Melbourne Information

Ambulance
Call 000 for an ambulance.

Banks
Banks and ATM machines are everywhere. Banking hours are 9.30 – 4 on Monday to Thursday and until 5pm on Friday.

Business hours
Most shops open from 9 - 5.30pm except on Thursday and Friday where there is extended shopping hours and Melbourne shops close around 9pm. On Sundays shops generally open at 10am

City Link
CityLink is the Melbourne road toll system. No cash is taken so you need to purchase a pass which can be bought after the Melbourne toll road is used. (13 26 29)

Consulates
Melbourne has a number of consulates but the main Embassies are in Canberra.

Dentists
The emergency dental service is 03 9341 1040

Drinking laws
The legal age for drinking is 18.

Electricity
The current is 240V and uses a three pin plug (not the same three pin plug as the UK).

Hook turns
Be careful of the hook turns where you turn right from the left lane but indicate right. There are clear Hook turn signs that make it clear. This strange rule is due to the Melbourne trams!

Hospitals
The main casualty department is at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (03 9342 7000)

Internet
There are lots of internet places, many as part of small convenience stores. A good area to find them is Elizabeth Street near Flinders Lane, Chinatown and opposite Flinders Street Station.

Lost property
Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street (03 9658 9658)

Melbourne time
Melbourne is on Australian Eastern Time zone. Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of GMT and when daylight saving is on then is 11 hours ahead of GMT. Melbourne's Latitude is 37° 49’ S. and Melbourne's Longitude is 144° 50’ E.

Money
The currency is the Australian dollar that uses the standard “$” sign. However due to confusion with the US dollar the abbreviation AUD is often used or sometimes A$.

Post office
The main post office is at 250 Elizabeth Street (13 13 18), is closed on Sundays.

Public Holidays
Everything closes on Christmas Day. Other public holidays are New Years Day; Boxing Day; Australia Day (26 January); Good Friday; Easter Sunday; Easter Monday; Anzac Day (25 April); Queen's Birthday (12 June); 1st Monday in August (banks only) and the 1st Monday in October (Labour day).

Melbourne Police
The emergency number is 000.

Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Australia. However due to the large number of visitors tipping does occur and like most places in the world is appreciated.

Tourist Refund Scheme
Visitors to Australia can reclaim any GST on good purchased over $300 from a single store no more than 30 days prior to departure. Refunds are payable at the designated refund facility located past Customs up to 30 minutes before flight departure. You will need your tax invoice and goods to obtain a refund.

Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre
For full vaccinations and travel medical services. 393 Little Bourke Street, second floor (03 9935 8100)

Melbourne Visitor Information
The Melbourne visitor centre is in Federation Square (03 9658 9658).

Melbourne City Ambassadors
Melbourne has very helpful City Ambassadors who were red uniforms and move around street help visitors. They will provide directions and ideas for things to do.