Campervan & Van Hire in Australia: Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Melbourne and Surroundings
Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia, is the perfect gateway to begin your Australian road trip adventure.
Before getting behind the wheel of your campervan or motorhome to explore the incredible landscapes of Victoria, take the time to discover this vibrant and creative city.
Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your stay and optimise your road trip itinerary from Melbourne!
The Royal Botanic Gardens along the Yarra River is a vast 38-hectare sanctuary filled with over 50,000 predominantly native Australian plants, and a habitat for diverse wildlife, including 12,000 bird species. It even features a section of a rainforest! A visit to these gardens offers the opportunity to discover more about Australia’s flora, and admission is complimentary.
The State Library of Victoria is located within the free City Circle Tram area. Admission is free, and the library contains over 1.5 million books. The reading room of the Royal Botanic Gardens, located along the Yarra River, is a must-visit for its architectural marvel of a dome. When constructed in 1913, it was the largest dome in the world. There is also a chess room and an arts library. The expansive lawn in front of the library is a popular spot for students to enjoy their lunch. You will also find a number of statues in front of the entrance.
“Degraves Street,” one of Melbourne’s oldest alleys, is conveniently located near Flinders Street station and offers numerous passages to explore. It’s also through these passages that you’ll discover the street art that is so popular in Melbourne, in the heart of the city, as well as in “Union Lane” and “Hosier Lane”.
The Queen Victoria Market, opened in 1878, remains a must-do for locals and tourists alike. There are even guided tours for those interested in its history. From food to handicrafts and souvenirs, you will surely find what you are looking for! More than 700 stalls offer local products that Australians buy for special occasions. This market is located between Elizabeth Street and Victoria Street and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sundays from 6am.
In the suburbs of Melbourne, don’t miss the famous St Kilda district. St Kilda is 7 km from the city center and can be easily reached by car. You can visit the renowned “Luna Park” and tap into your inner child by trying out some of its rides, if you’re in the mood. St Kilda beach is also a must-do, and on the port you will be able to watch the penguins at sunset.
Brighton Beach, located 13 km from Melbourne, is famous for its vibrant beach huts that serve as a notable landmark in the city. There are more than 82 huts on this beach; don’t miss out on taking a souvenir photo in front of one of these famous huts.
At Vanz Travel, we understand that the open road beckons to the adventurer in you. That’s why we offer a wide selection of campervans available for hire in Melbourne. Whether you’re a solo traveler or exploring with friends and family, our campervans are designed to cater to your every need. Get ready to hit the road and experience Melbourne like never before.
For those seeking a little more space and comfort, our motorhome hire options in Melbourne are the perfect choice. Imagine having all the conveniences of home on your journey, with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Our motorhomes provide you with just that, ensuring a comfortable and memorable travel experience.
City break
City break
Climate & Seasons: When to Visit?
Events & Sporting Culture
Melbourne is a city that lives and breathes events.
Depending on when you visit, you may be able to experience world-famous sporting events such as:
Australian Open (January)
Australian Grand Prix
Melbourne Cup
or an Australian Rules Football match at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The heart of many celebrations and public events can often be found at Federation Square, the city’s cultural and entertainment hub.
Practical Information: Arrival & Getting Around
To reach Melbourne, you will most likely arrive through one of the city’s two airports:
Mini Road Trip Itinerary Around Melbourne
Once you’ve picked up your campervan or motorhome, Victoria offers some of the most spectacular road trip landscapes in Australia all within just a few hours of Melbourne.
Here’s a perfect 4 to 5-day itinerary idea:
Days 1 & 2: The Legendary Great Ocean Road
Head west from Melbourne toward Torquay and continue along the iconic Great Ocean Road toward Apollo Bay and Port Campbell.
Along the way you can:
spot wild koalas,
walk through lush rainforest,
and admire the spectacular limestone cliffs of the Twelve Apostles especially magical at sunset.
Plan at least one or two nights in your campervan to fully enjoy the journey at a relaxed pace.
Day 3: Phillip Island Wildlife Experience
Drive to Phillip Island to experience some of Australia’s most famous wildlife encounters.
The island is world-renowned for the Penguin Parade, where little penguins return to shore at sunset.
You may also spot koalas and kangaroos living in their natural habitat across the island.
Day 4: Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
Less than an hour from Melbourne, explore the winding roads of the Dandenong Ranges surrounded by giant ferns and dense forests.
Then continue into the famous Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s best wine regions, for unforgettable tastings of local wines, cheeses, and artisan chocolates.
In Melbourne, you'll find a dynamic and culturally rich city full of must-see places to visit. From the iconic Flinders Street Station to the artistic buzz of Hosier Lane, and from Degraves Street to Union Lane, famous for their colourful graffiti. Explore the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and the laid-back St Kilda Beach, every corner of Melbourne offers a unique experience. Discover bustling markets like the Queen Victoria Market, delve into the culinary culture of Lygon Street, and soak up the sporting history at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Don't miss the majestic State Library of Victoria and Brighton Beach with its famous colourful beach huts.
Melbourne is known for its unpredictable weather, where it's often said you can experience four seasons in one day. However, this doesn't stop visitors from enjoying it all year round. It's recommended to visit the city between the months of October and May. Temperatures are milder, usually ranging between 10 and 20 degrees during spring and autumn. Summers, on the other hand, can be very hot, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 30 degrees. In winter, the weather is often cold and cloudy with indoor cultural activities. In summary, although the weather can be changeable, Melbourne always has something to discover and enjoy throughout the year.
In Melbourne, the culinary scene is thriving and diverse, offering a multitude of dining options. Whether you're strolling through the bustling CBD, exploring the flavours of Chinatown, or enjoying the riverfront views in Southbank, each neighbourhood offers a unique gastronomic experience. Be sure to visit the bohemian neighbourhoods of Fitzroy, Brunswick, and Carlton, known for their eclectic and innovative culinary scene. You can also explore the Docks, where you'll find a selection of restaurants and bars offering stunning views of the Melbourne port.
Getting around Melbourne is easy thanks to its efficient public transportation network. You can easily explore the city by tram, train, bus, or even ferry. Melbourne offers free tram rides in the city centre, which is convenient for exploring major attractions. To use public transport outside of the free tram zone, you need to purchase a Myki card. Additionally, the city is also very pedestrian and bike-friendly with many pedestrian streets and bike paths, making it an ideal destination for urban explorers. Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available throughout the city for quick and convenient travel.
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