Melbourne

When to visit

It is often said that Melbourne has “four seasons in one day”. This is particularly common in late Autumn and early Spring, when the weather is quite changeable, although major extremes are rarely felt in one day.

Melbourne Climate

Before Your Travel

Time Zone ( GMT )

November to March – GMT +11

April to October – GMT +10

Visa

Visa is required for tourist and can apply Electronic Travel Authority ( ETA ) online or through travel agents. Maximum length of each visit is up to 3 months.

An ETA is equivalent to a visa, but there is no stamp or label in your passport and there is no need for you to visit an Australian diplomatic office to submit an application.

There is a AUD20 service charge when applying online.

To apply ETA or For More Info : Australia ETA

Electricity

240/250 volt AC 50Hz. Australian power outlets take 3 flat prong plugs. Most hotels provide adapters.

Water

Australian tap water is safe to drink. Bottled water can be purchased from convenient stores or supermarket.

Language

English is widely spoken in Australia.

Arriving Melbourne

From the Airport

1. Skybus

Skybus is a non stop daily 24 hours express bus connecting you to Melbourne city from airport & vice versa. The average trip time is 20 minutes. Price is $18 one way & $30 return. Family fare is also available.

At no extra cost for SkyBus passengers, SkyBus can transfer you to selected hotels in CBD from city terminal.

SkyBus Hotel Transfer Service operates:

• Monday to Friday: 06:00 – 22.30
• Saturday, Sunday: 07.30 – 17.30

For More Info on Skybus : Skybus Melbourne

2. Taxi

Taxis are available from the ground floor level of Melbourne Airport, outside Terminal 2 (T2 – International) and both domestic terminals (Terminal 1 – T1 and Terminal 3 – T3).

Expect a taxi fare of around A$80 to A$85 for a return trip between the CBD and Melbourne Airport.

A $2.00 taxi parking fee applies at Melbourne Airport. This $2.00 per vehicle fee only applies to passengers leaving Melbourne Airport from a taxi rank.

A $3.00 per vehicle pre-booked taxi fee also applies for passengers catching a limousine or taxi from the premium parking area opposite T2.

Getting Around

Melbourne’s public transport system is very efficient and able to get you to most tourist attractions.

All services come under the Myki ticketing system. Travelers can purchase Myki Visitor Value Pack at the Melbourne Visitor Centre in Federation Square, SkyBus ticket booths and the PTV Hub. Otherwise, myki cards can be purchased from vending machines at train stations, newsagents, convenience stores and major CBD tram stops.

Fares are calculated based on distance traveled, with most inner-city suburbs falling within Zone 1, and a separate Zone 2 covering the middle and outer suburbs.

Tickets are available in two hour and daily options. Similar to London’s tube, the best fare for the journey is calculated automatically, with maximum capped at a daily ticket price $7.52.

For More Info : MyKi Fares

1. Tram

Trams in Melbourne are a major form of public transport and Melbourne is home to the largest tram network in the world.

It is one of the best transport to get you around Melbourne City and nearby surroundings such as St Kilda & Malvern.

Download : Melbourne Tram City Map

Tommy Ooi’s Traveling Tips

Traveling around Melbourne CBT? Hop on to the FREE Melbourne City Tram Service in the CBD, including the Docklands.

Using the trams within this zone does not require a Myki. If you do have a Myki and are travelling only within this zone, do not touch on as this will register as Zone 1 trip.

For More Info on Melbourne’s City Circle – Melbourne Free Tram Service

2. Melbourne Visitor Shuttle Buses

The Melbourne Visitor Shuttle links attractions in the CBD, Carlton and Docklands every 15 minutes for a flat rate of $5 per day. The full trip takes approximately 90 minutes and includes on-board commentary.

You can purchase the tickets from Best of Souvenirs in the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square or from ticket machines at each stop. Note: ticket machines only accept credit cards or coins.

For More Info – Melbourne Visitor Shuttle

3. Train

• Melbourne Metropolitan Train Network

Metro Trains offer everyone a convenient way to travel around outer Melbourne.

Download : Melbourne Metro Map

For More Info : Metro Trains Melbourne

• Victoria Regional Train Network

As the state’s regional public transport provider, VLine run more than 1400 train services and 600 coach services every week, helping a potential 1.3 million regional Victorian customers get from place to place

Download : VLine Rail Map

For More Info : V/Line

4. Bicycle

Melbourne has an excellent network of bike paths, plus a generally flat terrain, making pedal-power a great way to take in the city.

Most paths are “shared footways” under the law, although the majority of users in most places are cyclists. This means cyclists should expect to share the path with pedestrians, dog-walkers, rollerbladers, joggers, prams and tricycles.

Helmets are required by law, and care should be taken when cycling near slippery tram tracks.

5. Taxi

Yellow Melbourne taxis are ubiquitous in the city center but less often spotted in the suburbs.

For More Info on Taxi Fare : Taxi Service Commission

Check Out by Tommy Ooi

• 15 Must Visit Melbourne Attractions

• Melbourne Hotel Review

• Dining in Melbourne ( coming soon )