When it comes to travel in Sydney, ‘budget’ isn’t exactly the first word to come to mind. It’s well documented that the cost of living in Sydney is fairly high in relation to other Australian cities, so it can be a challenge to have a good holiday without breaking the bank. A challenge, mind you, but not an impossible one! Grab that travel insurance and book those tickets, because we’re about to show you how to have an affordable Sydney holiday!!
Free Stuff
It’s a myth that everything fun in Sydney costs money, and in fact it’s one of the better cities in terms of free activities.
Sydney boasts a range of great beaches and national parks, as well as a host of natural outdoor attractions that are free to enjoy. Centennial Park is a great place for a lazy Sunday picnic with the family, and Bondi Beach is perfect for a day of fun in the sun and surf.
People-watching in Sydney is also one of the most enjoyable things you can do, and whether you’re smack bang in the middle of the CBD or cruising along Kind St in trendy alternative Newtown, there is free entertainment everywhere you look.
Cheap Eats
While Sydney certainly has its fair share of expensive restaurants, it also has a huge range of more affordable restaurants that serve incredibly good quality. One of the best things about Sydney’s food scene is the multicultural influences it has thrived under. Not only can you experience food from virtually any culture, but you can also get it at bargain prices if you steer clear of overly touristy areas.
For great Asian food check out Chinatown in the city centre, and for the best Lebanese and Middle Eastern food head west. Even further west you’ll find incredibly good (and cheap) Vietnamese food, and if you head south to the Southerland shire the Greek food is out of this world.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation in Sydney, you’ve got a choice of the full spectrum of options. There are hostels, hotels, serviced apartments and holiday home rentals available, depending on what your preference and budget is.
Apartments in Sydney are often a good way to go, as they come with kitchen facilities which means you can save money on buying food out during the day, and have the option to cook your own dinners rather than ordering room service or heading out to restaurants all the time!
Family Fun
There are so many things to do as a family in Sydney that you really are spoiled for choice. Not only is there a range of outdoor activities on offer throughout the year, but also the Powerhouse Museum and the Museum of Australia both have stunning kids’ exhibits and are very inexpensive to visit.
City Rail, the Sydney train network, also offers deals for families, notably the ‘Sunday Family Fun-Day’ pass, which allows a family to ride the trains all day on Sunday for just $2.50.
While Sydney might not be the cheapest place to visit, there are ways to save money and still have a good time here if you’re willing to look for them.
Author Bio: Tom Mallet is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US. He’s published more than 500 articles about various topics, including Travel insurance and Apartments in Sydney.