Getting Around

Most of the services you need will be located close to your Swinburne campus. There are a variety of transport options to help you get around.

Public Transport

Melbourne has an extensive public transport network - consisting of train, tram and bus services - that is divided into two zones:

Zone 1 (yellow) inner Melbourne
Zone 2 (blue) suburban and outer Melbourne

You can use your Metcard ticket for any of the above-mentioned modes of transport and your fees depend on what zones you travel to and from. For example, if you are going from Zone 2 to Zone 1 you need a ‘Zones 1 and 2’ ticket. You can buy a Metcard at any railway station, within all trams and at selected newsagents and other retail outlets.

Public transport is fairly reliable and safe to use. Most stations and stops display the relevant timetable. Services are reduced on weekends and public holidays.

The Metlink website also provides timetable and fare information. Check out the Journey Planner function where you can easily find out the right mode of transport for your trip.

Please note that in Victoria, you are not entitled to a transport concession card as an international student.

Driving

VicRoads is the state government body for vehicle registrations and licences. It provides information services on Roads, Traffic, and Road Safety. The following are some of the important road rules to keep in mind:

If you are in Victoria on a temporary student visa you can drive on your current and valid overseas driver licence. It must be in English, or accompanied by an English translation, and you must also carry some form of photo identification.

In Australia, we drive on the left side of the road. The driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts. In Victoria, speed is limited to 50km/h in built up areas and 100km/h on freeways, unless signs show a different speed limit. Speed limits can be lower in some areas or at certain times (e.g. outside a school, the speed limit may be lower at all times, or it may change at certain times on school days.).

Car Rental

The minimum age for renting a car in Victoria is 25 years. It is possible to hire a car if you are younger, but extra surcharges may apply. Prices vary hugely, especially with regard to insurance and damage excesses, so ensure you read the contract very carefully before signing.

Buying a car

You can browse the classified ads in The Age or Trading Post, or check out the Swinburne notice boards, to get an idea of car prices. If you choose to buy a car, ensure that it is sold with a current Roadworthy Certificate (RWC). You may also consider getting it checked out with a qualified mechanic.

Cycling

Keep fit, have fun, and cut your transport costs: Melbourne is great for cycling. Check the websites below for maps of the on-road bike lanes and off-road paths. You can ride a bike from the city to Hawthorn campus almost entirely on off-road paths.

Cyclists must obey the road rules. This includes wearing an approved helmet, having a warning device (eg. a bell) on the bike, and having reflectors and lights if you are riding at night or when visibility is low. For details, see the VicRoads website.

Bicycle Victoria is also a great source of information about cycling in Victoria :

Taxis

Taxis are widely available across Melbourne and are easily idenifiable by their yellow exteriors. They often wait in designated ranks that are clearly signposted at central locations like major hotels in the CBD, or busy spots such as Flinders Street Station. You can also book a taxi by telephone or hail a taxi in the street - if the rooftop lights are illuminated, it means the taxi is available for hire.

The major companies operating in Melbourne and Victoria are:
13 CABS (13 2227)
Arrow (ph 13 2211)
Embassy Taxis (ph 13 1755)
Silver Top Taxis (ph 13 1008)

Below are the current rates for 13CABS

*If applicable, these are to be paid to the driver in addition to the fare shown on the meter.

Multiple hiring is permitted with the consent of the first and subsequent hirers. Hirers must not be charged more than 75% of the metered fare. The multiple hiring rate is not applicable to hiring for 6 or more passengers.