Before you depart
Visa Information
All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia. We recommend that all visitors apply for their visa a minimum of 3 months prior to arrival. Click here for detailed information on Australian visa applications. > link to Visa Information page.
Currency
Decimal currency is used in Australia - units are dollars and cents. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. Visit www.xe.com for current exchange rates.
Travel & Health Insurance
The Workshop does not provide insurance to delegates. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses. If necessary, consult your travel agent.
What to pack
Climate
Summer in Melbourne is great, but Melbourne does have a reputation for changeable weather. A tip for any visitor is to be prepared – wear layers that can be worn or removed as needed. The average temperature for Melbourne in February ranges from a low of 16°C to a high of 26°C but in true Melbourne form can be unpredictable and be lower or much higher than the average. A range of weather may be experienced within a few days, from calm and sunny to cool, windy and showery.
Power Adapters
Please check if you need a power adapter for your visit by checking the website listed below.
https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/au/australia/Transport from the airport
The Workshop does not provide any transfers from the airport to Workshop Hotels. Delegates must make their own transport arrangements from the airport.
SkyBus
This is an express bus service from Melbourne airport to Southern Cross Station in the city centre. This service operates 24/7, including all public holidays and takes approximately 20 - 30 minutes. Buses run from every 10 minutes throughout the day. Adult tickets are approximately $20 one way, $37 return and can be purchased on arrival at the airport terminal bus stop or purchased online at www.skybus.com.au.
On arrival at Southern Cross Station in the city, SkyBus provides a complimentary hotel transfer service, subject to availability, during the following hours: 0600-2230 Monday to Friday; 0730-1730 Saturday and Sunday.
Taxis
There is an abundance of taxis that can be engaged at ranks at Melbourne Airport. The taxi ride from the airport to the Melbourne CBD can take between 30-45 minutes and may cost about $50 - $70 depending upon the time of day.
Ride share
Ride share options are available such as Uber and there is a dedicated pick-up area for this at the terminal, follow the signs for ‘Ride Share Pick Up’ to meet your driver.
Free Tram Zone
The Free Tram Zone in Melbourne's CBD makes it easier for commuters and tourists to move around the city. The principal boundaries of the Free Tram Zone are Spring Street, Flinders Street and La Trobe Street. Additionally, the tram routes along Victoria Street, William Street and Elizabeth Street that surround Victoria Market are also included as well as the Docklands area. All stops within the zone are clearly marked and tram drivers will make regular announcements when approaching the zone boundaries. Zone boundaries are signed and free tram zone maps are across the network. If your tram journey is exclusively within the zone, travel is free, meaning you do not need to touch on with a Myki. If your journey begins or ends outside of the zone you must touch on with a valid Myki when boarding the tram.
124A – Casino/MCEC/ Clarendon St
Click to enlarge
Travel with Myki
The Myki card is your ticket to travel on trains, tram and buses in Melbourne and many parts of regional Victoria. You can top up (add money) your Myki at hundreds of shops (including all 7-Eleven stores), Myki machines, station ticket offices or online. Please note that unless you are travelling only in the Central Melbourne Free Tram Zone Area, you must have a Myki to get on a tram - cash is not accepted.
A tip for visitors is to download the Tram Tracker app which provides passenger information including predicted tram arrival times, disruption updates, and information about Melbourne's tram network.
Up-to-date travel and ticket information can be found here: http://ptv.vic.gov.au/
Accessible Public Transport
Melbourne’s public transport system includes metropolitan train, tram and bus services. Many stops and stations are accessible for travellers using mobility aids and other passengers with a disability.
To help you plan your journey, Public Transport Victoria’s (PTV) website contains general information about public transport accessibility for people with a disability.
PTV also has information on using mobility aids on trains, trams and buses, and using trains, trams and buses with a vision or hearing impairment.
Mobility Equipment Hire
If you have limited mobility, getting around the streets of Melbourne can be made easier by hiring equipment such as scooters or walking sticks or, if you have children, prams.
You can hire mobility and access equipment from Travellers Aid at Flinders Street station or Southern Cross station. You can book online or by calling 03 9610 2030.
Mobility Maps
The City of Melbourne’s mobility map covers the central city. We hope it helps make your trip into or around the city accessible, easy and enjoyable.
The map includes details on access and facilities for people with limited mobility such as street gradients, accessible public transport stops, accessible toilets, parking and much more.
Please view the City of Melbourne website for further information on mobility maps available.