Getting around Melbourne in a rental car
If you’re planning a trip to Melbourne and want to hire a rental car, hit the road running with our insider tips on getting the most out of your journey.
Read on to find out more.
Melbourne is Australia’s second-biggest city and offers visitors an unforgettable collection of experiences. While the city itself is perfect for exploring in a rental car, Melbourne is also an excellent base for a trip out to one of Australia’s most famous coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road. Best of all, VroomVroomVroom can help you find and compare top rental cars in Melbourne to find the right hire car for you.
Where to drive your rental car in Melbourne
Southbank: Home to Melbourne’s Crown Casino and a range of excellent restaurants, Southbank offers beautiful views of the city from across the Yarra River.
Docklands: Situated on Melbourne’s waterfront, visitors will find plenty to do in Docklands, including taking a ride on the Star Observation Wheel.
St Kilda: Many people know St Kilda as the home of Luna Park, but the seaside suburb is also popular for its pretty beach and lively café scene.
Brighton: If it’s the beach you’re after but St Kilda doesn’t appeal, head to Brighton, where you’ll find pristine sand and colourful beach huts.
Footscray: Grab a bite to eat in the trendy and eclectic suburb of Footscray, where multiculturalism, art, and shopping collide.
Driving tips in Melbourne
When driving in downtown Melbourne, you must keep an eye out for trams, they always have right of way and cars must yield to them. Always check for trams in every direction before turning.
On intersections sharing tram lines, you may be required to make a hook turn. This is a turn unique to Melbourne that directs cars to turn right from the left-hand lane.
There are a number of toll roads throughout Melbourne, so be sure to check with your rental provider regarding how toll payments work.
On downtown Melbourne roads, you’ll generally be limited to a speed limit of 50km/h.
Curbside and secure parking options within the Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs can be expensive. If you’re staying outside the city, consider driving your rental car to a train station or tram stop, and using public transport for the day instead.
Parking in Melbourne
Most curbside parking in Melbourne is metered, so be sure to pay the fee due to avoid a parking ticket. Most parking zones have a limit of one hour, but time restrictions often relax after 8:30pm and on weekends. Fines for overstaying your paid time can be substantial, so be sure to read the parking sign before you park. If you’re after parking at Melbourne Airport, there are many options available on our Melbourne Airport parking page.
When parking your rental car in Melbourne, be sure to read any time zone limitations, what payment (if any) is due, and how long you are permitted to park in a spot. Car parking rules should be displayed on signs beside the parking spots, and often show different rules depending on the day of the week and time of day — inner city Melbourne parking rules tend to be more restrictive on weekdays than on weekends.
Important InformationExpert tip ...
Parking rules can change depending on the day of the week and the time of day, and as getting booked can be an expensive experience, it is a good idea to read before you park.
Are there toll roads in Melbourne?
There are a number of toll roads in Melbourne. These include the Citylink, Eastlink, and West Gate Tunnel. Toll roads in Melbourne operate on the digital e-Tag system, and most rental cars will be fitted with these, but you’ll be responsible for paying for any tolls you incur.
Driving distances
Melbourne to Melbourne Airport (MEL): 24 km and 30 minutes
Melbourne to Geelong: 74km and 1 hr 15 min
Melbourne to Ballarat: 115 km and 1 hr 30 min
Melbourne to Bendigo: 150 km and 2 hrs
Melbourne to Sale: 216 km and 2 hrs 45 min
Melbourne to Wodonga: 320 km and 3 hrs 30 min
Melbourne to Mildura: 540 km and 6 hrs
Melbourne to Canberra: 662 km and 7 hrs
Melbourne to Adelaide: 726 km and 8 hrs 15 min
Melbourne to Sydney: 875 km and 9 hrs
Fuel
Before you return your hire car to the rental car provider’s depot, make sure you’ve filled the fuel tank to avoid paying a premium rate to have the vehicle refuelled. The Vroom Fuel Price Compare app can help you find the cheapest fuel near you, but otherwise some centrally-located petrol stations in Melbourne include:
7-Eleven: 45 Flemington Rd, North Melbourne, VIC
7-Eleven: 61-63 Mickleham Rd, Tullamarine, Melbourne, VIC
bp: 322 City Road Clarendon St, South Melbourne, VIC
Shell: 120-134 Barkly St Blanche St, St Kilda, Melbourne, VIC
Shell: 399-411 Punt Rd, Cremorne, Melbourne, VIC
United Petroleum: 390 Nicholson St, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC
