12 must do things in Sydney on a budget

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.

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.

You don’t often think of a library as a worthy destination to seek-out on your travels. Green Square Library however is an award-winning underground library that begs exploration and is a perfect place to visit when you’re travelling to Sydney on a budget. Peruse the bookshelves and find some peace in the many cosy nooks, perfect for curling up with a book in hand. If you’re travelling with children, they’ll love the kids corner complete with cute shapes they can sit in. There’s also a rainbow wall of books that create the perfect background for a cheeky snap or two – just note this feature was closed when Mandy visited but is set to reopen soon.

Ok, so this one’s a bit of cheat as it’s not cheap per se, however if you’re looking for a fun thing to do in Sydney that’s also unique, Axe throwing (yes you read this correctly) is the newest extreme sport. At Kiss My Axe, you get to let off steam by throwing solid steel axes at wooden targets. Mandy opted for the 1-hour session at $50.

Cost - $12 - $44
https://www.holeymoley.com.au/

Back to fun cheap things to do in Sydney, Holey Moley golf really hits the mark. This putt putt golf serves up the nostalgic game we know and love with a multi-sensory modern twist. Take your pick from 9, 18 or 27 holes – Mandy rocked 9, which only cost $12. If you want to settle in for the day, there’s also food and drink to order on site. Take your pick from Sydney venues in Darlinghurst, Newtown or Chatswood a little further out on Sydney’s North Shore.

Cost – Food from $25
https://www.blackstarpastry.com.au/

When you need a little pick me up, head to Black Star Pastry. Credited by the New York Times as having “the world’s most instagrammed cake” – you’ll find a selection of iconic desserts, including the famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake, which is almost too pretty to eat. Sydney locations include The Galeries in Sydney’s CBD, Newtown, Rosebury and Moore Park at The Entertainment Quarter.

Cost - Food from $20
https://www.socialhideout.com.au/waterloo

If you’re after a more substantial feed but want to keep things pretty, the Social Hideout in Waterloo is renowned for its epic floral decorations and bright tasty dishes. We’re talking Ferrero Rocher French Toast for brekkie and Furikake Salmon for lunch. If you’re sticking to your budget this place is still worth a visit, just grab a smoothie or ‘shake for around $9, sit back and enjoy the theatrical ambience. Oh and don’t forget to capture the perfect snap for your Instagram, this place is worth shouting about!

If you’re an animal or more specifically a cat lover, Pokemeow café is serving up great food and cat cuddles! Mandy spent $10 on a ‘cat session’ in which you get to meet a selection of friendly felines in a purpose built playroom. Stay a little longer to enjoy the café experience too – Mandy recommends ordering the dukkah roasted mushroom if you’re finding it tough to pick. It’s worth mentioning the cat playroom and café are separate areas, so you don’t have to worry about sharing your breakfast with a furry friend.

Cost - free

Last to hit Mandy’s list of cheap things to do in Sydney is a picnic. With an excess of amazing locations to sit and soak up gorgeous views around Sydney it’s challenging to pick which perfect picnic spot in Sydney to visit. Mandy’s choice of location comes with ocean views and plenty of fresh salty air at Bronte Beach. Situated in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, this particular beach is fringed by a wide grassy park which has barbeques and picnic tables should you not have a rug and have packed food that requires cooking. The joy of a picnic is it can be as large or small as you please and doesn’t need to cost a lot. Pack a rustic loaf of bread, a small selection of cheeses and your favourite beverage and get ready to soak up the gorgeous views.