Sydney travel – free and cheap. Impossible? Not if you follow author and journalist Sue Ostler on the search for a fun budget (fudget) weekend.

The $5.00 Coffee and Cupcake  

Sprinkle some stardust into your day by kicking it off with coffee and cupcakes at Pitt Street Cupcakes.  Try the mouth-watering Pineapple Coconut, Banana and Mango Passionfruit for a steal at $2.50. Savour it with a damn fine coffee at $2.50. Dine in or take away.  323 Pitt St. Sydney.

Free at the Botanical Gardens

The  Botanical Gardens is free – and amazing – all year round. However, the Botanical Garden Spring Walk has never looked more sensational. Aim to get down there early to miss the crowds, and give yourself a couple of hours to lose yourself in the intoxicating scents, colours and the sheer frickin’ beauty of these truly incredible gardens. And brace yourself for that moment the Harbour comes into view – shimmering and sparkling like nobody’s business. Ahhh.

Hunter Connection International Food Court, Asian Banquet from $5.00

For somewhere functional but delicious, nutritious and filling – head towards Wynyard Station on George Street side and weave your way around into the Hunter Connection food court. Here you’ll find an extraordinary array of exceptionally priced Asian food; just as tasty as Chinatown but a fraction of the price. 7 Hunter Street, Sydney.

Happy Hour Cocktails at Kings Wharf from $5.00

Don your cocktail frock and head north of Darling Harbour towards Kings Wharf for a mini bar crawl.  First stop Pontoon. Get there early to make the most of Happy Hour. $4.00 drinks from 4.00pm. They even do free finger food!

Head further north and continue to ogle the endless parade of the young and the beautiful from the terrace of the nearby Cargo Bar. $5.00 drinks from 5.00pm.

Sue’s Secret – $5 Vodka at Bungalow 8

For some Honolulu style chillin’, head to the further north point of Kings Wharf and you’ll find the luscious Bungalow 8. If it’s Thursday or Friday, you’re in luck with Beer, Bubbles and Vodka for a fiver! You’ll be knocking back the bubbles in this dreamy Tiki style bar, shaking to the bongo beats and feeling groovy.

Happy Hour 5pm – 7pm Thursdays and Fridays