Take a wild safari tour of the open range zoo and its inhabitants, from giraffes to koalas you will be amazed by the surroundings and spectacular wildlife throughout.

By Car: Werribee Open Range Zoo is located just 35 km west of Melbourne’s city centre on the Princess Freeway. It's a short 30-minute drive from the city centre and you can get access via the Geelong Road or over the Westgate Bridge.

By Public Transport: Werribee Open Range Zoo has its very own shuttle bus service that operates from Melbourne city centre to the main entrance of the zoo. The Werribee Park Shuttle operates every day at various times from the Victorian Arts Centre. Bookings are essential: Tel (03) 9748 5094.

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

The Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens is located in lush and breathtaking scenery, boasting an abundance of wonderful plans from around the world and offering many wonderful pathways a trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens is a must.

By Car: The Royal Botanic Gardens are located just 3.3 km from Melbourne city centre and is approximately a 10 minute drive. Drive north on Saint Kilda’s road and onto Arthur Street, turn right at Linlithgow Avenue, take a slight right at Alexandra Avenue and here you will see the Royal Botanic Gardens.

By Public Transport: From Flinders Street Station you can take the following trams: 3, 5, 8, 16, 64 and 67. At the Domain Road Interchange get off and walk towards the Shrine of Remembrance and you will see the Observatory Buildings. This is a good starting point as the Royal Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre is located here.

Funfields Adventure Park

Description: Funfields is an extremely popular adventure and activity centre for all the family and is located 43 km from Melbourne. Get your adrenaline pumping and experience the thrill and excitement of go-karting, water slides, adventure playground, toboggan rides and much more.

By Car: Drive west onto Leopold Street heading towards Saint Kilda Road; turn right onto Queens Road, take the next left at Kings Way; take the ramp onto West Gate Flyway; take the exit signposted Citylink exit; take the next exit to Citylink; continue on Tullamarine Flyway; onto Western Ring Road exit; continue driving on the Northern Ring Road; take the exit towards Plenty Road and the next left will take you to Plenty Road where you will see Funfields Adventure Park. Driving time is approximately 40 minutes.

By Public Transport: From Flinders Street Rail Station in Melbourne City take the train heading towards Hurtsbridge Station on platform 1. Get off at Greensborough Railway Station at platform 2. A 5 min walk will take you to Greensborough Railway Station/Para Road Station. Take the 562-bus route towards Humevale and get off at Plenty Road where you'll see Funfields Adventure Park.

Melbourne’s Great Ocean Road

Description: Located approximately 100km South West of Melbourne is the wonderful and world-renowned ‘Great Ocean Road’. Stretching over 300 km and overlooking the stunning and winding Victoria coastline with an abundance of colourful little villages and towns you will see the most beautiful scenery imagined. The Great Ocean Road is located 204 km from Melbourne City and will take approximately 3 hours to get to.

By Car: Drive west onto Leopold Street heading towards Saint Kilda Road; turn right onto Queens Road; take the next left at Kings Way; take the ramp onto West Gate Flyway; continue on Princes Flyway and onto Princes Highway; turn left at Colac Lavers Hill Road; continue on to Beech Forest Road; continue onto Charley’s Creek Road; turn Right at Colac Lavers Hill Road and then take a left onto The Great Ocean Road.

Mairead Foley writes for www.Novacarhire.com/ where you can book car hire at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the world.

Visit Novacarhire.com for all you need to know before you take to the roads in Australia, like where to go and what to see with your car hire. Book your Car hire Melbourne now.