About Melbourne
Melbourne, "the world's most liveable city" is famous for its picturesque botanic gardens and parks and its yearly calendar packed with festivals and sporting events. Situated on the Yarra River, Melbourne is an exciting city to explore. Modern architecture and design is juxtaposed with heritage buildings reflecting Australia.s cultural history. But beneath the city's impressive facade, lies the true heart and soul of the city; laneways which snake the city grid to reveal cafes and bars, fashion houses, boutiques, innovative cuisine, galleries, theatres and museums. Within an hour's drive of the city visitors can enjoy some of Australia's most spectacular coastlines, wildlife reserves, wineries, temperate rainforests, surf beaches and historic townships.
Melbourne Attractions
Melbourne Aquatic Centre - http://www.msac.com.au/
Rialto Towers Observation Deck - http://www.melbourne360rialto.com.au/
Eureka Lookout http://www.eurekalookout.com.au/
Scienceworks - http://scienceworks.museum.vic.gov.au/
Melbourne Zoo - http://www.zoo.org.au/visiting.cfm?zoo_id=1
Colonial Tramcar Restaurant - http://www.tramrestaurant.com.au/
National Gallery of Victoria http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/
Melbourne Aquarium - http://www.melbourneaquarium.com.au/
Queen Victoria Market - http://www.qvm.com.au/home.php
Victoria Attractions
Yarra Valley Wineries http://www.yarravalleywinerytours.com.au/
Healesville Sanctuary - http://www.zoo.org.au/
Victoria’s Open Range Zoo - http://www.zoo.org.au/visiting.cfm?zoo_id=3
Phillip Island Nature Parks - http://www.penguins.org.au/
The Great Ocean Road - http://www.greatoceanrd.org.au/
Parks and Gardens - http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/
Tourist Information
General Tourism - http://www.tourismvictoria.com.au/
Things to do in Port Phillip - http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/things_to_do.html
That’s Melbourne - http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
General Guide - http://melbourne.citysearch.com.au
City of Melbourne - http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Banking
The Australian Dollar ($AUD) is a decimal currency with units in
dollars and cents. Australia accepts all major credit cards including
Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Diners Club. Travellers cheques
are also widely accepted throughout. Major banks are open from 9am to
4.30pm on weekdays, with many flexiteller machines located throughout
Melbourne.
Taxes & Tipping
A 10% Goods and Services (GST) tax is incorporated into the price
on all Goods & Services. Tipping is not expected however if you wish
to show appreciation for outstanding service 10-15% would be
appropriate.
Telephone Information
When calling from overseas the country code for Australia is
"61". The area code for Melbourne is "3". When
calling overseas the international access code for Australia is
"0011". Mobile phones are widely used throughout Australia.
Check with your phone company in your home country about international
roam facilities in Australia.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to cover any medical expenses that
may be incurred should you become ill or injured during your trip.