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Melbourne Accessible City
Getting to Melbourne is easy. Hundreds of international and domestic flights arrive and depart daily and over 30 international, domestic and dedicated freighter airlines operate at Melbourne Airport. Melbourne is also linked to major centres by rail and major highways, and there's also a ferry that crosses Bass Strait to Tasmania. Melbourne is a key city for business, education and events and is a favoured destination for many Australians and international visitors.
Qantas offers an extensive global network providing around 750* flights a week to Australia from around the world. And not only can we fly you to Australia, but right around the country with over 50 domestic destinations. So To Experience Australia, choose the airline that knows Australia best. The Spirit of Australia.
Virgin Blue takes the hard work out of organising travel for groups of twenty or more. With one of our super-efficient team members dedicated to your business, you'll get flexibility at the best possible price. With affordable fares and frequent flights across Australia, to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, you can fly your favourite airline to all the best conference destinations. Enjoy our famous Virgin Blue service even before you board the plane.
International Air Access
Melbourne Airport is the gateway to southern Australia, with an average of 450 international flights operating every week to and from major destinations. Twenty two international carriers currently operate direct services to Melbourne. AirAsia X commenced services between Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur in late 2008 and V Australia will commence operations between Melbourne and the USA from September 2009.
View Flying Time InformationFlying within Australia
Melbourne Airport offers 450 flights every day to and from major cities and regional areas around Australia. Six domestic airlines operate at Melbourne Airport, including Qantas, Regional Express and low-cost carriers Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways. More than 24 million passengers passed through Melbourne Airport in 2008, on board 192,000 flights. Ranked in the top five world airports for quality passenger service, Melbourne Airport offers a 24-hour single terminal precinct and is the only Australian airport to have won Australian Tourism Awards for General Tourism services. With domestic and international services within the one building, transfers are hassle free and quick.
Integrated Public Transport
Melbourne's automated ticketing system operates on all train, tram and bus services in the metropolitan area, with tickets called Metcards. One ticket can give you flexible travel between trains, trams and buses. Just buy a ticket, validate it and travel. Most fares are based on two zones. For your journey, simply select the zone/s you will be travelling in, and purchase the appropriate Metcard - whether it be for a single zone or multiple zones. Conference and convention organisers are encouraged to purchase discounted Metcard tickets for their delegates. Discounts are available for purchases of 50 or more 2 hour, Daily or Weekly tickets.
More information call Metlink on +61 3 9619 5200.
For train, tram and bus information call 131 638 from within Australia between 6am-10pm daily or visit: www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
Trains
Connex operates Melbourne's metropolitan train network with 15 lines radiating out from the city centre. At the centre of the network sits the historic Flinders Street Station, opposite the attractions of Federation Square and close to Melbourne's arts and sports precincts. Metropolitan train services normally operate between 5am and midnight, Monday to Saturday, and 8am to 11pm on Sundays.
View Melbourne Train Network Information
Trams
Yarra Trams operates the entire Melbourne tram network - one of the biggest in the world, with 248 kilometres of double track and 29 major routes. Metropolitan tram services normally operate between 5am and midnight, Monday to Saturday, and 7am-11pm Sundays.
View Melbourne Tram Network Information
Buses
The Melbourne bus network comprises 24 bus operators, which run 285 bus routes servicing commuters, school students, major shopping centres, and leisure and sporting activities across Melbourne. Melbourne's bus network has a combined fleet of over 4,000 vehicles that travel around 70 million kilometres.
City Tourist Shuttle
The Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle is free and a great new way to see Melbourne's attractions. Hop on and off at stops to see Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens; Queen Victoria Market; Melbourne Aquarium; Immigration Museum; Southbank; the Shrine of Remembrance; Royal Botanic Gardens; Chinatown and more. The shuttle runs 10am-4pm daily. The trip takes approximately 50 minutes and includes informative onboard commentary.
More information: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
City Circle Tram
The free City Circle Trams travel the perimeter of the central business district every day between 10am and 6pm, except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Extended hours of operation between 10am and 9pm occur on Thursday, Friday and Saturday during daylight saving time.
Nightrider Buses
NightRider buses travel from the city to the suburbs in the early hours, departing Swanston Street (between Collins and Flinders streets) hourly from 12.30am to 4.30am on Saturday and Sunday mornings, with connecting services to the Crown Casino. Buses go to Bayswater, Belgrave, Craigieburn, Croydon, Lilydale and Dandenong.
Travelling to Regional Victoria
V⁄Line is Victoria's largest regional transport operator and provides regional communities with rail and coach services. Inter-city services link major provincial cities, while frequent inter-urban services operate to Geelong, Ballarat, Kyneton, Seymour and Traralgon.
More information: Telephone V/Line from within Australia on 136 196 or visit www.viclink.com.au