Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend: Local Ideas, Food, Walks and Experiences

Looking for things to do in Sydney this weekend without spending a fortune? Sydney has no shortage of great places to explore, whether you’re in the mood for food, a walk, a local neighbourhood or something a little different. These are some of our favourite ways to spend a weekend around the city — relaxed, interesting and easy to enjoy.

Explore Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

The Royal Botanical Gardens Sydney

The Royal Botanical Gardens is completely free and the perfect place to wander around looking at the Sydney Harbour or enjoying a picnic. There are plenty of places to discover including ponds that attract a wide range of birds. Check the website for Botanical Art Exhibitions that are held throughout the year and also free.

Discover The Rocks Sydney

The Rocks is steeped in history and an excellent location for touring and photography. For shopping enthusiasts, there are numerous opportunities to spend money, including the weekend markets held at The Rocks. Other activities include visiting the miners' cottages, taking a guided tour, enjoying a drink at one of the historic pubs, and exploring the stunning architecture.

VIsit the NSW Art Gallery in Sydney

The Art Gallery offers free entry and is a fantastic destination for art enthusiasts. Whether your interest lies in historical, indigenous, or modern art, there's a wealth of discoveries awaiting you. After exploring the gallery, you can stroll to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair to enjoy the stunning views of Sydney Harbour or cross the road to visit the Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens.

Scenic Walking Around Sydney

Keep fit and get walking. You can choose to walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, along North Head, take the Bondi to Coogee walk, Manly to the Spit Bridge, the foreshore of Barangaroo or one of my favourites, Rose Bay to Nielson Park.

Whale Watching Tours in Sydney

This is an amazing activity to enjoy in Sydney, whether you choose to watch from a beach lookout, such as in Manly, or get up close by taking a whale watching tour. Personally, I've had the good fortune to be on a yacht traveling from Sydney to Palm Beach while being accompanied by a couple of whales. The beauty of that experience is unforgettable, even though I was dealing with terrible sea sickness at the time..

Surfing Lesson

Ever wanted to learn to Surf? There are plenty of schools to learn surf with some even offering day trips. Surf schools are at most of the major beaches and will teach you surfing moves, etiquette and safety. It's still on my bucket list for one of these days!

Take a Trip to Cabramatta

Discover amazing food and groceries in Cabramatta as well as markets full of flowers there are many butchers, bakers and of course plenty of Asian restaurants. Visiting Cabramatta is experiencing a fascinating culture full of smells, colour, interesting people and shopping. You can take a train to Cabramatta to avoid the hassle of parking.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship

Set right in the city, this wonderful garden is a spectacular break from the noise and bedlam. For a small entry fee visitors can wander around The Chinese Garden of Friendship, take time to sit and contemplate and enjoy something to eat in the tearooms.

And if you are still stuck to find things to do in Sydney on the weekend try these:

• Take a trip to Parramatta Park

• Hop on a ferry and discover Sydney Harbour

• Take the lift up to Sydney Eye Tower and gaze at the spectacular views

• Leave Sydney for the weekend and visit the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Southern Highlands or the Blue Mountains

• Take up a hobby like an art class

• Visit Centennial Parklands for a picnic or dine at the restaurant

• Join a cooking school

• Go on a helicopter ride across the harbour

• Spend the day in Manly

• Visit the Central Coast and ride the Zip Line (see my experience below)

• Visit Elizabeth Bay House

• Go shopping at Kings Cross Markets

• Take a trip to Palm Beach

• Try ice skating at the Macquarie Centre

• Spend a day at Luna Park

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