Melbourne: Tips

Wild weather Melbourne’s weather has an unfortunate reputation: wet, windy, wild, and prone to extremes. It’s either very hot or very cold – frequently both on the same day! So no matter when you plan your trip make sure you pack clothes for almost any season.

Go skating In-line skating has become a tradition along the Esplanade at St. Kilda, especially in the summer months when the change to daylight saving time means the sun doesn’t go down until well after 9pm. Rentals are available next to St. Kilda Pier.

Learn the rules For the ultimate Australian experience, catch a game of Aussie Rules football at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on a Saturday afternoon (011-61-3-9657-8888; www.mcg.org.au), or stake out a spot on the boundary line of a suburban game and watch as a bunch of middle-aged men relive their glory days.

Tipping The American tradition of tipping is not a custom in Australia, and is not expected. However, if you receive good service you may choose to tip at cafes or restaurants; 10% of the bill would be reasonable.

Daylight savings time From the end of October to the end of May, the whole of Victoria, along with several other Australian states, runs on daylight savings time, when clocks are advanced forward one hour.

Smartvisit Card A great way to save money is to purchase a Smartvisit Card (available in 1- or multi-day options), which grants free access to Melbourne’s best museums, galleries, wildlife parks, cruises, and sightseeing tours. It also offers great shopping and dining discounts and can be used in many of Victoria’s regional areas including Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Macedon and Dandenong Ranges, and the Yarra Valley.

The main events Melbourne is Australia’s events capital, hosting the Australian Open tennis tournament, the Formula One Grand Prix, and Australia’s most famous horse race, the Melbourne Cup.