Top free things to do in Australia
There is so much to do in Australia! We’ve got a plethora of headline attractions, from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to attending a sporting event at the MCG. However, a lot of these big-ticket items also command a big-ticket price.
With costs on the rise, finding entertainment that doesn’t break the bank is more important than ever, so we’ve compiled a list of the best free things to do around the country.
Browse by state and city to find amazing attractions to tick off near you!
Victoria
Great Ocean Road: Drive along this iconic coastal route, famous for its breathtaking ocean views, limestone cliffs, and stops like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
Grampians National Park: Hike the trails to enjoy stunning vistas, waterfalls, and unique rock formations, such as The Pinnacle and MacKenzie Falls.
Mornington Peninsula Beaches: Visit beautiful beaches like Sorrento, Dromana, and Rye are perfect for swimming, beach walks, or relaxing on the sand.
Yarra Valley Wineries: Explore the Yarra Valley region with free tastings at select boutique wineries and enjoy scenic countryside views.
Bendigo Art Gallery: Discover one of Australia’s oldest and largest regional art galleries, featuring an impressive array of both local and international art.
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserves: Stroll through these tranquil reserves and sample natural mineral spring water from various hand pumps and taps.
Phillip Island Nature Parks: Visit Phillip Island’s coastal areas to enjoy the beaches, lookouts, and walking trails, especially at The Nobbies.
Alpine National Park: Experience Victoria’s high country, with free activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring beautiful alpine landscapes.
Geelong Waterfront: Enjoy a stroll along Geelong’s waterfront, featuring art installations, historic carousel rides, and views of Corio Bay.
Wilsons Promontory National Park: Be wowed by stunning coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, and bushwalking trails in this popular national park.
Melbourne
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: Wander through these expansive gardens, featuring over 8,500 species of plants, lakes, and walking trails.
Queen Victoria Market: Explore Melbourne’s largest open-air market, known for its fresh produce, unique crafts, and lively atmosphere.
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Visit Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, offering free exhibitions of Australian and international art.
Federation Square: Relax at this cultural hub, home to public art, live events, and attractions like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).
Street Art in Hosier Lane: Discover Melbourne’s famous street art scene by walking through Hosier Lane and other nearby alleys filled with colourful murals.
State Library Victoria: Admire the beautiful architecture of the library, explore the galleries, and enjoy the peaceful reading rooms, including the iconic La Trobe Reading Room.
Shrine of Remembrance: Visit this war memorial and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline from the surrounding gardens.
Southbank Promenade: Stroll along the Yarra River, taking in views of the city skyline, public art, and street performers.
Melbourne’s Laneways and Arcades: Explore the city’s historic laneways and arcades, such as Block Arcade and Degraves Street, filled with unique shops and cafes.
Fitzroy Gardens: Enjoy a walk through these beautiful gardens, featuring historic sites like Cook's Cottage, a conservatory, and picturesque walking paths.
NSW
Waterfall Way: Drive along this scenic route through New England National Park, Dorrigo National Park, and Ebor Falls, featuring stunning waterfalls and lush rainforests.
Blue Mountains National Park: Explore the stunning Blue Mountains with free activities like bushwalking, visiting viewpoints like Echo Point and Govetts Leap, and enjoy natural attractions like the Three Sisters.
Jervis Bay: Relax on the white sands of Hyams Beach, take a walk in Booderee National Park, and spot dolphins along the shoreline.
Hunter Valley Gardens: While there is an entry fee for the formal gardens, you can explore the surrounding vineyards and countryside, enjoy free wine tastings, and visit local farmers' markets.
Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk: Hike to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline and a chance to spot migrating whales.
Lord Howe Island: Whilst getting to this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island requires a flight or boat, once there it's free to explore the beautiful beaches, wander walking trails, and make the most of the crystal-clear water.
Coffs Harbour's Muttonbird Island: Walk the scenic trail to the top of the island, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a chance to see nesting muttonbirds.
Port Stephens Sand Dunes: Visit the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, ideal for a walk, picnic, or simply admiring the unique landscape.
Kosciuszko National Park: While hiking to the summit of Australia’s highest peak might be a stretch, there are many parks, lakes, and lookouts to uncover.
Kiama Blowhole: Witness the natural spectacle of water spouting from the blowhole at this popular coastal spot, surrounded by scenic walking paths.
Sydney
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk: Walk this stunning coastal trail, offering breathtaking views of cliffs, beaches, and parks along Sydney’s eastern coastline.
Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay: Enjoy the views of this iconic landmark from the outside, stroll along Circular Quay, and watch street performers against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney: Wander through the lush gardens, relax on the lawns, and enjoy panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House.
The Rocks: Explore this historic area with its cobblestone streets, weekend markets, and free guided walking tours that delve into Sydney’s colonial past.
Wendy’s Secret Garden: Discover this hidden gem in Lavender Bay, a whimsical garden created by Wendy Whiteley, offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour.
Art Gallery of New South Wales: Discover an impressive collection of Australian, European, and Asian art in a beautiful setting overlooking the harbour.
Manly Scenic Walkway: Take the ferry to Manly and enjoy this coastal walk, offering stunning views of the harbour, beaches, and bushland.
Hyde Park: Relax in Australia’s oldest park, home to fountains, statues, and tree-lined avenues, right in the heart of the city.
Barangaroo Reserve: Stroll through this waterfront park, featuring native bushland, walking paths, and public art installations.
Bronte Park and Beach: Enjoy a day out at Bronte Beach, with its natural rock pools, ocean views, and a family-friendly park with picnic spots and BBQ facilities.
Queensland
Carnarvon Gorge, Central Queensland: Hike through this spectacular gorge, exploring ancient Aboriginal rock art, diverse wildlife, and towering cliffs.
Great Barrier Reef Drive, Cairns to Port Douglas: Take a scenic drive along this beautiful coastal route, offering stunning views of the Coral Sea and the rainforest.
Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park: Explore the lush rainforest, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the various walking trails.
Atherton Tablelands: Discover waterfalls, lakes, and rainforest trails, including spots like Millaa Millaa Falls and Lake Eacham.
Noosa National Park, Sunshine Coast: Walk along coastal trails with stunning ocean views, spot wildlife like cute koalas, and enjoy the pristine beaches.
Curtis Falls, Tamborine Mountain: Take a peaceful walk through the rainforest to this picturesque waterfall, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Airlie Beach Lagoon, Whitsundays: Relax in this beautiful lagoon overlooking the Coral Sea, a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast Hinterland: Wander through rainforests, see waterfalls like Purling Brook Falls, and explore glow worm caves.
Boulder Opal Fields, Winton: Experience a unique landscape and try your hand at fossicking for opals in the historic opal mining town.
Paronella Park, Mena Creek: Though there’s a fee to enter the park, you can explore the surrounding Mena Creek Falls and rainforest for free.
Brisbane
South Bank Parklands: Enjoy the man-made Streets Beach, take a stroll along the riverside promenade, and explore the lush gardens.
City Botanic Gardens: Relax in this green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a picnic, walk, or cycling.
Brisbane Riverwalk: Walk or cycle along this scenic path that follows the Brisbane River, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA): Explore contemporary art exhibitions, many of which are free to the public.
New Farm Park: Enjoy the expansive lawns, beautiful rose gardens, and riverside views. It's a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk.
Mount Coot-tha Lookout: Take in panoramic views of Brisbane and beyond. There are also several walking trails through the surrounding forest.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs: Visit this iconic spot for breathtaking views of the Brisbane River and skyline. It's also a popular place for rock climbing.
Roma Street Parkland: Wander through this large subtropical garden, featuring themed zones, walking trails, and art installations.
Story Bridge Walk: Walk across this iconic bridge for great views of the river and city. At night, the bridge lights up, adding to the experience.
South Australia
Mount Gambier's Blue Lake: Visit this crater lake, known for its vivid blue color during the summer months, and enjoy the surrounding walking trails.
Barossa Valley: Drive through the picturesque wine region, visit cellar doors (many offer free tastings), and explore charming towns like Tanunda and Angaston.
Flinders Ranges: Hike in the rugged beauty of this ancient landscape, known for its dramatic gorges, unique rock formations, and Aboriginal heritage.
Victor Harbor: Visit this coastal town, walk along the causeway to Granite Island, and spot seals and penguins in their natural habitat.
Clare Valley Riesling Trail: Walk or cycle along this scenic trail that passes through vineyards, farmlands, and charming villages.
Kangaroo Island: Explore stunning beaches, hike the many trails, and visit natural attractions like the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch (ferry crossing costs apply).
Naracoorte Caves National Park: While there is a fee to enter the caves, you can explore the surrounding parklands and spot native wildlife for free.
Wilpena Pound: Hike in this natural amphitheatre in the Flinders Ranges, offering spectacular views and a chance to see native wildlife.
Coorong National Park: Explore the wetlands, sand dunes, and lagoons of this coastal park, famous for its birdlife and stunning landscapes.
Yorke Peninsula Beaches: Discover pristine beaches along this beautiful coastline, perfect for swimming, fishing, and beachcombing.
Adelaide
Rundle Mall: Experience Adelaide’s premier shopping street, known for its street performers, public art, and the iconic Mall's Balls sculpture.
Adelaide Botanic Garden: Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, including the Palm House, rose garden, and the Bicentennial Conservatory.
Glenelg Beach: Relax on the sandy shores, take a stroll along the jetty, or enjoy a picnic by the sea at this popular beach destination.
South Australian Museum: Explore the museum's extensive collections, including natural history exhibits and Aboriginal cultural displays.
Himeji Garden: Visit this serene Japanese garden, featuring traditional elements like a koi pond, zen garden, and stone lanterns.
Adelaide Central Market: Soak up the vibrant atmosphere, enjoy the sights and smells of fresh produce, and sample local delicacies.
North Terrace: Take a walk along this historic boulevard, home to landmarks like the State Library, Parliament House, and the Art Gallery of South Australia.
River Torrens Linear Park Trail: Walk or cycle along this picturesque trail that follows the River Torrens from the city to the sea.
Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga: Relax in the heart of the city at this central square, which often hosts free events and markets.
Morialta Conservation Park: Explore this stunning park with walking trails that lead to waterfalls, rocky outcrops, and sweeping views.
Western Australia
Rottnest Island: Enjoy free activities like swimming, snorkeling, and cycling around the island, and don’t miss a selfie with the friendly quokkas (ferry costs apply).
Margaret River Wine Region: Explore this famous wine region, with many wineries offering free tastings and picturesque views of vineyards and surrounding forests.
Kalbarri National Park: Hike through gorges, see the iconic Nature’s Window rock formation, and take in stunning coastal cliffs.
The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park: Wander among these unique limestone formations rising from the desert sands.
Esperance Beaches: Discover some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, including Twilight Beach and Lucky Bay, famous for its white sands and friendly kangaroos.
Wave Rock, Hyden: Marvel at this 15-meter-high, wave-shaped granite rock formation and explore the surrounding walking trails.
Karijini National Park: Hike through dramatic gorges, swim in natural pools, and admire waterfalls in this remote and rugged park in the Pilbara region.
Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste: Visit the beautiful beaches, walking trails, and the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse for stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Broome’s Cable Beach: Walk along the 22-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand, enjoy stunning sunsets, and spot marine life.
Fitzgerald River National Park: Discover diverse wildflowers, rugged coastlines, and a range of walking trails in one of Australia’s largest and most botanically significant national parks.
Perth
Cottesloe Beach: Relax on the golden sands, swim in the clear waters, or enjoy a sunset picnic at this iconic Perth beach.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden: Wander through one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, with stunning views of the city skyline, walking trails, and a rich collection of native plants.
Perth Cultural Centre: Visit the area’s cultural institutions, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the State Library, and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).
Elizabeth Quay: Stroll along the waterfront precinct, enjoy the public art installations, and take in views of the Swan River and city.
The Swan River Foreshore: Walk or cycle along the scenic paths that line the river, offering views of the water, city, and natural bushland.
Fremantle Markets: Explore this historic market, known for its eclectic stalls, local produce, street performers, and vibrant atmosphere.
Hillarys Boat Harbour: Visit this lively marina, relax on the beach, and explore the boardwalk lined with shops, cafes, and playgrounds.
Heirisson Island: Spot the resident kangaroos and enjoy a quiet walk or picnic on this island in the middle of the Swan River.
Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre: Enjoy free live music, festivals, and events at this popular beachfront venue, especially during the summer.
Whiteman Park: Discover bushwalking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds within this large conservation and recreation area.
Tasmania
Freycinet National Park: Explore the iconic Wineglass Bay lookout, enjoy the beautiful beaches, and hike the trails that offer stunning views of the pink granite Hazards mountains.
Bay of Fires: Visit this stunning coastline famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and orange lichen-covered granite rocks. It’s perfect for a scenic walk or a beach day.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: While some areas require a park pass, you can enjoy free activities like short walks around Dove Lake or taking in the views of Cradle Mountain.
Richmond Village: Visit one of Australia’s most charming historic villages, famous for its well-preserved Georgian architecture, old convict-built bridge, and quaint shops.
Maria Island National Park: Discover this island’s natural beauty with free hiking trails, stunning coastal views, and the chance to see native wildlife like wombats and Tasmanian devils (ferry costs apply).
The Tarkine Wilderness: Drive through Australia’s largest temperate rainforest, with opportunities to explore lush walking trails, coastal scenery, and waterfalls.
Tasman Peninsula: Explore natural attractions like the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch, and Devil’s Kitchen, and enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery.
Stanley and The Nut: Take the free walking track to the top of The Nut, an ancient volcanic plug, for panoramic views over the town of Stanley and Bass Strait.
The Walls of Jerusalem National Park: Hike in this remote and less-visited park, offering stunning mountain scenery, glacial lakes, and unique alpine vegetation.
Hobart
Salamanca Market: Visit this lively market every Saturday to enjoy local crafts, gourmet food, street performers, and a vibrant atmosphere in the historic Salamanca Place.
Mount Wellington (kunanyi): Drive or hike to the summit of Mount Wellington for panoramic views of Hobart, the Derwent River, and beyond. Several walking tracks and lookout points are available along the way.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: Stroll through these historic gardens, featuring a wide variety of native and exotic plants, a Japanese garden, and a peaceful lily pond.
Constitution Dock: Walk along Hobart's iconic dock, a hub of activity during the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, and enjoy views of fishing boats, yachts, and historic buildings.
Cascade Gardens and Brewery Walk: Enjoy a walk through the lush Cascade Gardens and explore the scenic walking trails around the historic Cascade Brewery (tours inside the brewery have fees).
Sandy Bay Beaches: Relax on the sandy shores of Nutgrove Beach or Long Beach in Sandy Bay, perfect for a picnic, a swim, or a beach walk.
Launceston
Cataract Gorge Reserve: Explore the scenic walking trails, enjoy views from the suspension bridge, and relax in the gardens of this stunning natural reserve just minutes from the city centre.
City Park: Stroll through this beautifully landscaped park featuring gardens, a conservatory, duck ponds, and even a group of resident Japanese macaque monkeys.
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG): Visit Australia’s largest regional museum, which has a wide range of exhibits on local history, natural science, and Tasmanian art.
Tamar River Foreshore: Walk or cycle along the Tamar River foreshore, enjoying views of the river, wetlands, and local birdlife.
Launceston Harvest Market: Browse this vibrant farmers' market held every Saturday, featuring local produce, handmade goods, and live entertainment.
Heritage Walks: Discover Launceston’s rich history and colonial architecture by following one of the self-guided heritage walking tours around the city.
St. John’s Anglican Church: Visit this historic church, known for its beautiful stained glass windows and impressive pipe organ, offering a peaceful retreat in the city.
Prince’s Square: Relax in this charming park, known for its heritage fountain, lush gardens, and mature trees, a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
Northern Territory
Litchfield National Park: Discover stunning waterfalls like Florence Falls and Wangi Falls, hike through monsoon forests, and explore magnetic termite mounds.
Kakadu National Park: While there is an entry fee to the park, several free activities include visiting stunning viewpoints like Ubirr Rock, exploring walking trails, and enjoying natural swimming spots like Gunlom Falls.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre: Learn about the cultural significance of Uluru and Kata Tjuta to the Anangu people through interactive displays and art exhibitions.
Alice Springs Desert Park: While there is a fee to enter the park, the surrounding area offers free walking trails and opportunities to learn about desert flora and fauna.
Mataranka Thermal Pools: Soak in the warm, crystal-clear waters of these natural hot springs, set in a lush palm forest.
Kings Canyon: Take the Rim Walk for breathtaking views of the canyon, or enjoy the shorter Kings Creek Walk for a closer look at the canyon floor.
West MacDonnell Ranges: Hike through this spectacular range, exploring spots like Ormiston Gorge, Standley Chasm, and Simpsons Gap.
Devil's Marbles (Karlu Karlu): Marvel at these massive granite boulders scattered across the landscape, a culturally significant site for the Warumungu people.
Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge: Explore the stunning gorge system with free walking trails that offer spectacular views of the Katherine River and surrounding cliffs.
East Point Military Museum and War Memorial, Katherine: Visit the free areas surrounding the museum to see military history displays and memorials.
Darwin
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens: Wander through a variety of gardens showcasing tropical flora, including rainforest, palm, and orchid gardens.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market: Visit this famous market to enjoy street food, local crafts, and live entertainment while watching a stunning sunset over the Timor Sea.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT): Explore exhibits on Indigenous art, local history, and the region's natural environment, including the iconic Cyclone Tracy display.
Bicentennial Park: Walk along this scenic waterfront park, offering views of Darwin Harbour, memorials, and shaded picnic spots.
Darwin Waterfront Precinct: Relax in the lush parklands, swim in the free public lagoon, or take a stroll along the waterfront boardwalk.
Defence of Darwin Experience: Learn about Darwin’s World War II history through outdoor displays and memorials in the park surrounding the main exhibition (admission fees apply to the indoor museum).
East Point Reserve: Enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and views over Fannie Bay, as well as the chance to spot local wildlife like wallabies.
Nightcliff Jetty and Foreshore: Stroll along the picturesque foreshore, popular for its walking and cycling paths, and watch the sunset from the iconic jetty.
Leanyer Recreation Park: Cool off at this free water park featuring pools, waterslides, and a children’s play area.
Parap Village Market: Experience this vibrant weekend market with unique local products, tropical fruits, and delicious cuisine.