LibGuides: Library Services for EAL Students: Getting Places

Public Transport

Overview
Websites

Lots of options

There's a lot of options (bus, tram, train) and it covers the Greater Melbourne and Regional Victoria regions.

Public transport is usually reliable, but delays can happen when there are 'works' (upgrades) to the line - See Public Transport Victoria (PTV)'s Major Works list here.

Be considerate

Give up your seat if someone elderly, pregnant, or disabled is in need.
Stand to the side of the vehicle doors when entering, in order to let passengers exit before you enter.
Not take up more room on the vehicle than you require, and not yell on your phone or with friends.

Be safe!

Never cross train or tram tracks except at designated crossings
Look both ways before you cross

Obey the law

You can be issued a fine for a number of reasons (see here for common reasons).

The people who report your transport offence (crime) are called Authorised Officers and may wear black vests or may be plain-clothed. They can ask to see your Myki, and if they think you have committed a transport offense, they can ask for your personal details and proof of identification.

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) PTV are responsible for all public transport around Victoria. The website is where you can go to find out about any disruptions, to plan your journey, to learn more about tickets and fares, and more.
PTV Journey Planner
Myki The Myki is the card used to pay your ticket (fare) for all public transport in Victoria. It is like an Oyster Card in London. You can also use Myki with your phone (e.g. Google Pay). Make sure you have money on your Myki (Top Up) so you can pay your fare when you Tap On.
Metro Trains Information about trains within the Greater Melbourne region.
V/Line Information about trains and buses throughout Regional Victoria.
Trams information about trams around Melbourne and suburbs.

The rideshare app Uber is the most common in Melbourne.

Other rideshare services:

Didi
Ola
Bolt
Lyft
Sheba (Australian-based for women / by women).

We do not have Grab.

Apps:

Good during "surge charging" (when rideshare apps increase their price due to increase in demand).

Taxis run on meters, so you pay a set rate per minute or kilometre. Taxis take card as well as cash, and also can sometimes pay by app (e.g. the 13Cabs app). They should never haggle the cost or offer you a flat rate (e.g. deciding the cost before you reach your destination).

Map of Greater Melbourne

Important Suburbs & Places

Neighbourhoods of Melbourne
This contains a great list of different 'important' suburbs and areas around Melbourne.

The City (Melbourne)

The city is set on a grid pattern (mostly), with Flinders Street running east to west and Elizabeth Street running north to south.

Important place names include:

The Central Business District (CBD)
Federation Square (Fed Square)
Melbourne Central & Emporium
Bourke Street Mall
Queen Victoria Markets
Royal Botanic Gardens

Transport on trams within the CBD is free.

The City of Melbourne refers to the local council that is responsible for a number of suburbs including Melbourne itself (North Melbourne, Carlton, Parkville, Southbank, Port Melbourne, Docklands)

Prahran

This is pronounced 'Pran' for some reason. It is just a little bit south east of the city, and contains popular shopping and eating area Chapel Street.

Richmond

Richmond is just east of the city, and just west of Hawthorn, and contains the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), popular outlet shopping area Bridge Road, and is popular for Vietnamese food.

St Kilda

A beach-side suburb south east of the city (and of Prahran), St Kilda contains Luna Park, lots of beaches, and a range of European communities.

Kew

Kew is where Carey Baptist Grammar School (Kew Campus) is located! It is known as an expensive suburb with lots of old houses.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is the suburb immediately to the south of Kew. It also is home to a lot of expensive houses, but also contains Glenferrie Road, lots of fancy coffee and boutique stores, and a large portion of Melbourne's private schools.

Brunswick, Carlton, Fitzroy, Coburg

A group of similar suburbs just north of the city. Lots of places to eat and shop, go to live music, and a lot of university students. Contains popular places Sydney Road, Lygon Street, and Brunswick Street. There are lots of Italian, Greek, and (increasingly) Middle Eastern communities here.