Fast Facts

Fast Facts

Fast Facts in Melbourne

Melbourne boasts great events, a passion for food and wine and a fabulous arts scene. Known as a style-setter, Melbourne is home to a non-stop program of festivals, renowned dining, major art exhibitions and musical extravaganzas. There is something for everyone at Melbourne.

Climate:

Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with warm-hot summers; spring and autumn are balmy and mild, the winters cool. Melbourne is seldom unbearably cold or unbearably hot, temperature extremes when they do occur see the hotter realms of the thermometer causing more problems than the colder.

Time Zone:

Summer Time GMT plus 11 hours (October to March)
Winter Time GMT plus 10 hours (March to October)

Daylight Hours:

Summer: Sunrise approx. 0530-0600 Sunset approx. 1930-2000
Winter: Sunrise approx. 0700 Sunset approx. 1700-1730

Currency:

Australian Dollar (A$) = 100 cents
All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. Visit the XE.com Universal Currency Converter

General Shopping hours:

Sat to Wed : 10.00am - 5.00pm
Thurs: 10.00am - 7.00pm
Fri: 10.00am - 9.00pm
Banking Hours: Monday to Friday 0930 to 1630
ATM and EFTPOS facilities are available widely

Distance from airport to city centre:

14 km

Useful phone numbers:

Emergency/Ambulance/Police 000
City Circle Trams 13 16 38

Tipping:

It is common to tip at a restaurant to show your appreciation for the food or service. For taxis, tipping up to the nearest dollar is also occasionally practiced.

Public holidays:

• New Years Day 1 January
• Australia Day 26 January
• Labour Day 10 March
• Good Friday
• Easter Saturday
• Easter Monday
• ANZAC Day 25 April
• Queen’s Birthday 9 June
• Melbourne Cup (metro only) 4 November
• Christmas Day 25 December
• Boxing Day 26 December

Key Attractions:

• Melbourne Trams
• Old Melbourne Gaol
• Captain Cook's Cottage
• MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
• Melbourne Observation Deck
• Crown Casino
• Melbourne Park & Olympic Park
• Docklands Stadium (Telstra Dome)
• Melbourne Aquarium
• Melbourne Zoo
• Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
• Werribee Open Range Zoo