Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the major central attractions, and past shopping malls and arcades. The trams
run, in both directions, every 10 minutes between 10am and 6pm, except Good
Friday and Christmas Day. City Circle Tram stops are marked with a burgundy
sign.
Trams can be hailed at numbered green-and-gold tram-stop signs. To get off
the tram, press the red button near handrails or pull the cord above your head.
BY EXPLORER BUS
Melbourne Explorer Gray Line
(
&
1300/858 687
in Australia) operates buses
that pick up and drop off at 21 stops around the city, including the Melbourne
Aquarium, Crown Casino, Queen Victoria Markets, Captain Cook's Cottage,
Chinatown, Melbourne Zoo, and the Botanic Gardens, among others. There's
full commentary on board. You can hop on and off during the day. A bus returns
to each stop half-hourly. The first bus leaves Town Hall on Swanston Street at
9:30am and the last at 2:30pm. Tickets cost A$32 (US$21) for adults, A$16
(US$10) for children under 14. Buy from the driver or at the little tour booth
outside Melbourne Town Hall.
BY TAXI
Cabs are plentiful in the city, but it may be difficult to hail one in the city cen-
ter late Friday and Saturday nights. Taxi companies include
Silver Top
(
&
13
10 08
in Australia, or 03/9345 3455),
Embassy
(
&
13 17 55
in Australia, or 03/
9277 3444), and
Black Cabs Combined
(
&
13 22 27
in Australia). A large,
illuminated rooftop light indicates that a cab is free.
BY CAR
Driving in Melbourne is not always fun. Roads can be confusing, there are trams
and aggressive drivers everywhere, and there is a strange rule about turning right
from the left lane at major intersections in the downtown center (which leaves
the left-hand lane free for oncoming trams and through traffic). Here, you must
wait for the lights to turn amber before turning. Also, you must always stop
behind a tram if it stops, as passengers usually step directly into the road. Add
to this the general lack of parking spaces and expensive hotel valet-parking
charges, and you'll know why it's better to get on a tram instead. For road rules
pick up a copy of the Victorian Road Traffic handbook from bookshops or from
a
Vic Roads
office (
&
131171
in Australia for the nearest office).
Major car-rental companies, all with offices at Tullamarine Airport, include
Avis,
400 Elizabeth St. (
&
03/9663 6366
);
Budget,
398 Elizabeth St. (
&
03/
9203 4844
);
Hertz,
97 Franklin St. (
&
03/9698 2555
);
Thrifty,
390 Elizabeth
St. (
&
03/9663 5200
); and
National
, 110 A'beckett St. (
&
13 10 45
in Aus-
tralia). Expect to pay from A$40 (US$26) a day for a small car.
FAST FACTS:
Melbourne
American Express
The main Amex office is at 235 Collins St. (
&
03/9633
6333
). It's open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5:30pm, and Satur-
day from 9am to noon.
Business Hours
In general, stores are open Monday through Wednesday
from 9am to 5:30pm, Friday from 9am to 9pm, Saturday from 9am to
5:30pm, and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The larger department stores stay
