Being a uni student can be hard work, and usually you have a strict budget to follow. We've tried to compile the best things to do that are either free or represent excellent value for money, and we've found Sydney has a bunch of things for a uni student to do on the weekend.
Harbour Bridge Audio+Puzzle Tour
Website: Click here
- Outdoor 'escape-room' style puzzles
- Audiobook quality commentary
- Deep historical insight into the bridge and it's construction
Paid: $39 per tour kit, suitable for up to 3 people
Duration: Approx 2 hours
Location: Dawes Point and surrounds
Suitable for: Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Uni students
This Sydney Harbour Bridge Tour has been put together by a former Bridgeclimb climb leader/guide, and offers detailed information and Sydney Harbour Bridge facts, as well as entertaining stories and facts about the bridge and it's construction. A great way to learn about the bridge and have some fun at the same time!
Swim in the harbour at Barangaroo
Website: Click here
- One of the most unique experiences to Sydney
- A brand new rock-pool has been opened in the harbour
- A truly different experience for singles, groups, couples
Free: Completely free
Duration: As long as you want to swim (15min to a few hours)
Location: Barangaroo, Sydney CBD
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Uni students
Swimming at Barangaroo in the heart of the Sydney CBD is a truly unique Sydney experience. This pool has only recently opened at the start of 2023, and is already showing itself to be one of the best pools to swim in the world. It is walking distance from the main part of Sydney, and offers a netted harbour pool, bathrooms, showers, and rocks to sunbake on. Be careful though, because the rocks can be a bit slippery getting in and out.
Visit/Picnic/Walk the Royal Botanical Gardens
Website: Click here
- Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens showcase a rich variety of plant species from around the world
- The gardens' stunning location by Sydney Harbor offers breathtaking views of the harbor
- The gardens host educational programs, workshops, and guided tours
Free: Entry to the gardens is completely free
Duration: From 1 to 3 hours
Location: Beside Circular Quay, Sydney CBD
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Uni students
Visiting the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens is like stepping into a living encyclopedia of plants, where you can explore lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a diverse range of botanical wonders from around the world. As you meander through this scenic oasis by Sydney Harbor, you'll not only find tranquility but also enjoy sweeping views of iconic landmarks like the Opera House, making it a truly enriching experience.
Go on a beer adventure around the inner-west breweries
Website: Click here
- Visit up to 13 independent craft breweries
- Explore the Inner West of Sydney, the Craft Beer Capital of Australia
- Visit breweries like Young Henries, Philter and The Grifter
Paid: Visiting the breweries is free, purchase of food and drinks extra
Duration: Depends on how many breweries visited, but typically a few hours
Location: Inner West Sydney
Suitable for: Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Uni students
The Inner West Ale Trail is a Sydney institution. People come from all over Sydney and the world to visit the Inner West, the craft beer capital of Australia The trail spans from St Peters all the way to Rozelle – with 12 stops along the way.
Get your frag on at a LAN cafe
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- Almost unlimited games and options to choose from
- Play old school classics like CS, Diablo, COD
- Compete against both friends and strangers
Paid: Computer usage can start from $5 an hour
Duration: From 1 hour to all day
Location: Various locations around Sydney business districts
Suitable for: Teenagers, Young Professionals, Adults, Uni students
LAN cafes offer an unparalleled gaming experience by providing gamers with high-performance computers, lightning-fast internet, and a vibrant social atmosphere. These hubs of digital entertainment allow players to dive into their favorite games without worrying about technical limitations, while also fostering connections with fellow enthusiasts through multiplayer matches and friendly competition.
Visit the Wendy Whitely Secret Garden at Lavender Bay
Website: Click here
- One of Sydney's best kept harbourside secrets
- Explore the fairy houses, hidden pathways and beautiful plants
- Find a spot to sit and have a coffee or picnic
Free: Completely free to enter
Duration: From 1 to a couple of hours
Location: Right in the heart of Lavender Bay
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Uni students
If you asked around, you would find that many people have heard of Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, and some would have already been there and connected with it. It is not really a secret. It is actually one of the worst kept secrets in Sydney. It is a wonderful experience wandering through the different levels of the garden, observing the fairy houses, the artefacts and artworks, and of course the wonderful plants and luscious landscapes.
Visit a gaming arcade like Timezone
Website: Click here
- Plenty of games to choose from
- Suitable for all ages, and in all weather
- See what prizes you can score from tickets
Paid: Games start from just $2
Duration: From 1 to a few hours
Location: Various locations accross Sydney (incl CBD)
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Professionals, Adults, Seniors, Uni students
Tired of playing the same old video games at home? Why not up the ante with a trip to a Timezone arcade near you? It's video arcade games galore where you can smash some high scores! From arcade classics to next-level immersive virtual reality games, there’s something for everyone at Timezone.
Visit the beautiful Manly Dam for a walk and BBQ
Website: Click here
- Stunning nature within the city limits
- A beautiful hike through the bush
- Plenty of BBQs for parties, socialising etc
Free: Plenty of free parking, free entry
Duration: Typically a few hours to half a day
Location: Manly Dam
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Uni students
Manly Dam is a wonderful area to have a bbq, go for a bushwalk, or even go for a swim in the warmer months. The loop track around the dam takes a couple of hours to walk, and has views over the dam, the local bush, and the local area. It's recommended to book a table.bbq especially on busy weekends and holidays.
Do the Spit to Manly Walk
Website: Click here
- See beautiful beaches and landscapes
- Get in touch with nature walking through bushland
- Easily accessible in the heart of Sydney
Free: All public land, no entry fees
Duration: Half day
Location: Starts at the Spit Bridge, Mosman/Seaforth
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Professionals, Uni students
The Spit to Manly walk is a fantastic walk of about 3 hours. We recommend starting at the Spit and walking to Manly, and then you can enjoy something to eat or drink once you're finished.
Go-karting at an inner-city electric kart track
Website: Click here
- Fast karts on an indoor track
- Hyperkarting is suitable for rainy weather
- Race against your friends or just your best time
Paid: Prices start from $19 up to $59 per session
Duration: Sessions are 15 minutes
Location: Level 5, EQ Carpark, Moore Park
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Professionals, Adults, Uni students
Hyper Karting has Australia’s longest indoor electric go-kart track, with state-of-the-art fleet of electric go-karts that blast around the carpark track at a quick pace. With high tech time tracking available across the track broken into sectors 1, 2 and 3 (just like in F1), you can see where you're making up (or losing) time compared to your friends!