Skip to the content | Change text size

About Melbourne

 

About Melbourne

With a population of some 3.5 million, Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria, is Australia’s second-largest city. With its multicultural and multilingual population, and a reputation as a vibrant centre for arts, culture, dining and shopping, Melbourne is a popular and exciting travel destination.
For more information about Melbourne and Victoria, visit the following websites:

Getting Around

Upon Arrival

Melbourne Airport www.melbourneairport.com.au is located approximately 25kms from the Melbourne CBD on the Tullamarine Freeway. When travelling you should allow 30-45 mins, more if during the peak hours of 7am-10am and 4pm-6pm. To get from the Airport to the CBD you can either catch a taxi which will cost you approx $50-$60 AUD or pre-book on one of the shuttle bus services:

Getting to the Venue

The conference venue is easily reached by train from the city centre. The Caulfield Railway Station is adjacent to the campus. Four lines stop at the station: Cranbourne, Dandenong, Frankston and Pakenham. It will take approximately 30 minutes by train departing from the Southern Cross (Spencer Street) Station. It will take approximately 20 minutes by train departing from Flinders Street Station. The No. 3 tram from Swanston Street will take you directly to the Caulfield campus but will take longer.

Around Town

Melbourne has an integrated system of trains, trams and buses, known as Metlink. One Metcard ticket allows you to travel on all three services. A range of tickets covering three metropolitan zones can be purchased from vending machines at train stations, on trams or buses, or pre-purchased at more than 900 retail agents displaying blue Metcard signs such as 7-Elevens and newsagents.

The free Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle (blue bus) stops at key tourist attractions and destinations in and around the city of Melbourne. Hop on and hop off the bus at any of the stops at key city destinations including: Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens; Queen Victoria Market; Melbourne Aquarium; Immigration Museum; Southbank; the Shrine of Remembrance; Royal Botanic Gardens and Chinatown. The shuttle runs between 10am and 4pm daily. The complete trip takes approximately 50 minutes, listen to the informative on-board commentary as you travel around Melbourne.

For more information about the Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle, download a copy of the brochure from the website listed below, or pick up a copy from Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square. http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Gettingaroundthecity/Visitorassistance/Pages/TouristShuttle.aspx

The free City Circle tram travels the perimeter of Melbourne's central business district, taking in many of Melbourne's landmarks every day of the year except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Services operate every 12 minutes between 10am and 9pm from Thursday to Saturday, and between 10am and 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday.

Touring Options within Australia and Victoria

Link Tours has been appointed as the Tour Operator for the 17th Conference of International Association for World Englishes. Through Link Tours you can organise any of the following:

  • Pre-touring options in Australia or Victoria
  • Post-touring options in Australia or Victoria
  • Partner tours/options while you are attending the conference

Link Tours have pre-prepared some ideas for touring, to view these download the Tour Program and Booking Form (pdf).

These tours include things like:

Link Tours are also able to tailor a package to suit your needs. To arrange tours additional to the conference program contact Link Tours direct on:

Phone: +61 3 9699 8422
Fax: +61 3 9690 2902
Email: info@linktours.com.au
Website: http: www.linktours.com.au

Climate

Melbourne’s climate is temperate and variable with no great extremes and one of the lowest rainfall levels in Australia. The temperature in November (the Australian spring) range between 12 to 22 degrees Celsius or 53 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit.

Time Zone

There are several time zones in Australia. Australian Eastern Standard Time is GMT plus 10 hours.

Tipping and Gratuities

Not required or expected in Australia – this includes taxis, but can be offered if you feel it is warranted.

Exchange Rates

As at 15 September, 2010
1.00 EUR = 1.38199 AUD
1 AUD = 0.723730 EUR
1.00 USD = 1.06526 AUD
1 AUD = 0.938596 USD

Visas

If you are not an Australian citizen you will need a valid visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. With the exception of New Zealand citizens, all foreign nationals must obtain a visa/ETA before travelling to Australia. New Zealand citizens are issued with a visa on arrival in Australia.

Visas are available from Australian visa offices, such as Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates. They are also available electronically, over the internet. With an ETA, you don’t need a stamp in your passport, as they are confirmed electronically on your arrival.

Visit the Australian Government's Electronic Travel Authority (https://www.eta.immi.gov.au/) site to check your eligibility for an online ETA. A service charge of $20 AUD applies for online applications. Some travel agents and airlines may also assist you with visas.

For more information, see

Australia has strict customs and quarantine regulations. For more information, please visit:

Are you aware of the Tourist Refund Scheme?

You can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia. The refund only applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear on to the aircraft or ship when you leave the country. You can obtain more information at

 

International Association of World Englishes