Transport

Once you have settled into Melbourne, you will find travelling easy. You can use public transport, buy a car, a bicycle, hail a taxi or walk. Driving in Australia is on the left-hand side of the road and all vehicles are right-hand drive. As in any country, always use common sense when you are travelling, especially late at night.

Street directories

A street directory is a valuable investment for finding your way around Melbourne. The most popular directory is the Melway Greater Melbourne Street Directory, known as the Melways, which can be purchased at newsagents and bookstores for around A$35. The maps are very clearly detailed and provide excellent information on all of Melbourne's inner and outer suburbs. As well as the location of train, tram and bus stations and routes, the Melways tells you where to find churches, cinemas, schools, sporting venues and many other Melbourne attractions. See an online version here.

A great online resource for finding out how to get around in Melbourne, to view maps of particular areas, get precise directions on how to get from one place to another, search for places of interest, and much more is www.whereis.com.au/.

Public transport

Melbourne's public transport system includes trains, trams and buses. Each of the University's campuses is located within a 10 - 15 minute walk to trains stations or bus stops. For public transport information visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/.

Timetable information

Public transport timetables are available at the University's Student Union office or from your local train station. Contact your local bus station or ask your bus driver for information about bus timetables. Or look at www.viclink.com.au or www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au or call 13 16 38.

The Metcard - your ticket to ride

Melbourne's public transport system is fitted with an automatic ticketing system known as the Metcard system. The Metcard operates on all of Melbourne's trains, trams and buses. Before you travel, you will need to make sure you have a valid Metcard. You can purchase a Metcard from:

any train station or ticket booth
any retail outlet displaying the Metcard sign
bus drivers if you have small notes or change
from ticket vending machines on trams (please note these machines only accept coins)
and by credit card, by calling 1800 652 313 (free call from within Australia)

Once you have purchased your Metcard, you must validate your ticket. Do this as you enter and exit train platforms, or in the green machine onboard trams and buses. Once your Metcard has been validated, the time and date of its expiry will be printed on the ticket. You need to validate your ticket every time you travel or change modes of transport. If you are caught travelling without a valid Metcard, you could face a fine of up to A$500.

Fares and zones

International students are not entitled to a student concession card so you must purchase full fare tickets at all times. Find out about fares, tickets and zones at the Metlink website.

For more information

VicLink: Phone: 13 16 38
www.viclink.com.au
V/Line: Phone: 13 61 96
www.vlinepassenger.com.au
Connex Trains: www.connexmelbourne.com.au
Yarra Trams: Phone: 13 16 38
www.yarratrams.com.au