Barangaroo on a budget: The six best free and cheap things to do in Barangaroo
Whether you’re picnicking amidst 75,000 native plants, experiencing beautiful public art or taking a refreshing dip at a quiet cove, this is a wallet-friendly destination for everyone.
Ready to come and have a day out that won't break the bank? To get you started we’ve rounded up the best budget-friendly things to do in Barangaroo.
1. Explore Sydney’s newest coastal walkway
Have you done the Wulugul Walk yet? This spectacular coastal walkway starts at the south end of Barangaroo and is easily one of the best things to do in Sydney on a budget.
This walkway hugs the coastline until it reaches Barangaroo Reserve, where it winds around idyllic coves, through lush-native planting and past lookouts with stunning views of Sydney Harbour. If you’ve got time, explore the entire 11km coastal walkway, which starts at Woolloomooloo and runs through Barangaroo all the way to ANZAC Bridge.
2. Picnic by the harbour amidst 75,000 native plants
Going out to eat on the waterfront doesn’t have to cost a bomb - at Barangaroo Reserve you can do it for free! There are countless picturesque spots here for a picnic, from secluded coves and rolling lawns planted with 75,000 diverse species of native plants.
Dogs are welcome and there are plenty of cheap eats nearby if you’d rather buy food out.
3. Tour Barangaroo’s collection of public art
Art galleries and events can be a drain on the wallet, but here in Barangaroo there’s plenty of art to view for free. At the entrance of the Cutaway and Barangaroo Reserve you’ll find Wellama - a 10 minute audio-visual artwork that reimagines the Welcome to Country to celebrate ritual and ceremonies practised by First Nations people for thousands of years.
At the southern end of the Wulugul Walk on the Alexander building there’s a seven story tall shell sculpture, which looks as if part of the oyster-encrusted foreshore has been laid across the building’s facade.
4. Take a refreshing dip at a sheltered cove
Marrinawi Cove is a beautiful, little sheltered swimming spot, lined by native trees with sculpted sandstone steps down into the water with a public shower.
5. See the city from the top of one of it’s tallest buildings
The Sky Deck at the Crown Sydney is 83 floors above the harbour with panoramic views over Sydney, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. And the best part? You don’t need to book a 5-star room to experience it.
Just book online here in advance and you’ll receive a 30-minute guided tour with access to Sky Deck’s incredible open-air deck and the best view in Barangaroo.
6. Explore Barangaroo’s mouth-watering cheap eats
Barangaroo is brimming with delicious cheap eats, if you know where to look. There’s affordable, mouth-watering Malaysian food, sushi, Italian and Thai at Canteen food court on Barangaroo Avenue, and some of Sydney’s best coffee and pastries at Bourke St Bakery.
Belles Hot Chicken does a spicy chicken sandwich with cheese and onion pickles for just $15.50 and Bahn Meats & Co. does a phenomenal crispy pork roll with pâté for $13. Toastie Smith is another must try - they serve a bacon and scrambled egg toastie for $11.50 that will just make your morning.