There is much more to Australia than kangaroos and koala bears. In Sydney, much more can be even frugal. After much contemplation, the best frugal options came down to the ferry system, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Ferries
Seeing Sydney from the water is a must. Frugal tourists don’t pay for a boat trip. They take the ferry.
Ferries have been operating in Sydney for over 135 years. Today, for the price of a day pass (including ferry service), tourists can travel to Manly Beach to watch the surfers and play beach volleyball, to Darling Harbor to see the Australian Maritime Museum (the museum is free), the Taronga Zoo (charged entry), and being able to take great photos of the cityscape, the Opera House and the interesting Luna Park. All from their seat on the ferry.
Royal botanical gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens are 30 hectares of parkland in the heart of Sydney, along the coast. Highlights are the iconic Opera House on one side (tourists can access the interior for free, but to see better, they must pay for a tour or purchase a ticket to the event) and Ms. Silla Macquaries, a seat. carved in stone where Governor Macquarie’s wife liked to sit and watch ships come in, on the other. Wildlife includes gray-headed flying foxes (giant bats), cockatoos, and other colorful birds. A friendly local gave me some food to feed the birds.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are also a great place for fitness buffs. Nothing like running along the coast at dawn or dusk.
Art Gallery of New South Wales
My favorite Sydney experience is taking guided tours of the Aboriginal Art Collection at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Not only do I understand the fascinating art styles from an enthusiastic guide (I did the same tour twice with different guides and received new information with each tour), but he also explains bush tucker, hunting styles, religion, women’s freedom. , and other topics of interest. Entrance and tour are free.
Sydney is a world-class city with world-class tourist attractions. Using the ferry system to get around, visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens and taking tours at the Art Gallery of New South Wales will allow the frugal tourist to experience more for less.