Visitor Information
Melbourne is the vibrant hub of style, sport, culture and dining in Victoria, Australia. Discover the secret laneways and rooftops, the cultural hub of Federation Square, buzzing bars, boutiques and eateries during your stay. Explore Southbank, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is site of Arts Centre Melbourne – a performing arts complex – and National Gallery of Victoria, displaying Australian and Indigenous art. Experience St Kilda, the Royal Botanic Gardens and bohemian Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. Day trip to the Mornington Peninsula or to Phillip Island for fairy penguins.
To find information on events, things to see and do, tours, places to eat & drink, check out these sites:
Climate
Melbourne has the reputation that its weather can sometimes be a little unpredictable. December is the first month of Summer in Melbourne, with the average temperature ranging between 13˚C/55˚F (minimum) to 24˚C/75˚F (maximum). For further information on climate visit:
Flying to Melbourne
For international passengers, we suggest that you try to allow yourself at least a day in which to adjust to the time difference and relax after your flight before your first day at the conference. Travellers flying westward across the Pacific Ocean are reminded that they will lose a day by crossing the International Date Line. The ‘lost day’ will be returned on the return journey.
Customs
Please ensure that along with your passport and visa, you also pack your registration confirmation within your carry on luggage. You may be asked to produce this when going through customs at your arrival airport. In addition to this, please be sure to fill out your Incoming Passenger Card with all details and answer each question honestly.
Quarantine
Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the importation of animals and plant products and many cannot be brought into the country without prior application. To have a smooth transition through quarantine and to enjoy your visit in Australia, it is important that you understand Australia’s quarantine regulations. See here for more information.
From the Airport (SkyBus)
There is no train station at Melbourne airport, to get from the airport to the city the best options are to either catch a taxi (Fare Estimator) or take the SkyBus. The SkyBus runs express between Melbourne Airport and Melbourne's city centre, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service takes approximately 20 minutes to get from the airport to the city centre. Buses run every 10 minutes from 6am to 11pm and every 15 to 30 minutes at other times.
At Melbourne Airport, SkyBus stops at Terminal 3 (Virgin, Tiger, Regional Express) and Terminal 1 (Qantas and Jetstar).
In the city, SkyBus stops at Southern Cross Station, near the corner of Bourke and Spencer streets. The SkyBus Hotel Transfer Service can transport you between Southern Cross Station and select city accommodation at no additional charge (Monday to Friday 6am – 10.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 7.30am – 5.30pm). Note: SkyBus is not a myki ticketed service. To travel with SkyBus, you must buy a SkyBus ticket. V/Line tickets, free travel passes and concessions are not accepted by SkyBus.
You can buy SkyBus tickets online ($18 one way per person) or at a SkyBus ticket booth at Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station.
For more information, see the PTV Airport Buses information.
Getting around Melbourne (myki)
Melbourne's grid layout makes it an easy city to navigate, with most attractions within walking distance. Transport options include train, tram, bus or bike.
myki is Melbourne's ticket to travel on the city's trains, trams and buses. It's a plastic smartcard with stored value that can be topped up and re-used again. You can purchase a myki at the airport, at premium train stations, retail outlets displaying the myki sign (including 7-Elevens). Myki cards should be touched on when you board and off when you alight. For more information go to:
Visitors to Melbourne can purchase a Myki Visitor Pack.
There is a free tram zone in the city that does not require a myki card. NOTE: The University of Melbourne is outside the free tram zone.
Electricity
Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian flat three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.
Health
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from a yellow fever- infected country zone within six days prior to your arrival. You do not need any other health certificate to enter Australia. Australia has a high standard of hygiene and doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you.
Tax
Australia applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 10%. Tax is already included in the advertised prices. Non-Australian members may be eligible for a refund of GST via the Tourist Refund Scheme.
Tipping
Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. A gratuity of about 10% is usual in restaurants if good service is received but not mandatory.