Tesla Model Y Road Trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island | Travel Vlog and Review

Join me on a thrilling two-day road trip in Melbourne, where I take my dream car, the Tesla Model Y, on an unforgettable journey to Phillip Island. Along the way, we explore stunning landscapes, visit iconic attractions like the Penguin Parade and Phillip Island Wildlife Park, navigate the challenges of charging an electric car, and create lasting family memories.

Watch on Youtube… https://youtu.be/qNy48akwM8A

They say renting a car is the best way to explore Melbourne, but initially, I was hesitant. I wanted a less stressful holiday—no navigating unfamiliar roads, no worrying about parking. However, our free-and-easy itinerary included destinations that weren’t easily accessible by public transport. One of the highlights was a trip from Melbourne City to Phillip Island, a two-hour drive with scenic views along the way. And, of course, we’d be bringing along all our luggage.

Faced with the need for a car, I thought, why not make this trip even more exciting by renting my dream car—a Tesla? Sure, it was more expensive than a regular car, but I justified the extra cost by comparing it to paying for a thrilling roller coaster ride at an amusement park. The experience itself was worth the price.

My Doubts and Discoveries: Finding the Perfect Rental

I started searching online for car rentals and found several options. Eventually, I stumbled upon VIPcars.com, where I found a Tesla Model Y listed at a price surprisingly close to that of regular cars. I was a bit skeptical, so I read the description carefully. To my delight, it was indeed a Tesla Model Y, and since it was classified as an SUV, it fit our requirement for a vehicle with enough trunk space to accommodate two large pieces of luggage and a few smaller ones.

Excited, I went ahead and booked the Tesla. The process was straightforward—I only had to pay a small insurance fee upfront, with the remaining S$200 for the two-day rental to be paid upon collection in Melbourne. However, after booking, I read the fine print. It stated that if the chosen vehicle wasn’t available on the day of collection, it would be replaced with a similar one in the same category. Suddenly, I feared that this might be a bait-and-switch tactic, designed to lure me in with a low price only to hand me a standard vehicle later. Mentally, I prepared myself for disappointment.

Excitement Builds: Picking Up the Tesla

Fast forward to the fifth day of our Melbourne trip. I made my way to the car rental location in Melbourne City. The company was SixT, a name I wasn’t familiar with, which only fueled my suspicion that they might pull a fast one on me. But as soon as I walked into the reception area, my eyes locked onto a sleek white Tesla parked outside. It looked sporty, modern, and everything I had imagined. My hopes soared.

A young, polite gentleman greeted me at the reception desk. We completed the paperwork, I made the payment, and then came the moment of truth—he pointed to that very white Tesla outside the window. My heart leaped with joy. All the preparation for disappointment evaporated, replaced by pure excitement. I was about to drive my dream car.

Another young gentleman handed me the key—a black card—and gave me a quick rundown on how to operate the Tesla. Driving a Tesla is completely different from a regular car, but I was ready. I’d spent the last few days watching YouTube tutorials on how to drive the Model Y, so I felt somewhat prepared. I asked if the car’s self-driving feature was enabled, but unfortunately, it was turned off for rentals. No matter—I was still thrilled to get behind the wheel.

With the key in hand and the Tesla Model Y before me, I knew I was in for an unforgettable experience.

First Impressions: A Car Like No Other

Sliding into the driver’s seat, I was immediately struck by the futuristic vibe of the Tesla Model Y. The minimalist interior, dominated by a massive 15-inch touchscreen, felt both luxurious and innovative. Gone were the usual buttons and dials; instead, everything was controlled through this central hub. It took a moment to adjust, but I quickly found the interface intuitive and responsive.

The seats were incredibly comfortable, with enough support to make long drives enjoyable. The panoramic glass roof added a touch of elegance and made the cabin feel even more spacious and airy. The Model Y’s design was focused on creating a serene driving environment, and it succeeded spectacularly.

The Thrill of Electric Driving

The real test came when I pressed the accelerator. The instant torque delivered by the electric motors was unlike anything I’d experienced before. The Model Y surged forward with an exhilarating burst of speed, leaving me grinning ear to ear. It’s easy to see why Tesla drivers rave about the acceleration—it’s addictive.

The car’s handling was equally impressive. Despite its SUV classification, the Model Y felt agile and responsive. The regenerative braking system took some getting used to, as the car began slowing down the moment I lifted my foot off the accelerator. But once I got the hang of it, I found it a clever way to maximize energy efficiency.

Phillip Island Bound: A Comfortable and Convenient Journey

Our drive from Melbourne City to Phillip Island was the perfect opportunity to test the Model Y’s long-range capabilities. With a full charge, the car had more than enough range to cover the round trip, even with some detours along the way. The built-in navigation system was a huge help, in plotting out the most efficient route.

I thought we didn’t need to charge the car on this journey, but later I found out I was wrong!

On the open road, the Tesla’s quiet cabin made for a peaceful driving experience. The absence of engine noise allowed us to enjoy our conversation and the views without distraction. However, the quiet didn’t last for long. We soon discovered that the car was loaded with streaming music, and all we had to do was talk to the car to request the songs we wanted. The kids eagerly requested their favorite K-pop tracks, while I opted for some oldies in the vein of Pet Shop Boys. But the real highlight was when we all agreed on playing James Bond theme songs, which filled the cabin with an epic, cinematic vibe. The sound system was incredible, delivering crisp, immersive audio that made every song feel like a live performance.

What impressed me was how safe I felt behind the wheel. The Tesla Model Y is equipped with advanced sensors that can detect vehicles and people around the car, alerting me whenever something comes too close. It even notifies me when the traffic light turns green, which I found particularly useful since I sometimes lose focus while waiting for the red light to change. This extra layer of awareness made driving through the busy streets and highways of Victoria a stress-free experience, allowing me to focus on the journey rather than worrying about potential hazards.

Midway, we stopped by at Cranbourne Park Shopping Center for a toilet break and a quick bite.

Before we crossed the bridge to Phillip Island, we stopped at San Remo. We enjoyed some fish and chips, watched the seagulls, and took in the view from the beach lookout point.

We drove across the bridge into Phillip Island and continued for another 20 minutes to reach the Kaloha Resort we had booked. To our surprise, we got a ground-floor room, which meant I could park the Tesla right in front of our door—perfect!

Check out my other video to see more about the Kaloha Resort.

Immediately after settling in, we drove off to the Nobbies hoping to see some seals among the rocks but none were there.

Then we went to the Penguin Parade and saw the little penguins make their way up the beach, but we weren’t allowed to take videos or photos.

As the sky turned dark, I experienced driving in the dark for the first time with the Tesla. It was a whole new experience.

We headed to a pitch-dark beach hoping to see the Milky Way. Unfortunately, the rain started pouring.

Disappointed, we headed back to the hotel.

Unexpected Charging Challenges

The next morning, I was shocked. The Tesla only had 37% power left! We took 60% to get from Melbourne City to Phillip Island! Our detours must have drained more battery than expected.”

Panic set in as I realized we needed to charge the car before checking out of the resort.

I knew there were a few Tesla charging stations on Phillip Island, but none were close to our hotel.

So I decided to try something unusual—charging the car using a regular home power supply.

I grabbed the charging cables from the trunk and connected the Tesla to the TV power supply in our hotel room.

It worked! But it would take 18 hours to fully charge the car, and we needed to get back to the city by then.

We decided to drive to a charging station near an attraction we didn’t plan to visit… the Phillip Island Wildlife Park, where we spent three hours and we didn’t regret it at all.

By the time we were done exploring the park, the Tesla was fully charged and ready to go.

In the end, everything worked out perfectly. Sometimes, the unexpected can lead to the best experiences. Don’t forget to watch my other video about the wildlife park, where we had an amazing time.

Storage and Practicality: Designed for Travelers

When it came to practicality, the Model Y didn’t disappoint. The trunk space easily accommodated our two large suitcases, along with several smaller bags. The “frunk” (front trunk) provided additional storage, which was perfect for items we wanted to keep separate, like our groceries.

For a family road trip, the Tesla Model Y proved to be more than capable. It offered plenty of space, both for passengers and luggage, making our journey comfortable and convenient.

Tech and Infotainment: High-Tech Hub on Wheels

The 15-inch touchscreen wasn’t just for show—it was the nerve center of the car’s operations. From navigation to climate control to entertainment, everything was easily accessible through the screen. The responsiveness was impressive, and the interface was designed to be as user-friendly as possible.

One of my favorite features was the entertainment options available while parked or charging. We could stream music, watch videos, or even play games—perfect for keeping everyone entertained during pit stops.

How to Drive a Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y doesn’t use a traditional key. Instead, it’s equipped with a key card or you can use the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone. To unlock the car using the key card, simply tap the card against the B-pillar on the driver’s side (the pillar between the front and rear doors). After unlocking the Tesla Model Y, opening the door handles is a bit different from what you might be used to with traditional cars:

1. Locate the Door Handle: The door handles on the Tesla Model Y are flush with the body of the car, giving it a sleek, aerodynamic look.
2. Press the Wide End: To open the door, press the wider, back end of the door handle with your thumb. This action will cause the front end of the handle to pivot outwards.
3. Pull the Handle: Once the front end of the handle pops out, simply grasp it and pull it towards you to open the door.

This unique design adds to the futuristic feel of the Tesla Model Y while maintaining the car’s streamlined appearance.

Starting the Tesla Model Y is a seamless process. Once you’re seated inside, simply place the key card on the center console, just below the cup holders. There’s no start button; the car is always ready to drive as soon as it detects that you’re in the driver’s seat with the key card or phone present.

Navigating with the Tesla’s GPS

Driving the Tesla Model Y is unlike traditional vehicles, thanks to its all-electric powertrain and intuitive controls. Here’s how to get moving:

1. Shifting into Drive: To shift into drive, use the right stalk behind the steering wheel. Push it down once, and the car is now in drive mode. If you push it up, the car goes into reverse. Press the button at the end of the stalk to put the car in park.
2. Accelerating and Braking: The Tesla Model Y is equipped with regenerative braking, which means the car slows down automatically when you lift your foot off the accelerator. This one-pedal driving experience can take some getting used to, but it quickly becomes intuitive. Of course, there’s a brake pedal for additional stopping power when needed.
3. Using the Touchscreen: Most of the car’s functions, from climate control to navigation, are controlled via the large central touchscreen. It’s user-friendly and designed to minimize distractions while driving.

With its effortless unlocking, starting, and driving processes, the Tesla Model Y feels more like piloting a piece of advanced technology than driving a traditional car.

Navigating with the Tesla Model Y’s GPS

The GPS in the Tesla Model Y truly impressed me, eliminating the need to rely on my phone’s GPS. The Tesla comes pre-connected to the internet, so it was ready to navigate as soon as I got in the car. I was amazed by how accurate the Tesla GPS was, and I found myself using it all the time while driving.

However, there were a few moments when the GPS misunderstood our voice commands to play music, leading it to change course unexpectedly. Despite these occasional hiccups, the Tesla GPS remained reliable and effortless to use, making navigation through city streets or on road trips stress-free and efficient.

Beneath the monitor lies a wireless charger capable of charging two phones simultaneously. That’s the spot where my phone got a break, as it had no GPS tasks to handle.

Above us was a transparent glass roof, which I wasn’t too fond of since it couldn’t be opened.

Is it hard to drive a Tesla? Not at all. Driving it felt completely natural to me. It’s like driving a bumper car at an amusement park—press the accelerator, and it goes; release the accelerator, and it slows down. I rarely needed to use the brakes, except in emergencies.

Final Thoughts: A Dream Fulfilled

Renting the Tesla Model Y for two days in Melbourne was an unforgettable experience. It wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it was about enjoying every moment of the journey. The car’s performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology made our trip to Phillip Island truly special.

Yes, the rental was more expensive than a regular car, but the experience was worth every penny. Driving the Tesla Model Y was everything I’d hoped for and more—a perfect blend of luxury, practicality, and innovation. If you’re ever in Melbourne and considering renting a car, I highly recommend taking a Tesla Model Y for a spin. It’s not just a car; it’s an adventure on wheels.

~ Adrian Lee