From coastlines to cafés, mountains to markets, Melbourne gives you a little bit of everything—often in the same day. You’ll find world-class galleries and gardens in the city, but some of the best places to visit in Melbourne are just beyond it. Think open roads, wineries, wildlife parks, seaside towns and scenic drives.

The good news? You don’t need to go far to get started. At Melbourne Airport, you’ll find car rental companies right onsite, so you can get moving without the extra legwork. No waiting for a transfer, no extra stops. Just keys in hand and the day ahead of you.

The best way to enjoy Melbourne is to slow down and take it in piece by piece. One moment you’re standing beneath bold architecture, the next you’re tucked into a quiet laneway with a great coffee in hand. If you’re planning to visit Melbourne, these spots are the perfect place to start.

Want to tick off Melbourne’s most iconic sights?

The city’s highlights are an easy drive away from the airport. Start at Federation Square, or Fed Square as it’s known locally, where art, events and architecture meet in the middle of the CBD. From there, it’s a short drive or walk to some of Melbourne’s biggest drawcards. You can:

• Wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens,
• Take in the river views along Southbank, or
• Head up to the Skydeck for a full sweep of the skyline

For a culture fix, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), which is Australia’s oldest public art gallery, delivers world-class exhibitions year-round. And just a few blocks away, the Melbourne Museum offers a deeper look at the city’s story, from history and science to design and culture.

If sport’s more your thing, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is just across the river and always worth a visit, whether you’re there for a match or a behind-the-scenes guided tour.

Perfect! There’s plenty around Melbourne to keep little travellers entertained, starting with a visit to Melbourne Zoo. It’s an easy drive from the airport and set in Royal Park, where winding paths take you past lions, lemurs, and of course, sleepy koalas up in the trees.

The zoo’s layout is easy to explore and mostly open-air, making it a great child-friendly option if you’re looking to stretch everyone’s legs after the flight. Pack some snacks, take your time and enjoy the leafy bushland surrounds while you wander.

If you’ve got energy to burn, head down to Luna Park in St Kilda for classic rides, carnival games and a photo under that big, grinning face at the entrance.

Melbourne’s known for its laneways, and for good reason. Around Flinders Street, you’ll find small tucked-away spots covered in bold street art and filled with the aroma of fresh coffee. These cafés and eateries are some of Melbourne’s best for people-watching, breakfast, or a quick midday reset.

Hop on the City Circle Tram if you feel like giving your legs a break, or drive to Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, handmade goods and easy lunch options. From there, it’s a short drive to Fitzroy, where the local vibe leans eclectic, or over to Docklands, where modern art and riverside dining line the edge of the Yarra River.

The beauty of landing at Melbourne Airport is how easily the city gives way to the rest of Victoria. And with a car hire, you’ve got the freedom to head off in any direction—coastal views one way, vineyards or mountain tracks the other.

If you’re up for winding roads and coastlines that keep changing with the light, the Great Ocean Road is hard to beat. Just over an hour from Melbourne Airport, the drive takes you through clifftop stretches, seaside towns and pockets of rainforest where it’s worth pulling over for a walk.

Stop in Lorne for lunch, watch the surf roll in at Gibson Steps, then keep going until you reach the Twelve Apostles. You’ll find lookouts around every bend, and no shortage of places to take it slow.

Rolling hills, cellar doors, long lunches under vast skies—it’s easy to settle into the pace of the Yarra Valley. As far as road trips go, this one’s calm, scenic and full of reasons to stop along the way.

You’ll find wineries dotted throughout the region, from boutique estates to Italian wineries pouring sangiovese with antipasti boards. Many offer outdoor tables, tasting flights and vineyard views, making it an easy pick for a foodie keen to pair wine with a good meal.

Head to Phillip Island, where clifftop trails, open skies and native animals are all part of the landscape. Some turn it into a quick day trip, and others stay a little longer. Either way, it’s well worth the drive.

There’s plenty of coastline to explore on foot, along with quiet beaches and boardwalks that wind through the island. It’s an easy pick if you’re chasing a change of pace and fresh air by the sea.

If you’re after a slower pace and salt in the air, visit the Mornington Peninsula. This part of Victoria is full of hidden gems, all tucked between the water and the hills.

Start with a soak at the hot springs, where steam rises over coastal scrub and the noise of the week fades into the background. From there, it’s all about easy drives between seaside towns. Park near the bathing boxes for that classic photo, grab lunch somewhere relaxed, then take the long way around just to see what you find.

Trade city streets for tall trees and winding roads in the Dandenong Ranges. This patch of Victoria is all filtered light, cool air and quiet tracks. It’s easy to reach but feels far away in the best way. You can take a walking tour through fern gullies and mountain ash, stop in a village for scones and tea, then hop on Puffing Billy for a slow ride through the hills, legs dangling out the side.

Yes, and we’ve set it up to make things easy for you. The car hire desks are on the Ground Floor of the T123 car park, directly opposite Terminal 2.

Here’s why it makes sense to hire a car right from the airport:

• No waiting around for public transport or heading into the CBD to collect your vehicle
• Walk from your terminal straight to the car hire area
• Several major brands onsite, with plenty of vehicle types to choose from
• Optional extras available, like toll passes, child seats and GPS
• Easy returns through the same car park or a different set location
• No cancellation and no booking fees

You can book a car hire at Melbourne Airport’s Car Rentals page in just a few clicks, and once it’s locked in, you can land knowing it’s all sorted. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Start with your travel dates. Choose Melbourne Airport as the pick-up location, then enter the dates and times you’ll need the car. You’ll only be shown options available for that full window. Both short-term and long-term rentals are available, so you can book for a few days, weeks or months, depending on your plans.

Step 2: Pick the right car for your trip. Whether it’s something small for city driving or an SUV with a bit more space, you’ll see a mix of makes, models and price points across the major rental brands.

Step 3: Add the extras. If you need a toll pass, GPS, child seat, or an additional driver added to your booking, you can include those here. You’ll also need a credit card and a valid driver’s licence (Australian or equivalent).

Step 4: Check the details and confirm. Review your selections, read through the fine print, and hit confirm. Your booking reference and pick-up instructions will be sent to your email.

Some of the best things about this part of the southern hemisphere are the ones you find along the way. With a car hire, it’s easier to chase the vibe you’re after—slow and scenic, packed with stops, or somewhere in between.

In the city, there’s always something on. Check out what’s on at Fed Square or the NGV, where you’ll often find exhibitions featuring Aboriginal artists, history and design. If you’re heading further out, the Victorian regions offer no shortage of reasons to linger, with good food, open space and that feeling that you’re not in a rush.

Wherever you’re going, starting from Melbourne Airport makes it easy to take the trip your way. Book your car hire early to lock in the best rates and start planning the drive from here.