Sydney’s beaches are, refreshingly, one of the few genuinely free things about visiting this city. There are no paid sunbeds, no entry fees, and no membership required — just sand, surf, and sunscreen. Whether you’re travelling on a budget or just don’t feel like spending money this weekend, here’s how to get the most out of the coast without opening your wallet.

Sydney is one of the few cities in the world where you can walk for hours along genuine ocean cliffs, drop down onto a swimmable beach every twenty minutes, and never leave a paved, well-signposted path. The coastline does the work — all you need is a decent pair of shoes, sunscreen, and a swimsuit under your clothes.