There’s more to Victoria than just its capital city of Melbourne/Naarm. While small in size, Victoria is home to over 6 million people, spread out across a plethora of cities, towns, suburbs and rural areas. Jump in your Hertz rental car and get ready for a road trip to some of these much adored corners of Victoria.
Arts and Culture Geelong
Only an hour’s drive west of Melbourne sits the state’s second largest metropolis, Geelong/Djilang. This historic region is bordered by the waters of Corio Bay and is home to a stunning waterfront precinct to explore. The beautifully maintained parks and gardens that line the city’s coast are perfect for a stroll or to relax with a picnic at the nearby Geelong Botanic Gardens. The iconic Bollard Trail is a great adventure to pair scenic views of the water with creative art pieces that represent the rich history of the area. To learn more about the treasured history of Geelong, visit the famous Geelong Gallery. One of Australia’s oldest and most renowned regional galleries, Geelong Gallery features diverse displays of both Australian and international art for you to explore. However, Geelong’s art isn’t only found in galleries; step out into the city and observe the well-preserved Victorian-era architecture that lines the streets. Down on Geelong’s waterfront sits another treasure of old-world charm in The Carousel. This hand-carved wooden carousel is as beautiful to look at as it is delightful to ride. Notice the details on the horses’ tail as you look out over the horizon and watch the sun twinkle over the bay.
Wine and Dine in Bendigo
Just under two hours’ drive north of Melbourne city is the historic city of Bendigo. Located on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung Peoples of the Kulin Nation, Bendigo is well-known for its beautiful scenery, laid-back atmosphere and incredible food and wine scene. The city boasts a range of ways to experience the freshest produce and most delicious wine on offer, with a variety of farmers markets on rotation throughout the region, as well as some of the state’s best wines. The Bendigo Wine Region provides a plethora of cellar doors to explore. Wine Bank On View is a favourite among locals and visitors alike, and its heritage-listed 19th-century former bank building venue is as gorgeous as the wines that fill the menu. Bendigo Community Farmers’ Market and the Bendigo Showground Market both offer a wide range of fresh and local produce to indulge in. The farmers’ markets are also a great daytime activity to get a taste of the local community spirit. Make sure to also check out tapas restaurant El Gordo and iconic steakhouse The Woodhouse Restaurant for phenomenal meals you’ll never forget.
Step Back in Time in Ballarat
After becoming famous in Australia’s gold rush era, Ballarat/Ballaarat has blossomed into becoming a beloved regional city that provides the perfect mix of laidback getaway and historic adventure, less than two hours west of Melbourne. Sovereign Hill is home to the region’s must-do activity for anyone visiting Ballarat, whether it be for your first or hundredth time. There’s so much to explore at this award-winning open-air museum, from the Gold Museum to the underground mine tours and everything in between. If you’ve ever wondered what this area was like in the 1850s, Sovereign Hill has recreated a period-accurate version of Victoria in this time period. Forget your time machine—all you need is a Hertz rental car and a taste for adventure. Additionally, the town of Ballarat will also stun visitors with its heritage architecture of the Victorian-era. From the Town Hall to Her Majesty’s Theatre to Ballarat Railway Station, old world charm isn’t hard to come by in this iconic regional city.
Indulge in Relaxation in Daylesford
The charming town of Daylesford is synonymous with relaxation. An hour and forty minutes’ drive from the heart of Melbourne, Daylesford sits on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri, Taungurung and Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples. The mineral springs that populate the area around Daylesford and the neighbouring town of Hepburn make for an unmissable activity in this gorgeous corner of Victoria. Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa should be at the top of the list when you’re in the mood for relaxing in the natural bubbles of the mineral waters. When you get thirsty, Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve is the perfect place to taste the different mineral waters that bubble beneath the earth’s surface. The Daylesford Sunday Markets also provide the perfect opportunity to shop like a local and discover the creative spirit that is a foundation to the area. For the ultimate relaxation spot, make sure to also check out Lake Daylesford and its tranquil surroundings.
Whether it’s wandering along Geelong’s stunning waterfront or exploring the gold rush era of yesteryear in Ballarat, there’s so much to see and explore in Victoria’s regional towns and cities outside of Melbourne, and all of it easily accessible in your Hertz rental car.
