Auto Europe
Car hire in Melbourne – Gateway to Victoria
Occupying the south-eastern corner of Astralia, Melbourne is a multi-layered metropolis and one of the world's most culturally diverse cities. Known as the country’s fashion capital, its vibrant arts scene, bustling night-life and first-class sporting events make it a must-visit city at any time of the year. Divided by the Yarra River, Melbourne is a forward-thinking place with a rich cultural heritage. As Australia's second city (the lrgest being Sydney, it is very popular for its laid-back, multicultural atmosphere with a large percentage of its inhabitants having been born overseas.
The grid-planned lanes of central Melbourne culminate in the vast Docklands waterfront area that's constantly alive with restaurants, bars, cafés and shopping centres, making it one of the best places for first-time visitors to get their bearings. Some of the top things to do in Melbourne include visiting the 36-hectare Royal Botanic Gardens located in the heart of the city centre and exploring Federation Square, which serves as the central plaza for the city and a great starting point for your tour.
The Greater Melbourne area is vast and for that reason the best way to get around and see everything is with a car hire in Melbourne, which offers very good value at any time of the year. Having your own transport will also mean being able to drive along the Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most exhilarating road-trips which extends for some 240 kilometres to the west of the city. The state of Victoria is also popular for its wine-production with several vineyards oepn to visitors in the Yarra Valley, Pinot Coast, Shiraz Central, King Valley and Rutherglen wine regions surrounding the city.
Established in 1954, Auto Europe is one of the world's leading car hire companies with over 28,000 pick-up and drop-off locations in more than 190 countries, including Australia. By working with all the most prestigious and reliable suppliers, we can offer you the best deals and the broadest range of vehicles on the market. For help with your next cheap car rental in Melbourne, please contact our rental specialists for assistance and they will be happy to find you the best deal. For extra peace of mind, visit our Melbourne car hire reviews page to see what other Auto Europe customers thought of their car hire experience in the city.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Melbourne, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
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Where to pick up a car hire in Melbourne
Auto Europe can offer you the best choice of locations in and around Melbourne and the rest of the state of Victoria, which means that you'll be able to pick up your vehicle in the city centre and be on your way in just a few minutes. In order to help you make the right choice for your next cheap car rental in Melbourne, our state-of-the-art booking engine allows you to do an extensive search to find the best vehicle and the most suitable pick-up point for your trip. Once you've keyed in your dates, an interactive map will come up with all the available car hire locations in the city.
Melbourne International Airport
Opened in 1970, Melbourne Airport is the main international airport of the four airports serving the Melbourne metropolitan area. Located 23 kilometres (14 miles) north-west of the city centre, it has four terminals, one for international flights, two for domestic services and another for low-cost operations. All car hire suppliers are located on site under one roof, located on the ground floor of the terminal 1, 2,3 car park.
Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Website: melbourneairport.com.au
Address: Melbourne Airport, Locked Bag 16, Tullamarine, VIC 3043, Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9297 1600
Avalon Airport
Located 50 kilometres (31 miles) south-west of Melbourne, Avalaon Airport is the second-busiest of the four airports serving the city. Since the introduction of Jetstar in 2004, the Avalon Airport terminal facilities have expanded from the original size of 732 square-metres to nearly 5,600 square-metres and the airport was later expanded to accommodate aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 747. The car hire desks are all located in the main terminal.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Website: avalonairport.com.au
Address: 80 Beach Road, LARA 3212, Victoria, Australia
Telephone: +61 3 5227 9100
Southern Cross Train Station
An important gateway to many destinations in and around the city, Melbourne Southern Cross Train Station is a combined rail terminus, shopping centre and bus station. Officially inaugurted on the 13th of January 1859, it is also one of Australia's oldest railway station and today caters for more than sixty million annual passenger movemnets, many of them tourists.
Southern Cross Train Station
Website: southerncrossstation.com.au
Address: Southern Cross Station, Spencer Street, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9619 2579
Book with the best car hire suppliers in Melbourne
Auto Europe is a leading international car hire company currently offering a vast selection of convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in 190 different destinations around the world. Thanks to our many years of experience dealing with all the global and local car rental companies, we can offer you the best standard of service and cheapest prices on the market.
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Should you require additional information about the car hire companies we work with or their policies, for example out of office pick up or questions regarding age restrictions, our car rental specialists are just a phone call or e-mail away and happy to assist you.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Melbourne
This section features the most frequent questions asked by people booking a car hire in Melbourne. Scroll down for important tips relating to a wide range of essential car hire topics, such as credit cards, coverage, tolls, traffic and much more. If you need any more information, please contact our reservations team for assistance and they will be happy to help you with your reservation and assist you with your travel itinerary.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Melbourne?
Yes. To rent a car in Melbourne, you will be required to present a major credit card (such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners and American Express) in the name of the primary driver in order to collect the vehicle. This is because the local car hire company will need to place a hold on the value of the deductible for the duration of your rental period which is duly refunded once the car has been returned undamaged. Some drivers are surprised when their debit or prepaid card is rejected because only a credit card will ensure that you can cover the cost of any damage caused to the vehicle. Auto Europe accepts both credit and debit cards as payment methods for all pre-paid reservations. Please note that in the case of luxury-category cars, the local supplier might ask for two credit cards are very often asked to present a second credit card at the time of pick-up, also in the name of the main driver. You can check which cards and card types will be acceptable simply by clicking on the blue and white info icon (i) after making a search in our high-tech booking engine.
For more info on the use of credit cards when booking a low-cost car hire in Melbourne and elsewhere in Australia, please consult our information page providing six of the most important things to know about credit cards and deposits before embarking on your trip. You might also be interested in reading our special blog post on the subject of credit cards for more tips and suggestions when planning your next motoring adventure in the sunshine state of Victoria.
What insurance do I need for my car rental in Melbourne?
Whenever you make a search in the Auto Europe booking engine for a cheap car rental in Melbourne, you can rest assured that all the car rental rates quoted always include liability insurance, comprising the minimum legally-required coverage and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with or without excess depending on the car rental company. Nevertheless, it's important to keep in mind that CDW doesn't cover all parts of the vehicle, which is why we strongly suggest paying a little more for our excellent Full Damage & Theft Protection policy which covers any damage caused to the vehicle's glass, wheels, roof, etc. The price of this product may vary depending on the location, rental duration, car category and supplier.
All the details you need regarding the rates for a car hire in Melbourne can be easily found when making a search in Auto Europe's state-of-the-art booking engine. Once you have a chosen your dates, destination, vehicle category and supplier, just click on the blue and white info icon (i) where you will find the amount of the CDW Deductible, Theft Insurance Deductible and Liability Insurance. The same info is also included in the Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking. You might find that some local car hire staff members might try to sell you additional coverage at the time of pick-up, including (but not restricted) to PAI (Personal Accident Insurance), PEC (Personal Effects Coverage), Super CDW, Seguro Relax Insurance, Road Assistance etc. Auto Europe does not refund any locally-purchased insurance charges/fees even if the extra coverage sold is deemed unnecessary once the rental car has been returned. For more related information, please consult our dedicated posts where you will find plenty of tips and suggestions about car hire coverage.
How is the traffic in Melbourne?
Melbourne roads are infamously bad and therefore as in any major city should be avoided especially during rush hours. Traffic can be extremely heavy and often opting to drive around can be a major headache. Roads are best avoided during the week rush hours, which are from 7am until 9am and from 5pm until 7pm. Likewise, during the weekends, Saturday evening should be avoided due to revelers and families going out. Overall, traffic can be a very stressful affair, especially as many adopt a more aggressive style of driving. The flexibility to travel to where you want, when you want has its advantages though. In addition, you might also like to visit our Australia driving guide for lots of useful information relating to getting around the country by car.
Where can I park my car hire in Melbourne?
As in any major city, Melbourne has a limited supply of parking. Although not impossible, it can be a very stressful time when looking for parking. On road parking is available but make sure you check that it is allowed. Signs can be confusing and fines can be costly, so you need to be confident that where you're parking is allowed. Other options are parking garages, although these can be expensive at least you have the added piece of mind that your hired car is safe, secure and you won't be picking up any fines, or worse, get towed away.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Melbourne?
Yes. There are two toll roads in the Melbourne area, the so-called CityLink which connects the West Gate Freeway, Tullamarine Freeway and Monash Freeway and EastLink which links the Monash Freeway, Eastern Freeway, Frankston Freeway and Peninsula Link Freeway. In general, a growing number of motorways have been tolled in recent years, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in recent years, including a toll for the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Although Australia is gradually moving towards a nationwide electronic toll-collection system (ie via a transponder fitted inside the car), it is still possible to pay some tolls with cash or a credit card. In order to help visiting travellers, some of the toll management companies have developed partnerships with several major car rental companies to help tourists get around more freely with their car hire in Melbourne and other parts of the country. For more information about tolls here, please visit the Linkt toll payment website.
Do I need an international driving licence to hire a car in Melbourne?
If you are planning to rent a car in Melbourne, you will need to have a driver's licence that is printed in English. If your licence is in another language, you will need to present an International Driving Permit along with your licence from your country of residence. An International Driving Permit is a translation only, and will not be valid if it is not presented with your original licence. Most Australian states and territories (the exception being the Northern Territory) allow visiting drivers to drive indefinitely on their overseas licence as long as it is current.
Can I drive my car in Melbourne on unsealed roads and beaches?
No. In general this is not allowed and drivers are considered full responsibility for any type of damage done to the vehicle when driving on unsealed roads or those exposed to water of any kind. Some car categories are allowed on unsealed roads (usually 4x4) but this needs to be confirmed by the supplier and will usually incur an additional fee with full written consent required beforehand.
Melbourne Travel Guide
Home to a buzzing arts scene and some of the best tourist attractions in the Southern Hemisphere, Melbourne is a first-choice destination bursting with Victorian-era architecture, famed cafés, great bars and restaurants, extensive shopping areas, top museums and galleries and several parks and gardens. Frequently named as the World's Most Liveable City, it is also close to some of Australia's most renowned wildlife habitats, such as Grampians National Park, Phillip Island and the Royal Botanic Gardens).
Best day trips with my car rental in Melbourne
Melbourne is an excellent base for day-trips out into the surrounding countryside. Closest to the city are the picturesque villages of the Dandenong Ranges, while the scenic Yarra Valley to the north-east is one of many wine-producing areas around Melbourne. And few road-trippers can resist the lure of the Great Ocean Road which snakes west from Melbourne towards the Grampians Ranges, passing the iconic Twelve Apostles en route. For clients wishing to explore further than the city of Melbourne, it is also possible to undertake a road trip and return the car rental in another city such as Canberra (which is less than 500 kilometres away) with a one-way car hire to allow for extra freedom and flexibility. And as the surrounding state of Victoria is so vast, why not share the driving by taking advantage of our popular Free Additional Driver offers running throughout the year.
Great Ocean Road
Easily accessible from Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is one of the country's most spectacular stretches of coastline and top of most drivers' list of road trips in Australia. The drive from the city winds its way along steep sea cliffs embroidering the many fine golden beaches of the Port Campbell National Park. Look out for the Twelve Apostles, the collection of iconic limestone stacks just off the shore beside the Great Ocean Road.
Phillip Island
About a two-hour drive from Melbourne's city center lies Phillip Island, one of the top attractions for lovers of wildlife. Every evening at sunset, dozens of small penguins arrive at the beach like clockwork to perform one of the world's most charming natural parades. Visitors can also see koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre and hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies at the Phillip Island Wildlife Park. Don't miss the boardwalk that skirts the headland's seabird gardens affording stunning views of the southern Australian coast.
Mornington Peninsula
A 90-minute drive from Melbourne, the picturesque Mornington Peninsula is a favourite among visitors looking beyond the city's perimeter. Flanked by Port Phillip Bay on one side and the ocean on the other, this enchanting stretch of coastline is dotted with tranquil coves and picturesque villages to provide the perfect lunch stop. Visitors can take a ride on the scenic Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry and enjoy a rare opportunity to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins and seals in the local waters.
Yarra Valley Wine Region
Located to the east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is one of Australia's top areas for wine production that's best known for it Chardonnay, sparkling wine and Pinot Noir. You can combine a visit to the vineyards with a scenic drive through the Dandenong Ranges located about 40 kilometres east of Melbourne, after which you can take a ride on a 100-year-old steam train called Puffing Billy.
Lorne
The picturesque seaside town of Lorne (located about a two-hour drive from Melbourne) nestles idyllically between Otway National Park and the Great Ocean Road. It is the perfect place to soak up some of southern Australia's famous sunshine on a long golden beach before relaxing in one of the many restaurants to enjoy some of the freshest fish and seafood dishes in the whole of the country.
What to do in Melbourne
Not only is Melbourne the cultural capital of Australia, it is also a short drive away from vast wildernesses and a great abundance of wildlife. When exploring this magnificent city, most first-time visitors find that Federation Square is the best place to start because many of the city’s biggest attractions are within a few minutes’ walk, including Chinatown and the wonderful Royal Botanic Gardens.
- Ian Potter Centre: Located on Federation Square in the heart of the city centre, the Ian Potter Centre features Australia's best art collection with more than 20,000 home-grown pieces, including paintings, sculpture, prints, photographs, textiles and fashion items. Two of the gallery's best-known works are Frederick McCubbin's The pioneer (1904) and Tom Roberts' Shearing the Rams (1890).
- Royal Botanic Gardens: Opened in 1846, Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens are among the finest of their kind in the world. Covering some 38 hectares, they are home to more than 10,000 plant species from around the globe, including many rare specimens. Highlights include the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden, the Fern Gully Health and Wellbeing Garden and the Aboriginal Heritage Walk.
- Queen Victoria Market: Selling everything from clothes and toys to souvenirs and rare pieces of art, Queen Victoria Market is one of the best places to go in Melbourne for quality produce and farm-fresh ingredients. Inaugurated in 1878, a particular highlight for visitors is the two-hour guided walking tour which includes tastings of some of the market's signature treats.
- Chinatown: One of the best attractions of its kind in Australia, the excellent Melbourne Museum offers visitors a broad perspective of the local history and culture. Highlights include the the Forest Gallery (home to many tall trees and interesting wildlife), the Science and Life Gallery (bugs, dinosaurs, fossils, animals and human biology) and the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre which portrays the living traditions and knowledge of the Koorie people and other ancient cultures from around the country.
- Eureka Skydeck: Situated in the heart of Melbourne's stylish Southbank district, the spectacular Eureka Tower offers visitors the finest views over the city and beyond. The views from the Skydeck on the 88th floor are head-spinning, especially the walk out to The Edge, a glass cube that slides out three metres from the main building. Not for the faint-hearted!
- Melbourne Museum: Blessed with an idyllic location on the northern bank of Melbourne Creek, the famous souks of Melbourne's historic Deira district are a magnet for tourists from all over the world. Look out for the Gold Souk (the largest gold bazaar in the world) and the Spice Souk where the air is dense with the fragrances of frankincense, paprika, saffron, thyme and many more.
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