The following practical information will assist you in planning your visit to our great city.
Time Zone
Australian Eastern Standard Time is GMT plus 10 hours.
Daylight Saving Time is Sunday 4 October 2009 to Sunday 4 April 2010.
Daylight Hours
Winter: 9 hours, 32 minutes (June 21)
Summer: 14 hours, 47 minutes (December 22)
Melbourne’s Climate
Melbourne's climate is temperate and variable with no great extremes and one of the lowest rainfall levels in Australia. For further information, visit www.bom.gov.au.
Visas to Australia
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 conferences 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 authorisation system. If the country your passport represents has ETA Business Access, it enables Australia visitors to obtain authority to enter at the same time as they book their travel arrangements.
In addition, a recent innovative enhancement to ETA arrangements allows a traveller to apply for an ETA over the Internet.
For more information, visit www.immi.gov.au.
Melbourne Shopping Hours
As a general guide, trading hours for city shops are:
Saturday to Wednesday – 10am-5pm
Thursday – 10am-7pm
Friday – 10am-9pm
Hours of operation often vary between shops and areas.
Taxes in Australia
A 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is incorporated into the price of all goods and services sold in Australia, except some basic items. International tourists may be eligible for a GST refund on some goods bought in Australia.
For more information, visit www.customs.gov.au or phone +612 6275 6666.
Australian Money
Australia’s currency comprises coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 dollar denominations; and notes of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar denominations.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Australian venues and for payment of services, and may also be accepted in Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) with the use of a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Currency Exchange
American Express Foreign Exchange
Level 1/233 Collins Street, Melbourne
t|+613 9633 6570
Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm,
Sat: 10am–1pm.
Services also available at banks and currency exchange desks, the Airport and other locations throughout the city.
Melbourne Visitor Services
Melbourne Visitor Centre
Federation Square
Corner Swanston and Flinders streets
t|+61 3 9658 9658
tourism@melbourne.vic.gov.au
www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
Melbourne Greeter Service
Free personal orientations of the city with a local volunteer who shares your interest and speaks your language are available seven days a week. Bookings must be made three days in advance.
t|+61 3 9658 9658
City Ambassadors and Info Booth
Melbourne’s Ambassadors wear distinctive red uniforms and rove the streets providing free information to visitors. Ask them for directions or ideas for things to do or see. The Melbourne Visitor Booth is located in Bourke Street Mall and operates Monday to Saturday: 9am–5pm and Sunday: 10am–5pm.