Free tastings and samples anyone can walk into, and the cheap local classics that keep a day of sightseeing going.
FreeSydney tap water is safe to drink, and Sydney Water runs permanent refill stations across the city with a map to find the nearest one. Bring a bottle. A 600ml bottle of water in a kiosk at Circular Quay costs more than a train fare.
At all hours
Source: Sydney Water
FreeAustralian parks have electric barbecue plates that anyone can use. Push the button, wait for the plate to heat, cook. Pirrama Park in Pyrmont has them on the harbour edge beside picnic tables. Buy sausages and bread at a supermarket and dinner for two costs a few dollars.
Daily, first come first served. Weekend lunchtimes are busy.
Source: City of Sydney
FreeDrinking in public is banned in much of central Sydney, but Barangaroo Reserve allows it. You can bring your own food and alcohol and sit on the grass or the sandstone ledges facing the harbour. A supermarket picnic here replaces a waterfront bar bill.
Open 24 hours. Late afternoon for the sunset.
Source: Barangaroo
FreeThe Saturday produce market in the old Eveleigh railway workshops, with growers and bakers from around New South Wales. Entry is free and it is the cheapest good breakfast in the inner city if you buy bread, fruit and cheese to share. You pay for what you eat.
Saturdays 8am to 1pm
Source: Carriageworks
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.
