Travel tips · Melbourne · Australia
Melbourne travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Melbpal, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Melbourne takes its coffee, food, arts and sport seriously, and locals are proud of the city's laneways and inner-suburb character. It stands on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation, acknowledged at many events. Australian rules football is close to a religion here, and asking which team someone supports is an easy conversation opener.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- AUD
- Plugs
- Type I sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe and good to drink, and drinking fountains are common in…
- Emergency
- 000 (police, fire, ambulance); 112 also works from mobiles
Things to know
- Have a valid fare before boarding trains, trams and buses outside the Free Tram Zone; authorised officers check tickets and issue fines.
- In the CBD, drivers turning right at some intersections make a 'hook turn' from the left lane, so watch for them when crossing.
- Many trams stop in the middle of the road; look for traffic before stepping down, even though cars must stop.
- Stand on the left on escalators and walk on the right.
- In a group at the pub, take turns buying rounds, known as a 'shout'.
- Let passengers off trams and trains before you board.
- Book National Gallery of Victoria ahead: Major exhibitions use timed tickets that can sell out at weekends; the free collection needs no booking.
- Ride the free trams within the CBD and Docklands; you only need a fare once you leave the zone.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected. Leaving about 10% at a sit-down restaurant for good service is appreciated but optional, and tipping at cafés and bars is uncommon.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Footy | Australian rules football (AFL) |
| Pot | A 285 ml glass of beer in Victoria |
| Parma | Chicken parmigiana |
| Hook turn | A right turn made from the left lane in the CBD |
| Magic | A double ristretto with steamed milk |
| Arvo | Afternoon |
What to wear
Melburnians favour black and dress a little more formally than many Australians. Pack layers whatever the season, as the weather can swing from warm sun to cold rain in an afternoon.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type I sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe and good to drink, and drinking fountains are common in parks and the CBD.
- Emergency number
- 000 (police, fire, ambulance); 112 also works from mobiles
- Phone and internet
- Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs are sold at the airport and phone shops; free Wi-Fi is available at the State Library, Federation Square and many cafés.
- Time zone
- Australia/Melbourne
Melbourne is generally safe for visitors. Watch for trams and cyclists when crossing roads, keep an eye on belongings around Flinders Street Station and in crowds, and be ready for sudden weather changes and strong summer UV. On extreme-heat days, follow official advice and stay hydrated.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Australia's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Melbourne?
Tipping is not expected. Leaving about 10% at a sit-down restaurant for good service is appreciated but optional, and tipping at cafés and bars is uncommon.
+Can you drink the tap water in Melbourne?
Tap water is safe and good to drink, and drinking fountains are common in parks and the CBD.
+What plugs are used in Melbourne?
Type I sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Melbourne?
English.