Getting Around

By Public Transportaion

Trams, trains, and buses are operated by several private companies, including the National Bus Company, Yarra Trams, and Connex, to name a few. Generally, both tourists and locals travel around the city and inner suburbs by tram.

By Tram -- Melbourne has the oldest tram network in the world. Trams are an essential part of the city, and a major cultural icon. Several hundred trams run over 325km (202 miles) of track. Instead of phasing out this non-smoggy method of transport, Melbourne is busily expanding the network.

The cheapest tram travel within the city center is with a City Saver ticket, which costs A$2.30 (US$1.85/UK90p) for adults, A$1.30 (US$1.05/UK50p) for children for a single journey. Or you can buy a 2-Hour Metcard, good for unlimited transport on buses or trams for up to 2 hours to all the attractions and suburbs listed in this book, for A$3.20 (US$2.55/UK£1.30) for adults and A$1.90 (US$1.50/UK75p) for children. If you plan to pack in the sightseeing, try the Zone 1 Metcard Daily ticket, which allows travel on all transport (trams and trains) within the city and close surrounding suburbs mentioned in this chapter from 5:30am to midnight (when transportation stops). It costs A$6.10 (US$4.90/UK£2.45) for adults and A$3.20 (US$2.55/UK£1.30) for children.

Buy single-trip and 2-hour tram tickets at ticket machines on trams, special ticket offices (such as at the tram terminal on Elizabeth St., near the corner of Flinders St.), at most newsdealers, and at Metcard vending machines at many railway stations. A Metcard needs to be validated by the Metcard Validator machine on the tram, on the station platform, or on the bus before each journey; the only exception to this is the 2-Hour Metcard purchased from a vending machine on a tram, which is automatically validated for that journey only. Vending machines on trams only accept coins -- but give change -- whereas larger vending machines at train stations accept coins and paper money and give change up to A$10 (US$8/UK£4).

You can pick up a free route map from the Melbourne Visitor Centre, Federation Square, or the Met Information Centre, 103 Elizabeth St., at the corner of Collins Street (tel. 13 16 38 in Australia; www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au), which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

The City Circle Tram is the best way to get around the center of Melbourne -- and it's free. The burgundy-and-cream trams travel a circular route between all the major central attractions, and past shopping malls and arcades. The trams run, in both directions, every 12 minutes between 10am and 6pm, except Good Friday and December 25. The trams run along all the major thoroughfares including Flinders and Spencer streets. Burgundy signs mark City Circle Tram stops.

Normal trams stop at numbered green-and-gold tram-stop signs, sometimes in the middle of the road (so beware of oncoming traffic!). To get off the tram, press the red button near handrails or pull the cord above your head.

By Bus -- The free Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle operates buses that pick up and drop off at 15 stops around the city, including the Melbourne Museum, Queen Victoria Market, Immigration Museum, Southbank Arts Precinct, the Shrine of Remembrance and Botanic Gardens, Chinatown, and Flinders Lane, among others. You can hop on and off during the day. The bus runs every 15 minutes from 10am until 4pm daily, taking in many of Melbourne's attractions.

By Boat

Melbourne River Cruises (tel. 03/8610 2600; www.melbcruises.com.au) offers a range of boat trips up and down the Yarra River, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes. It's a really interesting way to get a feel for the city, and the tours include commentaries. Tours cost A$20 (US$16/UK£8) adults, A$11(US$8.80/UK£4.40) for kids, or A$50 (US$40/UK£20) for a family of four. Or you can combine both up- and downriver tours for A$34 (US$27/UK£14) adults, A$19 (US$15/UK£7.60) kids, or A$86 (US$69/UK£34) family. Call ahead to confirm cruise departure times, as they change, and pick up tickets from the blue Melbourne River Cruises kiosks at the Federation Square riverfront (opposite Flinders St. Station).

By Taxi

Cabs are plentiful in the city, but it may be difficult to hail one in the city center late on Friday and Saturday night. Taxi companies include Silver Top (tel. 13 10 08 in Australia), Embassy (tel. 13 17 55 in Australia), and Yellow Cabs (tel. 13 22 27 in Australia). A large, illuminated rooftop light indicates that a cab is available for hire.

By Car

Driving in Melbourne can be challenging. Roads can be confusing, there are trams everywhere, and there is a rule about turning right from the left lane at major intersections in the downtown center (which leaves the left-hand lane free for 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, because passengers usually step directly into the road. Add to this the general lack of parking and expensive hotel valet parking, 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 (tel. 13 11 71 in Australia for the nearest office).

Major car-rental companies, all with offices at Tullamarine Airport, include Avis, 8 Franklin St. (tel. 03/9663 6366); Budget, 398 Elizabeth St. (tel. 03/9203 4844); Hertz, 10 Dorcas St., South Melbourne (tel. 13 3039 in Australia, or 03/9698 2444); and Thrifty, 390 Elizabeth St. (tel. 1300 367 227 in Australia). Expect to pay at least A$40 (US$32/UK£16) a day for a small car.