Everything else on this site costs nothing. These cost a little, and we list them because what you get is far bigger than the price.
A$9.20Thirty minutes down the length of the harbour on the F1, past the Opera House, the naval base and the open sea between the Heads. The adult Opal fare is A$9.20 each way.
Worth it, and nearly free on the right day. On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays all Opal travel is capped at A$9.65, so the return costs 45 cents more than the single. Sit outside on the right going out.
Source: Transport for NSW
A$9.65From Friday to Sunday, and on public holidays, an adult never pays more than A$9.65 a day across trains, metro, buses, light rail and ferries. From Monday to Thursday the cap is A$19.30.
The best transport deal in the city. Use it for a harbour loop: Watsons Bay on the F9, Cockatoo Island on the F3, then Manly on the F1. Tap the same card every time or the cap does not apply.
Source: Transport for NSW
A$7.35The F3 and F8 ferries pass under the Harbour Bridge on the way to the island, and admission once you land is free. The adult Opal ferry fare for trips under 9 kilometres is A$7.35.
Worth it. It is the cheapest way to go under the bridge by boat, with a free half day at the other end. Stand at the front as you leave Circular Quay.
Source: Transport for NSW
A$6.50A 1907 tidal pool cut into the cliff just south of Coogee Beach, with a timber deck on stilts above it. Adult entry is A$6.50, and A$3.20 for students and children.
Worth it at the end of the Bondi to Coogee walk. The fee buys hot showers, a deck to lie on and a kiosk. Check the conditions report on the website first, because big swells at high tide close the pool.
Source: Wylie's Baths
You can walk around the outside for nothing, but the building was made to be sat in. A cheap seat for a concert in the Concert Hall gets you through the foyers, under the timber ceiling and out onto the harbour terrace at interval, which no free option gives you.
Everything above is free. This is the only paid pick on the page, chosen because no free option replaces it.
