Location: Located on the lower part of the Yarra River on the northern and eastern shores of Port Philip, State of Victoria.
Climate: As a general rule, Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with warm to hot summers, mild and sometimes balmy spring and autumns, and cool winters. Melbourne has a well-deserved reputation for its changing weather. Over the course of a day it can be possible to experience a little something of the four seasons. A tip for any visitor to Melbourne is to be prepared for anything – take an umbrella and wear shorts!
Area: 3,400 sq miles
Population: Metropolitan- 3.8 million
Religion: Christian
Electricity: 220 volts at 50 Hz
Telephone code: +61
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Passport/visa requirements: Holders of a valid United Kingdom passport can stay for up to three months without a visa.
National airline: Qantas (www.qantas.com)
Airports: Melbourne Airport.
Flight time: Approximately 22 hrs 55 minutes.
Public Holidays: New Year's Day 1st January; Australia Day - 26th January; Labour Day- 9th March; Good Friday- 10th April; the Saturday before Easter Sunday - 11th April; Easter Monday- 13th April; ANZAC Day - 25th April; Queen's Birthday - 8th June; Melbourne Cup Day - 3rd November; Christmas Day - 25th December; Boxing Day - 26 December and Monday 28 December

Tourist Office: Australia High Commission, Australia House, Strand, London, WC2B 4LA. Tel: 020 7379 4334; Fax: 020 7240 5333

Visit the Online Shop for travel books and guides in Melbourne.