Car Rental Penrith Downtown

On the banks of the Nepean River, mid-way between the bright lights of central Sydney and the breathtaking vistas of the Blue Mountains, you’ll find the exciting and diverse outer metropolitan city of Penrith. Just one hour west of the CBD, and 45 minutes from the mountains, Penrith offers a wealth of reasons to stay awhile and explore this engaging region in your hire car. 

Penrith is surrounded by nature with opportunities for wonderful outdoor adventures. You’ll be greeted by the pristine calm of the Nepean River which invites you to canoe, kayak or row a paddle-board across its peaceful waters. Anglers can also enjoy river fishing tours or try their luck at the waterhole at Bents Basin between Penrith and Camden. This beautiful, protected nature reserve, with an abundance of native wildlife, is also popular for swimming, walking, picnics and camping. Another simple pleasure is the Great River Walk – an easy 7km loop trail from Penrith to Emu Plains to take on bike or foot. It’s also a great spot to sit and watch the birds, wildlife and boats go by. 

For a fabulous river excursion, hop on board a cruise with a difference to Nepean Gorge and be romanced by the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler, offering good food, stunning scenery and gracious old-world ambience. Or drive to nearby Mulgoa and check out a spectacular view of the Gorge from The Rock Lookout, taking care at the edge or when taking a selfie. But if you’re seeking an out-of-this-world panorama, the Penrith Observatory is also worth a look.

Fun and adventure dominates the agenda at Penrith. Whether you’re a player or a spectator, the sports, activities and recreational opportunities here are legendary. Skydive, climb, row, skate, jump, even throw an axe. From the offbeat to the tranquil, to pursuits that get your heart pumping, there’s something for everyone at Penrith.

Penrith is your gateway to the Blue Mountains in your hire car

Penrith is Sydney’s key gateway (on the Great Western Highway) to the Blue Mountains National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage area is part of the Great Dividing Range and renowned as a place of staggering scenery and jaw-dropping natural beauty. The Blue Mountain’s epic landscape embraces escarpments, sandstone cliffs, caves and canyons, ancient Aboriginal rock art and the iconic Three Sisters at Katoomba, the chief town and heart of the park. The cascades and waterfalls at Wentworth Falls and the Valley of the Waters make for a memorable visit and a picture-perfect photo opportunity.

Beyond its impressive wilderness, the Blue Mountains region is also a popular weekender with quaint townships dotting the area. Antiques shopping, strolling the enchanting gardens, and the fresh mountain air will build up your appetite. So seek out a bite at one of the many delightful cafes or eateries before heading back to Penrith. 

Explore high-energy Penrith Downtown in your hire car

The friendly community feel that gives Penrith such a welcoming character is why so many visitors return for more. Exhilarating adventures, heritage-listed landmarks, a vibrant arts and culture scene, bushwalking and eco tours are just some of the reasons Penrith is so popular. You’ll also find good food here to help fuel your busy sightseeing agenda.

Lovers of water sports will find it easy to get active and burn off some energy at Penrith. Learn to cable water-ski or brush up on your wakeboarding skills at Cables Wake Park. The Penrith Whitewater Stadium and Sydney International Regatta Centre at Penrith Lakes were both designed for the Sydney 2000 Olympics – for rowing, sprint kayaking and white-water slalom events – and still host international competitions. Beginners to serious adventurers can enjoy the thrills of guided and unguided rafting here, as well as 5km of cycling and walking paths. 

Take a leap at iFly Indoor Skydiving; try out Flip Out, Australia’s largest indoor trampoline arena; go go-karting and paintballing at Luddenham, also home to the Raceway Motorsport Park with a challenging purpose-built circuit. And that’s just for starters – there’s an endless list of thrills to be had at Penrith. 

Indulge your interest in the arts, history and the offbeat in Penrith. Visit the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, more commonly known as ‘The Joan’. Named after the famed Australian opera diva, this world-class creative complex has a concert hall, theatre and  accommodates the Penrith Conservatorium of Music and Q Theatre Company. For the curiously minded, check out the Museum of Fire, the Museum of Printing, the Arms of Australia Inn and the Nepean Naval Museum. Or if you prefer to stay in the comfort of your rental car, the 50km Penrith Heritage Drive will take you on a journey through the significant historical sites and structures of Penrith, nearby St Marys, Castlereagh, Emu Plains and Mulgoa.

You’ll be amazed at all the attractions you’ll encounter when you explore Penrith Downtown and surrounds in your hire car.