Tips when renting a car at Melbourne Airport (MEL)
- Reserve in advance —prices surge during school holidays and events like the AFL Grand Final.
- Licensing — overseas licenses are accepted if printed in English; if not, carry an IDP.
- Left-side driving — Australians drive on the left. Give way to the right at roundabouts.
- Toll roads — the CityLink is contactless. Confirm your rental includes an e-tag.
- Melbourne car rental — pick a compact car for city-driving, or opt for an SUV or 4WD for bigger drives. Always document scratches or dents upon pick-up.
- Wildlife warnings —kangaroos are common on country roads, especially at dusk/dawn.
Why rent a car at Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Airport (formerly Tullamarine) is just a short 23 km from the CBD. While Melbourne is worth a couple of days, the real appeal of Victoria lies outside the city. Public transportation becomes limited, and taxis are costly — renting a car is your best bet.
With your rental car, it’s only a short ride from the terminal to sun-kissed beaches, wine country, and mountain ranges. Strap in and head deep into the Grampians, or opt for a scenic cruise along the Great Ocean Road.
While Melbourne is a city of vibrant culture and hidden laneways, Victoria’s real treasures can only be reached via rental car.
Driving from Melbourne Airport (MEL) – Getting Started
Melbourne Airport connects to the Tullamarine Freeway (M2), which leads to the CBD in roughly 30-35 minutes. From the CBD, freeways deviate in all directions, making the city a great starting point for regional adventures.
Common routes include:
- Melbourne CBD — 30 mins via M2
- Yarra Valley — 1.5 hrs via M3
- Great Ocean Road (Torquay) — 1.5 hrs via M3
- Mornington Peninsula — 1.5 hrs via M11
- Grampians National Park — 3 hrs via Western Hwy
- Wilsons Promontory — 3.5 hrs via South Gippsland Hwy
Victoria’s toll roads are fully electronic — ask your rental company whether your Melbourne rental car comes equipped with an e-tag. Traffic congestion on primary motorways can be heavy during peak hours.
Explore Melbourne and Victoria from Melbourne Airport
Victoria is a road trip paradise, and your Melbourne rental car is your passport to exploring this rich region. From Melbourne’s artsy culture to the wine regions and coastal drives — MEL is your perfect starting point for discovering all that Victoria has to offer.
In and around Melbourne:
- Hosier Lane — international street art in a bluestone laneway.
- Royal Botanic Gardens — quiet and lush garden space in the CBD.
- Queen Victoria Market — fresh produce, local crafts, and cafe culture.
- Lygon Street — Melbourne’s Little Italy, famous for coffee, pizza, and pasta.
- St Kilda — beachside bars with sunset views, a short tram from the CBD.
Recommended day trips and scenic routes from Melbourne Airport
- Great Ocean Road — iconic coastal scenery, surf towns, and the 12 Apostles.
- Mornington Peninsula — beaches, hot springs, and coastal driving.
- Yarra Valley — wineries, cheese makers, quaint towns, and Healesville Sanctuary.
- Grampians National Park — sandstone peaks, waterfalls, and Aboriginal rock art.
- Wilsons Promontory — untouched beaches, mangrove forests, and hiking trails.
- Alpine region — Mount Hotham, outdoor activities, skiing, and snowboarding.
