Melbourne - Your Australia Holiday Starts Here

Melbourne Fast Facts

SEASONS AND CLIMATE

Despite its small size, the Victorian climate varies across the state. The north is much drier and warmer weather than the south. Australia's seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. The climate can be characterised as warm to hot in summer (December to February), mild in autumn (March to May), cold to damp in winter (June to Auguest) and cool in spring (September to November)

CURRENCY

AUD - Melbourne's banking hours are generally Monday to Thursday 09h00 - 16h00 and Friday 09h00 - 17h00. All major banks such as Westpac, ANZ, Commonwealth and National Australia Bank have offices in Melbourne as well as in cities and many of the larger towns. In smaller centres you have to rely on the local post office or newsagent. In Melbourne, all main banks are equipped to exchange foreign currency. You can also exchange foreign currency any day or night at the airport, or during normal business hours at foreign exchange bureaus in Melbourne's central business district.

SHOPPING

From locally designed originals to the best of international brands you'll be spoilt for choice in Melbourne's shopping precincts. Explore department stores and shopping centres and meander through the city's myriad of arcades and laneways.

TIPPING

Tipping is not general custom in Australia, and is at your discretion.

GOODS AND SERVICES TAX

Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% on most goods and services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, translators, food, transport (including coach, rail and cruise) and other tourism services within Australia. International airfares do not attract GST. For international visitors, all prices quoted for a Victorian holiday will include the 10% GST, payable at the time of ticketing

CUSTOMS

Prior to landing on Australian soil, you will be given an incoming passenger card to complete, as well as Customs and quarantine laws, you must declare all goods of animal or plant origin, and you're not allowed to bring fresh fruit or vegetables into the country. And if you've been snacking on the flight, place any leftovers in the amnesty quarantine bins in the arrival area or on teh way to the luggage collection bay. Australian customs regulations allow anyone over 18 to import the following duty free: $400AUD worht of goods, not including alcohol or tobacco, 2.25 litres of alcohol, 250 cigarettes, or 250g of cigars or tobacco products

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Australia is one of the safest destinations in the world, but you should observe the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions as you would in any other country or at home.

Victoria has a few dangerous animals. Venomous snakes including the tiger snake, copperhead snake and red bellied black snake are mostly found in bushland but they can also live in built up areas. Poisonous spider, such as the redback spider and white tailed spider, are commonly found in houses, sheds and garages. The danger posed by snakes or spiders is, however, extremely low.

Medicare, Australia's public health care system, allows travellers from the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Finland, Italy, Malta and Netherlands to receive free or discounted medical treatment, limited to public hospitals, and visits to the doctor. For emergencies ring 000 for fire, police and ambulance.

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES

Look out for the distinctive blue and yellow ''i'sigin as you travel around Victoria. The sign is a pointer to a Visitor Information Centre, part of a network of accredited information centres across that state. Open seven days a week (except Good Friday and Christmas). Wherever you go, drop by a local accredited Visitor Information Centre to help you get the most out of your stay in Victoria