A dynamic Melbourne suburb at the forefront of change, Pakenham has evolved into the primary hub of the Cardinia Shire. Only an hour’s drive from the Melbourne city centre, it’s the perfect base for exploring Western Gippsland and the Eastern Victorian Region as you curate your own path through to Victoria’s premier attractions. Uncover a world of adventure right in the heart of Victoria with your Hertz rental car from Pakenham Downtown.
Explore the great outdoors with your Hertz rental car
Break free from the noise through Pakenham’s depth of nature. Start with a quick 12-minute drive to the popular Cardinia Aqueduct Trail where you’ll find yourself immersed in the beauty of a scenic walk through the lush Australian woodlands.
Cardinia Reservoir Park, Melbourne’s 2nd largest operational reservoir, is just as prominent. Constructed in the early 1970s to help relieve Melbourne’s harrowing water crisis, the untamed lands enveloping the reservoir have since been revitalised – transforming into one of regional Victoria’s premier getaways. Soak up nature’s spoils along the Tea Tree Trail or encounter a resident Eastern grey kangaroo on the Kangaroo Viewing Trail. The Crystal Brook meadows offer the perfect setting for a relaxing BBQ with kangaroos grazing in the fore while kookaburras sing from the trees. It’s an alluring escape just 20 minutes from Pakenham.
Seeking more nature? The Dandenong Ranges are a scenic 50-minute drive from Pakenham, where you’ll meander through the mountains and drive through quaint villages including Sassafras and Olinda. Come hungry and make a pit stop at the Villages of the Dandenong Ranges for buttery scones and warm tea at Miss Marples Tea Room, Marybrooke Manor or Olinda Tea House
Embark on a day trip in your rental car
Pakenham’s lure extends beyond its borders as the perfect base for exploring life in the Yarra Valley and Western Gippsland Regions.
The Yarra Ranges are calling out, offering up sweeping views of the Yarra Valley. Scale the treetops through the Warburton Rainforest Gallery embellished with lush-green fernery and soaring Mountain Ash Trees. Weave through the lanes on the famed Black Spur drive or make the climb to the Mt Donna Buang Summit. Explore the enchanting Beech Rainforest before making your way to a scenic adventure along Lady Talbot Drive to the beloved Phantom and Keppel Falls.
Wilson Promontory’s charm is just as memorable. Endless coastal vistas, soft velvety sands, mountains and rainforests greet you as you arrive. Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness destination stands as one of the state’s most revered with a series of hiking trails that are ready to transport you into a world of awe - from Whisky Bay to Squeaky Beach, Lilly Pilly Gully Rainforests to the summit of Mount Oberon.
Nature’s encore continues north at Mt Hotham’s snow-capped peaks – a fantastic place for skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and a wide range of snow play. Visit Phillip Island’s captivating coastlines and loveable fairy penguins; or uncover the humble town of Moe, Lakes Entrance resort and the Greater Gippsland region.
Had your dose of nature and need to fill your cup with a city escape? Melbourne awaits with an endless list of sights to see, events to check out and new flavours to savour. From world-famous murals along Hosier Lane to an ever-evolving art scene at the National Gallery of Victoria, a night out of fine dining in the city or an evening of jazz, this bustling city has plenty to offer whether it’s a short-day trip or weekend getaway - and it’s all within your reach with your Hertz rental car.
Pakenham’s centralised location makes it a rare commodity, as the ultimate location for exploring Melbourne and beyond. Whether you’re after the best of nature or delightful culture, it’s effortlessly accessible from Hertz Pakenham Downtown.
