Welcome to Arncliffe, a quiet pocket tucked away in the suburbs of South Sydney. Just 10 minutes from Sydney International Airport and 20 minutes from Sydney CBD, Arncliffe is the perfect base for all your adventures in Sydney and beyond. While the suburb itself is fairly unassuming, the surrounding suburbs and regions are just brimming with treasures waiting to be discovered. You’ll find neighbourhood-defining high streets and cafe culture, stunning coastline escapes and breathtaking natural beauty right on Sydney’s doorstep - all while being within easy reach of the city centre. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack up your Hertz rental car and discover the beauty and charm of Southern Sydney.
Exploring the Southern Suburbs
There is so much more to Arncliffe than the bustling Princes highway; after picking up your rental from Hertz Arncliffe, head west of the railway tracks where you’ll discover the beating heart of the suburb. While Arncliffe village shops are mostly quiet and frequented by locals, it’s here that you’ll find one of Sydney’s best coffees. Espresso Haus Co on Wollongong Road is a hidden gem and local favourite, with mouth-watering signature brunch dishes to satisfy all your cravings. While you’re exploring the leafy, tree-lined backstreets, make sure to take note of the architecture here. Arncliffe has a fascinating architectural history, with many Victorian, Federation-era cottages and 'statement mansions' still standing to this day, telling stories of a bygone era.
To the north of Arncliffe you'll find the gentle meandering curves of Wolli Creek. Wolli Creek Regional Park is a favourite spot for local residents, with the vast green space providing a reprieve to the hustle and bustle of the city, and plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs on scenic walking trails. If you’re travelling with a golf aficionado, the adjoining Bardwell Valley Golf Club is one of Sydney’s most scenic golf courses, sprawling along the picturesque and lush valley. A leisurely round of 18 is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon on the green, but if golf isn’t for you, not to worry. There’s always the clubhouse deck, where you can sit back and enjoy a stunning view from the top of the valley over a coffee, wine or beer - just ensure you have a designated driver nominated.
Feeling peckish? You’ll want to embrace the area’s multiculturalism through good food, and Arncliffe has a surprisingly mature food scene. Fuelled by the flavours and flair of its multicultural community, waves of immigration have contributed to a unique food scene reaching all corners of the globe. Arncliffe is Sydney’s hub of Middle Eastern cuisine, where you’ll find delicious Lebanese delicacies. To the north in Wolli Creek, Asian cuisine dominates; here you’ll find everything from Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese. To the south in Rockdale, you’ll find authentic Indian, Nepalese and Pakistani cuisine. Round out the evening with a sweet treat from Messina Gelato at Brighton-Le-Sands. If you’re staying locally, treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Novotel Brighton Beach, an upscale hotel located right on the waterfront.
Adventures Beyond the City
Sydney is undoubtedly the day-trip capital of Australia, with so many adventure-filled escapes and naturally beautiful destinations on the city’s doorstep just waiting to be discovered. Arncliffe’s strategic location makes it a fantastic starting point for so many great road trips in your Hertz rental car, so what are you waiting for? It’s time to hit the road.
If you’re after a coastal escape, look no further than Sydney’s famous Botany Bay. Take a drive along the tree-lined foreshore from Brighton-Le-Sands to Sandringham, where you’ll find picture-perfect, gentle and family friendly beaches, interspersed with the occasional jetty. On the other side of the Bay, the beachside suburb of Cronulla makes for an excellent day trip. Famous for its top-notch surfing beaches, turquoise ocean pools and a buzzing shopping and dining precinct, there is more than enough here to fill an entire day.
If you’re craving a nature-fix and can’t get out of the city soon enough, the Royal National Park is Sydney’s oldest and most treasured natural asset. This breathtakingly beautiful national park is home to secluded beaches, pockets of temperate rainforest, elusive native wildlife and tranquil waterfalls - all within an easy hour’s drive of Arncliffe. Don’t miss the famous Coastal Track - this exhilarating day walk winds its way along the cliff faces before popping out at some of the park’s most scenic sandy beaches.
While it might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Sydney, the quiet and cosy Southern suburb of Arncliffe is the perfect gateway to so many unforgettable adventures around Southern Sydney and beyond. While you’re here, spend some time exploring the other side of Sydney, where you’ll be sure to find something for everyone.
