Electricity : 240/250 volt AC 50Hz. Leading hotels provide 110 volt outlets for razors. Australian power outlets take 3 flat prong plugs.
Tipping : Usually it is not expected to tip in Australia although this has been slowly changing, predominantly in larger cities. In some restaurants it is a standard practice to leave a tip. The usual amount given is between 10 and 15%.
Water : Australian tap water is safe to drink. Milk is pasteurised. Beer is chilled. Australian wines are excellent.
Crime : There is no serious crime to worry about. However I was always cautious about being in Flinders St Station late at night when the platforms are not so busy.
Money : Travellers cheques are readily changed at banks and hotels. Cheques in Australian dollars are recommended. You maybe incur a small charge for cashing travellers' cheques at some banks. Banks are generally open 9:30am - 4pm Mon - Thur; 9:30am - 5pm Fri.
Fire Bans : Bush fires are a serious matter in Victoria. Always respect fire bans warnings that are broadcast on the radio and be careful with cigarette butts and broken glass which can ignite bushfires in hot, dry weather.
Weather : Just about any time of year is good to visit although Melbourne's climate has an unfortunate reputation: wet, windy, unpredictable and liable to extremes - very hot or very cold and often both on the same day! I'm not kidding. On the plus side, Melbourne's multitude of parks makes it a beautiful place to witness the changing seasons. Melbourne receives only about half the rainfall of Sydney and Melbourne. In winter the average temperature ranges between a maximum of 13C (55F) and a low of 6C (43F).
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State of Victoria
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on Oct 17, 2006
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