Budget-friendly ways to spend this mid-semester break

Explore Sydney on foot 

Whether you’ve just arrived in Sydney or have lived here all your life, it’s worth spending a day or two exploring the city on foot.

From harbourside walks, like the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, to heritage bushwalks like the Three Sisters walk in the Katoomba area of Blue Mountains National Park (two hours by train from our Camperdown campus) and the Aboriginal Heritage walk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, there's plenty to see and do while walking in Sydney. 

If you're keen to stay in the city, why not try one of Sydney's self-guided walking tours, like in and around The Rocks or Chinatown & Haymarket. You can even learn about Sydney's past by taking one of the many self-guided history walks. 

Best of all, most walking locations in and around Sydney are only a bus, ferry, train or metro ride away. 

Check out the new Metro

The Sydney Metro extension from Chatswood to Sydenham opened in August, so why not use your break to check out the stops along the way?

From exploring vibrant cafes and boutique shops at Crows Nest to picnicing at Barangaroo Reserve overlooking Sydney's iconic harbour, the Metro extension makes it easy to hop from one neighbourhood to another.

If you're into urban architecture, the sleek underground stations at Martin Place and Gadigal offer a fascinating peek into the city's infrastructure. Plus, with Opal fares capped daily, it's a budget-friendly way to see the city from a new perspective.

Enjoy our beautiful beaches 

Weather permitting, spending the day at one of Sydney’s many beautiful beaches is a relaxing and budget-friendly way to spend the break.

From popular surf spots like Bondi and Manly, to secluded ocean pockets like Milk Beach Vaucluse and Salmon Haul Reserve Cronulla, there’s a swim spot for just about everyone in Sydney. Plus, most beach locations in Sydney can be easily accessed by public transport. 

As the weather heats up, sun safety is key. Always make sure you apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade to avoid spending your break burnt and blistered.

It's also a good idea to pack your own lunch and snacks so you’re not tempted by the expensive café food by the water! 

Get some culture 

If the weather’s looking drab or you’re just keen to spend the day indoors, visiting one of Sydney’s many cultural museums and attractions is a great, cheap way to spend the day. 

For art-lovers, the Art Gallery of NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art and our very own Sydney College of the Arts (SCA), Verge and Tin Shed galleries are all free to enter and boast an array of art and sculpture collections. 

Or why not check out our very own Chau Chak Wing Museum? Having recently taken out a national museum award, now is the perfect time to explore the many exhibitions on display – from Kerameikos, a collection of modern ceramics inspired by some of Australia’s oldest collections, to Union Made, art from the University of Sydney Union (USU) . 

Visit a market 

From food and produce to clothing and knick-knacks, there are a variety of different markets on offer across Sydney city and the suburbs. Best of all, they’re free to browse!  

The Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont (soon to have a new home close by in 2025 – see the new Sydney Fish Market plans), Bondi Farmers Market and Cambridge Markets are just some of the incredible food and produce markets on offer throughout the year in Sydney. If you’re looking to get out after dark, the Chinatown Night Market takes place every Friday night and is the perfect place to dazzle your tastebuds on a budget.

For those who are after vintage goods, Rozelle Collectors Markets and Paddy’s Swap & Sell Markets are great places to explore – browse for free or give yourself the challenge to find something for a bargain. 

Updated 19 September 2024