Weather
Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with cool winters, warm-hot summers, and balmy and mild weather in spring and autumn. Winter months are from June to August and temperatures range between -1°C to 12°C with an average of 8°C. The summer season is from December through to February and temperatures range from 21°C to 34°C with an average of 28°C.
Language
English
Time Difference
GMT +10 hours
Visas & Special Passes
There are different visa options for people visiting Australia for holidays, tourism, recreation, or to see family and friends.
- ETA (Visitor) (Subclass 976)
An electronically stored authority for short-term visits to Australia of up to 3 months. Available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who are outside Australia.
- eVisitors (Subclass 651)
An electronically stored authority for visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months. Available to passport holders from the European Union and a number of other European countries, who are outside Australia.
- Tourist visa (Subclass 676)
A temporary visa allowing a stay in Australia of up to three or six or 12 months. Applicants can apply from both outside and in Australia. Some tourists are eligible to lodge an online application for an e676 Tourist visa.
- Sponsored Family Visitor visa (Subclass 679)
For people seeking to visit family in Australia for a stay period of up to 12 months. Formal sponsorship by an Australian citizen or permanent resident is required.
Currency
The Australian dollar. Australia has a decimal system with 100 cents to the dollar ($AUD). Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and $1 AUD and $2 AUD; notes have values of $5 AUD, $10 AUD, $20 AUD, $50 AUD and $100 AUD.
Gratuity
Tipping is not a custom in Australia, and is not expected. However, for good service, a 10% tip in cafes or restaurants is normal. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but it is standard to round up the fare to the nearest dollar, especially if you have a lot of luggage or the driver has been particularly helpful.
Business Hours
Banks:
Mondays to Thursdays, 09:00 to 16:00 hours
Fridays, 09:00 to 17:00 hours
Business:
Mondays to Fridays, 08:30 to 17:30 hours
Shops and department stores, may vary but mostly:
Mondays to Saturdays, 10:00 to 18:00 hours, Fridays to 2100 hours
Sundays, 10:00 to 17:00 hours
Telephone
Local calls from public telephones in Australia cost 40 cents per call. Most public telephones accept coins and Telstra prepaid phone cards, which can be used for local, interstate and international calls. There are 4 main mobile phone operators: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and Three.
Health
Medical and dental services and a wide range of alternative therapies are widely available and are comparatively affordable by most international standards.
Electricity
240/250 volts AC 50HZ.
Public Holidays
New Year's Day, Australia Day, Labour Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday ANZAC Day, Queen's Birthday, Melbourne Cup (all of Victoria unless alternate local holiday has been arranged by non-metro council) Christmas and Boxing Day.