Climate

For more information on average temperatures, rainfall and lots of other great information about Australian destinations, visit www.australia.com

Driving License
International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Australia. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.

Electric Current
Electric current is 240 Volt, AC 50 cycles. Two or Three pin rectangular plugs are used. For more information, please visit your local travel store.

Exchange Rate
Australian currency fluctuates on the international monetary exchange. Therefore we recommend checking with your local bank for the exchange rate just prior to your arrival in Australia.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% 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.

Restaurants
Melbourne is a multi-cultural city and countless cuisines are available throughout the many restaurants.

Shopping
Shops in Melbourne are generally open from 0900 to 1700, Saturday to Wednesday and 0900 to 2100 Thursday to Friday. In most stores and shopping centres major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible within the city.

Time
Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time

Tipping
Tipping is not a general custom in Australia, and is at your discretion.

Transport in Melbourne
Tullamarine International Airport is located approximately 25 minutes from the city centre. Once in Melbourne , there are many transport options including taxi, train and tram. For more information on getting around Melbourne , click here .

Bus Service
The Skybus service operates half hourly or hourly at other times during the day. This service takes approximately 30 minutes to the city and the cost is $16.00 one way ($26.00 return).  For further info rmation on this service visit www.skybus.com.au

The following transport options are available:

Trains
The nearest train station is Southern Cross Station (10 minutes on foot).

Tram
Trams run along Spencer Street every few minutes. Tram routes that travel past the Convention Centre are 96, 109, 112. Tram routes that travel along Flinders Street and pass the Melbourne Convention Centre are 48, 70 and 75.   Please visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au  for more info rmation on trams, trains and buses.

Taxis
Taxi ranks are located at the Melbourne Convention Centre as well as all major hotels, Crown Entertainment Complex and Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations.

Transportation
Melbourne International Airport is located approximately 25 minutes from the city centre. Once in Melbourne, there are many transport options including taxi, train and tram.

Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques are a safe and convenient way to carry funds. Brands like American Express and Travelex are widely accepted in Melbourne , 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 travellers cheques vary from bank to bank.