An Educational Driving Tour Around Victoria

From the bright lights of Melbourne to the crashing waves of the Great Ocean Road, plus plenty of natural beauty and charming towns in between, Victoria is best explored in your Dollar rental car. Come along as we visit some hotspots of history that will teach you more about this pocket of paradise.

Begin Your Tour in Hustle and Bustle of Melbourne 

As the capital city of Victoria, Melbourne is the perfect spot to begin your educational driving tour. Filled with heritage buildings and engaging history, the whole family will love discovering the hidden stories and fascinating artefacts of one of the world’s most liveable cities. Once you pick up your rental vehicle from Melbourne airport, head to the heart of the city and cruise past some of the area’s most iconic landmarks. From the majestic Flinders Street Station - Australia’s oldest train station at over 115 years old - to the grandiose Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, you’ll find history around every corner. Make sure to take the time to park your car and explore Melbourne city’s famous laneways. Filled with street art and hidden history, the best way to explore this nugget of the city is on a walking tour with any one of the wide range of knowledgeable guides you’ll find throughout the city. Next, take a stroll through Carlton Gardens and observe how the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building rises up from the lush greenery of the carefully maintained gardens. Before you leave the city, spend some time at the Old Melbourne Gaol - the oldest prison in the state. You’ll learn a lot about its 150-year-old history on a tour through its halls, and kids will especially love the Hangman’s Night Tour for a thrilling adventure. 

Observe Natural History on the Great Ocean Road 

Only a couple of hours from the heart of Melbourne along the coast, you’ll find the iconic Great Ocean Road. This 240-kilometre stretch of scenic road delivers stunning views and incredible natural history all in one adventure. As you drive along the coastline, watch as the waves break onto the dramatic cliff faces. The best spot to experience one of the Great Ocean Road’s natural wonders is at the Twelve Apostles near Port Campbell. These majestic rock formations rise up from the ocean and toward the sky, signifying the everlasting resilience of a natural world. You’ll find out more about this iconic spot by following the educational plaques that signpost the area around the coast.

Travel Back in Time at Tyrendarra 

Just a little further down the Great Ocean Road in Tyrendarra, about two hours from the Twelve Apostles, you’ll be able to learn more about Australia’s significant Indigenous history. Tyrendarra Indigenous Protected Area is over 27,000 years old, holding the utmost importance to local Aboriginal communities - Australia’s First Peoples - as a ceremonial site. Explore relics of ancient history as you learn more about the traditions and stories that mark this place as significant. A cultural walking tour is the best way to experience Tyrendarra, allowing you to explore the lush greenery and thriving wildlife as you are led over raised boardwalks and pathways by an expert guide. 

Learn About the Gold Rush in Ballarat 

As Victoria’s third-largest city, Ballarat holds more than meets the eye. This bustling regional centre is filled with old-world charm and engaging history around every corner. To experience a taste of modern Australia, make sure to check out some of the lively bars and restaurants around Central Square. While the heart of Ballarat is filled to the brim with historic architecture - like the majestic Ballarat Performing Arts Centre and the charming Civic Hall - head to the iconic Sovereign Hill to truly explore this fascinating region.This hotspot of gold rush history will teach you everything you need to know about this significant period of Victoria’s past. Explore the open-air museum and adventure through underground mine tours, treading the same steps that keen gold-hunters once did in the mid-19th century. You can interact with costumed characters as they wander the streets, and you’ll even get a chance to pan for your own gold. Kids and families especially love this adventure, with plenty to discover around every corner of this thrilling experience. 

From the hustle and bustle of the city to the quiet serenity of the coast’s natural wonderland, plus a fascinating journey back in time in between, the picturesque landscapes and hidden history of Victoria makes it the perfect place to explore on an educational driving tour in your Dollar rental car. This is no doubt an experience you’ll take home with you once your travels are over.