The Ultimate Budget Guide to Road Tripping Across Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast
All along the eastern coast of Australia, Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast are brimming with possibility. This ultimate budget guide will provide you with the most exciting and affordable activities for a thrilling road trip in your Thrifty rental car across these three sensational cities.
Get ready for an adventure full of thrills like no other. You don’t have to break the bank to discover all the best parts of Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast on an epic road trip - all you need is an appetite for fun.
Discover the Oceanside Thrills of Melbourne
Once you’ve collected your vehicle from Melbourne airport, it’s time to get exploring. Located in the southernmost state of Australia’s mainland, Melbourne is full to the brim with spectacular hotspots to explore that won’t leave your pockets empty. Start in the centre of the city and get amongst the hustle and bustle of the big smoke with a stroll around Melbourne’s network of iconic laneway art. You won’t have to pay a cent to see some of the city’s most famous installations - all you need is a map. Hosier Lane, Union Lane and the iconic AC/DC Lane are hubs of creativity splashed across the face of Melbourne’s buildings.
Once you’ve gotten a taste of the city, it’s time to embrace the open roads and embark on your road trip. Head south of the city for about an hour and a half and you’ll discover the beauty of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. This sleepy seaside region boasts beautiful beaches with epic waves, like Sorrento and Portsea Ocean Beaches, as well as some out-of-the ordinary activities that won’t break the bank. Point Nepean National Park is home to the historical Quarantine Station, a collection of military tunnels and forts backgrounded by scenic horizons. Here, you’ll also find the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula at Arthur’s Seat - a 314 metre elevation providing glorious views and a thrilling hike. Make sure to also pop past the suburb of Rye to see if the iconic Rye Fair is happening while you’re in the area for the ultimate day of thrills.
Embrace Sydney’s Natural Playground
If you’re adventuring around Sydney, pick up your vehicle from Sydney Airport and begin in the city to get a taste of what’s on offer. While plenty of activities in Sydney can be on the more expensive side of things, the best ones are completely free. Hike the iconic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, or go for a stroll across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. The priceless views you’ll discover won’t cost you a cent.
Once you’re ready to venture further, jump in your car and head out toward the Blue Mountains - a region of dramatic cliffs, rugged mountains and dense brush, about an hour and a half from the centre of Sydney. Hike to Katoomba Falls and observe the majesty of the water as it tumbles down the cliff, or climb to the beloved Three Sisters rock formations and marvel at the beauty of this natural phenomenon against an expanse background of thriving bush. One thing’s for certain - this is a road trip that you’ll work up a sweat on!
Elevate Your Adventure on the Gold Coast
The thrills don’t stop there - if you’re visiting the Gold Coast, you’re in for one epic ride. Pick up your car from Gold Coast airport and then let’s get on the way! One of the most thrilling - and undeniably beautiful - parts about the Gold Coast is its incredible range of stunning beaches. All up and down the coast next to the city, you’ll find long stretches of soft sand and shimmering turquoise waves, like scenes straight out of a postcard. If you’re looking to take a dip, check out Palm Beach and Gold Coast Beach. For surfers looking to catch some action on the waves, make sure to stop by Kirra Beach and Burleigh Heads.
Now it’s time to get amongst some epic greenery. Just an hour from the heart of the Gold Coast is Lamington National Park. This hub of thriving rainforests, ancient trees, sensational views and a thrilling network of walking tracks is the perfect place to road trip from the city. The lush landscape of emerald greens provides a place to breathe easy outside of the city and away from the crowds. The Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections of the national parks are the best places to explore on foot with a hike over this picturesque natural wonderland.
Whether you’re adventuring around Melbourne, Sydney or the Gold Coast, there are plenty of budget-friendly thrills to discover on these ultimate road trips in your Thrifty rental car.
