Beat the crunch - Clubs

Crab racing
As the name suggests, the Friend in Hand offers the very finest in racing of that most noble of crustaceans, the crab. Lovers of decapod vs decapod conflict will be enraptured, and it's much cheaper than a day at the gee-gees.
Friend in Hand Glebe

Game time
Sure, you could buy yourself a games console for home, or you could save your money and just head to the pub to play for free. Get your game on every Tuesday at the Lord Raglan Hotel with Wii Sports and Guitar Hero - with a case of beer on offer for the night's winner. At the Lansdowne, play free Guitar Hero, perfect for the couch-bound would-be rock star. Bowl up a storm at the KB with casual Wii Bowling. 
Lord Raglan HotelAlexandria
Lansdowne HotelChippendale
KB HotelSurry Hills

You're so arty
OK, so it's not free anymore, but we think $3 is a small price to pay to learn a few things about life and the lovely things living in it while drawing and drinking in a licensed venue. 
Life Drawing Classes, The ArthouseSydney

Pamper
If your nails (or your morale) are in need of some special attention, you can't go wrong with a free manicure with drink purchase. Martinis and Manicures,Chamberlain HotelSydney

Old school games
It's the Fred Flintstone of games: giant Connect Four, and you can play it for free. Yabba-dabba huge! Across town at the Cricketers play Monopoly, Jenga and a few other board games. Spending up in the Three Weeds stellar restaurant? Counter it with some complimentary Jenga, dominoes or Scrabble provided over the bar.

Courthouse Hotel Newtown
Cricketers Arms Surry Hills
Three WeedsRozelle

Hit the club scene without much green
Sydney has some great free club nights. Start on a Wednesday night at World Bar in Kings Cross for The Wall, which combines art and music. On Thursday the Flinders Hotel hosts Health Club, a night of ecletic jams. Finally, to kickstart your weekend, We Love Indie at Madame De Biers is one for the tight jeans set.
World Bar Kings Cross
Flinders Hotel Darlinghurst (Note: The Flinders Hotel has since changed management)
Madame De Biers Kings Cross

More ways to beat the crunch