We know that Backpackers often travel on a budget. We also know that you can cross a huge distance on your journeys, often traveling from one side of Australia to the other, or from the top to the bottom, stopping at each city or town along the way. To help you get the most out of your travel experiences and to save your pennies, here are some of the top free things to do in each state, because who knows where you’ll end up next!
Sydney
Free walking tour
The I’m Free walking tours in Sydney to 3 free tours per day! You can choose between two tours of the Sydney Sights Free Tour, which lasts about 3 hours, or the Rocks Tour at 6pm, which lasts around 1.5 hours. Either way, you learn some wonderful things about the city as your knowledgeable guide walks with you around the best bits of Sydney.
I’m Free walking tours also run tours in Melbourne.
Walk from Bondi to Coogee
If you take the Bondi to Coogee walking track along the coast you’ll enjoy sun surf and sand. As you walk the 6 km along the cliffs and over six beaches, coves and bays, you will have some stunning views to fill your memory card with. If you take this walk at the end of October to the beginning of November you’ll be able to enjoy the yearly Sculpture By The Sea exhibition.
Melbourne
The City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram is a nice quick loop around the city where you can hear audio guide information on major attractions around town like Federation Square, Princes Theatre, City Museum, Parliament House and the Docklands. Trams run from 10am and come every 12 minutes at specially City Circle marked stops. Get on or off anywhere along the route and enjoy the ride in one of Melbourne’s heritage listed trams.
Australian Centre for Moving Image ACMI
ACMI is a unique way to get connected to a bit of Australian media history. Celebrating the moving image in all its forms there are various permanent and guest exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, talks and performances educational programs and lots and lots to browse, all regarding film, television and digital culture. If you are sick of museums, this is a great place to see something a little different.
Current Exhibition: Bowie on film
Perth
Free walking tours
The friendly people at the City Of Perth Information Kiosk in the Murray Street Mall can offer you two kinds of tours, one run by the volunteers themselves on different 90 minute themed tours of the city, or they will be able to equip you with everything you need to take a tour of the city yourself! City Maps and self-guided tour brochures are free and you can ask them anything you need to know about the city and which events, shopping and attractions or activities are on and around the city to take part in.
Hobart
Salamanca Markets
Ok, so technically going to the local markets will be a free activity wherever you are. If you had to pay to enter a community market something would be seriously wrong, but why Salamanca markets in Hobart makes this list is because they are one of the top attractions in Tasmania and it has everything. Fresh produce, art and craft, food and wine, music and books, cafes and restaurants and activities and attractions.
Adelaide
Haigh’s Chocolate Factory Tour
Haigh’s chocolate is synonymous with Adelaide and you really should go get yourself a chocolate frog if you pass the shop in Rundle Mall. BUT for more fun, why don’t you take a free tour at the Haigh’s Chocolate Factory located just 20 minutes outside the city. Tours are only 20 minutes long and there is free chocolate tastings and complimentary tea and coffee. What a treat!
Cairns
In the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, just behind the Cairns Botanic Garden is a wonderful 1.3 kilometre track that leads to fantastic views of the city of Cairns, Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea. The hike is mostly through rainforest with lots of steps and perhaps even a few wallabies or turkeys. When you come to a fork in the road, you may want to take The Blue Arrow walk. 5.4 km long and mostly going up, this is for the more seasoned hiker amongst you.
Darwin
Berry Springs Nature Park
Time to get back to nature. Close to Darwin the Berry Springs Nature Park is an absolutely stunning collection of springs, pools and creaks that lead to Darwin Harbour. There are picnic tables, walking tracks and a kiosk and you’ll be able to see lots of wildlife in and out of the water. Make a day of it, and enjoy the water.
Canberra
Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial, at the top of Anzac Parade in Canberra, is an impressive commemoration of the sacrifice Australians who died in war, made for Australia. Operating not just as a shrine but also a museum and archive, it runs free tours daily, highlighting the galleries and run by volunteers. If you happen to be in, or even passing through Australia’s Capital, (yes Canberra is the Capital of Australia) this memorial is definitely worth a stop.
