MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA - GENERAL INFORMATION
VICTORIA - THE GARDEN STATE
Victoria is the smallest of the Australian mainland states and is situated in the southeastern corner of Australia. With a population of over 4.6 million, Victoria is the most densely populated and highly urbanised of all the Australian states. Victoria's capital is Melbourne with an approximate population of 3.4 million people.
Featuring everything from beaches to rugged mountains in the high snowy country, lakes and white water streams. Whether it is history, adventure, entertainment or relaxation, Victoria has it all.
ABOUT MELBOURNE
Melbourne is set around the shores of the Port Phillip Bay. The city itself, laid out in a large rectangle and boasting a lively and cosmopolitan pulse, sits on the northern banks of the Yarra River, about five kilometres from the bay.
Extending around the bay, are a number of inner suburbs, each with its own distinct character and personality. A short tram ride from the city centre into Melbourne's suburban neighbourhoods is a "must see" for anyone wanting to experience what life here is really all about.
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
Melbourne is a city with something for everyone. From chic fashion stores to buzzing laneway cafes, trendy bars, botanic gardens to sports stadiums, elegant Victorian-era streetscapes to Manhattan-style skyscrapers, film and food festivals to galleries and opulent theatres, Melbourne has an activity and attraction that will interest you.
Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, a fact reflected in its micro cosmos of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. From the simple presentation of a sushi bar to the fine dining finesse of an award-winning restaurant, Melbourne's eateries are renowned for their superb food, atmosphere and service.
GETTING AROUND
Arriving in Melbourne
More than 25 carriers, operating international flights and a broad array of domestic destinations, serve Melbourne Airport. The airport, which is open 24 hours every day, has a number of facilities, and offers various city transportation options, including a shuttle bus service to the city, taxi hire and car rentals.
Getting around Melbourne
Getting around Melbourne is easy, due to an integrated network of trains, trams and buses. Tickets allowing travel across all services can be purchased from vending machines at train stations, on trams or buses, or pre-purchased at selected shops like news agents.
Melbourne's efficient train system covers most city and suburban destinations. Flinders Street Station, on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets, is the hub of Melbourne's train system, and all metropolitan trains begin or end their journey there. The city's famous trams travel along most of Melbourne's major thoroughfares, extending out to about 15 kilometres into the suburbs.
Other ways of getting around include taxis, which are numerous and easy to spot (they are all eye-catching yellow), boat (an abundance of vessels cruise up and down the Yarra River, travelling to destinations like Williamstown) and cycling.
CURRENCY
Australia has a decimal system with 100 cents to the dollar (AUD$).
Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and AUD$1 and AUD$2;
notes have values of AUD$5, AUD$10, AUD$20, AUD$50 and AUD$100.
In general, Melbourne's banking hours is Monday to Thursday 9.30am-4.00pm and Friday 9.30am-5.00pm. In Melbourne, all main banks are equipped to exchange foreign currency. You can also exchange foreign currency any day or night at the airport, or during normal business hours at Thomas Cook, 257 Collins Street, Melbourne or American Express, 239 Collins Street, Melbourne.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES AND CREDIT CARDS
Travellers cheques are the safest and most convenient way to carry funds. Brands like American Express and Thomas Cook are widely accepted in Victoria, and can be cashed at banks, foreign exchange brokers, larger hotels and restaurants, and for car rental. Passport ID is required when you cash travellers cheques. Fees for changing traveller's cheques sometimes vary from bank to bank.
Credit cards - Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club and their affiliates - are widely accepted throughout Victoria. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) with around-the-clock access are available in convenient locations like banks, along main shopping streets and in malls.
TIPPING
Tipping is not a general custom in Australia, and is at your discretion.
GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST)
A new tax system was introduced in Australian on 1 July 2000. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a broad-based tax of 10 per cent on most goods and services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, translators, food, transport (including coach, rail and cruise) and other tourism services within Australia. Tourism Refund Scheme (TRS).
In some cases, you can claim GST back through the Tourism Refund Scheme (TRS).
