GENERAL INFORMATION FOR VISITORS

• ARRIVING IN MELBOURNE
  • By air, By Bus, By Car, By Train.
    
• INFORMATION ON MELBOURNE
  • Places to visit, Getting Around, Emergencies
• THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
  • Introduction, Campus Map, Campus Banks
• GUIDED TOURS OF MELBOURNE
  • Orientation Tours, Cycling Tours, Golf Tours, River Cruises, Walking Tours.
• INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
  • Travel and Arrival,Passport & Visa,Vaccinations,Customs & duties,Banks,Bussines Hours,Currency,Taxes,Mail, Electricity, Tipping, Time Zone, Climate, Travel Insurance
• OTHER (OFF LINE) SOURCES OF VISITOR INFORMATION
• Other Links
• Melbourne tourism Online
• Lonely Planet Guide to Melbourne
• Melbourne Travel Guide
• Map of Melbourne
• Citysearch
• Telephone Directories: White Pages, Yellow Pages.
• Melbourne Weather

ARRIVING IN MELBOURNE

Melbourne Airport is 22 km (14 mi) northwest of the central business district. The international terminal is in the center of the airport complex; domestic terminals are found on either side.
     International airlines flying into Melbourne include Air New Zealand, Ansett Australia, British Airways, Qantas, and United. The local carriers currently serving Melbourne are Ansett Australia/Kendell (tel. 13-1300) and Qantas (tel. 13-1313). Flying time from Los Angeles to Melbourne (via Auckland) is around 16 hours.

BETWEEN THE AIRPORT AND TOWN

The city can be reached easily from the airport on the Tullamarine Freeway. Skybus (tel. 03/9335-3066) is a private bus service that operates between the airport terminals and the city, but for three or more people traveling together, a taxi to the city is a better value. En route from the airport, the bus makes a loop through the city before terminating at Spencer Street station. $9. Departures daily 5:40 AM-11:30 PM approximately every 30 min.
    Taxis are widely available. The cost of a taxi into town is approximately $30. Limousines to the city cost about $55. Three of the larger limousine companies are Astra (tel. 03/9819-7979), Embassy (tel. 03/9326-6033), and Hughes (tel. 03/9427-0533).

Greyhound/Pioneer (tel. 13-1238) links the city with all Australian capital cities and with major towns and cities throughout Victoria. The terminal is on the corner of Swanston and Franklin streets.

The major route into Melbourne is Hume Highway, which runs northeast to Canberra, 646 km (400 mi) distant, and Sydney, which is 868 km (540 mi). Princes Highway follows the coast to Sydney in one direction and to Adelaide, 728 km (455 mi) northwest of Melbourne, in the other. The Western Highway runs northwest 111 km (70 mi) to Ballarat, and the Calder Highway travels north to Bendigo, a journey of 149 km (93 mi).

Spencer Street Railway Station is at Spencer and Little Collins streets. Public transportation is accessible from here, but travelers with cumbersome luggage may want to hire one of the many taxis waiting outside the station.

INFORMATION ON MELBOURNE

We invite you to come and enjoy what many locals refer to as 'Marvellous Melbourne.' We are seen by visitors to be a delightful and sophisticated city offering a myriad of notable activities and attractions. Melbourne is a city of parks and gardens, and the tree-lined boulevards grace the cityscape of elegant Victorian buildings alongside inspired modern architecture. The city is renowned for its cosmopolitan dining, fashion and culture, night life and regional attractions. Melbournians are a friendly lot who invite you to savour the sights, sounds and surprises of this great city.

Melbourne is a multicultural city, with over one hundred different nationalities represented in the quarter of the population that was born overseas. Its diverse and vibrant cultural life is reflected in the cuisine available - at home as well as in restaurants - in cultural festivals, and in the dozens of different languages spoken in the streets and cafes.

Details of some of the restuarants close to the University can be found here.

The Victorian Arts Centre, on the Yarra River, houses the National Gallery of Victoria, three theatres, a performing arts museum, two music studios and a concert hall. The Centre is home to the Australian Ballet, Victoria State Opera, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Theatre Company and Circus Oz.

If you haven't been to the wide array of markets in Melbourne, then you haven't really been to Melbourne. The toast of all markets in the Queen Victoria Market, just on the frindge of the city, and still standing since 1878. You will find the freshest food and quality merchandise at good prices. Other markets that have their own form of tradition include Camberwell, Carinbean, Croydon, Moonee Ponds, Prahran and Preston Markets. The St. Kilda Esplanade Art & Craft Market is a lively spot for a Sunday as is Meat Market Craft Center. Bridge Road in Richmond features many clothing shops, factory seconds at great prices.

SouthGate based on the banks of the yarra is picturesque, the complex consists of three levels of fashion and food. Melbourne Central based near Museum station is a fascinating complex offering 180 specialty stores and the Diamaru department store. If you make it to Melbourne Central you must see the Shot Tower.

Brunswick St., Fitzroy has been described at the Hub of cosmopolitan Melbourne; this is a street full of cafæs and restaurants, nearby is Johnson St, where again you will find great cafæs and restaurants. Fitzroy is a grungy sort of area, regardless you will get a good meal. Italian cuisine is what you want, then it is hard to go wrong with Lygon St., Carlton, only a few minutes walk from the University.

China Town, Bourke St., is always interesting, including World class restaurants, books stores, unusual gift stores and more.

Melbourne's public transport system is called the Met, offering tram, train and bus services on the one ticket. The system is divided into three zones, zone 1 being the inner area. The city and inner suburbs are best seen by tram - a unique way to travel, but take care when alighting to make sure the banked-up cars have completely stopped! The basic ticket is the one-zone ticket, which can be purchased from the tram conductor for $2.20 and is valid for travel within that zone on any tram, bus, or train for a period of two hours after purchase. For most travelers, the most useful ticket is the Zone 1 day ticket, which costs $4.30 and is available on board any tram. A free route map is available from the Victoria Tourist Information Centre at the corner of Swanston Street Walk and Little Collins Street. Trams run until midnight and can be hailed wherever you see a green and gold tram-stop sign. A free City Circle tram operates daily 10-6 on the fringe of the Central Business District, with stops in Flinders, Spencer, La Trobe, Victoria, and Spring streets. Look for the burgundy-and-cream color scheme.
     The train network is extensive, and includes lengthy suburban routes and an underground city loop. The bus network generally fills in the gaps left between the tram and train services - an increasing gap as the state government seems intent on destroying a fine public-transport infrastructure. Timetables too should be treated as works of partial fiction.
     Taxis are numerous but fairly expensive. Taxis are metered, and empty taxis can be hailed on the street and at taxi stands or they can be ordered by phone. Melbourne's taxis are gradually adopting a yellow color scheme, and drivers are required to wear uniforms. Major taxi companies include Silver Top (tel. 03/9345-3455), Northern Suburban (tel. 03/9480-2222), Embassy (tel. 03/9320-0320), and Black Cabs (tel. 13-2227).
   Car-rental places range from the usual familiar names to the rent-a-bomb variety. Melbourne's regimented layout makes it easy to negotiate by car, but two unusual road rules applybecause of the tram traffic on the city's major roads. Trams should be passed on the left, and when a tram stops, the cars behind it also must stop, unless there is a railed safety zone for tram passengers. Also, at various intersections within the city, drivers wishing to turn right must stay in the left lane as they enter the intersection, then wait for the traffic signals to change before proceeding with the turn. The rule is intended to prevent traffic from impeding tram service. For complete directions, look for the black-and-white traffic signs suspended overhead as you enter each intersection where this rule applies. All other right turns are made from the center. It is far easier to understand this rule by seeing it in action rather than reading about it.
  Melbourne's generally flat terrain makes cycling a popular option for getting around but watch out for those tram tracks.

Ambulance, fire brigade, and police, tel. 000.

Hospital Emergency Rooms

• Royal Melbourne Hospital (Royal Parade, Parkville, tel. 03/9342-7000),
  
• Royal Dental Hospital (Elizabeth St. and Flemington Rd., tel. 03/9341-0222),
• Royal Women's Hospital (132 Grattan St., Carlton, tel. 03/9344-2000),
• St. Vincent's Hospital (Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, tel. 03/9288-2211).

THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

The University of Melbourne is located just 1.5 km north of the central business district of Melbourne. It was established in 1853. When the University opened in 1855 it was Victoria's first university and Australia's second. The motto Postera crescam laude means "I shall grow in the esteem of future generations".
     The University is divided into eleven Faculties, the School of Graduate Studies and the Melbourne Business School. It has some 2000 academic staff, of whom 130 are professors, 200 associate professors or readers, and 400 senior lecturers.
     The University is home to over 1700 international students from 40 countries undertaking undergraduate, postgraduate and Study Abroad programs. Nine University residential colleges and three halls of residence are situated close to the campus (general enquiries: telephone or facsimile +61 3 9347 9320). As well as student accommodation, they all provide academic support through tutorials, libraries and educational counselling.

A map of the campus, showing the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, appears below. There is also a more detailed map available online.

There are bank branches on campus. The Commonwealth Bank is on the ground floor of the Architecture Building (phone 344-7205) and opposite the Babel Building (phone 344-7152); the National Australia Bank is in the Old Botany Building (phone 344-6228/7187); and there is a National Bank automatic teller in the Science Education Building in the Institute of Education.

GUIDED TOURS OF MELBOURNE

Orientation Tours

Gray Line has several guided tours of Melbourne and its surroundings by coach and boat. The Melbourne Experience is a basic three-hour tour that visits the city center's main attractions and some of the surrounding parks. The tour departs daily at 9 AM from the company's headquarters. 184 Swanston St. Walk, tel. 03/9663-4455. $36.

Australian Pacific Tours (tel. 13-1304), AAT Kings (tel. 03/9663-3377), Great Sights (tel. 03/9639 2211), and Melbourne Sightseeing (tel. 03/9663-3388) all offer similar trips and prices.

The City Explorer tour is a do-it-yourself tour of the city aboard a bus that makes a circuit of the city's major attractions, including the zoo and the parks to the east. The tour ticket is valid for one complete circuit, and ticket holderscan leave the double-decker bus at any of the eight stops along the route and board any following City Explorer bus. The tour begins at Flinders Street Station. Buses leave hourly, except at 1 PM, beginning at 10 AM. The last bus is at 4 PM. tel. 03/9563-9788. $15.

The City Wanderer double-decker bus travels a similar route around the city center but substitutes a detour to historic Williamstown and the Scienceworks Museum for the zoo and nearby Carlton. Buses leave at 9:30, 10:30, 12, 2 and 3:30 from Flinders Street Station. tel. 03/9563-9788. $15.

Cycling Tours

Melbourne's excellent bicycle path network and flat terrain makes cycling a pleasurable experience. Melbourne by Bicycle operates four guided half-day tours--A Taste of Melbourne, St. Kilda and the Bay, Main Yarra River Trail, and Williamstown--with all equipment supplied. Two tours are offered each day. tel. 03/8886-0800, fax 03/9885-4355. $39 single rider, $29 each 2 or more riders.

Golf Tours

Koala Golf Tours (tel. 018/329-934) specializes in golf tours around the city. The tour cost, which includes golf clubs and shoes if necessary, varies from $100 to $225 per person, depending on the greens fees at the course.

Yarra River Cruises

The modern, glass-enclosed boats of the Melbourne River Cruises fleet take one- and two-hour cruises daily, either west through the commercial heart of the city or east through the parks and gardens, or a combination of the two. The boat departs from Berth 1, Princes Walk, on the opposite side of Princes Bridge from Flinders Street Station. Melbourne River Tours, Vault 1, Princes Walk, tel. 03/9629-7233 or 03/9650-2055. 1-hr cruise $13, 2-hr cruise $25. Cruises daily 10-4 every 1/2 hr.

Yarra Yarra Water Taxis (tel. 0411/255-179) offers a 1950s speedboat as an alternative to the larger cruise boats. The size of the boat makes it possible to follow the Yarra as far as Dight's Falls, passing some of Melbourne's wealthiest suburbs on the way. It rents for $75 per hour (less hourly for longer rentals), including the captain, and can carry up to four passengers. Picnic baskets are available.

Walking Tours

Melbourne Heritage Walks and Tours (tel. 03/9827-1085, fax 03/9827-4263) is a 90-minute stroll that takes its cues from the city's architecture to portray a fascinating picture of the social and political history of Melbourne. Tour guide Maxine Wood is lively and entertaining, and her contacts allow her entry to such seldom-seen places as the backstage chambers of Parliament House and the rarely visited corridors of Government House. The tours, on Wednesday morning and Sunday afternoon, cost $20 per person. Private tours for groups also can be arranged.

INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

TRAVEL AND ARRIVAL

For international visitors, we suggest that you allow at least a day in which to adjust to the time difference and relax after your flight. Travellers crossing the Pacific will lose a day by crossing the International Date Line. We recommend that international visitors select flights that operate direct into Melbourne to avoid the transfer from International to domestic terminals in other Australian ports. See the section above on "Arriving in Melbourne" for more information.

PASSPORT AND VISA

Entry into Australia will be denied to those not holding a current passport and entry visa. It is also essential to purchase a return airline ticket. The processing of visa applications may take some time and it is recommended that you check with your travel agent or airline for advice regarding procedures. Alternatively, you may contact any Australian Embassy or Consulate for information.

VACCINATIONS

A Current valid international certificate of Inoculation against cholera and yellow fever is required if delegates come from or travel through infected areas. Consult your travel agent or airline in this regard.

CUSTOMS & DUTIES

Australia has strict laws prohibiting or restricting the import of weapons and firearms. Animals and certain foodstuffs are subject to quarantine. Antidrug laws are strictly enforced, and penalties are severe. Nonresidents over 18 years of age may bring in 250 cigarettes, or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco, and 1 litre of liquor, provided this is carried with them. Other taxable goods to the value of $400 for adults and $200 for children may be included in personal baggage duty-free.

BANKS

Banks are open from 9.30am - 4.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30am - 5.00pm Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

BUSINESS HOURS

As a rule, business hours in Australia are weekdays 9-5; this applies to post offices as well. Shops are normally open weekdays 8:30-5:30, with one late closing at 9 PM. On Saturday shops are open from 8:30 to between noon and 4. Some stores, particularly those in tourist areas and in the city centre, may be open a few hours on Sunday.

CURRENCY

Decimal currency is used in Australia, with the dollar (A$) as the basic unit and 100 cents (¢) equaling $1. Australian notes are $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. Coins are $2, $1, $0.50, $0.20, $0.10, and $0.05 cents. The cost of any item which is not a multiple of 5 cents is rounded up (or down).

TAXES

Everyone leaving Australia by air pays a departure tax of $27.

There is a general sales tax (GST) of 10% which should be included in the displayed price of any item.

MAIL

Mail service in Australia is normally efficient. Postage rates are 45¢ for domestic letters, $1.05 per 20-gram (28.35 grams = 1 ounce) airmail letter, and 95¢ for airmail postcards to North America; the same services cost $1.20 and $1 to the United Kingdom. Overseas fax service costs up to $12 for the first page plus $6 for each additional page. You can send printed material by Economy Air, which travels via surface mail within Australia but by airmail across the Pacific, at a cost of $19 for up to a kilogram (a little more than 2 pounds)

ELECTRICITY

The electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3 pin plug. Hotels provide 110 volts for shavers.

TIPPING

Tipping has never been a custom in Australia, and many are loath to have it start. Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges, but it is a widely accepted practice to tip a waiter 10%-12% for good service, although many Australians consider it sufficient to leave only $3 or $4. It is not necessary to tip a hotel doorman for carrying suitcases into the lobby, but porters could be given $1 a bag. Room service and housemaids are not tipped except for special service. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but you may want to leave any small change. Guides, tour bus drivers, and chauffeurs don't expect tips either, though they are grateful if someone in the group takes up a collection for them. No tipping is necessary in beauty salons or for theater ushers.

TIME DIFFERENCE

Melbourne operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is calulated by adding 10 hours to GMT.

CLIMATE

Average maximum and minimum temperatures for Melbourne are as follows: Jan.-Mar., 56-79 deg. F (13-26 deg. C); Apr.-June, 45-68 deg. F (7-20 deg. C); July-Sept., 43-63 deg. F (6-17 deg. C); Oct.-Dec., 67-76 deg. F (19-24 deg. C).

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is recommended that you have the appropriate level of cover required for your travel arrangements. Further information may be obtained from your travel agent.

PACKING FOR MELBOURNE

The wisest approach to dressing Down Under is to wear layered outfits. Frequently, particularly at the change of seasons, weather can turn suddenly. You'll appreciate being able to remove or put on a jacket. A light raincoat and umbrella are worthwhile accessories. Bring a hat with a brim to provide protection from the strong sunlight.

Dress is fairly casual in Melbourne, though top resorts and restaurants may require a jacket and tie. The younger set tends to be trendy; women might want to take along a cocktail dress for evening dining. The Melbourne winter demands a heavy coat--a raincoat with a zip-out wool lining is ideal.

HEALTH CONCERNS

Hygiene standards in Australia are high and well monitored, so don't worry about drinking the water or eating fresh produce in Australia. The major health hazard is sunburn or sunstroke: Australians suffer one of the world's highest incidences of skin cancer from overdoses of sun.

You may take a four weeks' supply of prescribed medication into Australia (more with a doctor's certificate).

OTHER SOURCES OF VISITOR INFORMATION

In Melbourne

Victoria Tourist Information Centre (Town Hall, Swanston St. Walk and Little Collins St., tel. 03/9658-9968 or 03/9658-9940) is open weekdays 8:30-5:30, Saturday 8:30-5, and Sunday 9-5. There are also booths at City Square and Bourke Street Mall (Mon.-Thurs. 9-5, Sat. 10-4, and Sun. 11-4), and Rialto Tower Plaza Forecourt (daily 11-6).

For telephone inquiries, call Victoria Answers (tel. 03/9653-9877) or the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (tel. 03/9790-3333).

For a recorded listing of current events in Melbourne, call the Information Line (tel. 03/0055-34360).

For information on Victoria's national parks, stop in at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (240 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, tel. 03/9412-4011).