It may be one of the furthest destinations of them all if you’re coming from the UK, but Australia really is the dream ticket. You can pick up your hire car in Sydney and take in one of the most diverse and simply wonderful journeys on the globe.
Start at Sydney
- Sydney Opera House is simply stunning as a modern piece of architecture as well as being a magnificent performance space. It is a place that both takes on the unconventional aspects of modernism and a retake on the more conventional past. The building is a World Heritage-listed masterpiece that houses the very best of classical music. It also makes great efforts to include a younger audience with interactive activities and games to open the eyes of a new generation too.
- Opened to traffic in 1932 the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must-experience to drive over with your hired car. It goes from the city centre to the North Shore and if any of your party are climbers the BridgeClimb will have their name written on it.
- And if the sightseeing can be thirsty work why not choose a dry driver while the rest sample the wares at Sauce Brewing Co. There is a diversity of craft beer which will satisfy a hop-head, a sour-freak or lovers of just about any kind of quality ale.
Behold the Stunning Blue Mountains
About a two-hour drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are renowned for stunning sandstone ridges blended into the native bushland. Here, you will find ancient Aboriginal rock art and the Scenic World with the world’s steepest railway.
Hunter Valley: Wine Country
This is the birthplace of Australian wines, specialising in Semillon and shiraz. With over 150 cellar doors and an ever-increasing number of eateries which benefit from farm-fresh food, you won’t go hungry (but you may be tipsy!). On top of this are amazing natural sights and if you are feeling like you need refreshment take in one of the local spas. Just be sure you’ve got a designated driver if you’re continuing onwards!
Port Macquarie
This beautiful coastal town offers an eclectic range of attractions and activities from camel riding on Lighthouse Beach, the opportunity to take a trip on the steam train, go whale watching on a jet boat or take a river cruise. Then there is horse riding, sky diving or paragliding – fun for all the family!
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a coastal town situated on the far-north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Home to Australia’s most easterly location and the iconic Cape Byron lighthouse, the region is known for its balmy beaches, unbeatable shopping and dining experiences, world-class festivals, and exciting community spirit.
Held over the weekend of July 30 and 31 this year, the Harvest Trail is always a unique Northern Rivers experience, focusing on and enjoying the region’s food. The Trail will offer lots of outstanding eating and drinking experiences, filled with the most-acclaimed restaurants, producers, farmers and growers.
Surfers Paradise
This perfect location for surfing actually belies its name as there is so much more than merely beach life. There is the picaresque waterfall at Macintosh Island, you can cool down at the bars and clubs, survey the locale from the top of high-rise SkyPoint, and dine out at cafes and restaurants that brings together folk from far afield.
Noosa
Even more world-renowned surf can be found here where the balmy beaches’ golden sand reflect the bountiful sun’s rays. While at the Noosa National Park you can hike across the cliffs and forests. And at Noosa River Everglades have a go at canoeing. Then a trip to Fraser Island is a must, a World Heritage Site that combines rainforest with the dunes.
Brisbane
No Aussie trip would be fulfilled without cuddling a koala! Just pass one a eucalyptus leaf and you’ll have a friend for life. To do this, take in the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
For you culture vultures head to South Bank Parklands with its deep green parklands, eateries at the top of their game and enough events to fill your itinerary for a week!
And to top off your trip with a refreshing beer (remember: designate a dry driver!) take a visit to the XXXX Brewery. After all who gives a XXXX about any other lager when you’re down under?
Wrapping Up Your Dream Trip
And so the dream trip of a lifetime ends. It’s time to hand back the hire car keys and take that rather mournful flight home. Don’t despair however, just take a look at this site’s many other road trip itineraries and car hire travel guides for further inspiration.
You will be pleased to know here at Debit Card Car Hire not only do we give you the ability to rent your car without a credit card we offer unlimited mileage as standard across all rentals in Australia, as you will need them!
If you’re looking for further inspiration, why not check out our guide to a road trip across Australia’s west coast.