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Whoever coined the phrase “nothing in life is free” has clearly never set foot in Australia – a country where some of the best travel experiences come with a $0 price tag. Our capital cities are packed with bucket-list attractions that won’t cost you a single cent. Hiking through some of the world’s most beautiful national parks? Free! Spotting fairy penguins on the beach? Free! Sampling your way through a world-class market? You guessed it – free! Our Editor, Melissa Woodley – a woman who has backpacked, bused and budget-airlined her way across the planet – has pulled together the definitive guide to the best free things to do in Australia's major cities. Whether you love outdoor adventures (swims, coastal walks and picnic rugs) or indoor culture (air-con, art galleries and free tasting tours), consider this your cheat sheet to feeling inexplicably wealthy on a budget of exactly zero dollars. Editors’ favourite free things to do in Australia: 🍫 Best for families: Tour of Haigh's Chocolate Factory, SA 🌳 Best for wildlife: Penguin spotting at St Kilda Beach, VIC ☀️ Best for outdoors: National Arboretum, ACT 🖼️ Best for culture: Art Gallery of New South Wales, NSW 😋 Best for foodies: Salamanca Market, TAS NSW | VIC | SA | QLD | WA | ACT | TAS | NT 🌊 The best things to do in Australia⭐️ The best tourist attractions in Australia

If you’re looking for an excuse to get all dolled up, Perth’s oh-so-sophisticated high tea scene is calling. From fluffy scones with jam and cream to crisp cucumber finger sandwiches and dainty decorated cakes, high tea in Perth is the ultimate indulgent afternoon ritual. High tea originated in 1840s England, when it was first enjoyed by the upper classes before becoming a much-loved tradition across society. Fast-forward to today, Perth has well and truly embraced the ritual, offering everything from classic towers to creative, seasonal twists. No matter your vibe, these are the best high teas in Perth that are sure to make you feel fancy and festive, much like a character from Bridgerton taking tea in the drawing room. 🍽️ The best cafés in Perth☕️ The best coffee in Perth

We fully get that Australia is in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, so we're here to help you on your journey to finding the best cheap eats in Adelaide. Here in the 20-minute city, we’re lucky enough to harbour a mammoth selection of multicultural cuisines, and some local haunts are more or less doing acts of God when it comes to sizable and heavenly feeds that won’t break the bank. Quaff down Vietnamese rolls, Chinese braises, Italian pizza pies and Mexican street food, to name a few hot deals and meals for under $20. Your taste buds are in for a treat. Here are the best cheap eats in Adelaide. ⭐️ The best restaurants in Adelaide🥐 The best bakeries in Adelaide