Experience Melbourne

About Melbourne 

- Melbourne Melbourne has the reputation for being Australia's cultural and sporting capital, and winter is a great time to enjoy the very best of the city. 

The city’s department stores, boutiques, laneways and factory outlets provide thousands of shopping opportunities to meet every style and budget.  For the gastronome, the CBD alone has more than 400 cafés and restaurants, offering food from dozens of countries as well as local flavours.

Galleries, museums and theatres cater for the arts-minded visitor, while the city’s heritage provides the perfect backdrop for a range of historic tours by foot, tram or even motorbike.

Winter is also the height of the AFL season. Melbourne plays host to footy fans every season with games played at Telstra Stadium and at the MCG. Experience the adrenaline rush and roar of the crowds with our unique game that is Aussie rules. 

Whether you enjoy wining, dining, shopping or the arts, Melbourne is a great place if you decide to extend your stay before or after the conference.

Conference Venue

Located approximately 10 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, The University of Melbourne is situated at the top end of Swanston Street, a short tram ride from the heart of Melbourne. 

Visitor information centre

Melbourne’s tourist information centre is located in Federation Square on the corner of Flinders Street and St Kilda Road, opposite the Flinders Street railway station. The Melbourne Visitor Centre can provide information on local activities as well as places and events around Victoria. View details at www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Gettingaroundthecity/Visitorassistance/Pages/MelbourneVisitorCentre.aspx

A small information hub is located in Bourke Street Mall for free advice and information, and Melbourne’s City Ambassadors, visible in their bright red jackets and caps, can be found roaming the CBD providing directions and information to anyone who needs it.

A night out at the Victorian Arts Centre
Transport and access
Airport transfers

Melbourne has two main airports:

Melbourne Tullamarine (www.melbourneairport.com.au ) is 25km from the city, less than 25 minutes by car or taxi.  The Skybus operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, running every 15 minutes during the day and every 30-60 minutes overnight.  Visit www.skybus.com.au to purchase a ticket or for more information.

For Qantas, Virgin and some Jetstar flights, Melbourne Avalon is 55km from central Melbourne and 19km from Geelong.  A taxi to Melbourne takes approx. 40-50 minutes and will cost around $80.

Public transport

Melbourne has a network of local trains, trams and buses, which all require Metcard tickets.  Regional trains are ‘V-Line’, which stop at Spencer Street Station.

Metropolitan train, tram and bus information: Metlink 131 638
Regional train and coach information: Viclink 136 196
Metlink TTY facility: (03) 9619 2727

The Metlink Melbourne website has information and timetables for all modes of transport: www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

Climate

Melbourne can have variable weather at any time of year. In early July the average daily maximum is 15 degrees and average night-time temperature is 8 degrees but be prepared for rain or shine.

Shopping hours

Opening times vary but are generally:

  • Monday to Wednesday 9am to 5.30pm;
  • Thursday and Friday late-night shopping until 7pm or 9pm; 
  • Saturday 9am to 5pm. 
  • Sunday 10am to 5pm

Post offices are open from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday.

Banking and currency

Banking hours are generally 9.30am-4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am-5pm Friday, but some banks offer extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.

Travellers cheques are widely accepted, as are major credit cards Visa, MasterCard, AMEX and Diners Card. Most banks will offer a foreign currency exchange.

The Australian currency is dollars and cents. Notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills. Coins are 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2. 

Melbourne winesHealth

Melbourne is generally a clean city and presents no real health risks for foreign visitors. Tap water is good, and restaurants and eating places are required by law to maintain a high standard of food preparation. Sun exposure is unlikely to be a problem in July. Travel insurance is recommended.

  
  
  
Other travel essentials
  • Time zone: during the conference, Melbourne will operate on Australian Eastern Standard Time, which is GMT plus 9 hours
  • Electricity voltage: 240
  • Units of measure: metric
  • Public phones: 50-cent local calls (Melbourne metropolitan area)
  • Coffee: around $2.70 a cup, sometimes less, quite often more in tourist areas
  • Petrol (gas): varies but is generally around 108-125 cents a litre
  • Emergency (police, ambulance and fire) phone 000

Useful Websites

The websites below provide useful information on getting the most out of your stay in Melbourne: