Melbourne is considered a safe city, so travellers- whether solo, in groups, or family love to explore it. From vibrant cities to the breathtaking coastline, there’s more to explore beyond what the internet has been telling. While public transport is wonderful in the city centre and inner suburbs, most of Victoria’s gems lie way beyond city limits.
This is why car rental has become a must-try, as it will help you get to places. If you are a first-time traveller in Melbourne, then this guide will help you learn about the world of car rental in Melbourne, from licence obligations to budget advice.
Do You Need a Car in Melbourne?
Really? It depends on your planned itinerary. If you plan to just stay within the city and hop just inside the suburbs, trams, trains, and buses are already recommended. But if you plan to go a little farther, like taking a vacation in a vineyard, some beach trips, or hiking trips, car rental is the most convenient. Driving holidays are a favorite Aussie pastime, and with your transport, you can travel at your speed without being bound by transport schedules.
What You’ll Need to Hire a Car
The process for car rental in Melbourne is fairly simple, but there are a few boxes to remember as you drive around. Of course, you’ll need a valid driver’s licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit or an official translation. Rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. And if you’re under 25, there’s a young driver surcharge. Make sure to check these things.
The credit card to be used to rent must be named after the renter; this is for the protection of both parties, usually for security bond and incident purposes.
Driving in Australia: What Tourists Need to Know
Australia is a British system country, so don’t forget the left side of the road for driving. If you’re accustomed to driving on the right-hand side, you’ll have to get used to it — in Australia, we drive on the left-hand side, and the steering wheel is on the right. The majority of hire vehicles are automatics, making driving more convenient, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Speed cameras and roadside stops enforce speed limits. In the cities and towns, it is normally 50 km/h unless otherwise indicated by signs. On highways, it is generally 100 to 110 km/h. School zones are reduced to lower speeds at specific times, and those are enforced seriously.
Everyone in the vehicle must wear seatbelts. Use a hands-free phone only. The fully licensed driver limit is 0.05%, and zero for learners and probationary drivers.
For additional information on Victorian road rules, go to VicRoads.
What Does It Cost to Rent a Car?
The cost of hiring a car in Melbourne varies based on the type of car, season, and the duration of booking beforehand. Budget cars will begin at approximately $40 a day. Mid-range vehicles are around $60 to $80, and SUVs or 4WDs tend to be $100 or higher.
Rents increase over school holidays and long weekends. Add-ons such as child seats, GPS devices, additional drivers, or one-way drop-offs will also be more expensive.
Most rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, so bring the car back full of fuel or risk paying, usually more than it costs at a petrol station.
Insurance: What’s Included and What’s Not
Basic insurance is usually included in the cost of hiring. It covers damage to the vehicle and third-party property. The excess, however, that’s the amount you must pay if there’s an accident, can be huge, normally between $3,000 and $5,000. You can reduce this by paying for additional cover either through the hire company or by purchasing it from third-party insurance companies.
Others have rental excess cover included in their policy, and some credit cards do too. Just make sure you check the terms and conditions in detail and know what you are covered for before declining the hire company’s excess reduction facility.
Tips for Getting a Cheap Car Rental Deal
Booking your car is one of the easiest ways to save money. The price goes higher as the pick-up date approaches, especially during peak travel periods. Traveling during off-season or weekdays, if possible, can also reduce the cost.
Consider where you’re picking up the vehicle. Airport car hire is convenient but can come with additional surcharges. In some cases, collecting your rental from a city-based depot can save a fair amount.
Sticking to one designated driver and bringing your own extras like a GPS, child seat, or phone charger can also help reduce costs. And always read the fuel policy carefully to avoid unnecessary charges.
Most popular Melbourne Road Trips You Might Want To Consider
With your rental car, the world is yours for the taking. Some simply unforgettable drives are:
The Great Ocean Road: Breathtaking coastal drive of the world’s very best, with highlights including the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
Yarra Valley: Just an hour from Melbourne, perfect for wine tasting, wildlife watching, and gourmet eating.
Phillip Island: Famous for its penguin parade, racing track, and surf beaches of raw natural beauty.
The Grampians: Ideal for bushwalks, waterfalls, and views. Good for nature lovers and photographers.
From natural icons, food indulgences, or rural country towns, Victoria’s got the whole range of road trip experiences.
Conclusion
Melbourne car hire is a wonderful means for tourists to make the most of their trip. It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, find hidden treasures, and indulge in the best of the Aussie Road trip adventure. Just make sure you have an understanding of the licence regulations, buy the right insurance, and map the routes to avoid toll roads and parking woes.
Where trustworthy and affordable car rentals are the key, ACB Car Rentals makes it easy. With easy booking options, clean vehicles, and friendly service, ACB has tourists behind the wheel with confidence and ease. Whether a short city getaway or a mythical outback odyssey is on the horizon, your Melbourne Road trip starts here.
