ARRIVING IN MELBOURNE
By Air
Melbourne Airport is 22 km (14 mi) northwest of the central business
district. The international terminal is in the center of the airport
complex; domestic terminals are found on either side. International
airlines flying into Melbourne include Air New Zealand, Ansett Australia,
British Airways, Qantas, and United. The local carriers currently serving
Melbourne are Ansett Australia/Kendell (tel. 13-1300) and Qantas (tel.
13-1313). Flying time from Los Angeles to Melbourne is around 14 hours.
Flying time from Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo or Seoul to Melbourne is
around 8 hours.
Between the Airport and Town
The city can be reached easily from the airport on the Tullamarine Freeway. Skybus (tel. 03/9335-3066) is a private bus service that operates between the airport terminals and the city, but for three or more people travelling together, a taxi to the city is a better value. En route from the airport, the bus makes a loop through the city before terminating at Spencer Street station ($9), from where Tram 75 will take you directly to the conference hotel.Departures daily 5:40 AM-11:30 PM approximately every 30 min. Taxis are widely available. The cost of a taxi into town is approximately $30. Limousines to the city cost about $55. Three of the larger limousine companies are Astra (tel. 03/9819-7979), Embassy (tel. 03/9326-6033), and Hughes (tel. 03/9427-0533).
To reach the conference hotel, the best method is by taxi directly from the airport. Cost approx. $30.
Warning: If you rent a car, ask for it to be equipped with an e-tag (electronic tag) which is necessary on many sections of the central freeway, including the section between the airport and the city.
By Bus
Greyhound/Pioneer (tel. 13-1238) links the city with all Australian capital cities and with major towns and cities throughout Victoria. The terminal is on the corner of Swanston and Franklin streets. Tram 75 can be caught at Swanston St. and will take you directly to the conference hotel for about $2.
By Car
The major route into Melbourne is Hume Highway, which runs northeast to Canberra, 646 km (400 mi) distant, and Sydney, which is 868 km (540 mi). Princes Highway follows the coast to Sydney in one direction and to Adelaide, 728 km (455 mi) northwest of Melbourne, in the other. The Western Highway runs northwest 111 km (70 mi) to Ballarat, and the Calder Highway travels north to Bendigo, a journey of 149 km (93 mi).
Note the warning above regarding the e-tag. You can either plan to avoid e-tag sections of the freeway or purchase a daily pass at Shell stations.
By Train
Spencer Street Railway Station is at Spencer and Little Collins streets. Public transportation is accessible from here, but travellers with cumbersome luggage may want to hire one of the many taxis waiting outside the station.
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT MELBOURNE AND AUSTRALIA
Climate
Average maximum and minimum temperatures for Melbourne are as follows: Jan.-Mar., 56-79 deg. F (13-26 deg. C); Apr.-June, 45-68 deg. F (7-20 deg. C); July-Sept., 43-63 deg. F (6-17 deg. C); Oct.-Dec., 67-76 deg. F (19-24 deg. C).
Packing for Melbourne
The wisest approach to dressing Down Under is to wear layered outfits. Frequently, particularly at the change of seasons, weather can turn suddenly. You'll appreciate being able to remove or put on a jacket. A light raincoat and umbrella are worthwhile accessories. Bring a hat with a brim to provide protection from the strong sunlight.
Dress is fairly casual in Melbourne, though top resorts and restaurants may require a jacket and tie. The younger set tends to be trendy; women might want to take along a cocktail dress for evening dining. The Melbourne winter demands a heavy coat--a raincoat with a zip-out wool lining is ideal.
Electricity
The electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3 pin plug. Hotels provide 110 volts for shavers.
Customs and Duties
Australia has strict laws prohibiting or restricting the import of weapons and firearms. Animals and certain foodstuffs are subject to quarantine. Antidrug laws are strictly enforced, and penalties are severe. Nonresidents over 18 years of age may bring in 250 cigarettes, or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco, and 1 litre of liquor, provided this is carried with them. Other taxable goods to the value of $400 for adults and $200 for children may be included in personal baggage duty-free.
Banks
Banks are open from 9.30am - 4.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30am - 5.00pm Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Business Hours
As a rule, business hours in Australia are weekdays 9-5; this applies to post offices as well. Shops are normally open weekdays 8:30-5:30, with one late closing at 9 PM. On Saturday shops are open from 8:30 to between noon and 4. Some stores, particularly those in tourist areas and in the city centre, may be open a few hours on Sunday. Supermarkets in many locations open early and close late, including weekends.
Currency
Decimal currency is used in Australia, with the dollar (A$) as the basic unit and 100 cents (¢) equalling $1. Australian notes are $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. Coins are $2, $1, $0.50, $0.20, $0.10, and $0.05 cents. The cost of any item which is not a multiple of 5 cents is rounded up (or down).
Taxes
Everyone leaving Australia by air pays a departure tax of $27. This is often included in the ticket price. There is a general sales tax (GST) of 10% which is normally included in the displayed price of any item.
Tipping
Tipping has never been a custom in Australia, and many are loath to have it start. Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges, but it is a widely accepted practice to tip a waiter 10%-12% for good service, although many Australians consider it sufficient to leave only $3 or $4. It is not necessary to tip a hotel doorman for carrying suitcases into the lobby, but porters could be given $1 a bag. Room service and housemaids are not tipped except for special service. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but you may want to leave any small change. Guides, tour bus drivers, and chauffeurs don't expect tips either, though they are grateful if someone in the group takes up a collection for them. No tipping is necessary in beauty salons or for theatre ushers.
Time Difference
Melbourne operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is calculated by adding 10 hours to GMT.
Travel Insurance
It is recommended that you have the appropriate level of cover required for your travel arrangements. Further information may be obtained from your travel agent.
Health Concerns
Hygiene standards in Australia are high and well monitored, so don't worry about drinking the water or eating fresh produce in Australia. The major health hazard is sunburn or sunstroke: Australians suffer one of the world's highest incidences of skin cancer from overdoses of sun.
You may take a four weeks' supply of prescribed medication into Australia (more with a doctor's certificate).
FOOD AND MOVIE GUIDES
http://www.melbournemovies.com.au/
http://www.mdg.com.au/welcome.html
http://www.worldexecutive.com/cityguides/melbourne/restaurants.html