What makes Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden so special?

The attraction focuses on creating a memorable visitor experience and making plant life accessible and relevant to all. One of the highlights is the monthly self-guided tour curated by garden volunteers that includes trivia about the "Plant of the Month" and insights into seasonal changes. For example, in August, visitors can witness the transition from winter as days grow longer and nights become milder.

For those who prefer to be enlightened by a guide, the Royal Botanic Garden runs free 1.5-hour guided walks at 10:30am daily, allowing visitors to discover more about this beautiful oasis.

Prefer a whimsical flora experience? Make your way to Wendy’s Secret Garden, which is open daily at no charge. The garden—originally unused railway land—is a labour of love and a place of refuge for Wendy Whiteley, who began working on it after her husband’s death in 1992.

“I just needed to do something, and I looked out and I thought, this is such a sad kind of wasteland,” says Whiteley. “I didn’t know anything about horticulture when I started the garden. I just knew what I liked. I’ve since learnt what it is like being here. It’s a symbiotic relationship between the plants, myself, and my gardeners.”

Sadly, Whiteley also lost her only child several years later, and the garden once again served as her healing space. “[It’s a] very special, magical place. Very much like the original ‘Secret Garden’ in the book,” Whiteley muses. “I just feel very happy here. In fact, I’m really only happy here.”

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Alternatively, spend your morning meandering through Sydney with the city council’s self-guided walks. With varying length and difficulty levels, these walks cover prominent landmarks and historic sites. You can download the Sydney Culture Walks app for details on more than 400 Sydney attractions, and choose from 15 walking tours curated by the city council.

If you’re willing to spend a little by way of tips, show up for the 2.5-hour Sydney Sights walking tour by I’m Free Walking Tours, which will take you to iconic locations such as the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, The Rocks district, and many more.

If you start your day a bit later, all’s not lost as you can still join the same Sydney Sights tour at 2:30pm, or their 6:00pm Rocks walking tour (1.5-hours), dedicated to exploring Australia’s first European settlement. Unravel intriguing tales of murder, mystery, and mayhem as you embark on this walking tour, which will take you to the site of the district’s first hanging, and where present-day protests are held.

Another popular operator is Free Tours Sydney, which offers a daily tour at 10:30am. Their tours give a fair bit of attention to The Rocks, and the advantage of joining them is that you won’t have to look for a separate tour to learn more about this colourful area.

Post-lunch, check out the Sydney Conservatorium of Music for free classical music performance that you can enjoy.

If you’ve spent the morning outdoors, consider retreating into the cool comfort of Sydney’s museums for the rest of the afternoon. Many of these cultural institutions hold free exhibitions for visitors. 

For an art-focused experience, head to the Art Gallery of NSW, and enjoy free admission to its permanent galleries and most events. This comprehensive gallery showcases five areas of art: Aboriginal, Asian, Western, Contemporary, and photography. You can visit the gallery’s website to find out more about its mission to “open people’s eyes and minds to the wonder, richness, and sheer pleasure of art.”

Contemporary art lovers can consider visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), where admission is mostly free too. The MCA collects art by living Australian artists, with an emphasis on works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. The museum offers guided tours led by volunteers to offer insights into the artists and their works.

If you’re a history buff with extra time, consider adding The Rocks Discovery Museum to your museum trek. Located near the MCA, this free museum tells the story of The Rocks from its pre-European days to the present. Here, you’ll learn about the area’s traditional custodians and the establishment of the English colony. You’ll also find out about a time when sailors, whalers, and traders made a home for themselves at The Rocks, plus feel the fire and fury of the 1970s union-led protests.

If you have time for one more museum, head to the Australian Museum—the oldest institution in Australia focusing on natural history and anthropology. Its extensive collections in zoology, mineralogy, palaeontology, and anthropology provide a fascinating glimpse into Australia's rich natural and cultural heritage.

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Next up on your nightlife agenda is exploring free and fun things to do in Sydney at night, with the city council website proving to be a handy resource. Consider this list of free music performances that you can look forward to from the evening till late, ranging from open-mic nights to indie band album launches.

If you prefer a broader range of entertainment, extend your search to the city’s free events, which include everything from light shows to table tennis and tequila tasting. For some cultural exposure after dark, make time for the Art Gallery of NSW’s Art After Hours special on Wednesdays, when its galleries remain open till 10pm, and complimentary buses are available to ferry visitors to nearby locations accessible by public transportation. Likewise, the MCA opens till 9pm on Wednesdays, and you can visit their website to find out about their free evening “Mystery Tours” and other events.

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Eager to delve deeper into Sydney's captivating offerings? Explore our curated Destination Insights, where you'll find handpicked recommendations on the city's finest shopping, dining, and other must-visit attractions. Stay at PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney, located in the heart of the Darling Harbour, where you’ll be close to the city’s main attractions. Our warm and friendly staff are ready to welcome you and ensure your experience is comfortable and memorable.