Welcome to Sydney, Australia’s largest and most internationally renowned city – for very good reason. From the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to the beaches of Bondi and the high-street shopping bonanza of the Pitt Street Mall, Sydney has earned its reputation. You’re going to have a great time here.

The combination of Sydney’s vast urban design and numerous attractions makes hiring a car an easy decision. Driving throughout sunny Sydney and its surrounds provides the flexibility to create your own journey of discovery.

So let’s get started with what you’ll want to do, see, experience and explore once you’ve picked up your hire car.

Hire a car from Sydney Airport and explore the 'Harbour City' 

Once you arrive at Sydney Airport, take your time to uncover everything Sydney has to offer. Explore the northern beaches, immerse yourself in the nightlife of Darlinghurst, head to the fashionable Surry Hills, the artistic Newtown, the famous Bondi Beach, or make your way in your car to either side of the city for coastal excursions and seaside activities.

A must-see destination for any visitor to Sydney, whether for the first or the three-hundredth time, is Circular Quay and The Rocks district. This vibrant hub is packed with great bars and restaurants, all set to an iconic backdrop of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Some restaurants that you must visit if you haven’t before (or even if you have) include Cho Cho San, the Japanese fusion restaurant in Potts Point as famous for its stark white (and award winning) interior design as it is for its world-class cuisine, and Ragazzi – the acclaimed Italian-Australian restaurant in the CBD, famous for its pastas and cocktails. 

Once you’ve had your fill, next stop on the itinerary will likely be Bondi Beach, perhaps the world’s most famous beach with golden sand and vibrant clear-water surf breaks. From there, embark on the Bondi to Coogee walk, where you’ll be met with some of the most breathtaking sights in Sydney across multiple beaches, cliffs, and pathways, frequented by locals and travellers alike.

Don’t miss beach hopping, snorkelling, and diving around Manly beach, and enjoy the ‘Spit to Manly’ hike for excellent harbour and inlet views. Watsons Bay, the Royal Botanic Garden, Taronga Zoo, and a Harbour Bridge climb are also noteworthy endeavours that will delight your inner explorer.

Rent a car from Sydney Airport and explore the New South Wales coast

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s a multitude of destinations to explore within a short drive in your car hire. A trip to the enchanting Blue Mountains for picturesque bushwalks, the scenic Hunter Valley wineries, and the charming, tranquil New South Wales coastline all offer unique getaways.

If you’re southward bound towards the state of Victoria, The Royal National Park is home to dozens of hikes and beachside hangs. Or if you’re after more of a beach town vibe, continue further south to Wollongong and Jervis Bay, boasting a slew of stunning beaches and some of the whitest sand in Australia. The southern East Coast of New South Wales is non-stop natural beauty, so you’ll want to take your time with the drive and have plenty of stops along the way.

On the other hand, if it’s north towards Queensland that the wind is taking you, the be sure to drive up up to Palm Beach (known for being the setting of Australia's much-loved TV show 'Home and Away’), or a bit further north to Port Stephens for aquatic adventures and spotting a variety of marine life. Gosford, the Central Coast, and Newcastle are all on the ‘pit stop’ list for endless sunshine and invigorating sea breezes.

Keep going north and after a day or two’s drive (depending on how leisurely you take it) you’ll arrive at Byron Bay, one of the most laid-back locations in all of Australia. Originally a small beach community of alternative culture icons, the destination has become gentrified over the past decade and is now one of Australia’s trendiest holiday destinations.

Keen to learn more? Discover some of Sydney’s best beaches, bars, restaurants, cultural events, and festivals. Check out our ‘Destination Guides’ and ‘Places to Visit’ blogs, featuring Sydney’s favourite cheap eats, shopping secrets, and top photo opportunities, and don't forget to visit us at Hertz Sydney Airport!