Car Rental Melbourne Airport

Welcome to Melbourne, Australia’s second most populated city with over five million residents (or Melburnians, as they are known). It was dubbed ‘Marvellous Melbourne’ back in the early days, and guess what – nothing’s changed! This constantly growing city is, in fact, more marvellous than ever and regularly tops the world’s most liveable cities lists.

Whether you’re here for a short stay or a longer visit, you’ll soon discover that Melbourne has all the ingredients to live the good life. It’s big on the arts, galleries and museums, and loves an event (many of them free), offers world-class food and dining, brilliant coffee, funky cafes, cool bars, live music, and a vibrant going-out scene. Add to that fantastic shopping, exciting precincts, hidden laneways and arcades, and an all-round buzzy urban vibe. Its creative culture mixed with natural surroundings, and an eye for design, a full calendar of highlights for sport lovers, and a reputation for changeable weather. Four seasons in one day, they say – so remember to have another layer on hand! Melbourne may not have the eye-popping landmarks of Sydney, but it’s a thriving and energetic city, with stacks of style and lots of surprises. This diverse and cosmopolitan city makes a memorable vacation for both families and couples, with things to do and see on every budget.

The city itself is built upon the Yarra River and sprawls around Port Phillip Bay, with Melbourne Airport at the northern end. The airport also goes by the name of Tullamarine (after its suburb) and is located a half-hour drive from the central business district. For a refreshing change after your flight, head straight down to the bay (which will take roughly 35 minutes) and stroll along popular St Kilda Beach. Eat fish and chips on the pier, or with the sand between your toes. Swim in the calm sheltered waters, check out the unique makers’ market, or just watch the passing parade. Follow The Esplanade (route 33) and get the camera out for the 82 colourfully painted seaside bathing boxes at Brighton Beach. Your hire car will help make navigating the expanse of Melbourne a breeze. Plus you’ll be able to explore the state of Victoria’s top holiday spots with ease! 

From Melbourne Airport to buzzing around the city in your hire car

Australians love their sport. And no state does it better than sports-mad Victoria. Melbourne is home to the nation’s biggest events and venues. See a summer cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground or catch the Grand Slam Australian Tennis Open at the Rod Laver Arena. Reserve April for the Melbourne Formula One Grand Prix in Albert Park. Roar with the Australian rules football winter crowds at  Marvel Stadium (equipped with a handy retractable roof, and the capacity to seat over 50,000). In November, the Melbourne Cup and Spring Racing Carnival brings out the jockeys and the fashionistas. Then there’s soccer, hockey, rugby and so much more.

Victoria was once known as The Garden State, and Melbourne is renowned for its beautiful parklands and gardens. It’s a wonderful place to unwind with walks or cycle the riverside tracks with scenic views. Take the Capital City Trail that meanders around the inner suburbs and waterways then loops through the Docklands precinct and the city centre. If you’re staying in the heart of town, Birrarung Marr makes a perfect place to start along the banks of the Yarra. Grab a helmet and take advantage of the self-serve bike hire.

The Kings Domain is a lush stretch of green near the Arts Centre precinct and includes a large outdoor venue – the Sidney Myer Music Bowl – which stages contemporary and classical concerts. The Royal Botanical Gardens is just a stone’s throw away and shouldn’t be missed. Have a bite in the café or picnic by the pond. In the temperate months, catch a flick under the stars at the Moonlight Cinema. Across the road, find the Shrine of Remembrance: a striking war memorial that features a commemorative ‘eternal flame’, lit by the Queen in 1954.

Drive off from Melbourne Airport to explore Victoria in your hire car

Melbourne’s central location on the bay makes it easy to discover some of Victoria’s favourite attractions. Head east to Phillip Island to see a tourist favourite – the Penguin Parade – a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Every day of the year, as the sun sets over the water, the largest colony of Little Penguins in the world march back to their burrows from a day out in the ocean. From here, head to Wilsons Promontory National Park (affectionately known as ‘The Prom’) and explore one of Victoria’s most-loved nature getaways. Families have been spending summers here for generations. Enjoy the rugged coastal scenery and sweeping secluded beaches. Swim, snorkel, scuba dive. Walk the many trails or hike overnight. Keep an eye out for the native wildlife. Camp around Tidal River or stay at the historic lighthouse at The Prom’s remote tip. 

On the western side of the Bay, day trip in Geelong – Victoria’s lively second city – an hour away. A rich heritage, from the 1850s Gold Rush era, is preserved in its charming streetscapes. The Geelong Waterfront is an award-winning highlight with many fun seaside attractions, plus opportunities to unwind. This beautiful bayside city is also the gateway to Victoria’s surf coast and the famed Great Ocean Road. If you love scenic drives, then this winding coastal beauty is it! Pass through friendly beachside towns, but don’t stop ‘til you get to the famous 12 Apostles – a series of seven limestone pillars rising from the Southern Ocean. Return to Melbourne on the inland route through forests and peaceful countryside (and shave an hour from your trip). A hire car is certainly a flexible choice for a vacation in marvellous Melbourne.