Melbourne has a mix of urban exploration and day trips best done with a rental car. Whether you are arriving at Melbourne Airport or staying downtown, Road Genius will give you an overview of renting a car and driving in Victoria’s capital.
Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
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Melbourne Airport (MEL) |
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Melbourne CBD |
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Inner Suburbs (South Yarra, Richmond) |
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Outer Suburbs (Frankston, Hoppers Crossing) |
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Wait Times Notes: Peak crowds are early mornings and mid-day at the airport. Summer (December-February) and school holidays, rental queues can be long. Always book in advance.
Best Time to Travel: For availability and deals, go for shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October). Weekday car rentals are cheaper than weekend pickups.
Car Rental One-Way: One-way car rentals are also popular with common options including renting from Melbourne to Adelaide, Melbourne to Sydney or Melbourne to Brisbane.
Destination | Distance | Estimated Time | Notes |
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Great Ocean Road | 240 km | 3+ hours | Winding coastal roads. Start at Torquay. Best done over 2-3 days, but possible as a day trip. |
Phillip Island | 140 km | 2 hours | Good highway driving. Famous for penguin parade at dusk. Allow time for wildlife viewing. |
Yarra Valley | 50-60 km | 1 hour | Wine region northeast of city. Easy driving on good roads. Perfect for day trips. |
Dandenong Ranges | 35 km | 45 minutes | Narrow, winding roads through lush forest. Scenic drives with quaint villages. |
Mornington Peninsula | 75 km | 1.5 hours | Beaches and wineries. Peninsula Link freeway (no toll) makes access easy. |
Ballarat | 115 km | 1.5 hours | Historic gold rush city. Western Freeway is an excellent 110 km/h highway. |
Grampians National Park | 260 km | 3 hours | Mountain scenery and hiking. Good roads but allow extra time for park exploration. |
Seasonal Driving Notes:
Area | Parking Options | Approximate Cost | Tips |
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Melbourne CBD |
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Check signs carefully for clearway times (no parking 7-9AM, 4-6PM on major roads). Many meters accept card payment. |
Inner Suburbs |
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Residential areas often have 1-2 hour limits during business hours. Permit zones need resident permits. |
Tourist Areas (St Kilda, South Bank) |
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Popular areas fill quickly on weekends and holidays. Consider parking further out and walking. |
Shopping Centres |
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Many suburban shopping centres offer free parking with reasonable time limits. |
Key Driving Rules:
Unique Melbourne Rules:
Toll Roads: Melbourne has two toll roads: - CityLink (M1/M2): Connects airport to city and continues southeast. - EastLink (M3): Eastern suburbs route.
Both are cashless systems. Rental companies typically handle tolls automatically, charging your credit card with the toll amount plus a daily admin fee (typically $3-5 per day of toll use).
Melbourne’s layout and attractions make having a car handy for several reasons:
Factor | Impact on Price | Tips to Save |
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Season | Peak (Dec-Feb): Around +30-50% Off-peak (May-Jun): Around -20-30% |
Book shoulder seasons when possible. Winter (except ski season) offers best rates. |
Booking Time | Last minute: Around +20-40% 2+ months ahead: Around -15-25% |
Book as early as possible, especially for summer holidays and special events. |
Vehicle Size | Economy to Full-size: Around +40-100% Economy to SUV: Around +60-120% |
Choose the smallest suitable vehicle. Upgrades are sometimes offered at pickup for small fees. |
Rental Duration | Weekend (Fri-Mon): Higher rates Weekly rentals: Around 15-30% discount |
Mid-week rentals often cost less. Weekly rates usually offer better value than daily rates. |
One-Way Fees | Can add around $100-500 for interstate returns | Avoid one-way rentals when possible, or look for relocation deals. |
Additional Drivers | Typically $5-10 per day per extra driver | Many companies waive fees for spouses. Ask at booking. |
Insurance Options | Full coverage can double daily rate | Check if your credit card or travel insurance covers rental cars to avoid duplicate coverage. |
Money-Saving Tips:
Hidden Costs to Watch For:
Concern | Information & Solutions |
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Fuel Availability | Petrol stations plentiful in cities and on major highways. Premium unleaded (95/98) and diesel widely available. Electric charging stations growing in metro areas. |
Navigation | GPS or smartphone essential, especially for hook turns and tram zones. Download offline maps as backup for rural areas. |
Traffic Congestion | Worst on weekdays 7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM. CityLink toll road often faster during peak times despite the cost. |
Weather Considerations | Carry sunglasses for glare and umbrella for Melbourne's changeable weather. Air conditioning standard in all rental cars. |
Road Conditions | Generally excellent. Rural roads well-maintained. Unsealed roads usually prohibited in standard rental agreements. |
Wildlife Awareness | Drive cautiously at dawn/dusk in rural areas. Kangaroos and other wildlife may cross roads unexpectedly. |
Alternative Transport | Consider combining car rental with public transport in CBD areas. "Park and ride" facilities available at outer train stations. |
Emergency Information:
Is it difficult to drive on the left side in Melbourne if I'm used to right-side driving? Most visitors adjust quickly. Remember the driver sits on the right side of the car, closest to the centre line. Take extra care at intersections and roundabouts initially.
Are there any areas I should avoid driving in Melbourne? The CBD can be tricky for first time visitors due to hook turns and trams. Consider parking at the edge of the city and using public transport for central exploration until you feel comfortable.
How strictly are speed limits enforced? Very strictly. Speed cameras are everywhere and fines are issued for even small infractions. Victoria has almost zero tolerance for speeding.
Can I use my foreign driver's licence in Melbourne? Yes, visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence is not in English
What's the best vehicle for the Great Ocean Road? Any standard car is fine. The road is fully sealed. A compact SUV is better for the views but a standard sedan is fine too.