Information for International Visitors

Melbourne, Victoria

Melbourne is a place of remarkable contrasts that fuse, somehow, into seamless unity. Broad tree-lined boulevards juxtapose with labyrinthine arcades and laneways to make the whole city accessible. The roar of stadium crowds create a counterpoint to the cool jazz emanating from backstreet bars. Architectural icons of the 19 th century sit comfortable alongside contemporary flights of fancy.

There are cafes with paper tablecloths, fine dining restaurants of international renown and raucous markets overflowing with fresh food from many cultures. Al fresco salads in the sun during summer, schnapps by the fireside in winter. Melbourne is a place to experience intimate theatre and gala events in equal proportion. Ride around town in a horse-drawn carriage or on the back of a Harley Davidson. Melbourne is also a pageant of fashion from the latest international styles to local avant-garde. Melbourne is a happy accident of yin and yang synchronicity.

Access:

• Melbourne International Airport currently has 530 direct international flights per week to and from major destinations.
• Within a short distance from Melbourne are pristine beaches and rugged coastlines, scenic mountains and forests, historic towns, wineries, golf courses and Australian wildlife ideal for conference post-touring activities and incentive programs.

Transport:

• Melbourne has a comprehensive, efficient and well integrated public transport system with a 24hour/7day a week airport. The compact city grid network and transport facilities allow easy access to all ,major hotels, meeting venues and local attractions.
• Melbourne's new Southern Cross Station features an airport airport-style transport interchange able to handle over 30,000 passengers at peak hour times.
• Melbourne offers a Free City Circle Tourist Tram that travels around the city and links with other tram, train and light rail services in and around Melbourne . The tram will take passengers past shopping malls and arcades, major attractions such as the Old Treasury Building, Parliament House and the Princess Theatre, as well as parks and gardens.

Climate:

• Melbourne has a hospitable temperate climate with one of Australia 's lowest rainfalls. The city has been known to have four distinct seasons in one day – if you don't like the weather in Melbourne , just wait five minutes!

Attractions:

• Melbourne is the only city in the world with three closed roof stadiums.
• Melbourne is famous for its many and varied shopping experiences, from outdoor markets, to international designer boutiques, and everything in between.
• Melbourne enjoys unsurpassed services, accessibility, safety and security and business and social environment.

History

Settled by white Europeans in 1835, Melbourne was first a home for the indigenous population (known locally as Koories) for as long as 50,000 years prior. A major gold rush attracted worldwide attention in 1848 and a boom ensued, which lasted nearly 40 years. It also gave the city its magnificent public architecture, gracious parks and opulent mansions. Established as the commercial headquarters and seat of government, Melbourne was the birthplace of Australian federation.

Population

Approximately 3.5 million

Time Zone

Australia Eastern Standard Time is GMT plus 10 hours.
Daylight Savings – 5 October 2008 to 5 April 2009

Taxes

A 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is incorporated into the price of all goods and services sold in Australia , except some basic items. Some tourists may be eligible for a GST refund on goods bought in Australia .

Visit www.customs.gov.au for more information.

Tipping and Gratuities

Not required or expected in Australia – this includes taxis.

Visas

All travellers to Australia , other than Australian and New Zealand citizens, are required to obtain a Visa to travel to Australia . The Business Visa allows people attending conference and meetings in Australia to make a short visit of up to three months. Australia 's Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the world's most advanced and streamlined travel authoirisation system. If the country your passport represents has ETA Business Access, it enables visitors to Australia to obtain authority to enter at the same time as they book their travel arrangements. There is no need for the traveller to complete an application form for a Visa. In addition, a recent innovative enhancement to ETA arrangements allows a traveller to apply for an ETA over the internet. For more information: Department of Immigration and Citizenship, www.immi.gov.au .

Telephone Information

Calls from public telephones in Australia cost 40c. Most public telephones in Australia now use pre-paid phone cards. These can be purchased in post offices, newsagents, gift shops and many other outlets in denominations from A$5 to A$50. They can be used for local, interstate and international calls.

24 Hour Emergency Numbers

Fire, Police and Ambulance
000

Consulates

American – 03 9526 5900
British – 03 9650 4155
Chinese – 03 9822 0604
French – 03 9820 0921
German – 03 9828 6888
Greek – 03 9866 4524
Indonesian – 03 9525 2755
Italian – 03 9867 5744
Japanese – 03 9639 3244

Calling Overseas

International Direct Dial (IDD) telephone calls can be made from most public telephones. To make an international call, dial the International Access Code (0011), then the Country Code, the Area Code and the Telephone Number.

Frequently Called Country Codes

Canada – 1
China – 86
Germany – 49
Greece – 30
Hong Kong – 852
Indonesia – 62
Ireland – 353
Italy – 39
Japan – 81
New Zealand – 64
Spain – 34
Taiwan – 886
United Kingdom – 44
USA – 1

Taxi Cabs

Taxis can be hailed in the street if their sign is illuminated. Orange lights indicate that the taxi is not for hire.

Banking Hours

Monday to Thursday – 9:30am to 4:00pm
Friday – 9:30am to 5:00pm
Saturday – limited morning services by some banks and building societies.
ATMs – 24 hours in the city and suburbs

Currency Exchange

Nationwide Foreign Exchange is located at 97 Swanston Street , 03 8552 1077, and 142 Elizabeth Street , 03 9663 0633, 9am to 7om 7 days. Best rates/no commission fees. Services also available at banks, American Express offices, and currency exchange desks at the Airport and other locations throughout the City.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are widely accepted. They may also be used in Automatic Teller Machines with the use of a Personal Identification Number (PIN).