12 must do things in Sydney on a budget

Discover some of the top places to visit when looking for cheap things to do in Sydney.

29 April 2024

4 minutes

Travel tips & guides

We enlisted the help of travel influencer Mandy Serafina (@mandyserafina) to find adventure in Sydney on a budget. If you’re open to adventure and want to save your dollars for experiences 👉 ibis budget sydney airport is the perfect basecamp from which to explore the neighbourhoods of Sydney. Here’s Mandy’s list of the most fun cheap things to do in Sydney.

The Grounds of Alexandria

Cost - entry is free
https://thegrounds.com.au/

If you’re a Sydneysider, chances are you’ll have either heard about or visited this glorious, sprawling café and its outbuildings. Located amongst the industrial warehouses and refineries in Alexandria you’ll find an incredible place to meet, eat and drink that’s always bustling and brimming with character. Snap a pic under The Arbour or within one of the themed laneways decorated to perfection. No visit is complete without a single O coffee and rustic brekkie burger. There are vegan and gluten free options to enjoy too.

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

Cost - $20-30
https://www.archiebrothers.com.au/ Another Alexandria gem, Mandy recommends Archie Brother Cirque Electriq. Here you can play all day with a smorgasboard of interactive games and activities for all ages. Spend $20 and you get a $25 credit to power through some of the arcade games. There’s also bowling, simulator games, VR and bumper cars for some good old fashioned fairground-style fun. Definitely a place to visit with your mates, plus there’s playful sandos to munch on and a choice of crazy cocktails (including the Pink Poodle) if you want to drop a bit more coin.

9 Degrees Bouldering

Cost: $20 per 1 hour of bouldering
https://www.9degrees.com.au /If your interests lean towards the physical, bouldering at 9 degrees is one for you. Think rock climbing without harness, ropes (or hassle). Each climb is about testing muscular strength, in addition to problem solving your way to find the most accessible route to the top. There are 9-levels of difficulty, so you can start from the beginning and work your way up as your confidence and ability grows. There are several locations in New South Wales, the most central to Sydney being Alexandria and Waterloo. If you’re heading to the North Shore, Lane Cove is an easy option or Parramatta in Western Sydney.

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Aurora by Bubble Nini

Cost – From $7
If you’re looking for a refreshment stop that’s a little different, swing by Aurora Café, specialising in bubble tea, coffee and sweets. Open 7 days in Zetland, you’ll be smitten with the pretty drinks that are served to pack a sensory punch and mouth-watering sweets that seem to have jumped straight from the pages of a tea party recipe book. Mandy’s tea of choice is Assam Tea Bingsoo at $18. She also recommends the arched bookshelf as a key attraction for Insta-perfect snaps.