If your trip to Sydney is all sorted out but your itinerary is a bit on the empty side, let us give you a helping hand.Think of Sydney and then say the first thing that jumps to mind. You probably said “Sydney Opera House,” right? Being such an iconic attraction, you simply can’t miss it. Throw your gear into the trunk and check it off your bucket list.Whatever you do, don’t forget to bring your camera when you pay a visit to Circular Quay. This great attraction is sure to provide some amazing photo ops.Stop by Taronga Zoo. It’s one sight you’ll find on most travelers’ must-do lists. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Star Casino are also not far away and worth checking out.

With some great day trip options in the surrounding area, renting a car makes good sense. Without one, it wouldn’t be half as easy to experience everything that Wollongong, 40 miles away, has to offer. Soak up the sights beginning with Wollongong City Beach, North Wollongong Beach and Stuart Park. Don’t skip Blackheath either! Just 55 miles away, Leura Mall, Leura Cascades and Blackheath Golf Course are must-sees here.

There’s nothing nicer than winding down the car window and feeling the cool, salty breeze in your hair while you’re cruising by the seaside. Pack some food and spend a few hours basking in the sun at one of the lovely beaches near Sydney. Picturesque options include:

• Lady Martins Beach (3 miles away).
• Milk Beach (4 miles away).
• Balmoral Beach (4 miles away).

Get to know some of the local people while you’re in Sydney by attending an event at one of the area’s top convention centers. There are some fantastic things on, so take a look at the schedule and set aside a day. Recommended places include:

• International Convention Centre Sydney (1 mile away).
• Castle Hill Community Centre (15 miles away).

Heading to Sydney to be wowed by Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge? Now that’s what we call a road trip of a lifetime! But you’ll need to give a little thought to exactly how you’ll get around. Driving in this heaving metropolis can be daunting, so pick something small, like a compact or an economy car. You’ll be zipping past stalled traffic and scoring car spaces like a true local. If you’d prefer to leave the driving for outside the city, that’s OK too. Reserve something a little more spacious and comfortable, like a standard car, and discover the bays of New South Wales.

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to renting a car in Sydney. From people-movers with plenty of room to spare to zippy compacts that make parking a cinch, you’ll find it all here. Deciding on your perfect match depends on how much you want to spend and what activities you’ve got planned. There are some road trips that are just begging you to splurge on your dream ride, whereas other adventures don’t need much more than a bargain, no-frills type model. Which car will you be sliding behind the wheel of this time?

Booked your rental car, packed your suitcase but don’t even know what side of the road to drive on in Sydney? Don’t sweat it. This helpful advice will put you on the right track:

The left-hand side of the road is where you’ll be clocking up the miles in Sydney. The controls of your rental vehicle here, like the steering wheel, will be on the opposite side of what you’re used to.

Finding a place to park the car in downtown Sydney isn’t always easy. If you’re headed for one of its busiest areas, look up your options beforehand so you don’t end up driving around in circles.

Sydney has a population of 4,627,300, so you’re likely to come across heavier traffic at certain times of the day. For a smooth ride, avoid driving in the peak times before and after work — especially in built-up areas.

Most of the time, your chosen car rental company will charge the amount listed on the fine to your credit card, including local surcharges. Or they may share your information with local authorities, who’ll then issue a fine straight to you.