Melbourne and Related Information

Melbourne is recognised as one of the greatest and one of the most liveable cities in the world.

With a population of nearly six million, Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city. It is regarded as the cultural and fashion capital of Australia and renowned for its fine restaurants. It is a true multicultural city with more than one quarter of Melbourne’s inhabitants born overseas. The city is extremely racially tolerant and very easy to work and live in. Visitors enjoy a warm and friendly reception.

Its attractions are its gardens and parklands, food precincts, arcades and great sporting facilities. Although Melbourne has a good metropolitan train system, it is envied by city visitors for its excellently laid out tramway service.

Time

Melbourne, which is in the State of Victoria, is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Unlike some of the other states in Australia, New South Wales and Victoria participate in Daylight Savings Time (DST). Daylight savings time is in effect in Victoria from early spring to early autumn, at which time clocks are set forward one hour (GMT +11). DST begins at 2am on the specified day for that calendar year. Clocks should be turned forward one hour to read 3am. It ends at 3am on the specified day for that calendar year. Clocks should be turned back one hour to read 2am. (Australian Eastern Standard Time).

Currency

Australia’s currency operates on a decimal system, with the dollar (AUD$) as the basic unit and cents equalling $1. Notes are $100, $50, $20, $10, $5 and are individually coloured for easy identification. Coins are minted in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c units. Banks are open Monday to Thursday from 9:30am to 4pm and on Fridays from 9:30am to 5pm. Some banks open on Saturday mornings. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are available throughout the country.

Knox City Shopping Centre is located close to The Knox School. Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ Bank and the National Australia Bank all have branches there. Some branches are also open on Saturdays. Travelex foreign exchange services and Travel Money Oz are also available within this shopping centre.

Climate

Melbourne can sometimes have four seasons in one day. It often rains in Melbourne during summer and is quite sunny during winter. So, it can sometimes be unpredictable, however, it is a comfortable environment to be in whatever the season. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and seasons are reversed to those in the northern hemisphere. Dress warmly in winter.

Further Information

For further information on events, dining, shopping and much more in Melbourne visit www.visitmelbourne.com

To unlock all that you need to know about studying in Melbourne visit www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au It holds all the information you need to thrive as an international student in Victoria