Climate

Due to Australia's size and geographical location, Australia has a wide range of climates but generally no extremes. The average temperature range from 23 - 26°C (73.4 - 78.8°F).

• Spring: September to November.
• Summer: December to February.
• Autumn: March to May.
• Winter: June to August.

Clothing

Summers are mild and pleasant with many warm days therefore lightweight clothes are the most suitable. Nights may be cool though. For the winter, warmer clothes such as sweaters, jackets or light coat are advisable. Dress code is casual and informal. Dining at certain restaurants may require formal dressing (our reception will be pleased to assist you with enquiries about an establishment's dress code).

Currency

Australian currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equal one dollar). Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at all international airports in Australia. Changing of foreign currency or travellers' cheques can be done at most banks.

Customs

Flora & Fauna
Items to be declared on arrival are animals, animal products, foodstuffs, plants and plant products.

Currency
There is no limit to the amount of Australian or foreign cash to be brought in or taken out of Australia but amounts more than A$10,000, or equivalent in foreign currency must be reported on arrival and departure. This does not include travellers' cheques or other monetary instruments.

National Heritage Items
Items important to Australia's natural heritage cannot be taken out of Australia without a permit. If you have any doubts about an item, our reception will gladly contact the Heritage Protection Section of the Department of Communication and Arts for advice.

Electricity

The electrical current in Australia is 220 – 240 volts, AC 50Hz.

Emergency Call Numbers

For ambulance, fire and police emergency telephone calls, dial 000.

Health

Standards of hygiene and health care in Australia are relatively high. Doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well-equipped. It is recommended that visitors take up health insurance to cover the duration of stay in Australia.

Local Area Information

Melbourne is located at the apex of one of the world's largest bays, Port Phillip. Focused around a Central Business District, Melbourne's 7,800 sq km of suburbs spread more than 40km to the south, are hemmed in by the picturesque Dandenong ranges 30km to the east, extend up to 20km to the north and sprawl across vast, flat basalt plains to the west.

Public Phones

Local calls made at Telstra public payphones are charged at a minimum charge of $0.40. Public payphones accept all Australian coins and Telstra Smart phonecards that can be purchased at most newsagents and retail outlets. Credit cards are also acceptable for credit phones that can be found at international and domestic airports, central city locations and hotels.

Shopping & Business Hours

In the city centre, shops are open seven days a week. Mondays to Wednesday are from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Thursday and Friday are from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday are from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. During peak shopping times leading to Christmas, New Year and Easter, the opening hours can be extended. Most major supermarkets are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Banks: Open from 9.30 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 9.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Fridays.

Offices: General office hours, including Post Offices, are from 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.

Taxes

A Goods and Services Tax of 10% is imposed. However, tourists can claim a refund of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods purchased in Australia. Terms and conditions apply.

Time Zone

Australian Eastern Standard Time is GMT plus 10 hours. Daylight Savings - last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in March.

Daylight hours:

• Winter: 9 hours, 32 minutes (June 21).
• Summer: 14 hours, 47 minutes in summer (December 22).

Tipping

Tipping is customary, but not mandatory in Australia as service charge is not added in hotels and restaurants. Australians believe in rewarding good service, so it will be appreciative if one can tip service staff for good service.

Visa

Anyone entering Australia must carry a valid passport or similar certificate of identification and everyone, except holders of Australian and New Zealand passports, requires a visa to enter Australia.