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Population3.1 million
Area2,452 sq. miles. Melbourne is the second largest city in
Australia and capital of the State of Victoria.
Time ZoneGreenwich Mean Time plus ten hours: When it is noon in
Melbourne, it is 9:00 pm yesterday in New York City and Washington, DC.
(Daylight saving time turns the clocks one hour ahead between November and
March.)
International Dialing CodeAll numbers for Melbourne and the
outskirts of the city begin with 03 and have 8 additional digits. The country
code is 61. (When calling Melbourne from another country: use the country code,
61, and add 3 following it, not 03.) Calling cards can be purchased at tobacco
stores, post offices and stores For directory assistance, dial 1-800-888-8888.
Emergency: Police, fire or ambulance emergencies: 000. General police: 11444;
fire: 11411; ambulance: 11440.
CurrencyAustralia's currency is in dollars and cents. Coins come
in 5,10,20, and 50 cent silver pieces, and 1 and 2 dollar gold coins. Notes are
$5,$10,$20,$50,and $100. Major credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted
almost everywhere. The easiest method of securing cash at the best exchange rate
is to make withdrawals using a US credit card from the ATM machines found at the
major banks.
Average TemperaturesNote: Australian seasons are the opposite of
those in the U.S.
|
High |
Low |
| Fall (March to May ) |
75 |
50 |
| Winter (June to Aug. ) |
59 |
44 |
| Spring (Sept. to Nov.) |
71 |
48 |
| Summer (Dec. to Feb. |
79 |
54 |
Melbourne climate is warm to hot in summer (Dec.-Feb.), mild in Fall
(March-May), damp in winter (June - Aug.), and cool in Spring (Sept.-Nov.) The
coldest months are June and July and October is the wettest. Melbourne's climate
is changeable, especially during the spring and summer when sudden drops in
temperature can occur within a few minutes. It is best to dress in "layers" and
to have a raincoat
National HolidaysJan. 1 New Year's Day
January 26 Australia
Day
First or second Monday in March Labor Day
April (dates vary) Good
Friday, Easter Monday, Easter Tuesday
April 25 Anzac Day
2nd Monday in
June Queen's birthday
Last Thursday in September Melbourne Show Day
First
Tuesday in November Melbourne Cup Day
December 25 Christmas Day
December
26 Boxing Day
Public rest roomsRestrooms are difficult to find in most public
places and may be outdated. There are some well appointed public restrooms in
better hotels
Electricity( 240 volt, 50 cycles A/C). Most hotels have 110V
shaver outlets. American appliances will need a three pin flat plug adapter and
will require a transformer if they do not have a dual voltage capability.
SunscreenAustralian sun has strong ultraviolet rays, especially
between 11am and 4pm. A wide brimmed hat and high SP sunscreen are essential in
Melbourne in the summer when the sun is especially intense.
Visas and PassportsAll visitors require a visa and passport to
enter the country. Visas are free from Australian consulates and allow up to a
three month stay. There is a charge for business visas.
Visitors with disabilitiesInformation is available from : VICROD
Victoria Council for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled: P.O. Box 210 Hampton
3188. Tele 9597 0157. The Met Disability Services Officer will assist with
advice on public transport for disabled travelers. 9619 7482
Getting AroundMelbourne's tram and light rail network is the
fourth largest in the world. There are 135 miles of double track carrying trains
through the city and out into the suburbs. Fares are paid through pre-purchased
tickets or travel cards. These are readily available at The Met Shop which has
outlets in the city and the suburbs at news stands and convenience stores. Short
trip and two hour tickets can be purchased from machines on the trains. Tickets
are interchangeable for use on trams, buses or rail service.
Services run
regularly from five in the morning until midnight. Many train services link up
to bus and tram routes so you can negotiate your way to most places in Melbourne
within a short walk from a train, tram or bus. You will also find taxi stands
outside many train stations. Spencer Street Station is the main city station
from which you can take trains to other parts of Victoria.
Most stations on
the loop provide services to outer suburbs or trains that link you to a
connecting train to take you on to your destination.
The City Circle tram
provides a free and convenient way to visit the shops, museums, etc. in the
City. Its route includes shopping malls, arcades, and many of the major
attractions. Trams run in both directions every 10 minutes from 10am-6pm (except
Christmas Day and Good Friday). Hours are extended to 9pm when daylight saving
time is in effect.
Taxis can be hailed from the street or from one of the
stands around the city. Look for the yellow taxis swarming major hotels and
train stations. Flinders Street and Spencer Street Stations and Lonsdale Street
outside Myer are the best places to hail a ride. All taxis are regulated and
charge the same amount per kilometer. If you wish to book there is a small fee
and several companies from which to choose.Taxis for the disabled are also
available. Air Travel:
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is about 20
minutes from the city. If travelling at peak times, add another 30
minutes.
The most direct route to the Airport is via Tullamarine Freeway,
which is part of City Link. Part of this trip takes in the City Link road
network and state-of-the-art electronic tolling system. There are no tollbooths
to slow down the flow of traffic but a day pass must be purchased before using
the network or by 12:00 noon on the following day. This fee is computed as part
of the fare when using a taxi or airport bus. Rental car companies have other
arrangements and customers will be informed of these at the time of car pickup.
Day passes can be purchased at the customer service center at the airport, via
the direct dial phones provided, or from a City Link service centre located
adjacent to the freeway. To purchase day passes and for other information you
can contact City Link at 03 13 26 29. www.transurban.com.au
A taxi ride between the airport and downtown
will cost about AUS$30 dollars
Sky Bus services from Spencer Street,
Franklin Street and the Town Hall will cost around AUS$15 dollars and depart
about every half an hour.
Driving a car in the Melbourne areaAustralians drive on the left
hand side of the road.
There are one way streets, two directional
carriageways and some multiple lane carriage ways, often divided by a median
strip.
Take care when turning onto these multiple lane roads. All lanes may
be travelling one way. When turning right at an intersection , always give the
right of way to vehicles turning left and any pedestrians crossing the road.
Pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections. Cars must always
stop behind a tram when it is stationary and the doors are open to give way to
the passengers stepping on or getting off.
Cars must always make a hook turn
to avoid cutting off a tram at a four way intersection. Signs will be posted for
a hook turn when required.
Right hand turning traffic must move forward in
the left hand lane and wait on the far left hand side of the carriage way. All
right turning traffic must wait on the left side until the traffic light turns
amber. Once clear you may make a wide turn to the right. The speed limits are
strictly enforced. Seat belts are compulsory in front and back seats. Children
must be harnessed in an approved safety restraint.
Outback regions are
linked with dusty narrow roads which require careful negotiation. There is a
great similarity to driving on icy roads.
Another hazard in the country is
the possibility of a kangaroo, wombat or koala crossing in front of the car.. A
collision could kill the animal and damage the car, but swerving could
potentially injure the driver, the passengers and other motorists. Be sure to
drive carefully at dawn and dusk when wild life is most active. Driving at night
should be avoided in some areas as most of the native animals are
nocturnal.
Drivers are required to carry a license at all times. An overseas
license is acceptable as long as it is in English.
CyclingCycling country roads is fine way to spend a day. Riders
are likely to encounter very few hills and only gentle inclines. Cyclists must
follow the road rules and wear bright clothing. Night riders need lights on
their bikes and reflective clothing. Helmets are required by
law.
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