Travel Information
First time to Melbourne? No worries, because in this section, you will find all you need about travelling to this vibrant city.
Entry Visa
For details on visa requirements, please visit the Australian Government Immigration website. Please contact us at ibapevents@ibo.org if you need an invitation letter.
Air Transportation
Melbourne is serviced by two airports, Melbourne International Airport at Tullamarine (International/Domestic) about 25km north of the city centre, and Avalon Airport (New Zealand/Domestic Only), about 60km west of Melbourne towards Geelong.
Please note that Avalon is quite a distance from Melbourne city (about 50 minutes drive); do consider arriving at Melbourne Airport if possible for convenience.
Airport Departure Tax
This should be included in the ticket price.
Airport Transfer
There are 2 easy options for those who arrive at Melbourne International Airport:-
- Taxi to the City Centre takes about 25-30 minutes and costs approximately AUD$40 - 45. Group arrivals may prefer to contact Silver Shuttle at tel: 131008 or (61) 03 8413 7202 to book a mini-van/maxi-cab.
- Skybus offers a shuttle bus service from the airport to Melbourne CBD and city hotels. This service operates 24 hours, 7 days. Buses run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day and every 30-60 minutes overnight. It cost AUD$16 for one-way ticket and AUD$26 for return ticket.
Ground Transportation
Melbourne is an excellent city for walking and you should have no problems navigating the CBD. Melbourne has a very large metropolitan area, but most areas of interest can be reached within 20 minutes from the CBD on the train or tram.
The free City Circle trams run around the CBD perimeter, covering Flinders St, Spring St, Nicholson St, Victoria St, La Trobe St and Harbour Esplanade. It is an older style tram, easily recognisable by its maroon colour. The tram stops along the route are sign posted with City Circle. They run in both directions every 12 minutes every day from 10am-6pm. Several of the trams on this service are equipped with recorded commentary about attractions passed. Tourist information is often available on board either from brochures or from a city guide person. These trams are geared to visitors and provide access to sites of interest to the tourist. They are a great introduction to central Melbourne and a free way to have a tram experience.
General Information
Weather
The weather can be unpredictable in Melbourne (it is commonly referred to as “4 seasons in a day”). It is advisable to bring along an umbrella because of the frequent rain.
Exchange Rate
Exchange rates fluctuate. Please check any currency coverters for the exchange rates. Money can be exchanged at the airport, banks and major hotels. ATMs are widely available which accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Tipping
Tipping is not widespread in Australia, but if you receive great service in a restaurant, the recommended tip is 10 per cent of the bill.
Electricity
The electric current is 220-240V 50Hz. Travellers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit.
Food & Drink
The popular tourist area of St Kilda offers a large range of good quality restaurants and cafes, especially on Acland Street, and Fitzroy Street. The Chinatown district, centred on Little Bourke Street, is filled with cheap Chinese options and some well-hidden (but excellent) Japanese alternatives.
Shopping
Melbourne is known as the fashion capital of Australia with numerous malls and boutique lined streets.
- Queen Victoria Market - huge and colourful, fresh and dry produce and tonnes of souvenirs and other interesting things
- Little Collins Street - home to some of the world's top designers and fashion houses; Collins Street also boasts a Louis Vuitton outlet and other high end shops.
- Brunswick Street (Fitzroy), and the southern end of Chapel Street in Prahran/Windsor, where clusters of stores sell an eclectic mix of vintage, rave, retro and alternative gear.
- Melbourne Central - shopping mall based in the city, adjacent to the underground station of the same name
- The Bourke Street Mall with the department stores Myer and David Jones
- For the bargain shopper, there is a DFO Outlet Malls located on Spencer Street, Melbourne city, just north of Southern Cross Railway station
Sightseeing
The City Centre probably has plenty to attract travellers: cafes, boutiques, department stores, and Victorian architecture can all be sampled on foot.
- Docklands - an entire new precinct filled with shops, bars, restaurants and a stadium with a waterside setting
- Eureka Tower - enjoy panoramic views of Melbourne at the southern hemisphere's tallest building
- Parliament House of Victoria - the first seat of the Australian federal government, free tours are available on weekdays
- State Library - this is the place for you if you love books, city architecture and free internet
- Southgate - pretty promenade on the south bank of the Yarra with great restaurants, bars and a Sunday art & craft market
- Federation Square - modernistic but wonderful space to see Melbournians live life plus popular bars and tourist info centre
For more information, do visit the following websites:-
www.melbourne.visitorsbureau.com.au/visitorinfo.html
Travel Disclaimer
Neither the IB nor its directors, officers or agents are responsible or liable for the safety and property of participants or their companions during the conference or any excursions related thereto. Travelling to and from the conference venue shall take place under the participants’ sole responsibility. Participants are advised to seek information on potential health and security risks incurred by themselves or their companions at the conference and to secure adequate insurance coverage. Swiss law shall govern any legal issues relating to the enrollment and participation in the conference. Any disputes arising with respect to or in connection with the enrollment and participation in the conference shall be finally settled by one arbitrator in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Geneva.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2008
