{"id":5625,"date":"2025-09-04T00:19:37","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T00:19:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/?p=5625"},"modified":"2026-09-22T23:56:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T23:56:45","slug":"things-to-do-in-melbourne-with-a-hire-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/travel\/things-to-do-in-melbourne-with-a-hire-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Things to Do in Melbourne with a Hire Car"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Start your adventure in Melbourne from the moment you arrive. With a SIXT hire car from Melbourne Airport<\/a>, 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\u2019re here for a quick getaway, a weekend trip, or for a longer stay, there\u2019s 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\u2019t forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soar Above the Yarra Valley<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Experience the ultimate hot air balloon experience with Global Ballooning Australia<\/a>, a trusted operator with decades of expertise. Choose from a magical flight over Melbourne\u2019s CBD or drift above the Yarra Valley\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Image Credit: Global Ballooning Australia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Skydive Over the Great Ocean Road<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Get your heart racing with Skydive 12 Apostles<\/a>. Soar above the Great Ocean Road\u2019s iconic Twelve Apostles on a thrilling, action-packed adventure. After picking up your hire car with SIXT at Melbourne Airport, you\u2019ll 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<\/a>, or start from Avalon Airport<\/a>, just 30 minutes from Torquay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wild Adventures Melbourne<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Embark on an outdoor adventure with Wild Adventures Melbourne<\/a>, just an hour\u2019s 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<\/a> from SIXT gives you the boot space to bring your own gear.
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Image Credit: Wild Adventures Melbourne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Cruise to the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Discover the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong with Port Phillip Ferries<\/a>, departing from Melbourne CBD<\/a>. 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\u2019d rather drive to the Bellarine Peninsula, consider a one-way car hire allowing you to drop your rental off at SIXT Geelong<\/a> and fly out of Avalon Airport<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spot Wildlife on a Coastal Cruise<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sail into Victoria\u2019s marine wonders with Wildlife Coast Cruises<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swim with Dolphins in Port Phillip Bay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dive into an aquatic adventure with Sea All Dolphin Swims<\/a>. 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. \u00a0Sorrento, where most departures run from, is about an hour’s drive from Melbourne Airport.
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Image Credit: Unsplash <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Go Fishing in Bass Strait<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reel in a big catch with Rip Charters<\/a>, 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\u2019s the perfect way to combine fishing with a relaxing coastal day out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience a Holographic Zoo<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Step into a futuristic world at Hologram Zoo Melbourne<\/a>. 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\u2019s an easy stop to pair with city sights like Federation Square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gear Up for a Camping Adventure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Embark on a road trip or camping experience with ROOZE<\/a>, 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\u2019s 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\u2019s great outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melbourne\u2019s greatest adventures are just a short drive away. Hire a car from SIXT at Melbourne Airport<\/a> and start exploring today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical Tips for Your Melbourne Adventure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n