As lockdown measures begin to ease in Victoria, new statistics suggest that most of us are well on our way to rediscovering our wanderlust. Data from Avis Australia revealed a 156% increase in domestic demand for rental car bookings compared to the start of Australia’s lockdown period. And with international border restrictions still in place, it is more than likely that this year will be focused on (safely) hitting the road to go exploring – rather than hitting up the airport.

For those looking to get back on the road, Avis Australia has launched its Avis Safety Pledge, which sets out the relentless commitment to keep every one of its customers and employees safe. Customers can also book with confidence this winter as Avis Australia will waiver all cancellation fees for bookings before 1st September 2020.

To inspire drivers looking forward to getting behind the wheel, Avis Australia has pulled together its top drives across Victoria, with must-see stop offs along the way and fun activities to truly immerse yourself in the adventure that can be had in our own backyard.

The Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley makes for a perfect day trip from Melbourne, with incredible sightseeing, and an Australian wildlife sanctuary. The area offers hot air ballooning, providing the dreamiest views of the lush forests, farms, and vineyards across the region.

Black Spur Drive

Black Spur Drive is the stunning connecting track between the Yarra Valley and the mountain areas around Maryville, showcasing the vast forests and natural landscapes the area is famous for. The Black Spur Drive follows Healesville into Narbethong along the Maroondah Highway and offers some of the most spectacular views of the Great Dividing Range.

Ballarat to Hepburn Springs

This trip is a great way to explore the elegant city of Ballarat, built on the treasures of the world's largest alluvial gold deposit. With an extensive number of attractions along the way, you can say goodbye to long, boring drives. Stop off at the Art Gallery of Ballarat which holds one of Australia’s most comprehensive collections of Australian paintings. Or visit the Ballarat Wildlife park, Botanical Gardens or the Creswick Woollen Mills. Activities continue all along the route, with Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa and the beautiful Peppers Springs Mineral Springs Hotel to finish off the road trip.

Cape Otway to Port Fairy

The Cape Otway to Port Fairy road trip is one for the adventurous. The drive offers an exhilarating stop off to try out a treetop walk or thrilling zip-line experience within the rainforest at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. Why not switch to a helicopter to experience the stunning Twelve Apostles from the sky? The many fantastic locations along the way are incredibly scenic and offer beautiful walking tracks to give stiff legs a stretch.

Sovereign Hill

Take a road trip with the family to Sovereign Hill, a living museum goldfields town re-enacting the first 10 years in Ballarat after the 1851 discovery of gold – a time when there were many adventurers visiting from overseas to seek their fortune. A great time to visit is during the evening to view the multimillion-dollar sound-and-light show, Blood on the Southern Cross, which tells the dramatic story of the 1854 Eureka Rebellion.