The Cheapest Way to Explore Victoria by Car

Victoria is one of the most scenic and diverse states in Australia, and the best way to experience it is behind the wheel. From the iconic Great Ocean Road to the alpine villages of the High Country, the penguin parade on Phillip Island to the gold rush towns of Ballarat and Bendigo, Victoria packs an incredible amount into a relatively small area. The good news? Unlike the vast distances of Queensland or Western Australia, most of Victoria's best destinations are within a two to three hour drive of Melbourne, making it perfect for day trips and weekend getaways.

The cheapest way to explore is to hire a car on a weekly basis rather than paying daily rates or joining expensive tour groups. A typical Great Ocean Road tour costs $100 to $150 per person for a single day trip. If you're travelling with a friend or partner, hiring a car for the week at $215 and splitting the cost means you pay $107.50 each, and you get the car for seven full days, not just one rushed coach tour. You can stop wherever you want, stay as long as you like, and hit multiple destinations in a single trip.

To keep costs down further, plan your fuel stops in advance. Petrol prices in regional Victoria can be 20 to 30 cents per litre more than in Melbourne, so fill up before you leave the city. Pack your own food and drinks, regional cafes and tourist-trap restaurants charge a premium. Free camping spots and budget caravan parks are scattered throughout Victoria, so you don't need to spend $150 a night on accommodation either. Apps like WikiCamps and CamperMate will show you exactly where to stay.

At Savvy Car Hire, all our vehicles come with 500km per week included, so you won't be hit with excess mileage charges on most Victorian road trips. Our cars are fuel-efficient sedans and hatchbacks that won't drain your wallet at the pump. And because we don't charge daily rates, you can keep the car all week and explore at your own pace, the Grampians on Monday, Phillip Island on Wednesday, and the Great Ocean Road on Saturday. That's the freedom of having your own wheels.