Car renting & buying

Rental and buying
Victoria has some great rental companies specifically targeted at backpackers. Two of the best include Stand by Cars and Travellers Auto Barn. The minimum age to rent a car in Victoria is generally 25 years old. Some outlets will hire cars to those under 25, although surcharges and restrictions may apply. Other main rental companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty

If you're planning on buying a set of wheels, car markets are a great place for used vehicles at rock-bottom prices. Otherwise, visit a car dealer – they're usually a safer bet, often providing guarantees, warranties and buyback options.

Car hire

South east touring route
Explore the natural beauty, attractions and great local food and wine of the regions within an easy 60-minute drive of Melbourne.
Great Southern Touring Route
Discover the rugged Great Ocean Road, explore gold rush history and visit the vast Grampians region on a trip along the Great Southern Touring Route.
The Great Alpine Road
Drive one of Australia's great touring routes, The Great Alpine Road, and explore Victoria's north-east all the way down into the heart of Gippsland.
Sydney Melbourne Heritage Drive
Travel through gold rush towns, hit the greens on local courses, and sample varietals at renowned wineries on The Sydney Melbourne Heritage Drive.
Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive
Get behind the wheel and absorb the striking coastline between Melbourne and Sydney. Detour to national parks, white sandy beaches and vast lakes.

More touring routes

Top attractions

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
Enjoy a real bird's eye view and sway with the branches when you take a walk high in the dense rainforest canopy in the heart of the ancient Otways.
Queen Victoria Market
Shop 'til you drop at this celebrated market to see buskers, find souvenirs and to marvel at the fresh produce and the treats in the Dairy Hall.
Old Melbourne Gaol Crime & Justice Experience
Sentence yourself to a day of fun or a spooky night at Victoria's oldest prison, which housed tough criminals and the infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly.
Federation Square
In the tradition of the world's busiest public spaces, "Fed Square" buzzes with a daily program of events, restaurants and cafes and bold galleries.
Scienceworks
Journey to the stars and beyond at the Melbourne Planetarium, travel through space and time, and have a hair-raising encounter with lighting volts.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
Step back in time to Victoria's treacherous southern coast as it was in the 19th century, when 160 ships were lost at sea, in this recreated village.