Car Hire or Tours in Melbourne?
Quick summary: For Melbourne’s laneways, bars, food scene and the MCG, tours and trams beat a hire car. City parking is limited and tolls add up. For regional Victoria, a hire car gives you freedom, but tours handle the driving on winery days, late-night penguin parades and long Great Ocean Road days. Many visitors combine city tours with a few days of car hire.
| At a glance | Car hire | Tours |
|---|---|---|
| City sights | Limited parking | Walking tours |
| Nightlife | No drinking and driving | Bar tours |
| Wine country | Designated driver needed | Wine tours |
| Penguins | Night drive back | Phillip Island tours |
| Long days | Tiring | Great Ocean Road tours |
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Which Melbourne experiences need no car?
| Experience | Tours |
|---|---|
| Laneways and street art | Laneway tours |
| Food | Food tours |
| Sport | MCG and sports tours |
| Ballooning | Hot air balloon |
| Wildlife | Wildlife tours |
Which tour styles are available?
Private tours, small-group tours, featured tours and all tours.
Can you combine both?
Yes. Use tours in the city, then hire a car for regional trips.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a car in Melbourne?
Not for the city; tours and trams are easier.
Are Melbourne wine tours better than driving?
Yes, if you plan to taste wine.
Can you visit the MCG without a car?
Yes, it’s easy by tram or on foot.
Can you combine car hire and tours?
Yes, tours in the city and a car for regional trips.