Car & Van Hire - Sydney

Sydney's two most iconic sights are the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. There are several things you can see and do at both of these places. You can go on a guided tour of the Opera House, take in a show or enjoy a cocktail at the Opera Bar. The last option is a great idea if you want to admire the best possible views of the harbour. Meanwhile, you can choose if you want to walk across the bridge, cycle across it or even climb up to its summit.

The city is also home to one of the world's most famous beaches, Bondi Beach. This surfer's paradise has been a tourist magnet for decades. There are surf schools if you'd like to learn to ride the waves, and there are plenty of great beachside bars and cafes for chilling out. On Saturday mornings, the Bondi area is full of farmer's markets. Here, you can buy some of the freshest local produce. If you visit in October and November, you'll also be able to admire Sculpture by the Sea, the world's largest annual free exhibition of outdoor sculptures. Take the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk if you want to see the best of the area, which runs for 6 km along the coast.

Australia's convict history can be explored with a visit to Cockatoo Island. This former penal colony is right in the heart of the harbour, boasting some intriguing heritage buildings that explain its history. This is a popular location for festivals and other big events, but even if there's nothing going on in particular, it is still a fascinating spot to spend the day.

If you're visiting Sydney with the kids, don't miss Luna Park. This charming theme park has been restored to make it feel like you're stepping back in time. With fun rides for all ages, exciting shows and traditional funfair food, like candyfloss and popcorn, Luna Park is sure to delight both the young and the young at heart.

Getting a car rental in Sydney will let you explore further afield. Head out of the city to the Northern Beaches. With its golden sand and lighthouse, Palm Beach is particularly beautiful. As part of your day out, take a walk to the lighthouse up the atmospheric Smugglers Track to enjoy great views. Alternatively, head south from the city. The Coast Track that runs through the Royal National Park is ideal for hikers of all abilities. Here, you can see cave dwellings that people lived in during the Great Depression, as well as ancient stone engravings made by the Aboriginal people. A dip in the refreshing waters of Garie Beach is a perfect way to finish up your trip.

Sydney is a large city, so driving can sometimes be overwhelming. Traffic can be heavy, particularly during rush hour. The good news is that the city is very safe for drivers. The extremely high number of speed cameras means that most people prioritise driving safely. You can also plan your trips in advance to avoid the worst rush hour traffic. Keep in mind that many locals like to leave the city on weekends, so there's often more traffic going out of Sydney on Friday evenings.

Watch out for red signs, marking lanes with T2 or T3. These signs are the city's form of carpool lanes. You must have two people in the car to drive in a T2 lane (and three for a T3). Take care when parking, too. All cars must be facing the same direction when parked on the street. Drivers who do not follow this rule are subject to fines. There are also several large, multi-storey car parks around the city. These are far cheaper on weekends than on weekdays. They often charge a flat fee for weekend parking, which you can keep in mind while planning your trip.

There are toll roads around the city, including a toll to drive across Harbour Bridge. All tolls in New South Wales are electronic and organised through a system of e-Tags. If you are driving outside the city, you can always look for alternative routes to avoid toll roads, but be prepared to reach your destination later.

A car hire or van rental in Sydney also lets you explore more of NSW, Australia. When driving outside the city, there are a few things you will need to keep in mind. Watch out for animals, particularly kangaroos. They are one of the most common causes of road accidents in Australia. Visitors are advised to keep driving to a minimum between dusk and dawn, which is when these animals are most active. Pay attention to local weather reports as well, particularly if you are visiting between October and April. If a road is closed due to a bushfire or flood, do not make any attempt to enter it.