People say Melbourne is a “walking city.” Those people have never driven down Beach Road on a sunny Saturday morning.
Sure, you can explore the CBD laneways on foot, but
the real magic of Melbourne happens when you get off the grid.
The best wineries, the best beaches and the best coastal drives are all just outside the tram network.
If you are heading south for a city break, here is how to unlock the full experience (and yes, how to survive the hook turns).
The Bayside Run: St Kilda to Brighton
This is the quintessential Melbourne drive. Start at St Kilda (grab a pastry from Acland Street) and head south along the water.
The road hugs the coastline all the way to Brighton. It is flat, scenic and relaxing. Pull over at the Brighton Bathing Boxes for the obligatory tourist photo, then keep cruising down towards Sandringham. It’s the perfect way to spend a morning if you want sea air without the crowded surf beaches.
The Day Trip: Yarra Valley
You can’t visit Melbourne without acknowledging the wine. The Yarra Valley is world-class, and it is under an hour from the city.
The drive itself is beautiful—rolling green hills, mist-covered vines and towering gum trees. Having your own car hire Melbourne vehicle means you aren’t stuck on a tour bus schedule. You can stop at the chocolaterie, visit the smaller boutique cellar doors and stay for sunset before cruising back to the city for dinner.
The City Perimeter: The Royal Botanic Gardens
If you want to stay central, do a lap of the “Tan” (the track around the Botanic Gardens). While everyone else is running it, driving around the perimeter offers great views of the Shrine of Remembrance and the Government House domain.
Finding parking in the CBD can be pricey, but the perimeter of the gardens often has spots available if you are willing to walk five minutes across the river to Southbank.
A Note on Hook Turns
If you are driving in the absolute centre of the city, you might encounter the infamous “Hook Turn” (turning right from the left lane).
Don’t panic. Just wait on the far left until the light turns green for the road you are entering, then go. Or, do what the locals do: plan your route to avoid the tram tracks entirely and stick to the freeways and major arterials.
Unlock the Whole City
Don’t limit yourself to Zone 1 public transport. The best parts of Victoria are waiting at the end of a freeway.
Whether you need a small hatch for city zipping or an SUV for a Yarra Valley wine run, we have the keys ready. Scroll up to the search bar and grab a car that fits your itinerary (and your coffee budget).
Enjoy the trip!
