Yahoo LifestyleAustralia: 5 FREE things to do by people who live there
Flying to the other side of the word for an adventure down under is never going to be cheap, but not everythiing is as expensive as the Sydney Aquarium
Australia is many people's dream travel destination with vibrant cities, laid back beaches, endless sunshine and gorgeous scenery. But it can also be a pretty pricey place to travel as the latest ‘Worldwide Cost of Living’ study figures prove.
Ox has the most entries in the top 10, with Melbourne and Sydney both featuring so we’ve teamed up with travel experts at Contiki for their suggestions on the best free things to do in the land Down Under.
1. Feel dwarfed by the epic scenery
Nestled on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert in Western Australia is Wolfe Creek Crater National Park – one of Australia’s most remarkable outback landscapes. It’s the second largest crater in the world where visitors can go bushwalking and see the crater from the edge of the rim. Prepare to feel the majesty of Mother Nature!
2. Enjoy a natural hot tub
Renowned for its ability to soothe all aches and pains this free experience is best saved until the end of a long trip if possible. The naturally heated Artesian Bore Baths in New South Wales have an average water temperature of 42 degrees celsius and are open 24 hours a day.
3. Swim with tropical fish
No boat trips are required to reach Ningaloo Reef, in fact nowhere else on the planet can you access a large coral reef so easily. Home to an abundance of tropical fish, colourful coral and the world’s largest fish (the Whale Shark) you’ll have a ‘whale’ of a time swimming in this ocean paradise.
4. Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Yes it’s perhaps the most well-known landmark in the whole of Australia and yes, it will cost you to actually climb it but crossing it on foot is completely free and provides a fantastic photo opportunity!
5. DIY whale watching
Grab a decent pair of binoculars and head to Cape Solander on the southern side of the Botany Bay entrance when the whales are migrating north from the Antarctic in winter. You could spot yourself a whale in the wild without the need to book an expensive whale-watching trip.
