Land of the ‘Outback’, the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Australia is the kind of travel destination that all but demands a hire car. Visitors with the mobility to enjoy the varied attractions will have access to cosmopolitan culture and rugged outdoors.

Finding a base of operations in Australia is important, and Sydney is probably the best place for travellers craving a steady blend of cosmopolitan and outdoor pursuits. From its emblematic Opera House to the outlying national parks, Sydney provides more outlets for cultural exchange, entertainment, fine dining and active pursuits than imaginable.

Brisbane is another great city in the Australian pantheon that is easily reached by car hire in Australia. It began as an industrial capital but has blossomed into a bohemian centre of arts and tourism. Tourists will find boutiques, shops and a stunning stretch of world-class resorts lining the Gold Coast. Offshore is the Great Barrier Reef, a massive feat of nature visible from outer space.

From the deserts of the Northern Territory to the rolling farmland of Victoria, Australia has enough regional attractions to keep visitors engaged over many repeat visits. Most of the attractions are in cities along the coast though interior frontier outposts in the ‘red centre’ (especially Alice Springs) are still extremely remote.

As you move away from the cities of Australia, you’ll find a dizzying range of landscapes. From the lush tropics of Darwin to the scorched red centre, Australia is famous for its rugged outdoor appeal. Along the way are endless opportunities for skiers, sky divers, rock climbers, mountain bikers and scuba divers.