Victoria's western coastline is one of Australia's most spectacular sights — especially by car. Whether you’re here to sight-see, surf or just soak up the scenery, you’ll find everything you’re looking for dotted along this breathtaking stretch. And, when you’ve got a Hertz rental car, you can seek out these must-visit places with comfort and convenience, returning home with a few more lifelong memories. Here are some of our favourite destinations to add to your list.
Cape Bridgewater: Clifftop Drama and Blowholes
Cape Bridgewater is a geological marvel that’s often not found on your average Western Coastline roadtrip—which makes it all the more special. Take a stroll along the Cape Bridgewater Blowholes walk and watch the waves against the basalt cliffs. Continue along the trail and you’ll reach a lookout over Australia’s largest mainland fur seal colony, where up to 650 seals have been known to lounge on the rocks below. Another must-see is the eerie and beautiful petrified forest—not fossilised wood, but a rare limestone formation sculpted by thousands of years of wind and water erosion. Cape Bridgewater is a reminder this well-travelled stretch of coastline still has some secret spots. 
Port Fairy: History, Seabirds and Folk Tunes
Port Fairy’s past as a 19th-century whaling port is still visible in its beautifully preserved bluestone buildings and charming cottages. But it’s far from stuck in the past, which you’ll see for yourself as you immerse yourself in its arts scene, boutique stores and excellent restaurants. If you’re here in March, the town transforms into a hub of live music during the Port Fairy Folk Festival, drawing performers and fans from around the world. Don’t miss a walk out to Griffiths Island at dusk, where you’ll see a working lighthouse and possibly spot thousands of shearwaters flying in to nest after a day of fishing at sea.
Warrnambool: Whale Nursery and Shipwreck Stories
Warrnambool is where the wild ocean meets a lively regional city. Between June and September, Logan’s Beach becomes a whale nursery, with female Southern Right Whales returning each year to give birth close to shore. Beyond the lookout, explore Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village to discover tales of shipwrecks and survivors—plus, the nightly sound and light show brings the area’s seafaring history to life. If you’re looking to get active, cycle the scenic Foreshore Promenade or test out Warrnambool’s consistent surf breaks. And if you’ve got little ones in tow, Lake Pertobe’s huge adventure playground and boat hire makes for a perfect family pit stop. 
Tower Hill: Wildlife Among Ancient Ash
Just 15 minutes inland from Warrnambool is Tower Hill, a vast volcanic crater that last erupted around 30,000 years ago and now supports a thriving ecosystem. As you take your rental car along the loop drive into the sunken reserve, keep your eyes peeled for koalas napping in the gum trees, emus strutting across the road and kangaroos grazing at golden hour. A short walking trail leads to a lookout across the crater, offering insight into the area’s dramatic geologic past. First Nations guides also run walking tours here, sharing stories of how the Gunditjmara people have lived on and shaped this land for tens of thousands of years.
The Western Coastline, the Hertz Way
Where else can you explore shipwrecks, walk into a volcano, and see whales from a viewing platform—all in one day? Victoria’s western coastline is the edge of a truly majestic part of Australia, and in a Hertz rental car, you’ll have the opportunity to experience this magic up close, and to your own timetable. Find your perfect vehicle, for the perfect adventure, right here.
