Imagine driving through Australia with the top down, wind in your hair and the summer sun keeping you warm. Rent a convertible for a fun Australian holiday and your dreams could come true in 2015.

When most people think of a rental car, they picture an economical hatchback or perhaps a practical runaround to just get you from A to B. But a convertible is something different. You don’t necessarily hire one to save money on gas, or fit in the whole family. Put simply, they’re built to maximise the enjoyment of driving. If you like being on the road, a drop-top will take it to the next level. Here are our favourite ways to get the most out of a convertible car rental in Australia’s major cities.

Drive Sydney: City break

Collect a convertible car rental from Sydney and get in a little urban action! You’ll fit right in on the streets of upmarket Darling Harbour, cruising around the Opera House and across the Harbour Bridge to enjoy the sea breezes of Manly and Central Coast. Book a nice hotel in the city centre, pick up your convertible car hire at Sydney Airport and spend a weekend living the high life in one of the world’s most popular cities. The places to eat and shop are endless, and with your own classy wheels you can explore the suburbs and bays to your heart’s content. Don’t forget to call in to Bondi, the famous surf beach where the wild ocean meets the Sydney shore.

Drive Brisbane: Turn up the heat

Brisbane in the sunny state of Queensland is hot, especially in the summer months! Driving a Brisbane car hire convertible makes everything that little bit cooler, in both senses of the word. Drive away from Brisbane Airport and get to exploring with the top down. The Gold Coast is less than an hour away in a car rental, the perfect place to people-watch, peruse beachside restaurants and shops or have tons of fun in the many amusement parks. North of the city, the Sunshine Coast stretches up towards the Great Sandy National Park. For a long road trip, hit the highways in style and head for Mackay and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. You also have the option to hire a car at Cairns Airport or Townsville. From these towns and cities, it is easy to get on a boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef.

Drive from Melbourne Airport in your car hire: The Great Ocean Road

A convertible car rental in Melbourne is the start of something truly special! The city is an interesting and diverse place, worth a few days of sightseeing at the very least. However, the real driving fun happens out of town on the Great Ocean Road. This route between Torquay and Warrnambool is the kind of road where the drive is not just about getting from A to B, but enjoying the journey and freedom - what better time to rent a fun vehicle? Curve your way past mountains, national parks, beaches, small towns, and much more. The total driving time is around five hours but we suggest allowing a day or two, so you can pull over and enjoy the view wherever and whenever your heart desires. The spectacular Twelve Apostles rock formation can be admired here. A trip from Adelaide to Melbourne is also a great option, with plenty of car rentals from Adelaide airport.

Tips for Convertible driving
 

Convertible car rental in Australia is a great way to holiday, especially for a couple who travel light! Keep these things in mind for safe, comfortable and stylish driving:

• Wear sunglasses! As well as preventing sun in the eyes, they can protect your pupils from dust and insects which may get past the windscreen.

• Put your hair in a scarf or hat if you are particularly fond of your ‘do!

• Don’t get carried away with your convertible cool factor - follow the road rules and stay within the speed limit at all times.

• Wear sunscreen! Australia’s rays are harsh and no roof means no shade.

• Of course, close the roof if it looks like rain. A light shower can turn into a downpour within minutes.

• Don’t leave anything lighter than a paperweight lying around when the car is in motion, and secure all of your belongings in the boot when it is parked and left unattended. If leaving it for more than a short while, put the top up to protect the interior from the weather.

• Practice putting the top up and down before you leave the depot so you don’t get caught out.