Start your adventure in Melbourne from the moment you arrive. With a SIXT hire car from Melbourne Airport, you can be hot air ballooning over the Yarra Valley, skydiving above the Twelve Apostles or swimming with dolphins in Port Phillip Bay within a few hours of landing. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway, a weekend trip, or for a longer stay, there’s no better way to explore Melbourne than by hitting the road. From hot air balloon rides to swimming with dolphins, here are the top experiences to make your Melbourne visit one you won’t forget.
Soar Above the Yarra Valley
Experience the ultimate hot air balloon experience with Global Ballooning Australia, a trusted operator with decades of expertise. Choose from a magical flight over Melbourne’s CBD or drift above the Yarra Valley’s vineyards for unforgettable views. With a SIXT hire car, commuting to the launch site takes about 40 minutes from Melbourne Airport, so you can arrive relaxed and ready for take-off.
Skydive Over the Great Ocean Road
Get your heart racing with Skydive 12 Apostles. Soar above the Great Ocean Road’s iconic Twelve Apostles on a thrilling, action-packed adventure. After picking up your hire car with SIXT at Melbourne Airport, you’ll reach Torquay in roughly an hour. Torquay is the starting point of the Great Ocean Road; the Twelve Apostles are a further 2-3 hours’ drive along the coast. The drive from Melbourne Airport along the Great Ocean Road is part of the adventure, with charming coastal towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay to explore along the way. For the full route and stops, see SIXT’s Great Ocean Road road trip guide, or start from Avalon Airport, just 30 minutes from Torquay.
Wild Adventures Melbourne
Embark on an outdoor adventure with Wild Adventures Melbourne, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne on the stunning Mornington Peninsula. Their group tours offer stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling through kelp forests, and guided hikes with opportunities to spot local wildlife. Ideal for families and solo travellers alike, their tours are a perfect blend of thrill and nature. Pack a change of clothes, most of these activities call for a wetsuit, and an SUV or wagon from SIXT gives you the boot space to bring your own gear.
Cruise to the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong
Discover the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong with Port Phillip Ferries, departing from Melbourne CBD. Beyond a scenic ferry ride, they offer curated packages with local wineries and attractions, perfect for foodies or those seeking a coastal escape. With a SIXT hire car, getting to the ferry terminal is simple, only a short drive from Melbourne Airport. If you’d rather drive to the Bellarine Peninsula, consider a one-way car hire allowing you to drop your rental off at SIXT Geelong and fly out of Avalon Airport.
Spot Wildlife on a Coastal Cruise
Sail into Victoria’s marine wonders with Wildlife Coast Cruises. Spot seals, dolphins, and whales (in season) around Phillip Island or Wilsons Promontory. The journey to the departure point takes 2 hours and is a scenic drive in itself, and with a SIXT hire car, you can easily combine the cruise with exploring other coastal adventures nearby.
Swim with Dolphins in Port Phillip Bay
Dive into an aquatic adventure with Sea All Dolphin Swims. Swim or snorkel with dolphins and seals in Port Phillip Bay, surrounded by the stunning shores of the Mornington Peninsula. A hire car makes the trip an enjoyable part of the journey, providing you with the freedom to explore the nearby coastal towns and villages along the way. Sorrento, where most departures run from, is about an hour’s drive from Melbourne Airport.
Go Fishing in Bass Strait
Reel in a big catch with Rip Charters, a Sorrento-based fishing expert celebrating 39 years in 2025. Led by skipper Phil Stephens, their 42 ft Fly-bridge sports fisher takes you out on memorable trips to Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. Only a short drive to the Mornington Peninsula from the airport, it’s the perfect way to combine fishing with a relaxing coastal day out.
Experience a Holographic Zoo
Step into a futuristic world at Hologram Zoo Melbourne. This innovative attraction uses hologram technology to create immersive animal encounters, perfect for families or curious travellers. Just a short 50-minute drive from Melbourne Airport, it’s an easy stop to pair with city sights like Federation Square.
Gear Up for a Camping Adventure
Embark on a road trip or camping experience with ROOZE, offering premium adventure gear for rent or purchase in Melbourne. From rooftop tents and roof racks to hiking and camping equipment, they provide expert planning and equipment to suit your trip. Before setting off, be sure to check your hire car’s rental conditions to ensure camping gear is permitted. Drive to their Oakleigh South location with your hire car and hit the road for a weekend in Victoria’s great outdoors.
Melbourne’s greatest adventures are just a short drive away. Hire a car from SIXT at Melbourne Airport and start exploring today!
Practical Tips for Your Melbourne Adventure
- Most of Victoria’s toll roads use Linkt, Australia’s electronic tolling system. SIXT partners with Linkt, so toll charges are billed automatically to the card used at pickup; no tags or cash needed.
- Picking up at Melbourne Airport? The SIXT counter sits on the ground floor of the Terminal 1, 2 & 3 car park, directly opposite Terminal 2, a short walk from baggage claim at any terminal. Drop-off works the same way, follow the Car Rental Returns signs back to the same car park. See SIXT step-by-step pickup and returns guide for more information.
- Fill up before you return the car to avoid a refuelling charge
- Check your rental agreement if you’re planning to carry paddleboards, camping gear or fishing equipment; some of these activities call for extra boot space or roof racks.
SIXT Car Hire in Melbourne
SIXT operates from Melbourne Airport, Avalon Airport, Melbourne CBD and Geelong, with a fleet ranging from compact cars through to SUVs and wagons. Pick up on arrival and drop off at any of these locations, or one-way if your road trip ends somewhere other than where it started. Melbourne’s greatest adventures are just a short drive away. Hire a car from SIXT at Melbourne Airport and start exploring today.
Melbourne’s greatest adventures are just a short drive away. Hire a car from SIXT at Melbourne Airport and start exploring today!
FAQs
How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne Airport with a hire car?
Torquay, the start of the Great Ocean Road, is about an hour and a quarter from Melbourne Airport. The Twelve Apostles are a further two to three hours along the coast, so plan for a full day if you’re driving the whole route.
What’s the best hire car for a Melbourne day trip to the coast?
A wagon or SUV gives you the boot space for wetsuits, paddleboards or camping gear, useful for most of the Mornington Peninsula and Bellarine Peninsula tours on this list.
Do I need to book these Melbourne activities in advance?
Yes. Operators including Global Ballooning, Skydive 12 Apostles and Sea All Dolphin Swims run limited daily sessions and recommend booking ahead, especially over summer and school holidays.
Can I combine a Melbourne city stay with a Mornington Peninsula day trip?
Yes. Sorrento and the wider Mornington Peninsula are about an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD, making it an easy add-on to a city-based itinerary.
Is a hire car worth it for sightseeing around Melbourne?
Most of the experiences on this list, from the Yarra Valley to the Twelve Apostles, sit outside Melbourne’s public transport network, so a hire car is the most direct way to reach them from the airport.
Where do I pick up my SIXT hire car at Melbourne Airport?
The SIXT counter is on the ground floor of the Terminal 1, 2 & 3 car park, directly opposite Terminal 2. Follow the Car Rental signs from baggage claim, it’s a short walk from all three terminals. Call (03) 9241 6100 if you need help finding it.
