits and see how many points you can rack up by the end of the night.

The Children's Library has a colorful, welcoming space with beanbags, picture books, and craft activities. There are also storytime sessions and interactive displays for young readers. Upstairs, parents can browse exhibitions or enjoy a coffee while the kids dive into a new book.
Private water taxis run on the harbour and some offer scenic tours or even proposal packages, imagine popping the question with the Opera House and Bridge as your backdrop. VIP Water Taxis is one provider, but compare options and routes. There’s something infectious about a room full of people singing their hearts out to songs everyone knows. These piano bars and sing-along nights create instant community—you’ll leave feeling like you’ve made friends even if you came alone.

Scavenger and  treasure hunts like these take you through Sydney on a whirlwind adventure that always keeps you right at the epicentre. The emphasis is on fostering teamwork, communication, and mutual support among colleagues in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Ziplining is not only a thrilling recreational activity but also a way to conquer fears and build confidence. Participants often find themselves pushing personal boundaries as they step off platforms and zip across canopies or over scenic landscapes. Additionally, ziplining is a popular outdoor adventure for individuals seeking an immersive and nature-filled experience, offering a unique perspective of the environment below.
Uncover Sydney’s disturbing criminal past with this true crime tour that takes you back to one of Australia’s oldest settlements. This tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s past and is not to be missed. Looking for meaningful team building activities in Sydney for 2025? Our Cooking for a Cause experience blends teamwork, culinary fun, and social impact. Guided by professional chefs, your team will compete to create delicious meals—then donate everything to OzHarvest to support local communities.