Venue
Melbourne
Melbourne’s eclectic precincts and fringe suburbs give the city a lively, multicultural, cosmopolitan pulse.
Spend some time in Melbourne's diverse precincts and experience the richness of the city's many cultures, from the bustling Chinese community in Chinatown to the Greek-inspired precinct on Lonsdale Street, and the opulence of the 'Paris end' of Collins Street.
Explore the hidden treasures in Melbourne's famous laneways and historic arcades and get involved in a few of the many ways to enjoy the city's engaging cultural life. Richmond or Carlton, or dine by the water at Docklands, Williamstown or St Kilda.
Get your chic on in Collins St or South Yarra, find local designers in Fitzroy, and shop till you drop in on a nearby bar. Meander majestic St Kilda Road, wander the galleries of the Yarra Precinct, then explore the city’s ever-surprising laneways and alleys.
Venue
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is Australia's most versatile convention and exhibition facility and the first, and only, '6 Star Green Star' environmentally rated convention centre in the world.
The venue represents world leadership in best practice, innovation and sustainability and continues to raise standards to new heights in technology, imaginative catering and service options.
The MCEC boasts 52 meeting rooms of various sizes, a grand banquet room, a spectacular entry level foyer, and a 5550+ state-of-the-art plenary that can be divided into three self-contained, acoustically separate theatres.
The centrepiece of Melbourne's new South Wharf development, the MCEC is located on the banks of the Yarra on South Wharf. Not only are there sweeping views of the city skyline and the river, but it’s also a hub of activity. You needn’t look far for a small eatery or a bustling bar. Shopping? Not a problem. Numerous boutiques and shopping centres are only a short walk away.
Weather
Melbourne enjoys manageable summers, glorious springs, mild autumns and crisp winters. With its variable climate, Melbourne is warm to hot in summer (December to February), mild in autumn (March to May), cold and damp in winter (June to August), and cool in spring (September to November).
Melbourne's warmest months are generally January and February, which are often dry and prone to hot spells, although some respite is provided by the cooling sea breezes of Port Phillip Bay. June and July are the coldest months, while October is the wettest.
The annual average rainfall for Melbourne is around 600mm, which is substantially less rain than Sydney receives.
September in Melbourne
average maximum 16.5C average minimum 7C
Getting around
Most visitors base themselves in the city centre, the buzzing commercial heart of Melbourne that's also home to museums, theaters, restaurants, bars and shops. The city's layout makes Melbourne an easy city to navigate, and almost everything is within walking distance – if it's not, simply hop aboard a train, tram or bus.
Ticket types
You'll see two types of tickets during your visit. Melbourne is currently moving from Metcards to a new smartcard ticketing system called myki. During this time, it's recommended that visitors continue to buy Metcards.
More info
For information about travelling on Melbourne's trains, trams and buses visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au or call 131 638. For everything you need to know about driving around Melbourne and Victoria, visit Vic Roads (www.vicroads.vic.gov.au)
Taxis
Melbourne taxis are numerous and easy to spot. Drivers must always wear a neat uniform and display an identity card.
Melbourne’s major taxi companies:
13CABS 132 227
Silver Top Taxi Service 131 008
Maxi-Taxi - 0407 306 294
Disabled/Wheelchair Access - For wheelchair-accessible taxis, contact Central Booking Service [1300 364 050] or Silver Top Taxis [132 CABS (2227)].
Flights
All major airline carriers fly into Melbourne from other City Centers and major regional centers.
Qantas
Phone: 13 13 13
Web: www.qantas.com.au
Virgin Blue Airlines
Phone: 13 67 89
Web: www.virginblue.com.au
JetStar Airways
Phone: 13 15 38
Web: www.jetstar.com.au
Getting into the City
Melbourne Airport has a 24 hour taxi rank. - Fare approx AU$75.00 (2010) each way.
Or
SkyBus - operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including public holidays. The average trip time is 20 minutes. A one way ticket is $16 with return tickets advisable for $26 (tickets valid for 3 months from date of purchase)
NB: Passengers should allow themselves at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to purchase tickets and boarding on SkyBus.
SkyBus Metcards available at SkyBus outlets at Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station. They can also be purchased on-line from Metlink.