One Week in Sydney with a Hire Car: Day-by-Day Itinerary
One Week in Sydney with a Hire Car: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Explore Sydney at Your Own Pace with YesDrive
Whether you’re visiting Sydney for the first time or rediscovering it as a local, having a hire car opens up a world of possibilities beyond the CBD. From beach-hopping and bushwalking to wine tasting and scenic drives, this 7-day itinerary will show you how to make the most of your time with a YesDrive rental car.
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Why Hire a Car in Sydney?
While public transport covers the city well, a rental car gives you the freedom to explore hidden gems, regional day trips, and scenic spots at your own pace. With YesDrive’s reliable, affordable, and well-maintained vehicles, your Sydney adventure is smooth from start to finish.
✅ Pick up from Sydney Airport or CBD
✅ Great for families, couples, and solo road trippers
✅ Flexibility to build your own itinerary
✅ Travel beyond the city without relying on tours
Day 1: Explore the City Sights
Start your Sydney adventure with the iconic landmarks. Park near Circular Quay and explore on foot:
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Royal Botanic Garden
Darling Harbour and Barangaroo
🚗 Parking Tip: Use Wilson or Secure Parking apps to find deals in city lots.
Evening: Head to The Rocks for dinner and waterfront views.
Day 2: Bondi to Watsons Bay Coastal Drive
Time to hit the coast! Start in Bondi Beach, where you can grab breakfast and stroll the famous Bondi to Bronte Walk. Then, drive up the coast through:
Tamarama & Bronte
Clovelly & Coogee
Vaucluse & Watsons Bay (don’t miss The Gap lookout)
Evening: Catch the sunset from Doyle’s at Watsons Bay or return to Bondi for beachside dining.
Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Trip
Leave the city behind for a full-day trip to the majestic Blue Mountains (approx. 2 hours each way). Must-see stops:
Echo Point & the Three Sisters
Scenic World (skyway, cableway, and railway rides)
Leura Village for lunch and boutique shopping
Wentworth Falls for a short walk
🚗 YesDrive Tip: Choose a fuel-efficient SUV for more comfort and gear storage.
Day 4: North Sydney and Manly
Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and explore:
Milsons Point for Luna Park and harbour views
Taronga Zoo
Drive to Manly Beach via the Spit Bridge
Optional: Stop at Middle Head or Dobroyd Head lookouts
Evening: Enjoy dinner by the water in Manly before heading back via the scenic coast route.
Day 5: Southern Sydney & Royal National Park
One of Australia’s oldest national parks is just an hour south of the city. Pack a picnic and spend the day in nature:
Bald Hill Lookout & Sea Cliff Bridge
Wattamolla Beach or Garie Beach
Audley picnic area and bushwalks
Figure Eight Pools (check tides!)
Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Day 6: Hunter Valley Wine Region
Take a day trip north to the Hunter Valley (approx. 2.5 hours each way). Drive through rolling vineyards and indulge in:
Wine tasting at local cellar doors
Cheese and chocolate shops
Hunter Valley Gardens
Gourmet restaurants and farm-to-table dining
🚗 Designated Driver Tip: Choose a driver before the tastings begin—or stay overnight and return the next morning.
Day 7: Scenic Detours and Souvenir Shopping
Wrap up your week with a relaxed mix of sightseeing and last-minute shopping:
Take a scenic detour to Palm Beach (aka “Summer Bay”)
Drive through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Return to Sydney for markets at The Rocks, Paddington or Glebe
Visit Queen Victoria Building (QVB) for stylish souvenir shopping
Evening: Drop off your hire car and enjoy one last dinner with a view.
Travel Tips for Driving in Sydney
🅿️ Book accommodation with parking included
🕘 Avoid peak-hour traffic (7–9 am & 4–6 pm)
📱 Use Google Maps with traffic alerts
🛣️ Have an e-tag or check toll road options in advance
🗺️ Take scenic detours where possible—you never know what you’ll discover!
Book Your Sydney Hire Car with YesDrive
From coastal drives to wine country getaways, Sydney is best explored with the flexibility and comfort of a rental car. YesDrive offers affordable, clean, and reliable vehicles from both Sydney Airport and the city—ideal for both tourists and locals.
👉 Ready to plan your trip? Book your Sydney hire car today at YesDrive.com.au and start exploring Sydney, one day at a time.
