Car Rental Dandenong Downtown

As you drive around downtown Dandenong, you’ll enjoy the lively vibe and multi-cultural mosaic that invigorates the character of the area. Dandenong’s culinary landscape is especially enriched through a diversity of influences – from Polish and African, to Afghan, Indian, Mauritian and Vietnamese. The bustling centre and business district is currently evolving through a long-term vision of sustainable urban renewal. An aim to connect and revitalise the community has enhanced ‘walkability’ through the shaping of more pedestrian-friendly precincts. Upgrades and new buildings have refreshed downtown Dandenong, along with the refurbishment of the Town Hall to house a strikingly designed performance centre, the Drum Theatre.

At the turn of the 20th century, Dandenong was a regional city in itself with its own satellite suburbs. Situated 45-minutes from central Melbourne, it is well and truly embraced today as a distinctive part of Australia’s second-largest metropolis. With a population of 30,000 residents, downtown Dandenong certainly continues to grow as a welcoming and integrated community with an eye on the future.

Well serviced by a serious network of roads – including the Monash Freeway, Eastlink and Princes Highway – your hire car will afford you the flexibility to explore the best of the area, from the Dandenong Market to the Myuna Farm at Dandenong Creek. Take your time to get to know Dandenong, from its pockets of history to its wetlands and relaxing green spaces. You’ll be glad you did!

Enjoy the flavours of Dandenong and more in your hire car

The heart of Dandenong is its dynamic market. An icon of the area, the Dandenong Market has been trading and selling produce since 1866. Back then, livestock and farm products were sold beside fruit and dairy. Today a myriad of vibrant stalls attracts visitors with everything from gourmet deli fare to books, confectionery, fabrics, toys, flowers, souvenirs and homewares. Talk to the friendly experts in fresh produce who are always ready with a deal. Settle in for a while, meet a friend, have a meal. Relax on the terrace at the Market Tavern and order breakfast, share a tasty platter, or enjoy some traditional pub fare with a mocktail or craft beer. Grab some Dutch poffertjes or a falafel at a food truck, and wash it down with some fresh sugarcane juice or a chai. And don’t miss the fluffy puffs of sweetness from Dandee Donuts. A regular fixture at markets and sports matches, the gold and purple Dandee caravans have been around since 1966. Now they’ve traded up to a permanent and popular stall at the Dandenong Market, which is lucky for the doughnut-loving locals! 

A great way to experience the energy and fusion of Dandenong’s flavours in one combined event, is to take the 90-minute Street Food Tour at the Market. Perfect for passionate foodies, you’ll discover authentic global cuisine through tantalising tastings and samples, plus gather inspiration and learn insider exclusives to try out in your own kitchen.  

Still on the subject of good nosh, another scrumptious staple is the Dandenong Pavilion on Princess Highway. This modern eatery prides itself on being the most-awarded restaurant in the area. Its burgers were crowned the best in Melbourne for two consecutive years by The Age Good Food Guide. Choose from a dozen varieties, from a humble vegan patty to the Atomic or The Samurai, smothered in Japanese mayo.

Discover Dandenong’s arts and history with the ease of your hire car

Experience a significant slice of Dandenong’s early years at the Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens on McCrae Street. The precinct features three significant buildings, giving visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of prominent individuals from the area. Dating from the 1860s to the mid 20th century, the lodge, house and church are surrounded by two-acres of lovely landscaped gardens. Heritage Hill offers artist studio residencies, gallery spaces, community venues, and tours and classes. Wander the gardens and rest under the canopy of 150-year-old Moreton Bay fig trees. These giant beauties were planted in the gardens near the St James Anglican Church, built in 1864.

A visit to Myuna Farm near the tranquil waters of Dandenong Creek will be an experience for the kids to remember. This working community and children’s farm is a great place to learn about farming and sustainability, matched by cuddles with cute baby animals. See camels, deer and iconic native fauna, like emu and kangaroo. Walk the feed trails and let the animals graze from your hand in the paddocks. Enjoy the playgrounds, maze and barbecues, or pop into the Myuna Farm Cafe for a coffee or a platter. This fun attraction is sure to bring out the big kid in everyone!

Before your stay in Dandenong comes to a close, enjoy a performance at The Drum Theatre, Dandenong’s $13 million contemporary performing arts centre. Behind a boldly coloured scarlet, drum-shaped façade this 525-seater hosts over 170 performances a year. From renowned musicians to top plays, paint the town red with a night out at The Drum.