Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Cockatoo Island

"From the eastern side of the Opera House, you have easy access to the Royal Botanic Gardens, in my opinion, one of the most impressive gardens in the world, certainly from a location standpoint. You can’t beat the serenity and harbour views and this is a great place to spend an hour or two in Sydney. Take a walk around the gardens to admire the many different types of plants and city views. You can also take a free self-guided walking tour."

"The Royal Botanic Garden has one of the most beautiful locations in Sydney – on the harbour, next to the Opera House, bordering the central business district. For visitors, it’s a stunning location that gives views of the Harbour Bridge and across to the north shore of the city. But it’s also one of the most important botanical institutions in the world with about 9000 species of plants."

"Opened in 1816, the Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the oldest and most beautiful botanic gardens in the city. The gardens are open every day of the year and feature 30 hectares of exotic plants from Australia and places around the globe. The garden is also the oldest remaining scientific establishment in the country and provides a space for important botanical research and breeding."

"The Sydney Tower EYE is the city’s tallest structure and a favourite destination for visitors exploring Sydney. Also known as just the Sydney Tower or Centrepoint, it is known for providing panoramic 360-degree..."

"Here you'll find a fully fenced toddler area with a swing, slide and plenty to climb, as well as two long flying foxes with a boarding platform, a giant slide, a large circular climbing frame, a sandpit, an onsite cafe, and just about everything else. A play in the playground surrounded by bushland will be topped off perfectly with a paddle in the foreshore of Kogarah Bay. Read our Carss Bush Park & Playground Review."

"From the eastern side of the Opera House, you have easy access to the Royal Botanic Gardens, in my opinion, one of the most impressive gardens in the world, certainly from a location standpoint. You can’t beat the serenity and harbour views and this is a great place to spend an hour or two in Sydney. Take a walk around the gardens to admire the many different types of plants and city views. You can also take a free self-guided walking tour."

"Situated on the historic Jones Wharf in Pyrmont, Cafe Morso is a fab idea for a long lunch. With sweeping views across the harbour to East Balmain and North Sydney, you’ll love dining at this industrial-chic venue. What could be better than dining al fresco and enjoying the fresh sea breeze as you feast on locally-sourced produce and perhaps indulge in an Aperol Spritz or two?"

"In person they're an Instagrammable wonderland, but even as a take-away joint they're a feast for the eyes. Come breakfast time you can order up all the brunch classics or their bougie French toast with brulee, hazelnut crumb and cointreau curd, burrata with crispy serrano and pomegranate or their seriously decadent Mayflower roll piled high with poached lobster. 2/303A Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst"

"Get your coffee at this very lush and classy cafe in the heart of Darlinghurst. 📍 The Mayflower, 2/303A Liverpool St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010"

"Bronte Beach is located just south of Bondi along the famous 6 kilometre Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk. You will find a great grassy area running from the sand back up the hill, popular for picnics. Bronte Beach is known for its good surf, though the steep waves make it a touch spot for beginner surfers."

"Located just a short distance from the popular Bondi Beach, but refreshingly far from the crowds, Tamarama Beach is a secluded spot that encompasses 80m of breathtaking shoreline. With strong currents and a left-hand reef break, this panoramic beach is a favourite of surfers and locals. Nicknamed ‘Glamarama’ back in the 1980’s, this beach became known for attracting beautiful, glamorous visitors to its narrow, luxurious stretch of sand."

"Tamarama Beach is a prime spot for getting away from the mega-crowds of Bondi while still staying close to all the city’s action—something that’s well-advised in today’s world. Here, you can throw a towel down on the light tan sand, go for a swim and surf the popular left-hand reef break. It has a truly local feel to it, attracting Sydney’s residents instead of solely backpackers and tourists like many of the city’s other beaches."

"Soft sand, calm, gentle waves and stunning views work in harmony creating the serene environment of Coogee Beach. Containing four ocean pools including McIvers Baths, which is reserved for women and children only, Coogee is a beautiful child-friendly spot to snorkel, swim, or simply relax on the sand. Explore the nearby boutiques and trendy bar scene or start your walk along the famous 6km Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk."

"Hip and filled with those donning the latest trends in swimwear, Coogee Beach is only second to Bondi when it comes to famous Sydney beaches. This gorgeous and spacious stretch comes complete with calm water, an ocean pool, a women’s only pool and tens of nearby cafes and boutique shops. It’s easily accessed by public transportation and is often the beautiful beginning or end point for those going on a coastal walk."

"One of our favourite Sydney beaches, Coogee is fairly small but a lovely suburb with lots of nice eateries and a really nice beach for swimming and relaxing in the sun. It’s just 40 minutes by bus from the city centre."