Sydney has a reputation for being hard on the wallet, but it’s a great place to holiday, and if you’re on a budget there are still plenty of ways to fill your days (and nights).

Here are our top picks for things to do in Sydney that won’t cost more than $50.

Jump Around

Boing Central

Where: Unit 5/6, 4-8 Inglewood Place, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Boing Central opened in 2013 and has more than 1,000sq m of trampolines, padding and foam, so you can jump, bounce and flip with the family to your heart’s content. There’s no better way to get a good workout. Entry is $16.50 for the first hour and $10 per hour after that.

Get Out on the Water

Rose Bay Aquatic Hire

Where: Cnr of New South Head Road and Vickery Avenue, Sydney NSW 2029 Sydney’s harbour is justifiably famous and there are numerous guided tours on offer, but the best way to see it is to get up close and personal in a kayak. Rose Bay Aquatic Hire has double kayaks for $40 an hour, so you can explore the beaches and islands of the harbour at your own pace, hopping out for a swim or a latte as you please. Stand-up paddleboards and small boats are also available.

Movie Magic

Dumaresq Street Cinema

Where: Cnr of Dumaresq & Hurley Streets, Campbelltown NSW 2560

On those rare occasions when Australia’s capital fails to produce awesome weather, head to Campbelltown’s Dumaresq Street Cinema, where adult tickets are just $6 – all day, every day. This is not a super-modern multiplex, so don’t expect 3D and a swanky wine bar, but at this bargain price you can while away a whole day for under $50, popcorn included.

Scare Yourself Silly

The Rocks Ghost Tour

Where: 110 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000 Take a chilling trip through Sydney’s gruesome past with the Rocks Ghost Tour and hear terrifying and true stories of hangings, suicide and murder most foul. Recently there have been reports of paranormal activity on many of the supposedly haunted spots amidst the cobbled lanes of the Rocks, so book a tour if you dare. Night tours are $42 per person.

Animal-Watch

Taronga Zoo

Where: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman NSW 2088

Entry to the world-class Taronga Zoo is $46 for adults and $23 for children. You can easily spend a whole day watching – and feeding – the animals, and there is no better way of getting up close and personal with Australia’s amazing wildlife. There are cafes and restaurants on site if your own animals also need feeding.

Amusement Galore

Luna Park

Where: 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, 2061 NSW Luna Park is one of only two amusement parks in the world protected by government legislation, and it is easy to see why. It looks like something out of a Hollywood movie, and it has featured in several. It’s fun, it’s nostalgic, and there’s candy floss. What more could you want? You can even enjoy fine dining in a private Ferris wheel carriage on Sundays. Unlimited rides passes cost between $29.95 and $49.95.

Learn a New Skill

Laneway Learning Sydney

Where: Weekday evenings in cafes, bars and spaces around the city.

Laneway Learning Sydney organises classes on weekday evening in cafes, bars and event centres throughout the city. Numbers are limited to 20 people per class and most classes are less than $15, but the great thing about Laneway is the diverse and eclectic subjects of offer. Here you can learn anything from dance and photography to how to make finger puppets and “speak dog”.

Delve Into Architecture

Rose Seidler House

Where: 71 Clissold Road, Wahroonga NSW 2076 When it was completed in 1950, the Rose Seidler House was the most talked-about house in Sydney, and it is still well worth a visit. It was designed by Harry Seidler for his parents Rose and Max, and it single-handedly overturned almost every contemporary convention of suburban house design. The house remains an excellent example of mid-20^th Century architecture, and its interior is one of the best post-WWII design collections in public ownership. Entry is $8 for adults and $4 for children.

Race a V8

Off Road Rush

Where: Colo Park Off Road Racing Circuit, 5201 Putty Rd, Colo Heights, NSW 2756

A lap in a V8 race buggy will put a smile on any petrol head’s dial. The Colo Park circuit has long straights and sliding corners and is the only hot circuit in Australia where you can get airborne on four wheels. All instructors are qualified so climb into the navigator’s seat and hold on tight. Get two ‘Hot Laps’ in a V8 Race Buggy for $50.

Eat, Eat, Eat

Fishmongers

Where: Bondi, Manly and Byron Bay

Satisfy any hunger cravings with Sydney’s – and possibly Australia’s – best fish and chips from one of the “Fishmonger” fish and chip shops. Voted by the Sydney Morning Herald as the city’s best, there are three stores to choose from: Bondi, Manly and Byron Bay. Highlights include the kumara chips, tempura veges and deep-fried calamari.

Featured image by iStock