INSIDER GUIDES
International Student Guide
Melbourne
2014
International Student Guide Melbourne 2014
Free!
www.urbanest.com.au
MELBOURNE STUDENT LIVING MADE BETTER
urbanest is student accommodation with a difference where everything is just that little bit better. Every urbanest property has a community feel where students can enjoy a superb lifestyle with the best rooms, study areas and social spaces. • Great central location close to universities, transport and amenities
• Reliable and fast wireless internet in every room
• Superb communal facilities including study rooms, TV and games room and rooftop terrace for BBQs
• Great value all-inclusive rent that includes utilities, 10GB per month of wireless internet and contents insurance
• uLife program: Community Networkers organise regular free social events for residents such as Friday night BBQs, movie nights and pool competitions
• Safe and secure with 24/7 onsite team, state-of-the-art security systems, swipe card access and CCTV
To find out more, visit urbanest.com.au or call 1800 260 801 (Int. +61 2 8091 9959)
STUDENt WELCOME Just arrived in Melbourne? We’ve prepared a check list for you… Contact family and friends to let them know you have arrived in Melbourne Contact the Housing Office to arrange your accommodation Pick up your student card to get discounts for cinemas, clothes and lots more! Open a bank account at banks.com.au Collect your Overseas Student Health Cover card Look for a part time job at seek.com.au or www.oneshift.com.au Don’t forget your Tax File Number at ato.gov.au
Lord Mayor’s Welcome Welcome to Melbourne. Our city’s reputation as one of the world top destinations for higher education is wellestablished. Melbourne also provides many opportunities for broader cultural experiences. We are a remarkably diverse city with people from more than 200 nations calling Melbourne home. Many communities provide support to newly-arrived students with different language and faiths. In this guide you’ll find valuable information about services for young people in our city. We encourage students to play an active role during their time in Melbourne, whether your interests lie in arts, sports, or enjoying Melbourne’s lively cafés and bars. For more information about events and other activities specifically organised for international students visit our website at www.melbourne.vic.gov.au, and take a look at our What’s On site for events to enjoy in Melbourne. I wish you every success and a rewarding experience during your time in our city.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Robert Doyle
Lord Mayor of Melbourne
5
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! Let us know what you want to see in our guide books. Awesome prizes to be won. www.insiderguides.com.au/tell-us
Melbourne
Welcome We are here to help We know moving to a new country to study is both exciting and frightening. We are here to help. Insider Guides - International Student Guide is designed to help new students discover what to love about Melbourne. To do this, we recruited local students, interviewed past international students and researched the city. The aim of the guide is to provide international students with the tools to discover their new home from the inside out. Throughout the next 122 pages, you will discover how the locals already enjoy Melbourne, now it’s your turn. The Insider Guides Team
A background on your new city, its history, culture and diversity. Get to know the basics about Melbourne before you explore further.
8 14 15 16 20 22 25 26
Setting-up Get your Melbourne life organised with all the information you need to get started. Our guide will help you get all the necessities out of the way so you can start having fun.
Introduction 28 Accommodation 30 Getting Connected 38 Finding a Job 42 Banking & Money 44 Staying Healthy 48 When Things Break
50
Introduction Your Local Shops Shop Spots Vintage & Markets Books, Music & Movies Clothes & Accessories
52 54 56 60 62 66
Introduction Aussie Cuisine Eat & Drink Spots Cafés & Breakfasts Budget Eats Casual Restaurants Student Hangouts Cocktail Bars Nightclubs Late Night Eats
70 74 76 80 81 82 83 85 86 87
Introduction Live Sports Live Music Online Entertainment Cinemas Galleries Theatre & Live Arts Events Calendar
90 92 94 96 99 100 101 102
Introduction Community Centres Libraries Cheap & Free Activities Group Activities Local Sites Getting Healthy Day Trips Active Melbourne Weekend Trips Wildlife Beaches Youth Hostels
106 108 109 110 112 114 116 117 118 120 123 125 126
Shopping Shop like the locals with information on great shopping spots around Melbourne. You will know where to get everything you need.
Eat + Drink A selection of our favourite eating and drinking venues around town. Grab some friends and check out great cafés, restaurants and bars.
Entertainment Always know the best place to go for a fun day or night out. Sport, music, cinema and a range of other topics are covered.
Exploring Get out of your house, explore your new city and
experience something new. With a range of different ideas and activities you will never be bored again.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Useful Contacts Introduction Academic History Getting Around Bikes The Social Life Indigenous Australia Aussie Cultural Diversity
7
USEFUL CONTACTS When you’re setting yourself up and settling into a new country, there are bound to be a few questions you have. These are the sort of places you can go to get answers. There are also emergency numbers and services to call if you get in trouble.
Department of Immigration and Border Protection
www.immi.gov.au
Provides information on living and studying in Melbourne, more detailed information about where you can study in Melbourne and provides answers to some of the questions you may have while you’re here.
Consumer Affairs
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
This is the department that handles Visa enquiries and issues.
Emergency: Call 000 Ambulance, Police, Fire If you are in danger and need help, ring this number to get the police, an ambulance or a fire truck to you urgently. Remember to state which service you need and tell them where you are.
Police This is the non-urgent number for police assistance. Their website also has information on how to keep yourself safe. 131 444
131 881
Has more detailed information about what your obligations and entitlements are when buying products and services. Also has some useful information about what to do if you think you have been cheated out of your money. 1300 55 81 81
www.consumer.vic.gov.au
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (for Embassies) The DFAT can help you to find your country’s embassy within Australia. 1300 555 135
www.police.vic.gov.au
www.dfat.gov.au
IDP Melbourne
Australian Tax Office
IDP provide expert counsellors to help you assess your study options. Contact them for advice on courses, application processing and student visa guidance.
The Tax Office are the people to contact about getting a Tax File Number and find out more about payments made to you while you’re here.
03 9606 1800
www.australia.idp.com
8
Study Melbourne
Fairwork Ombudsman If you are being discriminated against at work or you think that you are working in bad conditions, and if you can’t sort out the issue with your employer, you can contact the Fairwork Ombudsman for help. 13 13 94 www.fairwork.gov.au
Public Transport Victoria Includes ticketing information, timetables and more. 1800 800 007
www.ptv.vic.gov.au
Australian Consumer Law Make sure you are getting a fair deal when shopping or purchasing services. Find out what your legal rights are. 1300 55 81 81
www.consumerlaw.gov.au
13 28 61
www.ato.gov.au
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Tenants Union of Victoria
CISA
Study in Australia
Has information about renting rights and obligations and can provide advice on issues you may have with renting.
Council of International Students Australia is the national peak student representative body for international students. They advocate for the interests and needs of international students.
Provides basic information about studying in Australia, including information on the universities and listings of useful contacts.
www.cisa.edu.au
Travellers Aid
9416 2577
www.tuv.org.au
Victoria Legal Aid A free legal service that can give you advice if you need to know what your legal rights are. 1300 792 387
www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre To talk about your sexual health symptoms and get advice, you can call this number. 9341 6200
www.mshc.org.au
Beyond Blue A free counselling service that you can ring if you are feeling depressed or anxious. Their website also has great tips for coping with stress. 1300 224 636
www.beyondblue.org.au
Australian Human Rights Commission Discrimination against people on the basis of their race, descent, colour or ethnic/ national origin is against the law in Australia. If you feel you are being treated unfairly because of your race, you can make a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission. 1300 656 419
www.humanrights.gov.au /our-work/race-discrimination
Road Transport Authority Find out about the road rules and what you need to get yourself into a car. 131 771
www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
AFIS Australian Federation of International Students is a non-profit organisation that supports international students. They collaborate with governmental bodies, education providers, student societies and community organisations.
www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station Travellers Aid Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that provides simple, practical travel-related support and aid. It helps people travel independently and confidently, no matter what their background or situation. 9654 2600
www.travellersaid.org.au
internationalstudents.org.au
Youthlaw Frontyard, 19 King St, Melbourne The Youthlaw vision is ‘to provide an accessible legal service to young people under the age of 25, focusing on areas of unmet legal need’. www.youthlaw.asn.au 9611 2412
There is more to the student experience in Australia than just your books. StudentLife will give you the information you need to start exploring Australia and its unique culture. thestudentlife.com.au
Frontyard Integrated Youth Services Frontyard aims to address the physical, social, and emotional needs of young people, up to the age of 25, who spend time in the Melbourne CBD. In particular, they help those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. melbournecitymission.org.au 9611 2411
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
9
Doutta Galla Community Health Service – Youth Services 49-53 Buncle Street, North Melbourne Community Centre Provides short term individual support, referral and advocacy and counselling to young people aged 12–25, on a range of challenges they may be facing, including housing, legal, relationships and employment. 8378 1600
www.doutta.org.au
The Drum – Youth Services, Drummond Street Relationship Centre 195 Drummond Street, Carlton Targets young people aged 12 to 25 years and features a comprehensive mix of youth programs and services. 9663 6733
www.thedrum.org.au
YEAH YEAH (Youth Empowerment Against HIV/AIDS) is a youthdriven sexual health organisation dedicated to empowering young people to make positive choices about their sexual health. Visit their website for lots of great information on sexual health, where to get tested and how you can get involved with some awesome volunteering opportunities. 9670 6171 www.redaware.org.au
International Student Care Service
Multicultural Centre For Women’s Health
ISCS provides help in times of crisis and when you need to find out more about housing, legal problems, your health or just need to talk to someone.
Offers free health education workshops (on request) and assistance with locating services for Immigrant and Refugee Women.
1800 056 449
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Lifeline If you want to talk to someone about your mental health, this resource is a crisis support hotline. 13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au
The Couch The Couch is a social area where you can meet other international students. They also provide international students the chance to engage with support services. 9653 3299
www.salvationarmy.org.au
Healthdirect Australia A free helpline with trained staff who can help you to treat non-urgent illnesses when the doctors are not open. 1800 022 222
www.healthdirect.org.au
Multicultural health and support services (Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health) Offers free and confidential support, gives information about protection from HIV/ AIDS, hepatitis and other sexually transmissible infections, assists with finding appropriate health services and other accessible services.
1800 656 421 www.mcwh.com.au
Victorian AIDS Council / Gay Men’s Health Centre Provides care and support for people living with HIV through counselling and medical services as well as financial and legal assistance. 1800 889 887
www.vicaids.asn.au
The Self Centre The Self Centre helps teenagers know themselves better and work out how they study and how they interact with others. 0418 134 210 www.theselfcentre.net.au
Volunteering Australia The Volunteering Australia’s role is to ‘represent the diverse views and needs of the volunteering sector while promoting the activity of volunteering as one of enduring social, cultural and economic value.’ Get involved by heading to their website. 8327 8500
www.volunteeringaustralia.org
9342 9700
www.ceh.org.au
10
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
LIFE AFTER STUDY IN VICTORIA Studying in Victoria is an experience of a lifetime but it doesn’t have to end once you graduate. Many international students stay in Victoria when they finish their studies, even though they have a qualification that is highly portable and widely recognised across the globe. How are they doing this? By taking advantage of the skilled migration opportunities that are available to eligible international graduates with skills in demand in Victoria.
Connect with Victorian employers
Post-study visa options The Department of Immigration and Border Protection offer a range of visas for graduating international students including Independent, Employer-sponsored, Family-sponsored and Temporary Graduate. Another option for international students who have completed a PhD at a Victorian or eligible overseas university is the State Nominated visa. This provides eligible graduates with quick access to Victorian Government state nomination for permanent residence in selected areas of work. liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/ graduates
The Overseas Skills Registry is an online service that connects Victorian employers with eligible overseas qualified professionals, skilled migrants, and international student graduates with prior professional work experience. Use the Overseas Skills Registry to create a profile of your skills, qualifications and work experience that will be viewed by registered Victorian employers looking for skilled workers in areas of skill shortage. If you’re an eligible international student graduate with a degree level qualification or higher from a Victorian university, and you have previous professional work experience, check your eligibility and register at: LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au/ overseasskillsregistry
Department of Immigration and Border Protection – www.immi.gov.au
Victorian Government Skilled and Business Migration Program – LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au/ graduates
Victorian State Nomination List for Graduates – LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au/ skillsindemand
Victorian State Nomination – PhD graduates – LiveInVictoria.vic.gov. au/phd
Overseas Skills Registry – LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au/ overseasskillsregistry
Of course, you should always check eligibility requirements and conditions for all visas on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website:
StudyMelbourne – studymelbourne.vic. gov.au
www.immi.gov.au
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Find out more
11
YOUR NEW CITY
INTRODUCTION With its great live music, vibrant culinary scene, world-renowned street art and inner-city laneways packed with hidden bars and cafes, Melbourne is a culture-lover’s dream. Often described as Australia’s ‘cultural capital’, Melbourne is the country’s second largest city after Sydney and has been ranked first in the Economic Intelligence Unit’s World’s Most Liveable Cities ratings three years in a row.
Before European settlement, the area of land that Melbourne now occupies was home to three Indigenous tribes -the Wurundjeri, the Boonwurrung and the Wathaurong - for an estimated 31,000 to 40,000 years. The city of Melbourne was founded in 1835 and grew quickly in both population and wealth, particularly during the 1851 Victorian Gold Rush. Sadly, Melbourne’s Indigenous population had decreased by an estimated 80% by the early 1860s due
to introduced diseases as well as large-scale dispossession of their lands by European settlers. Today, Melbourne is a diverse and multicultural city with a population of just over 4 million - 35% of which was born overseas. The city boasts large communities of Vietnamese, Italians, Chinese, Indians, Lebanese and British, and it is the third largest Greek city in the world after Athens and Thessaloniki.
Head Online Head to the ‘What’s On’ website by the City of Melbourne to see what exciting things are happening near you. www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Whatson
14
Your New City
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
ACADEMIC HISTORY The city of Melbourne has a long and proud academic history. The University of Melbourne was the first university to be established in the state of Victoria, and only the second in the country. Founded in 1853 – just 18 years after John Batman established the city of Melbourne – the university was a product of the mid-century Victorian gold rush, which saw vast amounts of wealth pour into the state.
Today, Victoria is home to nine publicly funded universities, many of which have earned solid international reputations. The University of Melbourne is currently Australia’s top-ranking university in 14 disciplines according to the QS World University Rankings, while RMIT and LaTrobe are included in the QS’s list of the top 50 new universities worldwide. The state of Victoria has produced brilliant scientists and inventors whose discov-
eries have had worldwide impacts. Among the inventions developed in Victoria are the Black Box Flight Recorder and the Bionic Ear. Melbourne has produced many other famous (or infamous) people including feminist Germaine Greer, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, pop singer Kylie Minogue, media magnate Rupert Murdoch and global sensation Gotye.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MELBOURNE The world’s very first feature-length film was made in Melbourne in 1906. The film was called The Story of the Kelly Gang.
The Australian Football League was created in Melbourne in 1858. Today, AFL (otherwise known as ‘Aussie Rules’, ‘footy’ or simply ‘the game’) is Melbourne’s most popular spectator sport.
Melbourne’s famous tram network is the fourth largest in the world, and the largest outside Europe.
One of Australia’s most successful media exports is the Melbourne-made television drama series Neighbours, which has been sold to over 50 countries worldwide. It’s also Australia’s longest-running drama series.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Your New City
15
GETTING AROUND It’s always a little bit daunting arriving in a new city that has an unfamiliar public transport system. How do the tickets work? How much does it cost? How efficient is it? Luckily, Melbourne’s transport system is pretty simple; once you learn the basics, it’s convenient and very easy to use. And while the system is not perfect, on the whole it’s fairly reliable and affordable.
Overview
Myki
For all your public transport enquiries, head to the Public Transport Victoria website www.ptv.vic.gov.au. Here you will find timetables, ticketing information, journey planners, maps, and phone numbers to call if you require information in a foreign language. You can also find a run-down of the best way to get to your university by clicking the ‘Using Public Transport’ tab at the top of the page and following the links. If you would prefer to speak to someone in person, you can visit the PTV Hub located at Southern Cross Station, or call 1800 800 007. Melbourne is a large city, so for ticketing purposes it has been divided into two ‘zones’. Zone 1 includes the CBD and the inner suburbs, while Zone 2 encompasses the outer suburbs. If you travel across zones, you will be charged the ‘Zone 1+2’ fare, which is more expensive than travelling in one zone only.
Myki is Melbourne’s ticketing system and can be used to travel on trains, trams and buses in Zones 1 and 2. The reusable smart card is easy to use. Simply top up before your journey and then touch on and touch off at a myki reader as you travel. How does a myki work? A myki works a bit like a debit card: first, you’ll need to load money onto your myki at a station or an authorised store. Visit ptv.vic.gov.au for information on where to buy and top up a myki. Next, simply touch the card to the yellow card reader when you enter and exit a station or vehicle and your fare will be automatically deducted. You need to touch on and touch off for every journey except if you are using trams wholly within Zone 1, in which case you don’t need to touch off. How much does a myki card cost? A full fare myki costs $6, and a concession fare card costs $3. How much does it cost to travel? There are two payment options with the myki ticketing system: the ‘myki money’ and the ‘myki pass’. Be aware that Myki machines won’t give change for top-ups. If you don’t have the right money use convenience stores or station counters.
Taxis Although they might be the way to travel in other countries, taxis are an expensive way of getting around in Melbourne. Most people use them late at night when there aren’t many other transport options or if they have no other choice. There are a few Taxi Ranks located around the city - these are specific areas where you can line up and get a taxi, otherwise you can try hailing one from the side of the road. It’s also a good idea to be wary of how much your trip will cost. Safe City Taxi Rank locations: Flinders Street Station, at Swanston Street, 20 Bourke Street , 8 King Street, 200 Queen Street mega rank.
16
Your New City
Black Cabs 13 CABS (132 227) Silver Top Taxi Service 131 008 Yellow Cab Co 132 227 For ‘Maxi Taxis’ 0407 306 294
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Buses
Trains
Trams
Due to Melbourne’s extensive inner-suburban tram network, buses are rarely used in this part of town as they generally only service those routes not frequented by trams.
Trains are the best way to get to the city’s outer suburbs. They can become pretty busy during peak times, so avoid travel at these times if you can.
Unlike other Australian cities, Melbourne has an extensive tram network that stretches outward from the CBD. In fact, Melbourne’s network is one of the largest in the world.
Where will they take me? If you happen to live in the outer suburbs, buses will be your new best friends. You can find a full list of bus route maps at the PTV website. How often do they come? Bus frequency can vary from once every 10 minutes to once every hour, depending on the time of day. Expect greater frequency during peak work and school hours. If you’re out late at night on the weekend and need a way to get home, help is at hand; the NightRider buses travel between the CBD and the outer suburbs every 30 minutes between 1.30am and 4.30am on Saturdays, and between 1.30am and 5.30am on Sundays. Check the PTV website for timetables.
Where will they take me? Melbourne’s train network fans outwards from the CBD to the outer suburbs, with 15 different train lines servicing the metropolitan region. These lines are known by the name of the destination suburbs: Hurstbridge, Lilydale, Belgrave, Alamein, Glen Waverly, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Frankston, Sandringham, Williamstown, Werribee, Sunbury, Craigieburn, Upfield, and South Morang. Check the PTV website to see if there is a train line near you. How often do they come? Train frequency can vary widely depending on when and where you travel. On busy lines at peak hour, trains can run every four or five minutes. On others, during off-peak times trains may only run every 20 minutes to half an hour. You can find timetables online and at stations.
Where will they take me? The tram grid covers most of Zone 1, and in the eastern suburbs the trams reach almost to Zone 2. In the city centre, free City Circle trams loop the CBD, making this a great way to see the city without paying a cent. Check the PTV website for a full map of Melbourne’s tram network as well as individual line timetables. How often do they come? During peak times, trams will generally run every seven to 10 minutes. The City Circle tram runs every 12 minutes.
Download these mobile apps to help you get around in your new city. • PTV App • metroNotify • Tramtracker
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Your New City
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Melbourne train network SOUTH MORANG Epping CRAIGIEBURN
Lalor
Roxburgh Park Coolaroo
Gowrie
Jacana
Oak Park Pascoe Vale
s nd ou gr w ON E ho GT RS IN OU EMEC FL AC R
#S
St Albans
Newmarket
Ginifer
Kensington
Albion
V/LINE
Montmorency Greensborough Watsonia Macleod Rosanna
Bell
Heidelberg Eaglemont
Thornbury
Ivanhoe
Croxton
Darebin
Northcote
Alphington Fairfield
Merri
Jewell
Ascot Vale
Keilor Plains
Preston
Brunswick
Moonee Ponds
Watergardens
Regent
Batman
Anstey
Essendon
#
Diggers Rest
Merlynston
Moreland
Glenbervie
Eltham
Ruthven
Coburg
Strathmore
Diamond Creek
Reservoir
Fawkner
Glenroy
Wattle Glen
Keon Park
UPFIELD
Broadmeadows
SUNBURY
HURSTBRIDGE
Thomastown
Royal Park
Rushall
Flemington Bridge
Clifton Hill
Dennis Westgarth
Victoria Park
Macaulay
Yarraville
North Richmond
Spotswood
City Loop Jolimont Flinders Street
Heyington
Newport
Williamstown Beach
to n
Williams Landing (opening 2013) Hoppers Crossing
North Williamstown
Altona
W es
Aircraft
Seaholme
WILLIAMSTOWN
Prahran Windsor
Elsternwick PORT PHILLIP
Glenhuntly
Gardenvale
Ormond McKinnon
Middle Brighton
Bentleigh
Brighton Beach
Patterson
Hampton
Moorabbin
SANDRINGHAM
ALAMEIN
Upwey Tecoma
Holmesglen
Caulfield
North Brighton
Upper Ferntree Gully
East Malvern
Malvern
Ripponlea
Ferntree Gully
Ashburton
Darling
Armadale
Boronia
Burwood
Glen Iris
Toorak
BELGRAVE
Jordanville
Carnegie
Ringwood East
Bayswater
Hartwell
Gardiner
Hawksburn
Mooroolbark Croydon
Heathmont
Willison
Tooronga
South Yarra
Balaclava
WERRIBEE
Riversdale
Kooyong
a
Laverton
LILYDALE
West Richmond
Parliament Southern Cross
ch m Ea on d Ri st ch m Bu o n rn d le y H aw th o G le r n nf e Au rrie bu r C n am b Ea e r w e st C ll a C a n mb er te w r b e C ha ury ll th Su a m rre y H M on ills tA Bo lb er x t H i La ll bu rn u Bl ac m kb u N un r n aw a M itc din ha g m H ea th R i e rd ng a le w oo d
Seddon
*Flagstaff
Melbourne Central
Ri
Ke S n s ou in th gt on
M el Ro ton ck b D an ee k rP ar Ar k de er Su ns h T W ott ine e es n M t Fo ham id dl ots e Fo cra ot y s Fo cra ot y sc ra y
Collingwood North Melbourne
Mount Waverley
Murrumbeena
Syndal
Hughesdale
GLEN WAVERLEY
Oakleigh Huntingdale Clayton Westall
Springvale Sandown Park
Highett
Noble Park Yarraman
Cheltenham
Dandenong
Mentone Lynbrook
Parkdale
Hallam Narre Warren
Merinda Park
Mordialloc
Berwick Beaconsfield
CRANBOURNE
Aspendale
Officer
Edithvale
Cardinia Road PAKENHAM
Chelsea Bonbeach
Le
aw a Ba r r a xt e So r m e Ty rvil a b le b H as tin Bi g s tte rn M or ra C do o rib P ST oin t O N Y P O
FRANKSTON
IN
T
Carrum Seaford Kananook
NORTH
DIESEL SERVICE
MAP NOT TO SCALE
Effective 18 November 2012
For more information visit ptv.vic.gov.au or call 1800 800 007 (6am – midnight daily)
Pa rk in g
ec tin g tra C on m ne ct in g bu s C V/ on Li ne ne c trating in V/ Co Li nn n Pr e c ect em oa in ch g iu m St at io n H os tS ta tio n
*Flagstaff Station is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Zo ne 1 Zo n e C on 2 n
Information
Ticketing zones
Premium Station: Customer service centre is staffed from first train to last, seven days a week. Host Station: Customer service staff at station during morning peak.
# Line
to Showgrounds and Flemington Racecourse is only open for special events. © Public Transport Development Authority (operating as Public Transport Victoria) 2012
231012
Melbourne tram network Zone 1
Zone 1 or 2
Thornbury Station
St
Park St
55
Commercial Rd
Riv er Ya rra St
Camberwell Station
Windsor Station
Wattletree Rd
Rd rk Pa
6
GLEN IRIS TO MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY
5
MALVERN TO MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY
St
Malvern Station Balaclava Rd
PRAHRAN TO NORTH RICHMOND
Glenhuntly Rd
78 (Until 7pm) Elsternwick Station
Hawthorn Rd
LUNA PARK / ST KILDA BEACH TO NORTH RICHMOND (After 7pm)
96
Waverley Rd
Balaclava Station
79
75
VERMONT SOUTH TO CITY SPENCER ST
Glen Iris Station
St
Dandenong Rd
Burwood Hwy
Burwood Station
Toorak Station
Armadale Station
ry bu er nt Ca
ST KILDA BEACH TO EAST BRUNSWICK
Kooyong Station
WATTLE PARK TO WATERFRONT CITY DOCKLANDS
Gardiner Station
Prahran Station
Carlisle St
ST KILDA 112 FITZROY ST TO WEST PRESTON Luna Park
8
Malvern Rd
High St
70 Hartwell Station
Fit zr oy
Av Vic to ria
Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre
STH MELBOURNE BEACH TO EAST COBURG
109
Riversdale Station
Riversdale Rd
TOORAK TO MORELAND
Chapel St
St
1
BOX HILL TO PORT MELBOURNE
Box Hill Station
TO MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY
Burnley Station
Prahran Market
Alfred Hospital
e gu ta on M
MELBOURNE TO BOX HILL
Whitehorse Rd
72 CAMBERWELL
Glenferrie Station
Hawthorn Station Swan St
South Yarra Station
Toorak Rd
DOMAIN INTERCHANGE TO WEST COBURG
Pa rk
St St at io n
109 PORT
TO VICTORIA HARBOUR DOCKLANDS
Shrine of Remembrance
St on nd t re s S Cla rrar Fe
Port Phillip
South Melbourne Market
Rd
East Richmond Station
AAMI Park
TO CITY / LA TROBE ST WEST END (Peak only)
Burke Rd
Kingsway
NORTH
Jolimont Station Richmond Station
Melbourne Park
24 48 Balwyn Rd
Southbank Blvd
MCG
Federation Square
TO MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY VIA ST KILDA
Glenferrie Rd
Arts Centre
St Kilda Rd
Flinders Street Station
Yarra River
Epworth Hospital Bridge Wellington Pde
Flinders St
16 KEW
Church St
19
Collins St
NORTH BALWYN
Cotham Rd
NORTH RICHMOND 78 TO PRAHRAN (Until 7pm) 79 TO LUNA PARK / ST KILDA BEACH (After 7pm)
North Richmond Station HODDLE ST TO VICTORIA HARBOUR DOCKLANDS
35 City Circle
Smith St
Melbourne CBD
TO WEST MARIBYRNONG 57 Flinders St TO AIRPORT WEST 59
Westgarth Station Clifton Hill Station
Victoria St
31
St
Collins St
TO HODDLE ST 31
30
Parliament Station Spring
Bourke St
TO WEST PRESTON 11
Melbourne TO NORTH COBURG Central CITY Station ELIZABETH ST
Southern Cross Station
Elizabeth St
Lonsdale St
La Trobe St 35 City Circle
Flagstaff Station
Merri Station
St Vincent’s Hospital ST VINCENT’S PLAZA TO ETIHAD STADIUM
TO CITY SPENCER ST (Mon-Fri)
Queen Victoria Market
William St
Spencer St
VICTORIA HARBOUR DOCKLANDS TO NORTH BALWYN 48
95
Victoria St
Swanston St
24 LA TROBE ST WEST END TO NORTH BALWYN (Peak only) Etihad Stadium
Nicholson St
CITY TO VERMONT SPENCER ST SOUTH 75 95 TO MELBOURNE MUSEUM (Mon-Fri)
ETIHAD STADIUM 30 DOCKLANDS TO ST VINCENT’S PLAZA
MELBOURNE MUSEUM
St
Peel St
th be za Eli
Errol St
CITY CIRCLE 35 TO WATTLE PARK 70
Northcote Station
Rushall Station
Brunswick St
Rd on gt in m Fle Abbotsford St
WATERFRONT CITY DOCKLANDS TO BUNDOORA RMIT 86
High St
St
FOOTSCRAY 82 TO MOONEE PONDS Footscray Station
96
Royal Elgin St Melbourne Hospital MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY 64 TO EAST BRIGHTON (Mon-Fri) TO EAST MALVERN 3 5 TO MALVERN TO CARNEGIE 67 6 TO GLEN IRIS TO KEW VIA ST KILDA 16 72 TO CAMBERWELL TO EAST MALVERN 3a (Sat / Sun)
BUNDOORA RMIT TO WATERFRONT CITY DOCKLANDS
Croxton Station
St Georges Rd
p oo Dr
Royal Children’s Hospital Royal Women’s Hospital
EAST BRUNSWICK TO ST KILDA BEACH
Lygon St
Rd
Racecourse Rd
Royal Pde
m so Ep
Royal Park Station Melbourne Zoo
86
t rS le Ty
MORELAND TO TOORAK Anstey Station
Brunswick Station Jewell Station
Newmarket Flemington Bridge Station Station
Flemington Racecourse Station
St
Maribyrnong Rd
Melville Rd
Rd er nd xa le tA M
57
Gilbert Rd
Rd
Moreland Rd
EAST COBURG TO STH MELBOURNE BEACH
Rd
1
8
MOONEE PONDS TO FOOTSCRAY 82
Showgrounds Station
TO CITY ELIZABETH ST
Moreland Station
Essendon Station
WEST MARIBYRNONG TO CITY ELIZABETH ST
WEST PRESTON VICTORIA HARBOUR 11 TO DOCKLANDS 112 TO ST KILDA FITZROY ST
19 NORTH COBURG
Nicholson
Batman Station Coburg Station
55
Sydney Rd
r ilo Ke
WEST COBURG TO DOMAIN INTERCHANGE
Hig h
59
Ple nt y
AIRPORT WEST TO CITY ELIZABETH ST
Zone 2
64
Caulfield Station
3
EAST MALVERN TO MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY (Mon-Fri)
3a TO MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY
Glenhuntly Station
VIA ST KILDA (Sat / Sun)
67 CARNEGIE
TO MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY
EAST BRIGHTON TO MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY
MAP NOT TO SCALE
Effective April 2011
C BD
For more information visit ptv.vic.gov.au or call 1800 800 007 (6am – midnight daily)
Tr am
te rm in us tra Ne in ar st es at t io n H os pi ta l
Ticketing zones
Zo ne Zo 1 ne 1o r2 Zo ne 2
Information
All trams operate in Zone 1. If travelling only in the Zone 1 or 2 overlap, a Zone 2 ticket can be used. © Public Transport Development Authority (operating as Public Transport Victoria) 2012
231012
BIKES Keen to save money on bus fares while getting fit? Buy a bike, and ride everyday! Read through our guide to buying a bike to find out the best way to get your wheels in motion. There are three main options: Road, Mountain and Hybrid. What you will need depends on what terrain you will be riding on.
What type of bike do I need?
Mountain These bikes are more heavy duty and designed for a variety of terrains. They are more comfortable than road bikes but don’t go as fast. If you plan to go off-road at any point then a mountain bike might be required.
Hybrid These bikes are the middle ground between the other two; more durable than a road bike but lighter than a mountain bike. They make a great choice for city riding but aren’t capable for most off-road stuff.
Road As the name suggests, this type of bike is designed for riding on roads. They are lightweight, have skinny tyres and are designed for speed. If you will only ever ride on road then these bikes are for you.
Bike Safety It’s illegal to ride a bicycle without wearing a helmet in Australia. It’s also a legal requirement to attach lights to the front and back of your bike if you’re riding after dark. Another issue to be aware of is ‘dooring’ – car drivers opening their doors next to bicycle lanes and injuring cyclists as they ride past. If you’re on a shared path, keep everyone in mind. Ring your bell, slow down, relax and enjoy yourself! A big tip is to not always follow the pack; only cross the road when you feel it is safe.
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Your New City
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Where do I buy a bike from?
Pony Bikes 343 Victoria St, West Melbourne If you want to meet other people into cycling then you need to know about Pony Bikes. They are a large bike maintenance warehouse who sell great coffee and have regular social events. With a large range of parts, they are an excellent place for a custom build or repair. 9939 6773
www.ponybikes.com
Humble Vintage Based at various cafes, bike shops and markets around Melbourne, this is the coolest way to do bike rental. They have a range of cool bikes for cruising around the streets of Melbourne that you just return when you’re finished. Check out their website for collection spots and a selection of bargain bikes for sale. 0432 032 450
Second-hand
Rental
Gumtree.com.au
Check out the Melbourne Bike Share Project, you will find the blue bike stations scattered around the central city. This is a great option if you want to make a number of short trips; it costs only $2.70 per day as long as each individual trip lasts less than 30 minutes. Helmets are available for $5 at many retail outlets and vending machines at Southern Cross Station or Melbourne University.
A fantastic website for all your second-hand needs. Gumtree lists a variety of products and services people are trying to sell. Search for bikes in your location to try and find a bargain! Garage sales When people want to clear a lot of their household goods they will host a garage sale. These events are at their houses (generally in the front yard) and you can barter with them for their unwanted goods. Garage sales are often listed in local newspapers.
www.melbournebikeshare. com.au
Bikeexchange.com.au The website Bikeexchange is a great resource for buying new and used bikes and accessories. Select your desired bike type, size, price range and location, and a list of available options will appear.
www.thehumblevintage.com
1
2
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Bike Shop BikS h
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THE SOCIAL LIFE Social media has experienced rapid growth around the world over recent years. Students have definitely played a part in this and social media is heavily used by many students. The various platforms have their own unique uses and all allow users to interact in different ways. Here is an overview of the most prominent platforms in Australia.
What is it?
What is it?
What is it?
Facebook was created as a way for students at a particular college or university to find and connect with each other. In fact, when Facebook launched, only those people with a verified college e-mail address were permitted to sign up. After a few months of being “that site for college kids,” Facebook knocked down its walls and invited everyone to sign up. Since March 2013, Facebook Nation is 1.11 billion strong and growing every day the world over.
Twitter is an online social networking service and micro blogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based messages of up to 140 characters, known as “tweets”. There are over 500 million registered users as of 2012, generating over 340 million tweets daily and handling over 1.6 billion search queries per day.
LinkedIn is a business-focused social networking site that launched in 2003. Its main purpose is to help people network professionally. The basic service is free.
How do you register? Users must register before using the site. You can sign up for Facebook on the below link and just follow the prompts to set up your profile. www.facebook.com
What is the purpose of Facebook? After you have created a personal profile, you can add other users as friends, exchange messages, and receive notifications. Additionally, users may join common-interest user groups, and categorise their friends into lists such as “People From Work” or “Close Friends”.
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How do you register? Users must register before using the site. Before registering, you must come up with a Twitter username, preferably less than 10 characters long. You may need to try a few usernames as they could already be in use. You can sign up for Twitter on the below link and just follow the prompts to set up your profile. www.twitter.com
What is the purpose of Twitter? Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters, displayed on the author’s profile page and delivered to other users known as followers - who have subscribed to them.
Your New City
How do you register? Users must register before using the site. You can sign up for LinkedIn on the below link and just follow the prompts to set up your profile. When setting up your profile, it’s handy to have a copy of your CV or Résumé so that you can fill in the appropriate fields. Once registered, LinkedIn will help you find people to connect with. www.linkedin.com
What is the purpose of LinkedIn? The site lets you find other business associates, clients, and colleagues whom you already know. You “connect” with them through the site, and they then become part of your network. This can be an excellent tool for professional networking.
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
What is Pinterest?
What is Instagram?
Pinterest is a pinboard-style photo-sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections such as events, interests and hobbies. Unlike other social bookmarking sites, such as Digg and StumbleUpon, content shared on Pinterest is driven entirely by visuals. In fact, you can’t share something on Pinterest unless an image is involved.
Instagram is an online photosharing, video-sharing and social networking service that enables its users to take pictures and videos, apply digital filters to them, and share them on a variety of social networking services, such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Flickr. A distinctive feature is that it confines photos to a square shape, similar to Kodak Instamatic and Polaroid images, in contrast to the 16:9 aspect ratio now typically used by mobile device cameras.
How do you register? Users must register before using the site. You can sign up for Pinterest on the below link and just follow the prompts to set up your profile. www.pinterest.com
What is the purpose of Pinterest? You can share images you find online, or you can directly upload images onto Pinterest. Using the Pin It button, you can share directly in your browser from any web page. You can also share your pins on Twitter and Facebook. • When you share something on Pinterest, each bookmark is called a pin. • When you share someone else’s pin on Pinterest, it’s called a repin. You group pins together by topic onto various boards or pinboards in your profile. Each board mimics a real-life pinboard.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
How do you register? Right now, you can only create an Instagram account using the app on your iOS (ex: iPhone) or Android device. To sign up for an Instagram account: Download the Instagram app in the App Store for your iPhone/ iPad, or in Google Play for an Android device. The main purpose of Instagram is to capture moments of your life, in which you share your beautiful photos and videos with your followers and friends.
Who to follow! On Campus
Many universities and various groups/associations on campus are active on social media. This means you can stay on top of news and events that affect your life on campus.
Music
Social media is great for discovering new music and interacting with your favourite artists. It is also useful for keeping on top of which bands will be playing in your city.
Friends
Adding friends on social media allows you to interact with them in various ways. Social media is great for chatting, organising events and making new friends.
Politics
Local councils and governments use social media to share information relevant to their residents. This can include events, news and policy changes that may be of interest in your local area.
Your New City
23
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INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA Before European colonisation in 1788, Australia’s population was made up entirely of the Indigenous people of Australia – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. There were hundreds of communities around the country that spoke around 200 different languages and held different beliefs while upholding various common traditions and practices.
It’s important to appreciate that the European or Western way of life that you now see in Australia is a relatively new concept (only a few hundred years old). The Indigenous population has inhabited Australia for over 60,000 years. Today, elements of Indigenous culture can be found in many areas of modern Australian life. Indigenous art, music, people, stories and history are an important part of our national identity. Land Ownership To the Indigenous people of Australia, the concept of land ownership that Western cultures have (i.e. buying and selling land) is very different from their own. Their relationship with the
land was, and remains, at the core of their spirituality. Land was not viewed as something that a person could “own”. As this society and land ownership system was not respected by the British, Australia was viewed as ‘terra nullius’ (“land belonging to no one”) and the land was colonised. Today, some important legal milestones have been reached in the area of Indigenous land rights, which indicate that cultural sensitivity and respect can dictate how Australia moves forward.
museum to discover how Indigenous Australians used tools, shared stories over generations, created spectacular artwork and lived off the land. NGV Australia display Indigenous art and Melbourne regularly hosts Indigenous events including Black Nite Cinema and the Indigenous Arts Festival.
Experiencing Indigenous Australian Culture
If you’re planning a trip, you might like to consider Uluru in the Northern Territory to learn about this remarkable natural wonder and its importance to the local Indigenous community. A local Anangu guide can give you a rich insight into this part of the world.
If you’re interested in learning more about this incredibly rich and diverse culture, we highly recommend visiting your local
You could even head to Alice Springs to check out Aboriginal art galleries, or the Kimberleys in WA and discover some rock art.
Black: Represents the Aboriginal tribes of Australia. Red: Represents the red earth and the red ochre, which symbolises a spiritual relationship with the land. Yellow: Represents the sun, the provider of life and the protector of people.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Your New City
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AUSSIE CULTURAL DIVERSITY It’s no secret that Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world: people from all over the world have migrated here, vibrantly shaping the Australia that we experience today.
Asian
British
Indian
Australia has a large Asian population, which started growing back in the 1850s with the Australian Gold Rush. In 1861, just after the height of the gold rush, Chinese immigrants made up 3.3% of the population. Since then, the number has continued to rise, with Australia now home to well over 200,000 Chinese residents. The second most commonly spoken language at home in Australia is Mandarin. Other Asian countries have also made a significant impact on the Australian lifestyle, with an increasing number of residents from Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Australia was settled by the British, so our association with England and Great Britain goes back a long way. Captain Cook shored the country back in 1788 and a variety of English, Irish and Scottish migrants began to make their way to Australia. Over 1 million residents currently living in Australia were born in the United Kingdom. British culture can be seen everywhere in Australia - our fondness for cricket, our flag, our language and our love for a thirst-quenching ale.
Indian migration to Australia is one of the more recent patterns of immigration. Over 153,000 Australian residents were born in India according to the most recent Census. However, it’s said some of the first settlers were Indian convicts transported by the British Colonial Government in India back in 1788! A large portion of Indian migrants also arrived in Australia during the Gold Rush. Since then, the Indian culture has been bolstered by a strong student intake each year.
Your New City
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
European The Dutchman, Willem Janszoon was the first European to discover Australia in 1606, Even before Captain Cook. While there were some European cultures that made their way to Australia in its early years, it wasn’t until after World War II that Europe started changing the face of Australia. With so many displaced people after the War, ethnicities from all over Europe made their way to the country. The influences of Italian and Greek cultures can be found almost everywhere, as well as German, Polish and Eastern European nationalities, and nowhere is this more obvious than in Australian cuisine.
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Multicultural Hub 506 Elizabeth Street (opposite the Queen Victoria Market), Melbourne The City of Melbourne’s Multicultural Hub is a friendly place, where people from Melbourne’s many different cultures can get together to work, share and learn in a safe and supportive environment. It offers rooms for hire (10-100 people), a commercial grade community kitchen and a subsidised rate for community groups and not for profits. Open 7 days. 9092 1500 www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/multihub
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Your New City
27
SETTING-UP + FIRST STEPS INTRODUCTION Before you can start exploring and enjoying everything this place has to offer, there are a few necessary things to sort out. These are basic things, like where you’re going to live. Will you be living in private accommodation, or perhaps with an Australian family? Once you have sorted out your living situation, there’s the all-important furnishing of your home. Where can you find cheap furniture? What sort of things should you be buying anyway? We’ve got all those questions answered too.
Next on the list is getting connected. It’s pretty hard to study and keep in touch with your family back home if you don’t have any Internet access or phone contact. There are plenty of options when it comes to getting connected, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble setting yourself up. Of course, if you’re going to be living in Australia for a while, you’re going to need a source of income - and nobody likes relying on Mum and Dad forever. Finding a job is a great way to experience more of the Australian culture and meet more of
the locals, not to mention improve your English and gain some quality experience. If you have never applied for a job before, look no further than here for all the tips and tricks you’ll need to secure that part time position. Money is also a crucial part of living in Australia. Luckily there are plenty of different options for storing and accessing your money - you won’t need to keep your cash stashed under your mattress.
Meld Magazine A free online publication offering news, lifestyle and entertainment for international students in Melbourne. The organisation also provides work experience for media and marketing students. www.meldmagazine.com.au
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Setting-up
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
NEED TO KNOWS Second-hand One of the best tips for any new student is to try and live cheaply. You want to have enough money to spend exploring your new city, so if you can find bargains on the essentials, you’ll be off to a good start. A lot of second-hand shops are run by charities like the Red Cross or the Salvation Army. There is sure to be some low priced pre-loved furniture you can give a new home to. Otherwise keep an eye on your university pin boards (on campus and online) - other international students usually try to sell their bigger items before they head back home.
Garage Sales Hosted out the front of residential homes, garage sales are a great opportunity to pick up a bargain. Just because someone else is selling something doesn’t mean it won’t be ideal for you. Garage sales are a great place to pick up household items like couches, bed frames (not mattresses!), crockery and small items for around your home.
Go Online
These are great websites where people can sell just about anything - old furniture, tickets to concerts, even pets. The good thing about these websites is that you almost always need to meet the person selling you the goods – meaning you can check it out before you buy it and you don’t have to pay for delivery! It’s always a good idea to take a friend with you when you’re checking out your desired item, just to be safe. www.gumtree.com.au www.tradingpost.com.au
Storage If you come to Australia and find you have a lot more stuff than you can store, you might need to look into storing it. There are plenty of places around that will store your stuff in a small garage for a period of time. It can get pretty pricey though, so make sure you do your research. Your institution will be able to help you here. www.ustoreit.com.au
Social Networks On the Garage Sales Facebook page, use the event tab to keep track of where you can pick up a bargain! www.facebook.com/ggesale
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Setting-up
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THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION One of the first things you’ll need to think about after you have decided what you’re going to be studying in Australia is where you’ll live. There are a few options that you can choose from but make sure you do your research - check with your institution about their recommended accommodation, and take into account your needs and budget before you lock anything in.
Student Apartments
Homestay
Most universities offer student apartments where you might share with a few other students or have your own room. What will I get? You’ll get fully furnished rooms, which can range from 1 to 5 bedrooms, a shared kitchen and bathroom. How much will it cost? It depends on the apartment, but you’ll be paying between $200 and $500 a week. What are some of the advantages? here’s a real emphasis on community T some house over 400 students! Plus you don’t have to worry about furnishing your place. What are some of the disadvantages? It can be quite expensive and you may have to pay for your Internet use separately. Who should I talk to? www.urbanest.com.au
A homestay is where you live with an Australian family in their home for the duration of your study. You may live with a family, a couple or another person. What will I get? Depending on the family you stay with, you may get different facilities, but you’ll certainly get your own furnished bedroom. How much will it cost? Living with a family will probably cost you between $250 and $300 a week. What are some of the advantages? You’ll get most of your meals provided, as well as Internet and you won’t have to worry about setting up utilities or phone lines. What are some of the disadvantages? Sharing with a family might be frustrating, you may live quite far from your institution and you won’t get a sense of living independently. Who should I talk to?
www.iglu.com.au
Check out the Australian Homestay Network. They can help you link up with a family, as well as answer important questions. www.homestaynetwork.org
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Setting-up
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Welcome to Melbourne Where your future takes off
Congratulations, you are one of around 150,000 students from 200 countries, who have chosen to study in Melbourne. In 2012, the QS World University Rankings named Melbourne among the top four student cities in the world, along with Paris, Boston and London. To help you settle into your new life, visit studymelbourne.vic.gov.au for information on visas, cost of living, accommodation, transport, health and safety, support services and more.
The Study Melbourne program also includes: The Welcome Desk - an information point when you first arrive at Melbourne International Airport Culture Card – an international student card for free and low-cost access to local museums, art galleries and sporting events. Go to culturecardvictoria.com.au for more details. International Student Care Service – a free, confidential service for international students, particularly if you are experiencing difficulties. Call 1800 056 449 day or night.
Accommodation Fire Safety Checklist Is your accommodation safe?
Is there a smoke alarm on the ceiling outside your bedroom?1 It is law to have a smoke alarm outside bedrooms. Is there a smoke alarm on the ceiling in your bedroom?1 If you live in a rooming house or campus accommodation, it is the law to have a smoke alarm in your bedroom. Can doors fitted with locks open from the inside without a key? Locked doors should be able to be opened from the inside without a key. Are there security bars on bedroom windows? Ensure security bars can be opened from the inside in case of an emergency. Is there a double power point in your bedroom? Do not overload power points or power boards with too many appliances as this increases your risk of fire. Does your property have installed heating? Using portable heaters increase the risk of fire. Do the oven and stove operate correctly?2 Do all light fittings work correctly?2
Metropolitan Fire Brigade Melbourne 1 It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure you have a working smoke alarm in accordance with Victorian legislation. 2 All repairs are the property owner’s responsibility. Report any faults urgently to the property owner or agent.
Residential Colleges Colleges are a great accommodation option for international students as a lot of the basics are taken care of, and most colleges are only a short distance from the big universities. What will I get? At a residential college you’ll receive all your meals, as well as a weekly room clean. You’ll get yourself a fully furnished bedroom, plus access to Wi-Fi, library facilities and tutors. How much will it cost? It depends on the college you choose, but most colleges cost between $285 and $410 a week. What are some of the advantages? It’s a great way to meet lots of different people while utilities and Internet are often included in the price.
Renting & Share Houses This is true independent living - renting an apartment or a house either alone or with housemates. What will I get? Renting a place means you call the shots. You have to pay for everything though, including furniture, food, utilities as well as rent. How much will it cost? $100 - $400 a week - depending on how many you share with and where you live. That usually doesn’t include bills, and it definitely doesn’t cover any food costs. What are some of the advantages? Independent living is great and you can meet a whole bunch of new people, plus you have a lot more control over your living arrangements.
What are some of the disadvantages?
What are some of the disadvantages?
Sharing bathrooms can be frustrating, you’re often locked into a yearly contract and there’s such a strong social aspect you might find it hard to concentrate.
Paying for everything, including furniture and all utilities can be tough and it can get lonely if you’re living by yourself.
Who should I talk to?
Who should I talk to? Since renting is a private matter, your institution won’t have much to do with this. There is plenty of information available on real estate and sharehouse websites.
Check your institution’s website first they’ll point you in the direction of the right colleges. You can then check out their websites and find out all the important information.
www.sharehousing.org www.realestate.com.au www.flatmates.com.au
Fire Safety A working smoke alarm provides you with early warning of a fire and gives you time to escape safely. Test your smoke alarm every month by pressing the test button and wait for the beep, beep beep. Without a working smoke alarm in your home you are four times more likely to die in a house fire than people with working smoke alarms.
RENTING TIPS Finding a place to live can be a scary process. Most problems arise between international students and their landlords because the students have not paid enough attention to the contract they have entered into. Some landlords will try to take advantage of you! Here are a few tips that will help you stay out of trouble.
Read the fine print Make sure you know if you have entered under a fixedterm or a periodic tenancy. If you sign an agreement, you should receive a copy straight away. Keep this in a safe place so you can refer to it if a problem arises, along with a copy of all other documentation including receipts for all payments. Every part of your agreement needs to be in writing. A verbal agreement is not good enough proof of your tenancy terms. Bond, house bond As a general rule, if you are renting for $350 a week or less, the bond cannot be more than four weeks rent. Be aware though, there are exceptions to this. Check what you can legally be charged at: consumer.vic.gov.au/renting
Rent in advance A landlord can ask for two weeks rent for periodic tenancy and one month’s rent for fixed term tenancy. Do your own inspections There are three inspections you need take seriously: Before you agree to rent, inspect the place. DO NOT agree to pay money to someone for a house you haven’t seen. You can tell a rental scam if you are not allowed to inspect a property, the documentation looks wrong, or
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they want you to send money overseas or to a PO Box. Before you move in, do a very careful inspection to check the condition of the house. Note as much as you can on any preexisting problems when you first receive your inspection sheet. It’s best to take dated photos of any damages. Keep a copy of all this documentation for yourself. This will help if you have to dispute any repairs with the landlord at the end of your stay. When you move out, make notes and take dated photos of everything again. It’s a good idea to have witnesses to all these inspections. Utilities Make sure you agree with your landlord about your electricity, gas, internet, water usage, etc. Agree on exactly how much you are responsible for and any usage limits in writing before you begin renting. End of days Pay attention to the details regarding the end of your tenancy agreement. If you leave without giving notice, you can get in real trouble! For more information or if you run into trouble with your landlord, call the Tenants Union of Victoria. 9416 2577.
Excess Luggage Excess luggage charges on airlines can be quite hefty, so what’s the alternative? Sending your possessions home can be a safe, cost effective method of avoiding these charges. Not only will you avoid the costs but you take the hassle out of returning home. All your goods will be covered by insurance and some companies can even store your goods for a while if you plan to travel before heading home. They take care of all customs requirements at both ends and allow you to focus on everything else you need to get sorted. You can track your possessions online so you always know where they are and have that additional level of security. Focus on enjoying your graduation or simply enjoying a break from study and let the professionals take care of getting your possessions home. We recommend Professional Freight Services as they have a specialist international student division. They are experienced in dealing with international students and know exactly what you require. www.pfs.net.au
www.tuv.org.au
Setting-up
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
A DEAKIN DEGREE WILL TAKE YOU FURTHER Melbourne | Geelong | Warrnambool
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
Deakin University combines scholastic excellence, top quality research, industry partnerships and flexible learning options. It is the perfect destination for those students who want to become citizens of the world. About Deakin University Operating from four campuses and attracting students from more than 137 countries, Deakin helps you plan your career and achieve your future goals through an outstanding studying experience that ranges across 17 fields of study and more than 350 postgraduate and undergraduate courses.
MIBT and DUELI Pathways If you don’t meet the English language or academic entry requirements for a Deakin University course you may be offered a direct-entry pathway option at Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) or at MIBT! Both are conveniently located on Deakin campuses so you can
enjoy the benefits of being a Deakin student whilst working towards entry into a Deakin course. DUELI prepares students for direct entry to degree-level study at Deakin university. Students are automatically eligible for placement at DUELI if they meet Deakin University’s academic criteria but do not meet the English language requirements. MIBT provides a direct pathway to the University in the areas of business and commerce, computing and information technology and mass communication.
Courses There are undergraduate and postgraduate courses available in the fields of: • Architecture and built environment • Arts
For more information call +61 3 9627 4877 or email deakin-international@deakin.edu.au
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Business Communication Criminology Creative arts Education and teaching Engineering Environment Health Information systems Information technology International studies and languages Law Medicine Nursing and midwifery Nutrition and dietetics Optometry Politics and policy Property and real estate Psychology Science Sport
deakin.edu.au/international
Overseas Skills Registry
Connecting international students with Victorian employers The Overseas Skills Registry is an online service connecting Victorian employers to overseas qualified professionals and skilled migrants, including international students who have graduated from a Victorian university and have skills in demand. Visit the Overseas Skills Registry website to check your eligibility and create your profile. There is no charge for this service.
liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/overseasskillsregistry
The Housemate’s Code
Recycling
Living with other people is often an essential way of living for university students. However, it can turn into a nightmare. Often that is due to a problematic housemate. So, follow our housemate etiquette guide to make sure that’s not you!
Personal Items Respect the personal items of your housemates. Don’t use their things without permission and don’t assume because you’ve used something once they will always be okay with you using it again.
Privacy Don’t enter your housemate’s personal space without permission, especially if they aren’t around. Even if you claim to be okay with people doing that to you, it does not mean they feel the same way.
Party vs Quiet Time Cans This includes aluminium and steel cans. Glass If you have an empty glass bottle, you can recycle it. Remember to take the tops off!
Discuss your commitments with your housemates to determine which times are quiet times. There is nothing wrong with partying as long as it suits all housemates.
Smoking Most rental properties in Australia are non-smoking indoors. If your housemates are uncomfortable with smoking then do not light up right next to them.
Paper & Card This includes newspapers, junk mail, milk cartons, printer paper etc. Remember to remove any plastic wrapping! Plastics This includes milk bottles, soft drink bottles, juice bottles etc. Remember to take the tops off!
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Money Make sure you pay your rent and bills on time and never rely on your housemates to cover your share. Also, don’t buy something and expect your housemates to chip in without discussing it with them first.
Cleaning The cleaning of communal spaces should be a shared job so make sure you do your part. This often works best if you work out a schedule of chores, unless all housemates have tasks they prefer doing. Also even though your personal space is yours, it is still part of the overall space so try to keep it at least reasonably tidy.
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GETTING CONNECTED So you have just landed in Australia and you’re probably looking to get on the Internet, contact your new friends and make some long distance calls back home. Getting connected is pretty easy in Australia if you know what to do.
Wi-Fi In Australia, there are plenty of places that offer free wireless. You can often find WiFi hotspots in some airports, cafés, public libraries, McDonalds and your campus (although you may have to sign up to use these – check with your institution first). If you’re struggling to find a connection anywhere, there are a few Wi-Fi-Finder apps on smartphones too. Just head over to one of these spots, pull up a chair and connect to the web – too easy!
Mobile Broadband and 3G There will be times when free wireless will not be available and you need an alternative. Wireless dongles are ideal for this situation. They plug into your computer through your USB port and are available from phone companies like Telstra. They are available in range of options depending on your monthly data usage. Another option is using the data (3g or 4g) connection on your phone through your laptop. Don’t do this too often though as most phone plans have fairly low data allowance.
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Home Internet If you’re living in a house a more cost effective solution may be entering a contract. There are a whole range of different plans and contracts out there, so make sure you do your research and choose the right one for you. Try to find one that includes a wireless modem or router, otherwise you’ll have to buy one separately. Plans usually include a download limit, and the higher the cost per month, the more downloads you receive. You can often sign up for a year or more and the longer you sign up for, the cheaper it gets. We recommend getting Naked ADSL (uses your land line) as, let’s be honest, who uses land line phones these days anyway? Telstra: www.telstra.com.au
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Skype If you prefer to see as well as hear your loved ones back home, Skype is certainly your best option. Combining video and sound, it’s basically a video call and, best of all it’s free if the person you’re calling has Skype too. So make sure your family signs up back home to keep things cheap. Just visit the Skype website, download the software and you’re done! Another voice-based option is Skype credit which also allows you to call foreign mobiles at great rates. www.skype.com
Mobile Phones Living in Australia, almost everyone has a mobile phone and chances are you had one back home too. Unfortunately, that one might not work here, as it may be locked to your provider back home. There are ways around this, but most short-term travellers will often purchase a cheap mobile phone on a pre-paid deal, meaning you pay for what you use and aren’t locked into any sort of monthly contract. You can buy these pre-paid SIM cards (and rechargeable credit) from almost anywhere – supermarkets, service stations and mobile phone outlets. Alternatively, if you’re here for a while, you can sign up to a plan, which can often provide greater value (and better phones), but comes with a fixed-term contract (usually 24 months).
Viber & Whats App
Phone Cards If your parents aren’t very computer savvy, perhaps a phone call might be easier. To keep your costs down, make sure you buy a phone card – it’s about 80% cheaper than calls from a home phone. www.aussiephonecards.com.au
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
If you have got a smartphone, there are a few apps out there that can help you save your dollars while still communicating with the people you want. Viber is a great app which uses all your existing contacts. It lets you make calls and send messages - all for free. It uses your 3G connection to connect with other Viber users, so it’s a great alternative to other methods. Best of all, it works with any network and any operating system (Android, Windows and iOS).
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ExplorE AustrAliA with thE nEtwork thAt givEs you morE wElcomE to wondErful mElbournE When you’re an international student starting a new adventure in a big country, you need a network you can rely on to stay on top of your studies, help you explore the local sights and keep in touch with new friends. Here’s how we can help you settle in to one of the most exciting cities in the world:
A nEtwork without EquAl
tElstrA thAnks®
tElstrA prE-pAid offErs
wE’rE locAl
As Australia’s largest and most reliable mobile network with more 4G coverage than other networks, you’ll be able to enjoy faster speeds in more places.
Choose from a range of great Pre-Paid offers, like Telstra Pre-Paid Cap Encore, which gives you free talk and text to standard Australian numbers every night. You can even use your cap credit to call standard international numbers, making it easy to stay in touch with family back home.
Telstra Thanks can give you access to lots of great things to do in your free time, with pre-sale music tickets, money can’t buy sports experiences and discounted $10 movie tickets. With over 60 stores in Melbourne, no matter where you are, there’s a Telstra store nearby where our friendly staff are ready to get you connected. So pop in and see us today.
thE tElstrA mobilE nEtwork offErs 4g in All cApitAl cbds And AssociAtEd Airports, mAny surrounding suburbAn ArEAs And in ovEr 100 rEgionAl ArEAs. you’ll AutomAticAlly switch to our fAstEst AvAilAblE 3g in othEr covErAgE ArEAs Around AustrAliA. chEck covErAgE At telstra.com/coverage THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Telstra 4G: Typical download speeds of between 2Mbps and 50Mbps are available to 4G devices in 4G areas. Outside 4G areas, you will switch to our fastest available 3G speeds. Speeds vary for reasons like location, distance from base stations, terrain, user numbers, hardware/software configuration, download source and upload destination. Telstra Pre-Paid Cap Encore: Cap Credit, Free Talk & Text and Data exclude some use such as: talk/text
tElstrA prE-pAid cAp EncorE®
30
$
rEchArgE/crEdit top up
250 400
mb
$
($30 rEchArgE crEdit & $220 cAp crEdit) for tAlk & tExt to stAndArd AustrAliAn & intErnAtionAl numbErs
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frEE tAlk & tExt 6pm to 6Am EvEry night to stAndArd AustrAliAn numbErs
All for usE in AustrAliA within 30 dAys informAtion currEnt until 18 fEbruAry 2014
for morE informAtion, visit your locAl tElstrA storE or go to telstra.com/studyinaustralia to satellite numbers and premium numbers, operator assisted calls, content charges, MessageBank® retrieval and all use overseas. So you can enjoy the full benefits of the Telstra Mobile Network, be sure to check that your device supports 3G-850MHz. Telstra Thanks: $10 Movie Tickets: Only available online for Event Cinemas, Greater Union, Birch Carroll & Coyle, Village branded cinemas and Moonlight Cinemas in Australia. Ticket price includes booking fee and GST. Surcharge applies for VMAX and 3D. Not valid for Gold Class, movie marathons, special events and alternate content. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount. Purchase is strictly upon availability and a maximum of 10 tickets available per transaction. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. Visit telstra.com/movies for full details. The spectrum device and ™ are trade marks and ® are registered trade marks of Telstra Corporation Limited ABN 33 051 775 556.
FINDING A JOB While you’re staying in Australia, chances are you’re going to need to support yourself financially. One of the ways you’ll be able to do that is by getting a job. We’ve highlighted some of the important steps involved.
Decide Why should I get a job? Working has a number of benefits apart from just money. Getting a job in Australia means you’ll get to meet new people, as well as improve your English. You’ll also gain valuable experience. How much can I work? International students studying full time in Australia for more than 3 months automatically receive a work visa when you apply for your Australian student visa. This means you can work for up to 40 hours a fortnight during the semester and an unlimited amount during term breaks. What sort of job should I get? Most students find work in retail or hospitality industries because of the flexible hours they offer. This includes working at a supermarket or waiting tables at a local restaurant. The good thing is that a lot of these jobs don’t require much experience before you start.
Hunt How do I find a job? First things first, get your résumé polished and start door knocking on businesses you want to work at. Expect to get rejected by 90% of them, but this is a great way to get your name in front of the managers and staff as it shows that you’re keen. Where can I go to find work? If you don’t have any luck in person, try these websites. www.seek.com.au www.careerone.com.au www.oneshift.com.au
Where else can I go to find work? If you can’t find anything online, you could always try looking at your institution. Many universities and colleges also have online job boards that are worth taking a look at. Some bars, shops and cafes advertise positions in their windows.
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Prepare Do I need a Tax File Number? Yes, you do. A Tax File Number means you will get taxed at the correct rate. You just have to fill out a form online and have your passport handy. Visit www.ato.gov.au to apply for one. What else should I know? Many Australians are very approachable people, so don’t be too nervous about asking lots of questions. Most will be happy to help you out. Just remember to be polite, punctual and willing to learn. What happens if I get in trouble? While most businesses in Australia try to keep their employees happy, some might try to underpay or overwork you. If you think something’s not right, you can always call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 or visit the website at www.fairwork.gov.au. They can advise you on what to do next.
You should be paid for all hours you work. This includes: - trial shifts or probation (there’s no such thing as an unpaid trial) - meetings - training - opening and closing the business.
Your employer should pay you at least the minimum rate in your award or agreement. They can pay you more than the minimum, but not less. In most jobs you will be paid junior rates until you turn 21.
Apply
You should be paid at least once a month and get a pay slip within 1 working day of being paid.
How do I apply for a job?
Your employers can’t take money out of your pay if customers leave without paying, the cash registers are short, or if you accidentally break something.
If you have found the job on the Internet, chances are you’ll be able to apply directly through the website. Do I need to include a résumé? If you have found a job in person, most places will ask you to send them a résumé. A résumé is basically a record of your previous work experience. Keep your résumé short and include a reference - a previous employer or someone who has seen you work or study. Try asking a friendly tutor or check examples on job websites. Many positions may require a cover letter addressing selection criteria.
Your employer can’t give you goods or services (including food) instead of pay.
I’ve been offered an interview, now what?
If you have a work related issue then contact the Fair Work Ombudsman:
Congratulations! If you have managed to get an interview, you’re almost there. It’s always a good idea to prepare for an interview - get a friend to ask you some questions about your skills and your experience, and practice answering them.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Setting-up
You can usually be paid in cash (unless your award or agreement says something else) - but your employer has to take out tax and give you a pay slip.
www.fairwork.gov.au www.twitter.com/fairwork_gov_au www.facebook.com/fairwork.gov.au www.youtube.com/FairWorkG
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BANKING & MONEY If you’re going to be living in Australia for a period of time, you’re going to need to have somewhere to safely keep your money. This is where having an Australian bank account is a good idea.
New Accounts
Setting Up a Bank Account There are plenty of different banks available in Australia and there’s sure to be one that suits your needs. What should I bring? Head into the bank and explain that you’d like to open an account. Make sure you bring enough ID with you. Most banks will need to see your passport, visa, or driver’s license (if you have one) as well as proof of address - you can bring a household bill. What do I get? You’ll get a bankcard - this is what you’ll use when you want to pay for something by EFTPOS or withdraw money from your account.
ATMs What are they? Automatic Teller Machines are a fast, easy and convenient way to withdraw money from your bank account. ATMs generally offer different language features, so you can choose your native language to help you out. ATMs are found at most local shopping centres, many convenience stores and even a number of bars and clubs. What are the fees? Most banks won’t charge you for using their ATM but if you use another bank’s ATM, you will be charged $2. They call this a ‘disloyalty fee’. It’s also a good idea to avoid the smaller machines found in pubs, clubs and service stations - these will also charge you a fee.
Online banking All of the major Australian banks allow you to transfer funds, pay bills and manage your accounts online. Be sure to ask for your internet banking options at your local branch.
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Money Transfer What do I need to do to receive money from overseas?
What do I need to do to send money overseas?
It’s your birthday and your parents want to send some cash to you in Australia as a gift from back home. You’re going to need to let them know a few things first.
You want to send a bit of money to your parents back home. There are a few things you’ll need from them before you can do an international money transfer.
Make sure you let them know your:
Make sure you know their:
Australian bank account name
Bank account name and account number
Australian bank account number and BSB
The overseas bank ‘sort’ code
Address of the bank your account is with Australian bank SWIFT Code
International Bank Account Number (IBAN) (Europe only) SWIFT code of the overseas bank
PayWave & PayPass Modern credit and debit cards now come equipped with either PayWave (Visa cards) or PayPass (Mastercard cards). These cards allow contact-less transfer of funds for transactions below $100. All you have to do is tap your card against the sensor and the payment will go through. For payments over $100 you will still need to either insert your PIN or sign.
Notes & Coins
Travellers Cheques
It’s always a good idea to have some cash on you when travelling and a good way to do that is by converting your home currency into Australian Dollars (AUD). If you have some currency from back home and want to change it, head into your local post office. They’ll exchange it based on the current rates.
If you have brought some with you they can be easily exchanged for cash at your bank, or through Amex and Thomas Cook. Just make sure you bring your passport when you want to cash them in.
Looking to plan your student budget? Head to the ANZ Cost of Living tool to assess how much you spend. www.movingtoaustralia.anz.com
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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xin chĂ o
Welcome and best of luck this semester from your ANZ Personal Bankers. Whether you call Australia home, or you’ve come here to study, ask us how you could make the most of your money with ANZ Student Advantage.
At ANZ, we understand student life because we ask. When you have an A-Z Review® your needs come first. That’s how our Student Banking Specialists will then be able to recommend a banking solution to suit your lifestyle and goals from a broad range of everyday banking, savings, credit card, investment and insurance products and services. If you require assistance in a language other than English, we also have multilingual staff conveniently located at the following city branches. Come in and say hello. A’Beckett St
• 230 Swanston Street (Chinatown)
La Trobe St
• 309-325 Bourke St Mall
Little Lonsdale St
Swanston St
Elizabeth St
Queen St
William St
King St
Bourke St
Exhibition St
Little Bourke St
Russell St
Lonsdale St
Bourke St Little Collins St
Collins St Flinders Ln
• 353 Elizabeth Street • 293 Collins Street • 222 Exhibition Street • Box Hill, 10 Main Street • Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Level 1 Building HD
Flinders St
For more information phone 13 13 14.
The monthly account service fee waiver is available for full time students only and will be waived on one nominated ANZ Access Advantage account. Proof of enrolment with an Australian Educational Institution at any ANZ Branch is required. 2 Eligibility criteria applies to issue of an ANZ Access Visa Debit card. Please contact us for further information. 3 ANZ goMoney was awarded the 2011 IDC Financial Insights Innovation Award. 4 Applicants must be over 18 years old to apply for an ANZ credit facility or credit card. Approval is subject to ANZ’s credit assessment criteria. Terms and Conditions, Fees and Charges apply. Eligibility criteria applies. Any information provided does not take into account your personal needs and financial circumstances and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. ANZ recommends you read the relevant Terms and Conditions or Product Disclosure Statement and the Financial Services Guide, which are available at anz.com or by calling 13 13 14, before deciding whether to acquire, or continue to hold, any product.All applications for credit are subject to ANZ’s credit assessment criteria. Australian Credit Licence Number 234527. ANZ’s colour blue is a trade mark of ANZ. Item No. 86001M 02.2013 W330419 1
STAYING HEALTHY Your health can seem unimportant when you’re studying, but it needs to be a priority. Our Editor talked to Dr. Maggie Phillips about some important issues for international students.
Sexual Health Diet Students are more at risk of stomach upsets because of the high-party, high-stress lifestyle. Eating fast food can seem easy, but cooking meals that are low in fat and high in fibre is the best option. The better you eat, the better your body can use the energy for study. Don’t rely on high-caffeine ‘energy’ drinks. Have three solid meals a day and you will have plenty of energy. Take the time to prepare healthy meals at home.
Climate Australia is a dry country so you may need to adjust if you’re used to humidity. Showering too often will wash away the oils your skin needs for dry conditions. If you’re getting itchy, switch to moisturising soaps or use Sorbolene (moisturiser).
Sunlight Vitamin D deficiency is common and you may easily end up deficient if you are not spending much time in the sun. The easiest way to combat this is to spend more time in the sun - only 15 minutes a day is needed, so take your books and sit outside while you study. Otherwise, you may need vitamin supplements.
You can get contraceptive medications and devices very easily and cheaply in Australia. Condoms are available from supermarkets and pharmacies. Emergency contraceptives are available from pharmacies if you need them. Take them within 24 hours for the most effective result. Pregnancy terminations are not easy to get in Australia. It can take weeks to organise, and late terminations can be difficult to arrange and expensive.
Mental Health Remember to take time out for yourself. If things seem too hard, talk to friends and family. Universities and colleges often have counselling services and there is The Desk, www. thedesk.org.au, to support the mental health of students. You can also use free services Beyond Blue and Lifeline. Make sure you talk to someone as soon as you feel like things are getting too hard to handle.
Clinic Hours Very few medical clinics are open seven days or have 24-hour services (and those that do can be expensive). If you need a medical certificate or you have a minor illness like a cold, wait until the doctor’s offices are open. You can also ring Healthdirect Australia to get advice on treating non-lifethreatening illnesses:
Hospitals
If you need to go to a public hospital in a non-emergency situation or for an elective procedure, then call your OSHC provider and check that you will be covered. Remember to ask your OSHC provider where their nearest agreement hospital is. You should then give that hospital a call to confirm that you will be accepted as a patient with OSHC. There is nothing worse than getting some nasty administrative surprises when all you want is medical treatment! Remember, your OSHC may not cover you for private hospitals.
Complaints
If you face a situation where you feel like you’re being ripped off or unfairly treated in regards to your OSHC, you can call the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO). It’s a free service designed to help you out of trouble! 1800 640 695
Your Institution Education providers often provide housing, medical and counselling services that assist students when they are having problems. These services are confidential and are the best place to access help so that any negative effects of personal problems on education and academic outcomes is reduced.
1800 022 222
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Know your worKplace rights.
International students working in Australia have rights at work. Visit fairwork.gov.au/internationalstudents to find out more.
WHEN THINGS BREAK Living away from home can be a lot of fun, but what happens when something goes wrong?
The Taps are Leaking If your taps are leaking, you can try tightening or replacing the seal or washer. The team at the hardware store can give you some good advice. If it’s more serious, your agent or landlord needs to know first as they should be paying for this. They will either organise a plumber to come over, or they may tell you to organise a plumber and they will pay you back. We recommend Jim’s Plumbing www.jimsplumbing.net.au
Your TV Stopped Working Assuming you bought the TV new and it’s under warranty, you’ll need to call the manufacturers or take it back to the store where you bought it. They might send out a technician. If it’s not under warranty, you can either pay a repair man to fix it (which can cost a lot), or throw it out. If you want to throw it out, don’t dump it on the street! Call your council and ask where you can dispose of it.
You Have Spilled Some Red Wine… 1. Pour salt/Bi-Carb Soda on it, wait until the powder turns red then remove it. Repeat until it stops going red. 2. Grab some paper towel and pat it around the edges to stop it spreading. Don’t rub or wipe. 3. Call a professional carpet cleaner if you need to (about $80).
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Oven’s Not Working
Broken Windows
1. Check the gas supply. If you have gas bottles, are they empty?
If you have accidentally broken a window, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible. Your landlord won’t pay for this, as it was your fault.
2. Call your agent or landlord and ask for a repairman to check it out.
Have a look online for a glazier - these guys can replace windows quickly and easily. Be ready to spend a bit of money though, they’re not cheap. Make sure you let your landlord know as well - they might be able to organise it with you.
Your Furniture has Become Unusable Your couch may have been comfortable once upon a time, but now it’s horrible to sit on, and some of the springs are poking through. Getting rid of a couch can be as easy as making a phone call. Check your local council’s website for their policy on ‘hard rubbish’ - most will be more than happy to come and collect your old couch for a small fee or for free (some councils do this free once or twice a year). Again, don’t just leave it out on the footpath.
Fire Safety Smoking in bed is very dangerous. Do not smoke in bed.
Broken Fridge 1. Remove all of the perishables and put them into an Esky or an ice filled sink / tub. 2. Check the power point and electrical box to ensure it’s getting power. Make sure the doors are shutting properly and that the motor is running; if not, it is best to call a professional. 3. If it’s not worth fixing it, call your council to determine the best option to dispose of it. Don’t put it on the street or you’ll get a fine!
Never plug a power board into another power board Turn off computers, monitors and televisions after use. Keep items at least 1 metre from heaters and always turn them off before you leave home or go to bed.
SHOP
INTRODUCTION If you love to shop, you’ll love Melbourne. This stylish city is a popular shopping destination due to its convenient shopping ‘strips’ – streets that are almost entirely dedicated to fashion stores. For sportswear and outdoor gear, try Smith Street in Collingwood; for budget and mid-range fashion outlets, head to Bridge Road in Richmond. Chapel Street in South Yarra is a hub for midto high-end fashion stores, and the CBD’s Bourke
Street Mall is home to two mammoth department stores, Myer and David Jones, as well as fashion chains such as Zara and Sportsgirl. For high-end designer labels, hit the Melbourne GPO in the city or catch a tram up to the ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street (so called because of its historic European-flavoured architecture as well as the numerous European designer stores located there, like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada).
Melbourne’s trendy innercity suburbs are all about vintage wear, so here you’ll find lots of great secondhand stores, op shops and dedicated vintage shops. The city also boasts a handful of fantastic markets – favourites include the Queen Victoria Market and the Camberwell Sunday Market – which will satisfy even the most demanding shoppers.
Head Online Want to know what is going on around Melbourne? Broadsheet is Melbourne’s online magazine covering food and drink, nightlife, fashion, art and entertainment. www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
NEED TO KNOWS Opening Hours In Australia, most stores open by 9am and close by 5pm. Major supermarkets are usually open until 9pm during the week. On Sundays, most shops will open later at 11am. Usually Thursdays or Fridays will see longer trading hours, known as ‘late night shopping’ and most shops have extended hours around Christmas.
Sales Everybody loves to pick up a bargain and Australia has two big sales throughout the year – the end of financial year (July 1) and Boxing Day, after Christmas (December 26). Most shops will also have sales racks or ‘bargain bins’ year-round, where you can pick up a cheap deal.
EFTPOS Electronic Funds Transfer Point of Sale (EFTPOS) is where you can use your bankcard to pay for your purchase. You’ll need to swipe or insert your card and enter your PIN. Some places have a $10 minimum purchase amount and some will also offer ‘cash out’ – an easy way to withdraw money from your bank account whilst shopping. Make sure to select ‘Savings’ to draw money from your bank account.
Go Online Sometimes after a long search, you can’t find what you want in a store, or you’re simply looking for a cheaper option. Why not try shopping online? As long as you have a debit or credit card, you can purchase anything and everything, and it can be a way to get a great bargain. Just be careful of shipping and postage – it can be very expensive.
Did you Know? Until 1927 Melbourne was actually the capital of Australia, as the construction of Canberra had not been completed yet.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Shopping
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YOUR LOCAL SHOPS
BUTCHER
NEWSAGENT
NEWS
Butcher
Newsagent
What is sold here?
What is sold here?
Butchers sell high quality meats, including cold cuts for sandwiches, prepared mini-roasts, cutlets, sausages, steaks, marinades and some condiments. Why are they awesome? Butchers often have a better range of meats than the supermarkets and provide better quality cuts. You also get to talk to the actual butcher who cut up your meat and who can tell you about where the meat was sourced and interesting ways to cook it. Where can they be found? They can be found in most shopping centres and groups of shops. They are also common in fresh food markets. If you are looking for Halal or Kosher meats, check with your local butcher and they can point you in the right direction.
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Shopping
Newsagents sell newspapers, stationery, magazines, cards, bus tickets and more. Why are they awesome? Newsagents often have a wide array of newspapers, including international publications. They also have a massive range of cards for any celebration. Some also sell tickets to events and lottery (lotto) tickets. Where can they be found? Newsagents are always found in small shopping centres. Often they’re near supermarkets, have a look around your local neighbourhood.
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
GREENGROCER
BAKERY
Greengrocer
Bakery
What is sold here?
What is sold here?
You can find fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, nuts, yoghurts and juice here.
Bakeries sell loaves of bread, rolls, cakes, pastries, pies, sausage rolls and more.
Why are they awesome? Greengrocers may be a bit more expensive than supermarkets, but they’re awesome because the food always tastes that little bit fresher. Also, the staff know about where the food came from and what’s in season. In Australia, it is perfectly acceptable to pick up fruit and vegetables to feel and smell them before you buy it. Just don’t eat it before you pay for it! Where can they be found? Greengrocers are often found in small shopping centres near supermarkets. Explore your local neighbourhood for your local greengrocer.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Why are they awesome? Bakeries have saved many students from lunchtime hunger. The family-run bakeries often make their own hot food too! The bread is usually fresh and delicious, although some do sell yesterday’s bread. Where can they be found? Like greengrocers, butchers and newsagencies, bakeries are often found in small groups of shops. However, Insider Guides thinks the best bakeries are always a little bit out of town in the country. Ask a local where the best bakery is in your city. A good bakery is always worth the trip!
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SHOP SPOTS Melbourne has everything for an enthusiastic shopper – cheap bargains for those looking to save their cash or high priced boutiques for those with money to burn. Best of all you can find almost everything in the city centre, or close to it.
Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne CBD
DFO South Wharf, Essendon and Moorabbin
Melbourne Central, Melbourne CBD
The Bourke Street Mall in the CBD is home to Melbourne’s three main department stores: Myer, David Jones and Target. The mall, which is car-free between Elizabeth St and Swanston St, also features a number of chain stores, including Cotton On, Sportsgirl, Forever New and the city’s first Zara outlet. If you have a bit of cash to splash and you love designer fashion, head to the oh-so-fancy GPO on the corner of Elizabeth and Bourke Streets, which features three levels of major international and Australian designer stores, including Sass & Bide, Lisa Ho, Akira, Gorman, Zimmermann, Mimco and Ben Sherman.
Melbourne has three DFO’s (Direct Factory Outlets) for top brand goods at low prices. They sell products at up to 70% off their original prices and are a great place to pick up a bargain. The South Wharf DFO is in central Melbourne, Essendon DFO is near the airport while Moorabbin DFO is 20km south-east of Melbourne. For clothing, shoes, sunglasses and more, DFO’s have everything you need at unbelievable prices. All DFO’s also have food courts so you can grab a bite to eat while you are there.
This enormous shopping mall in the heart of the CBD is filled with hundreds of shops, including just about every clothing chain store you can think of. There’s a food court and a Coles supermarket on the lower ground floor and a Hoyts Cinema on the upper levels. Getting here couldn’t be easier as the Melbourne Central Railway Station is located directly beneath the mall. One of the nice aspects of shopping in Melbourne Central is its aesthetics: the heritage-listed Coop’s Shot Tower that’s located in the centre of the mall is a popular tourist attraction, and above it you’ll find M the U famous S I Cupsidedown glass cone ceiling that’s such a recognisable feature in Melbourne’s skyline.
Bridge Road, Richmond This is a great place to come for clothes, shoes and accessories, no matter your budget. Shops here range from small inexpensive independent stores to mid-range chains to designer outlets. The area is also littered with cafes, bars and restaurants for whenever you need an energy boost.
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VINYL • CDs • DVDS • MO
Highpoint, Maribyrnong The Highpoint shopping mall in Maribyrnong is probably one of inner Melbourne’s better shopping destinations if you have little time and you’re on a tight budget. Located about 10km west of the Melbourne CBD and easily accessible by bus or tram, this place features over 400 stores – including major chain stores like Myer, Kmart, Target and Big W – all under the one gigantic roof. There’s a food court here if you need a lunch break and a Hoyts Cinema for a quick shopping escape.
Shopping
Smith Street, Collingwood/Fitzroy Like Bridge L E SRoad, S O Smith N S Street is another hotspot for ‘street shopping’, particularly if you’re looking for cheap factory outlet stores. If you’re shopping for outdoor wear, this is the place to come, as here you’ll find factory outlet stores of many of the big active-wear brands including Kathmandu, Adidas, Nike and Mountain Design.
www.insiderguides.com.au
OVIES
Hot Spots For Cheap Grocery 16B Shopping
Clothing • Accessories
Aldi 8 Franklin St, Melbourne
Great Eastern Asian Groceries OPEN 183-189 Russell St, Melbourne
Excel Food Mart 140 Peel St, North Melbourne
Costco
S A L E
PUSH
381 Footscray Rd, Docklands
Laguna Oriental Supermarket QV, 221 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Wing Cheong Chinatown 14-22 Heffernan La, Melbourne Victoria
www.insiderguides.com.au
Shopping
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GOOD STUDENT / BAD STUDENT With increasing ease of access to the Internet there are a range of new aides to help you with your study. However, the range of distractions has also increased along with it. Websites, software and mobile apps have changed the way people operate and added plenty of new productive and unproductive tools.
Good Student Evernote
Dropbox
Istudiez
Flashcards
A favourite in the Insider office, this is a great app to help with productivity. Make to-do lists, write notes, save photos and text from inside browser windows, and sync it all across your devices. Winner of countless awards, this really is a ‘must-have’ tool.
The best software for storing and sharing files. Always have access to your files from any location or source, excellent for working on the go. Group assignments are a breeze as well with all group members easily able to share and collaborate.
Available in both a Pro or Lite version, this app will revolutionise your study life. Manage your study schedule, class timetables and assignment due dates. Use iStudiez to take control of your study routine.
Do you make flashcards to help you study? This app, developed at Harvard University, removes the need to make physical flashcards. Create your own or use one of the tens of millions of pre-made decks to assist your memory.
Candy Crush
Snapchat
CollegeHumor
YouTube
This addictive game is the ultimate time-waster! Hours can be lost trying to complete levels. Do not download this if you want a successful semester. If you are already hooked then rehab may be required!
A fun way to interact with your friends. Take a photo, send it to a friend and they only have a few seconds to look at it before it disappears forever. Not a great way to talk to your grandma back home but a novel way to mess around with your friends! In small doses this is harmless fun but do not overdo it.
Full of daily videos, pictures and articles, this is specifically designed to waste the time of university/college students. Their production team sits in their New York office writing content for you to find more hilarious and entertaining than your textbooks.
Another great resource that can waste hours of students’ time. Don’t pretend you will just watch one video as you know that you will keep going. With a seemingly infinite supply of videos you can be lost in hours of related videos. The cat videos can wait until the uni holidays!
Bad Student
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Shopping
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Career focused, academic excellence CSU Study Centres Melbourne & Sydney, Australia CSU Study Centres offer you the choice to complete a Charles Sturt University (CSU) qualification in the heart of the city. Our high quality courses are delivered with a significant component of work integrated learning, ensuring graduates are skilled to meet industry needs, and have the opportunity to develop strong relationships with industry professionals from the start of study.
Why study at a CSU Study Centre? • Industry-relevant qualifications • Career readiness • Strong academic support program • Central location in Melbourne and Sydney facebook.com/CSUSydney facebook.com/CSUMelbourne
For more information visit
www.csustudycentres.edu.au The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Provider Number for Charles Sturt University is 00005F (NSW), 01947G (VIC), and 02960B (ACT). 17168A.11.13
VINTAGE & MARKETS Vintage stores are a fantastic way to find that unique item to finish your look and usually on the cheap. Markets are also a great way to find the freshest produce at the best prices, and everyone knows it’s important to eat those fruit and veg.
Retrostar
Yo-Chi
Level 1, Nicholson Building, cnr Swanston St and Flinders Lane This is the largest vintage store not just in Melbourne but in the whole of Australia. Why spend hours trailing through various shops when you could just head to Retrostar? Their prices are slightly higher than others because all of their stock is curated to ensure product quality.
292 Carlisle St, Balaclava A huge selection of frozen yoghurt with countless toppings for you to indulge in. This is self service frozen yoghurt at its very best with plenty of options for a reasonable price. Best of all it is incredibly tasty and reasonably healthy (depending on your toppings!). On a hot summer’s day a Yo-Chi frozen yoghurt is exactly what you need.
9663 1223
9527 7001
www.retrostar.com.au
www.yochi.com.au
Rose St Artists’ Market
Queen Victoria Markets
60 Rose St, Fitzroy Here Melbourne artists and designers can sell and display their wares. Located in a former backstreet junkyard, the market was inspired by similar projects in Berlin, London and particularly by the DUMBO Collective artists’ market under the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The market generally runs every Saturday and Sunday, and you’ll find all sorts of goodies here including fashion, photography, art, homewares, bicycle hire, food and great music. 9419 5529
www.rosestmarket.com.au
Cnr Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, Melbourne What do you get if you add the multicultural flair of Melbourne, incredible fresh produce from its surrounds, and the hustle and bustle of curious and hungry Melburnian shoppers? The Queen Victoria Markets! They’re well known Australia-wide as one of the best outdoor markets in the country. Boutique wine makers, butchers, farmers and craftsmen come from all over the place to bring you the ultimate shopping trip. 9320 5822 www.qvm.com.au
Salvo’s Store Brunswick 740 Sydney Rd, Brunswick This store has a decent-sized clothing section, but the best finds here are accessories and books. Unlike many other inner-city op-shops, the books at the Brunswick Salvos are relatively cheap (usually around $2–$4) and there’s a great selection available. Keep in mind that Wednesday is student discount day; present your student card for 20% off! www.salvosstores.com.au
Savers 330 Sydney Rd, Brunswick A self-proclaimed ‘recycle superstore’, Savers is nothing short of a godsend for a student on the lookout for a budget outfit or costume. It’s second-hand and as cheap as it comes, so it won’t matter if you somehow misplace your shirt or end up with beer (or worse) spilled all over yourself at the end of the night. Not only can you find clothes here, there’s also a mishmash of furniture, ornaments and crockery. 9381 2393
www.savers.com.au
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Shopping
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Shopping
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BOOKS, MUSIC & MOVIES So you’re in a new country and there’s bound to be a range of different books, films and song titles coming up in conversation you’ve never heard of. We encourage you to peruse the shelves of some of these outfits to get a taste for what’s trending in Aussie pop culture.
TITLE 341 Sydney Rd, Brunswick TITLE seeks to represent all those who get forgotten by the other stores. They sell music, books and DVDs from genres that are difficult to get or just have a small following classical and classic, foreign, forgotten and postmodern. Their books are non-fiction. They also sell some hard-tofind vinyl records. 9380 4488
www.titlespace.com
Play 50 Bourke Street, Melbourne Play has an excellent selection of music, games and DVDs compiled together in this secret space. If what you\’re looking for isn\’t here, it\’s not in Melbourne. But here, they\’ll order it in for you. Prepare to pay a bit extra for your items, but it is well worth it - the staff are enormously friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. 9650 0652
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Mag Nation 88 Elizabeth St, Melbourne Mag Nation stocks over 4000 magazine titles in a four-storey retail outlet. The magazines are both national and international covering just about any topic you can think of. The store also stocks the latest stationery and design books out there for those arty folks. Also available are a number of titles in foreign languages. If you’re interested in fashion or design this is a place you must check out. 9663 6559
www.magnation.com
Perimeter Books 748 High St, Thornbury Part book shop, part art gallery, this is one of the coolest shops to spend some time in. Unlike other book shops it is uncluttered with clean white walls, a marked difference from the normal. Many of the books are art related so if that is of interest of you then Perimeter is well worth checking out.
Bookhouse 137 Fitzroy St, St Kilda Down in St Kilda you will find one of the best second-hand bookshops in the city. They stock a range of quality books that you will struggle to find elsewhere. You could lose hours searching through obscure literature and grabbing some amazing bargains. 9534 7841 www.bookhousestkilda.com.au
Alley Tunes 660 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn Is it a café? Is it a record store? What does it matter when it’s this awesome? Hidden beneath the train station, Alley Tunes combines Melbourne’s love of a good coffee with that of a great tune. Aimed at beat enthusiasts, it’s stocked to the brim with fantastic hip-hop, funk and jazz. Alley Tunes makes crate-digging a breeze. 9819 9449
9484 8101
www.perimeterbooks.com
Shopping
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
A little bit of everything one aisle at a time Stroll through the freshest that Melbourne has to offer in food and specialty shopping in the heart of the CBD. The largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Cnr Victoria & Elizabeth St
www.qvm.com.au
Minotaur Entertainment 121 Elizabeth St, Melbourne Minotaur offers a massive range of comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, games, movies and basically everything you can think of that might be related to sci-fi pop culture. If you’ve not been able to keep up-to-date with what’s been happening to your favourite characters since you moved to Australia we highly recommend a visit. Even if you’re not a fan of anime and games, this place is still pretty cool to have a walk through for a browse. 9670 5414
The Book Grocer 452 Sydney Road, Brunswick The Book Grocer is a familyowned business that was established back in 2007 with the opening of their very first store in Sydney Rd, Brunswick. Since then, six other Book Grocer stores have popped up across Melbourne, including three in the CBD. The Book Grocer sells books at incredibly cheap prices (mostly around the $10–$15 mark), but unlike many other ‘dirt-cheap’ stores, the Grocer stocks quality titles that you’ll actually want to buy. 9388 9718
www.minotaur.com.au
www.bookgrocer.libro.com.au
Foreign Language Bookshop
Polyester Records
9 - 11 Victoria St, Fitzroy The Foreign Language Bookshop stocks books for both educational and recreational purposes. The bookstore has titles in over 150 different languages. There is a large range of books that cater for English-as-a-secondlanguage students. This might be a great place for you to find yourself an electronic translator, dictionary or phrase book to help you with your studies.
387 Brunswick St, Fitzroy If you’re an avid music fan and are looking for some less common CDs, you should definitely check out Polyester. The store has a broad range of genres and a lot of alternative music. You might find yourself leaving with a heap of CDs you didn’t even know you wanted, or perhaps some that you thought you’d never be able to find! 9419 5137
www.polyesterrecords.com
9654 2883
www.foreignlanguagebookshop. com.au
Use Your Rights Repair, Replace, Refund Under Australia’s consumer laws, if you buy a product and it is faulty you have the right to take it back to where you bought it and ask the business to fix the problem. The same applies if you engage a service and it is not provided to an appropriate standard. These rights are called consumer guarantees and they apply to all goods and services bought or leased new, secondhand, in stores and online. In broad terms, consumer guarantees require that all goods sold in Australia must be of acceptable quality, be fit for any purpose that you made known and match the description given. Services must be delivered with due care and skill, and completed within a reasonable time if no set timeframe is agreed. If the goods or services don’t meet the consumer guarantees, you have a legal right to a remedy. This may involve a repair, replacement or a refund. If you have a problem with a product or service you should first contact the business you bought it from. If they refuse to help, contact your local consumer protection agency or the ACCC. For further information visit: australia.gov.au/consumerrights
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Shopping
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
CLOTHES, SHOES & ACCESSORIES You’re certainly going to need some new threads during your stay in Melbourne, and there are whole ranges of different fashion avenues, suiting every budget and most of them can be found within the city walls, but be sure to head out to some of the surrounding suburbs as they also have a lot to offer the avid shopper.
Gorman
Beggar, Man, Thief
Shop g1 & g26, GPO Melbourne, Bourke St
244 Clarendon St, South Melbourne Guys if you need a nice pair of shoes then make your way to BMT. It is a real ‘blokes’ shop so it is relaxed but the staff are extremely helpful. They are really knowledgable about their shows as well so can always give you a hand. Obviously their top shows can be a bit pricey but not everything in stock will break your bank balance.
If you’re on the lookout for a great Melbourne fashion label, head over to Gorman. Founded by Lisa Gorman in 1999, this label not only makes great clothes but it’s also dedicated to being as ecologically sensitive as possible. As with any boutique label, the clothes are not cheap, but the designs are gorgeous and display a ‘very Melbourne’ flavour. 9654 8488 www.gormanshop.com.au
Shag 130 Chapel St, Windsor There are three of these shops across Melbourne (the others are in Brunswick and in the CBD) but the original is the best. These guys specialise in the weird and unusual. They travel the world and source the most original stock to bring back home to Melbourne. This is not the kind of place you would shop regularly but if you want something unique for a special occasion then definitely head here. You never know what you are going to find and the best stuff is often hidden away in the corners. 9510 8817 www.shagshop.com.au
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9686 3006
www.beggarmanthief.com.au
Smitten Kitten Shop 6, Degraves St, Melbourne Step into this luxurious boutique for that saucy garment your wardrobe has been missing. This discreet lingerie oasis specialises in vintage-style garters, stockings, slips, seductive perfumes and a wide variety of other sensual gifts. Whether just stepping in to admire the silks or purchasing a special gift for a loved one, the staff are friendly and you’ll leave feeling great - no awkward moments, guaranteed!
Kinki Gerlinki 250 Brunswick St, Fitzroy This well-loved store stocks mostly their own stuff, made from personal designs and rare fabrics. There are almost affordable clothes in here too, much to the relief of anyone who loves designer clothing. And because they work to their own style you can always find pieces that go together and create a unique look. 9416 4767
www.kinkigerlinki.com.au
Cue 211 LaTrobe St, Melbourne Somewhere between the chichi fashion designers of Milan and the bland business-wear of Wall Street lies Cue’s aesthetic. Cue is for the professional dresser who knows her Pucci from her Gucci and her Balenciaga from her Balmain. Although you can expect to pay a little more than you might at most high street chains, your Australian-made clothing will last as long as you could ever need it. 9654 0077 www.cue.com.au
9654 2073 www.smittenkitten.com.au
Shopping
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Shopping
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Kickz 101 63 Elizabeth St, Melbourne These guys love basketball. They love it enough to have a whole shop dedicated to your basketball needs. Don’t play? It’s still worth looking at their massive range of jerseys and kicks. They’re so into the game they even have a mini cinema setup showing games 24/7. 9620 1101
Kookai 138-140 Greville St, Prahran Kookai can be a bit on the expensive side, but their welldesigned, well-made clothing is worth it. The average student need not despair on prices either - they have good sales and their VIP nights can present much needed bargains. 9525 0316
www.kickz101.com.au
www.kookai.com.au
Dotti
General Pants Co.
143-151 Bridge Road, Richmond
Shop 1, London Store Building, 345 Bourke St, Melbourne
The girl who wants value-formoney clothing will want to find their nearest Dotti store. It’s all about the latest of women’s fashion, with a bit of a sexy side. Skirts, shorts, pants, cardigans and tops are all a bargain here. Check them out for inexpensive accessorising too, particularly their hats and sunnies. 9421 6749
www.dotti.com.au
Hype Shoes 257 Bourke St, Melbourne Shoe fan? If you are, this is a place worth walking into. Stocking the latest in trendy street and casual footwear, this shop has one of the largest selections of the latest hip street brands under one roof. To list a few favourites, they stock Nike, Onitsuka, Adidas, Lacoste, Converse, Vans and Creative Recreation. These are all available in the most up-to-date styles and sold at competitive prices. 9663 1122 www.hypedc.com
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Boasting some of the best Aussie brands, including Sass & Bide and One Teaspoon, students can also find a range of premier international brands. Their website also hosts an online gallery, The Bubble, which all aspiring artists in any field can join. 8398 9150
www.generalpants.com.au
Dangerfield 289 Brunswick St, Fitzroy For everyone that has a little bit of an alternative side this place is worth having a look at. Being one of Australia’s most loved funky urban clothing companies, the store is filled with pants, jackets, tees and accessories that cater to people with mainstream tastes and those who are looking to stand out in the crowd. If you’re looking for interesting tee-shirt designs particularly, this is your one stop shop.
Fat GPO 3/350 Bourke St, Melbourne The Fat store is one of the most unique clothing outlets in Melbourne. Filled with quirky, cool retro and street fashion it offers clothing to the city girls and guys who love to show off their bold fashion sense. Fat has been the birthplace of a handful of famous Australian designers and artists. As an interesting addition, the store now stocks a handful of arts and crafts pieces, ceramics and musical instruments. 9662 3332 www.fat4.com
American Apparel 262 Chapel St, Melbourne American Apparel is America’s largest clothing manufacturer. In recent years this store has travelled just like you to Australian stores and set up a fresh retail outlet providing the most hip and youthful items they have to the guys and girls of Melbourne. This store sells a huge range of stylish but plain outfits. Anything from shorts to dresses to hats to socks, you can find it here for great prices. 9529 6852 www.americanapparel.net
9416 2032
www.dangerfield.com.au
Shopping
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Cotton On DFO South Wharf, 20 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf Cotton On has cheap but fashionable clothing made from cotton. This means t-shirts and tops are the main stock, but there are also accessories and pants. Check out their sister store, Cotton On Body for underwear. 9686 7467 www.cottonon.com
Sportsgirl 516 Chapel St, South Yarra Affordable and stylish, Sportsgirl can give your look that bit of individuality you’re wanting. Skirts, pants, tops and jumpers are all here, plus some inexpensive hats, sunnies and jewellery. Definitely check out the sale items, as accessories tend to be the majority of the run out stock and you can get jewellery pieces for just a few dollars. 9804 7077
www.sportsgirl.com.au
Sure! 11 Manchester Lane, Melbourne Self-proclaimed ‘Melbourne’s home of good stuff’, Sure is renowned for stocking some of the rarer street brands (such as Alife, HUG and The Hundreds) and a comprehensive range of the latest shoes, tees and accessories. You can also find the old-school classics like Vans, Nike and New Balance. 9663 7873
www.thesurestore.com
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Women’s Shoe Sizes US
5 5.5 US 6 5 6.5 5.5 7 US 6 7.5 5 6.5 8 5.5 7 8.5 6 7.5 9 6.5 8 9.5 7 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 12 8.5 10 13 9 10.5 14 9.5 12 vt 10 13 10.5 14 US 12 vt 2.5 13 3 14 US 3.5 vt 2.5 4
Europe
3 4.5
2.5 4 5 3 4.5 5.5 3.5 5 6 4 5 6.5 4.5 5.5 7.5 5 6 8 5 6.5 8.5 5.5 7.5 9 6 8 9.5 6.5 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 11 8.5 10 11.5 9 10.5 12 9.5 11 12.5 10 11.5 13 10.5 12 13.5 11 12.5 14 11.5 13 14.5 12 13.5 15.5 12.5 14 16.5 13 14.5 13.5 15.5 v 14 16.5 2 14.5 4 15.5 v6 16.5 2 8
Mexico
3.5 4 Australia 4.5 3.5 5 4 5.5 Australia 4.5 6 3.5 5 6.5 4 5.5 7 4.5 6 7.5 5 6.5 8 5.5 7 8.5 6 7.5 9 6.5 8 10.5 7 8.5 11.5 7.5 9 12.5 8 10.5 14 8.5 11.5 9 12.5 Australia 10.5 14 2 11.5 2.3 12.5 Australia 3 14 2 3.5
Mexico --Mexico 4.5 5--5.5 4.5 65 6.5 5.5 74.5 6 7.5 5 6.5 9 5.5 7 10 6 7.5 11 6.5 9 12.5 7 10 7.5 11 Mexico 912.5 10 11 Mexico 12.5 --
Europe 36 37.5
UK 3 4.5
Australia 3 4.5
Mexico --
35.5 37
35 36.5 37.5 35.5 37 38 36 37.5 38.5 36.5 37.5 39 37 38 40 37.5 38.5 41 37.5 39 42 38 40 43 38.5 41 43.5 39 42 44 40 43 44.5 41 43.5 45 42 44 45.5 43 44.5 46 43.5 45 46.5 44 45.5 47 44.5 46 47.5 45 46.5 48.5 45.5 47 49 46 47.5 50 46.5 48.5 51 47 49 47.5 50 US (L) 48.5 51 X-Small 49 Small 50 US (L) Small 51 X-Small Medium
Dress Sizes 4 10 v6 12 2 8 14 4 10 16 6 12 18 8 14 20 10 16 22 12 18 24 14 20 16 22 18 24 20 22 24
Australia
2.5 3 UK 3.5 2.5 4 3 4.5 UK 3.5 5 2.5 4 5.5 3 4.5 6 3.5 5 6.5 4 5.5 7 4.5 6 7.5 5 6.5 8 5.5 7 9.5 6 7.5 10.5 6.5 8 11.5 7 9.5 13 7.5 10.5 8 11.5 UK 9.5 13 2 10.5 2.3 11.5 UK 3 13 2 3.5
Men’s Shoe Sizes
US 3.5 5
UK
35 35.5 Europe 36 35 37 35.5 37.5 Europe 36 38 35 37 38.5 35.5 37.5 39 36 38 40 37 38.5 41 37.5 39 42 38 40 43 38.5 41 44 39 42 45 40 43 46.5 41 44 48.5 42 45 43 46.5 Europe 44 48.5 35 45 35.5 46.5 Europe 36 48.5 35 36.5
Small Medium US (L) Small Large X-Small Medium Large Small Medium X-Large/1X Small Large 1X/2X Medium Large 2X Medium X-Large/1X 3X Large 1X/2X 3X Large 2X X-Large/1X 3X 1X/2X 3X 2X 3X 3X
2.3 4
2 3.5 4.5 2.3 4 5 3 4.5 5.5 3.5 4.5 6 4 5 7 4.5 5.5 7.5 4.5 6 8 5 7 8.5 5.5 7.5 9 6 8 9.5 7 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 11 8.5 10 11.5 9 10.5 12 9.5 11 12.5 10 11.5 13 10.5 12 13.5 11 12.5 14 11.5 13 15 12 13.5 16 12.5 14 13 15 UK 13.5 16 4 14 6 15 UK 8 16 4 10 6 12
UK 8 14 4 10 16 6 12 18 8 14 20 10 16 22 12 18 24 14 20 26 16 22 18 24 20 26 22 24 26
Shopping
2.3 4
2 3.5 4.5 2.3 4 5 3 4.5 5.5 3.5 4.5 6 4 5 7 4.5 5.5 7.5 4.5 6 8 5 7 8.5 5.5 7.5 9 6 8 9.5 7 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 11 8.5 10 11.5 9 10.5 12 9.5 11 12.5 10 11.5 13 10.5 12 13.5 11 12.5 14 11.5 13 15 12 13.5 16 12.5 14 13 15 Europe 13.5 16 32 14 34 15 Europe 36 16 32 38 34 40
Europe 36 42 32 38 44 34 40 46 36 42 48 38 44 50 40 46 52 42 48 54 44 50 46 52 48 54 50 52 54
--
Japan 21 21.5
21 22.5 24 21.5 23 24.5 22 23.5 25 22.5 24 25.5 23 24.5 26 23.5 25 27 24 25.5 28 24.5 26 29 25 27 30 25.5 28 31 26 29 27 30 Japan 28 31 20 29 21 30 Japan 22 31 20 22.5
35.5 36 37 35.5 37.5 36 38 37 39 35.5 37.5 39.5 36 38 40 37 39 41 37.5 39.5 41.5 38 40 42 39 41 43 39.5 41.5 44.5 40 42 46 41 43 47 41.5 44.5 49 42 46 43 47 China 44.5 49 33 46 34 47 China 35 49 33 36
Japan 22 23.5
China 35 38
Japan 22 21 22.5 21.5 23
Japan 22 23.5
21 23
31 32.5 30 31.5 33 30.5 32 34 31 32.5 35 31.5 33 32 34 Australia 32.5 35 6 33 8 34 Australia 10 35 6 12
33 36 38 34 37 39 35 38 39.5 36 38 41 37 39 38 39.5 42 38 41 43 39 43.5 39.5 42 44 41 43 44.5 43.5 45 42 44 46 43 44.5 43.5 45 47 44 46 47.5 44.5 48 45 47 46 47.5 48 -47 -47.5 -48 -Japan 5-7Japan 9511
Italy 40 46
Australia 10 16
Japan 9 15
38 44
36 42 48 38 44 50 40 46 52 42 48 54 44 50 56 46 52 58 48 54 50 56 52 58 54 56 58
20 22.5 23.5 21 23 24 22 23.5 24.5 22.5 23.5 25.5 23 24 26 23.5 24.5 26.5 23.5 25.5 27 24 26 27.5 24.5 26.5 28 25.5 27 28.5 26 27.5 29 26.5 28 27 28.5 30 27.5 29 30.5 28 31 28.5 30 31.5 29 30.5 32
34 37
---4.5 5-6-4.5 6.5 57 67.5 4.5 6.5 8 5 7 8.5 6 7.5 9 6.5 8 9.5 7 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 11 8.5 10 11.5 9 10.5 12 9.5 11 12.5 10 11.5 13 10.5 12 13.5 11 12.5 14.5 11.5 13 15.5 12 13.5 12.5 14.5 Italy 13 15.5 36 13.5 38 14.5 Italy 40 15.5 36 42
8 14
6 12 18 8 14 20 10 16 22 12 18 22 14 20 24 16 22 26 18 22 20 24 22 26 22 24 26
7 13
5 11 17 7 13 19 9 15 21 11 17 23 13 19 25 15 21 27 17 23 19 25 21 27 23 25 27
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EAT + DRINK
INTRODUCTION Thanks to its rich multiculturalism, Melbourne is blessed with an enormous variety of mouth-watering culinary choices. No matter your budget, it’s easy to find good quality food almost anywhere in the city. In the CBD, students flock to the many Chinese, Malaysian, Korean, Indian and Vietnamese budget eateries scattered along Swanston St, Elizabeth St, Russell St and, of course, the historic Chinatown area in Little Bourke St.
For a hearty pub meal, just wander through any of Melbourne’s inner suburbs where you’ll find lots of great bars and pubs serving up classic Australian pub fare such as fish ’n’ chips and parmigianas. Many of these venues also feature live music, so you may even find yourself being serenaded as you eat. However, if you’re looking for a party, you’ll be more than satisfied with the options here. The nightlife scene in Melbourne takes itself seriously and is truly the envy of other Australian cities.
Cocktails are an art in Melbourne, with such specialist bars as The Croft Institute and Cookie, which are definitely worth a visit. It’s best to talk to the locals about where the best bars are, as some of them are on rooftops, hidden down alleyways and in other unassuming places. There are also a great range of microbreweries and beer gardens across the city. Luckily, we’ve got some places recommended by local students to get you started.
Top Five - Best Picnic Locations 1) Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue 2) Edinburgh Gardens, Alfred Crescent, Fitzroy North 3) Ardrie Park, Ardrie Rd, Malvern East 4) St Kilda Botanical Gardens, Blessington St, St Kilda 5) Treasury Gardens, Lansdowne St, East Melbourne
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
NEED TO KNOWS Cover Charge Most clubs will charge you a fee to get in after 10pm – expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $20, depending on where you go. If you contact a bar via Facebook you can often get on the door list allowing for an express entry and avoiding the fee.
Dress Code When going out in Australia, there are a few rules guys in particular should pay attention to. Make sure you wear neat casual clothing – clubs won’t let you in with thongs, singlets or ripped jeans. Some clubs also have a policy about tattoos, so you may need to cover them. Ladies are often treated a bit more leniently, but try and look classy if you know this could be a problem.
Happy Hours One thing Australian clubs do well is happy hours, ladies nights and drink specials. Happy hours are usually a couple of hours early in the evening where drinks are cheaper (think two for one vodkas). Ladies nights refer to girls getting discounted drinks.
Specials Everyone likes a cheap meal, and most restaurants and cafés have a specials board where they can show off their bargains of the day. These dishes will usually be one-offs, and won’t appear on the menu. It’s a good idea to check these, as you might find your new favourite. If you have any questions simply ask the staff.
Over-18 In Australia, the legal age for drinking and going out is 18. That means you’ll be asked for ID whenever you buy alcohol or go to a venue that serves alcohol. Even if you’re not planning on drinking, you’ll still need to take your Proof of Age card, passport or drivers licence to a club. Sometimes foreign ID isn’t accepted so be safe and bring your passport (a photocopy won’t cut it).
The Average Australian 3 out of 5 Australians live in a state capital city, with over 1/3 living in either Melbourne or Sydney.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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BYO While most restaurants serve a selection of wines and alcoholic beverages, you may like to bring your own (BYO). Expect to pay a small fee for this, known as ‘corkage’, which will vary depending on where you go. Do not attempt to do this with beer or hard liquor, stick to wine.
Reservations On weekends and particularly in popular restaurants, it’s always a good idea to make a reservation. Call the restaurant the day before, let them know how many people will be eating on your table and what time you’d like to arrive. That way, you’ll know there’s a table waiting for you when you get there.
Themed Nights Some Australian clubs hold themed nights, where dressing up is encouraged. Popular themes include school uniform nights, retro nights and heroes and villains. The best way to keep up with these nights is to ‘like’ the venue on Facebook.
Tipping Tipping isn’t automatically expected in any Australian stores or restaurants. Some places will have ‘tip jars’ on the counter where you can give a few dollars if you experience particularly helpful service.
Pub Crawls
A university experience isn’t complete without a pubcrawl. Each faculty will have at least one during the year, so keep your eyes out for posters. Buy a t-shirt from your uni (it acts as your ticket) and follow your peers to five different pubs and clubs. The t-shirt will usually get you a cheap drink deal at the venues. It’s a great way to get to know the people in your course too.
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StudentLife is designed to help you stretch your student budget further, with helpful information on special offers, free events and cost effective ways to explore your new city. thestudentlife.com.au
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Preparing for University Success Taylors Melbourne At Taylors, our unique learning environment allows you to fulfil your ambitions and to enjoy life at university and beyond. • High School Program – Years 11 and 12 • Taylors English Language Preparation (TELP) • Taylors UniLink Diplomas
High School Program Studying High School at Taylors provides the senior secondary school education you need to successfully enter university. With an internationally recognised High School qualification from Taylors Senior College in Melbourne, you will be able to apply to the university of your choice in Australia and around the world. From here, you can go on to enjoy the career of your dreams. Our aim is simple – to enable you to enter the degree of your choice, at the university you want to attend, so you can have the career you’ve always desired. By studying High School in Melbourne with Taylors Senior College, you can do just that.
taylorscollege.edu.au
Taylors English Language Preparation (TELP) If you need to improve your level of English Language Skills in order to study an academic course, Taylors English Language Preparation (TELP) is the perfect solution. Delivered in 12 week terms, TELP will focus on maximising your progress in each of the four English skills: speaking, writing, listening and reading. Upon completion of TELP, you do not need to take an IELTS test before you begin the High School or Foundation programs.
Taylors UniLink Taylors UniLink Diplomas are accredited, internationally recognised qualifications in Business and Information Technology (IT). After successfully graduating from UniLink, you can apply for admission with advanced standing to most Australian universities. Completing the Diploma will provide you with a strong understanding of your chosen area of study, allowing you to then enter the Australian university of your choice to get your degree, in most cases entering into second year.
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Provider: Taylors Institute of Advanced Studies Limited trading as Taylors Senior College. CRICOS Provider Code: 01160J (VIC)
taylorsunilink.edu.au
17174A.11.13
AUSSIE CUISINE
Aussie BBQ
The Bakery
Everybody knows Aussies love cooking outdoors – that’s because it’s easy, social and the best tasting. What will I eat? • Sausages (also known as ‘snags’) • Burgers (‘patties’)
What will I eat? Typical bakeries will serve a few basics and vary the ingredients: • Pastie – vegetable and meat filled pastry.
• Chops • Steaks You can also find salads, bread and plenty of tomato sauce (ketchup). How much will it cost? Head to your local shops and pick up everything you need for under $20. • Pack of 8 beef sausages $5.00 • Loaf of bread $2.50 • Bottle of tomato sauce $3.00 • 250g coleslaw $4.50 Where can I go? You’ll be able to find a hot plate at most parks and popular beaches – and some people will have a barbecue at home. Many public barbecues are free but some require coins. The facilities along the Yarra and at Docklands are great. When would I eat this? You can fry some bacon and eggs for breakfast, throw a few sausages on for lunch, or put together a gourmet dinner of barbecued vegetables and marinated steaks.
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Australians love a good lunchtime pastry, especially after a long road trip. The best can be found at bakeries outside the city.
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• Pie – usually filled with Chicken or Beef with sauces and spices. • Sausage roll – long meat filled pastry. Great with tomato sauce! Bakeries also sell cold drinks, sandwiches, rolls and cakes. How much will it cost? Bakeries are a relatively cheap way to eat, with most pastries costing anywhere between $3 and $5. Where can I go? There are a few commercial chains of bakeries, but for the best quality we recommend you look for your local independent bakery. If you head out of town on a road trip, keep your eyes out for a country bakery. When would I eat this? Bakeries make for the perfect quick lunch. You can buy a tasty savoury snack, a sweet cake for afterwards and a drink. Most bakeries will close by about 4pm, so make sure you get in early.
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Pub Food A pub is like a casual restaurant and a bar combined – it’s a place to eat and drink. Often the servings are generous and the types of meals are similar from pub to pub. What will I eat? • Chicken & beef schnitzels (The Parma is a national icon!) • Fish and chips • Burgers • Roast dinners • Steaks At some pubs there’ll also be a salad bar where you can serve yourself various salads and vegetables. How much will it cost? Prices will vary at each pub, but you should be able to get a decent meal for around $15-$20. Where can I go? There will be one very close to you. The best thing about pubs is that there are so many scattered around the country. In almost every outback town there’s a pub (even if the population barely reaches a hundred).
Take-out Like the rest of the world, Australia has its fair share of commercial take away outlets. But there are plenty of other ‘fast food’ alternatives you should try. What will I eat? • Fish and chips • Yiros (Kebab) & Burgers • Curries • Pasta How much will it cost? Depending on what you choose, the price will vary. But for the most part you should be able to get something pretty substantial for under $15. Where can I go? Take away joints are located everywhere. The best place to have some traditional fish and chips is down by the beach. Grab some (it’ll be wrapped up in paper to keep the heat in), find a nice spot on the beach and enjoy the view. When would I eat this? Take away makes for a great cheap, quick dinner – plus it means you don’t have to make it yourself.
When would I eat this? Pubs are excellent for a casual lunch (with many having cheaper lunch specials) or a nice dinner. A lot of the pubs in Australia now have modern outdoor eating areas known as ‘beer gardens’.
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EAT & DRINK SPOTS Melbourne has an impressive variety of restaurants, cafés and late night eateries to fill your rumbling stomach. Most of the best areas for eating are also pretty close to the best clubs, pubs and karaoke bars. So you can head out for a tasty meal then party til the early hours without having to travel too far.
The CBD
The North
The South
Food
Food
Food
For cheap eats, nothing beats Chinatown in Little Bourke Street. There’s a multitude of super cheap Chinese dumpling eateries here, and if you have money to spend you can find one of Melbourne’s most reputable (and expensive) restaurants in this area, the famous Flower Drum. Swanston Street and upper Elizabeth Street are also hubs of cheap Asian cuisine.
The inner northern suburbs are where to go for trendy cafés, chic restaurants and cool pubs where you can have a meal and listen to a live band at the same time. You’ll find cheap and tasty Middle Eastern food in Sydney Road, Brunswick; a plethora of Italian restaurants in Lygon Street, Carlton; and a mix of everything in Fitzroy and Collingwood.
The South Melbourne Market is famous for its giant dimsims, and further south in St Kilda you’ll find cake shops (on Acland St) to satisfy every craving. The southern suburbs tend to be a bit pricier than the west or the north, but even here there are bargains to be had.
Nightlife
St Kilda is the place to go for nightlife south of the CBD. Acland Street in St Kilda boasts numerous bars and clubs that are especially popular with the foreign backpacking community. Closer to the city, Southbank is packed with posh bars and clubs, including the enormous Crown Casino.
Nightlife If you love your nightclubs and intimate cocktail bars, the CBD is the place to be. Just walk down the right city laneways and you’re sure to find some hidden gem (remember that sometimes they can be very well hidden – many bars don’t even have signs on their doors).
Melbourne’s northern suburbs are packed with the venues that give the city its enviable reputation as Australia’s live music capital. High Street in Northcote boasts four or five of Melbourne’s best music venues, all within 500 metres of each other; Collingwood and Fitzroy are also home to an enormous number of great bars and pubs. The number 86 tram will take you from the CBD through all these suburbs and deliver you in High St in under half an hour.
Nightlife
Top Five Halal Restaurants 1) Gaylord Indian Restaurants (4 Tattersalls Lane) 2) Little Malaysia (26 Liverpool St, Melbourne) 3) Nelayan Indonesian (265-266 Swanston St, Melbourne) 4) Abla’s Lebanese Restaurant (109 Elgin St, Carlton) 5) Zam Zam Restaurant (Ground 364 Lonsdale Street)
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au www.insiderguides.com.au
The East Food Victoria Street in Richmond is the best place to find cheap eats in Melbourne’s east. The street is brimming with Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants, mostly with low or medium-range prices.
$7.99
Nightlife Richmond is home to some great bars and pubs, including one of the city’s most acclaimed cocktail bars, called Der Raum. Further south, you’ll find a vibrant nightclub scene in Chapel Street, which runs through student-infested Prahran and upmarket South Yarra.
Café • Piz
COFFEE! $2.99
The West Food Footscray is heaven for fans of cheap Asian and African cuisines. Not only will you find a multitude of restaurants here, there are also a couple of fantastic fresh fruit and vegetable markets where you can buy all sorts of exotic and delicious ingredients to take home.
PUSH
Nightlife Although the western suburbs aren’t known for their nightlife, you can still find some great bars and pubs in Flemington, Moonie Ponds and Yarraville (Yarraville’s beautiful Sun Theatre cinema is definitely worth a visit). Further in towards the city, West Melbourne also features a few hidden gems around the Queen Victoria Market.
www.insiderguides.com.au
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COFFEE CULTURE Thanks to European immigration after World War II, Australians now have a taste for coffee. It’s almost a necessity for existence here and the café culture reflects this well. Almost every restaurant, petrol station, pub and lunch bar will serve coffee. Little cafés with outdoor seating are found everywhere in the city centre and wherever there are shops or lots of people to be found, there’ll be a café hidden somewhere. Coffee is taken seriously here and no visit to the city is complete without tasting some of the finest brews. How much will it cost? Depending on where you go, you should be able to find a decent coffee for around $3-$4. Most cafés also sell some sort of cake, pastry or savoury snack which can cost anywhere from $3 to $10. When would I drink this? Coffee in Australia is recommended to be drunk any time! Start with a quick one for breakfast, meet a friend in the afternoon for an iced coffee, then have a hot chocolate after a long day studying.
Cafe Latte
Flat White
Cappuccino
Coffee Shot Milk Foam Steamed Milk
Espresso
Macchiato
Long Black
Chocolate Syrup or Powder Hot Water
Hot Chocolate
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Black Tea
White Tea (cold milk)
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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CAFÉS & BREAKFASTS Waking up early and heading out to meet your friends for breakfast is the perfect way to start your weekend. Luckily, there are plenty of cafés and coffee spots that serve up some delicious early morning dishes. Typically, breakfast is served until 11am, but some places around Melbourne serve ‘all day’ breakfasts. This works well for those who like to sleep in.
Auction Rooms
Penny Farthing Espresso
Hardware Societé
103 – 107 Errol St, North Melbourne Auction Rooms is big, breezy and trendy. This café offers a changing ‘coffee of the day’ alongside their normal blend. Prices are a bit above average for an inner-city café though coffee ranges from $3.50 for an espresso to $5 for a specialty coffee, and food ranges from $14.50 to $18 for lunch. It’s probably not the place for a budget meal, but it’s a nice choice for an afternoon coffee date.
206 High St, Northcote Only recently opened, the Penny Farthing does an absolutely smashing cup of coffee in the morning. Breakfast and lunch are simple and delicious; the avocado smash comes highly recommended, combining just the right amounts of feta and chilli. The staff are lovely and the outdoor courtyard is perfect for summer.
120 Hardware Lane, Melbourne Hardware Societé has about the best breakfast/brunch you can get in Melbourne. It’s hidden down a laneway and easy to walk past, like so many other places around the city. The staff are friendly, the room compact but bright and the coffee is fantastic. The brunch menu is all to die for but we recommend trying the baked egg with chorizo.
9326 7749 www.auctionroomscafe.com.au
A Little Bird Told Me 29 Little La Trobe St, Melbourne Some of the best coffee in Melbourne right next to campus, you RMIT kids have got it lucky. The interior of this place is amazing (one of the owners is a designer) but who cares when the coffee is this good! They have a nice little selection of cakes and pastries to indulge in while you sip your coffee and catch up on readings.
9482 2246
pennyfarthingespresso.com
Brother Baba Budan 359 Little Bourke St, Melbourne One of our favourites, this delightful café will amaze you with its flavours, and when one glances towards the ceiling, its decor. The large range of blends are all fair trade and cruelty free. Grabbing a coffee here in rush hour is quite an experience as the serious coffee drinkers line up in desperation for their morning cup. The house blend is something to experience, but be sure to check out the ever-changing coffee of the day too. 9606 0449
www.alittlebirdtoldmecoffee. tumblr.com
www.brotherbababudan.com.au
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9078 5992
How would you like your eggs? There are several ways to have your eggs served. If you have a preference be sure to let the waiter know.
Fried Pan fried, often with oil.
Poached Boiled in water, with no oil or salt.
Scrambled Beaten and cooked in a pan, usually mixed with some herbs and cheese.
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
BUDGET EATS Looking for a cheap place to eat? These are the sorts of places you should check out. Most of the meals are under $10 and all are close to the city universities - perfect for a mid-study break!
High Tech Burrito
A1 Bakery
838 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn Mexican food with a healthy Californian twist is now now available right here in Melbourne. High Tech Burrito add in all the fresh ingredients that make Mexican great but leave out the trans fats, lard and MSG. This is a healthy but extremely tasty alternative to a lot of the greasy takeaway available elsewhere.
645 Sydney Rd, Brunswick Come here for a $2.50 coffee, a delicious Lebanese pastry or two, and a couple of delicious baklava to finish off your meal. There’s also a range of food – breads, spices, dips and other goodies – available to buy in the ‘shop’ section of the bakery. You won’t find fancy decor or mood lighting here; this place is big, bare, cheap and delicious.
9818 1482
9386 0440
www.hightechburrito.com.au
www.a1lebanesebakery.com
Shanghai Street Dumpling
Don Don
342 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne For cheap feeds its hard to go past dumplings. A warning though, you are going to have to wait in line here. This is just a sign of how good the dumplings are though! They are definitely worth waiting for and are a great cheap eat at any time of the day.
198 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne Cheap, fast and tasty. Popular with students for a hearty lunch, Don Don has built quite the reputation around town. Serving Japanese food with a twist, you can expect to pay under $10 for a meal! Be careful though, this place is known as a lunchtime spot, so don’t come here looking for dinner. Bento Box is our recommendation for this restaurant.
9600 2250
Lentil as Anything 41 Blessington St, St Kilda It’s a concept and statement dedicated to multiculturalism, education and equality in Australia. Offering a range of healthy and tasty dishes, the customers here nominate the price that they are willing to pay and, in most cases, the proprietors will accept this. Lentil as Anything can be found at five different locations around Melbourne, each supported by their local community, raising money for various charities. 0430 388 984
www.lentilasanything.com
9670 7113
Top Five - Best Local Beers 1) Doss Blockos Pale Lager 2) 2 Brothers Taxi Pilsner 3) Bridge Road Golden Ale 4) Mountain Goat IPA 5) Two Birds Sunset Ale
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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CASUAL RESTAURANTS Sometimes you might feel like a more restaurant-style experience, but you don’t want to part with your precious cash. There are heaps of cheap restaurants around Melbourne that serve quality food and have a good atmosphere - not to mention a diverse range of cuisine to choose from.
Horn Please
Huxtaburger
167 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North What more could you want than a cool Indian restaurant with amazing dishes, huge beer selection and Bollywood movies projected on the wall? Horn Please have brought a fresh vibe to Indian restaurants in Melbourne and focus on cheap, tasty street food. Their menu is not stacked with countless curries but an ever-changing list of Indian delights.
Fulham Place, Melbourne They advertise as ‘hot beef and cold beer’ and deliver exactly that. Starting off in Collingwood (they are still there) they now have a cool diner in the CBD, perfect for grabbing a burger after class. Their burgers have been getting some pretty decent reviews around town from people loving their simple ‘tasty burgers, good beer’ approach.
9497 8101
www.hornplease.com.au
Kakki di Hatti 128 Lygon St, East Brunswick If you like Indian food, you’re on a tight budget, and you live anywhere in the East Brunswick region, you should know about Kake Di Hatti. This modest eatery serves up tasty Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Meat dishes are around the $10–$11.50 mark, with vegetarian mains a bit cheaper at $6–$12. This restaurant is nothing fancy, but it’s a great place to come with friends to share a few delicious dishes. You can also BYO drinks.
9417 6328
www.huxtaburger.com.au
Stalactites Restaurant 177/183 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Appropriately titled, Stalactites has an unusual appeal to it: the interior design has been made to resemble stalactites within a cave. Incredibly popular and available for functions, this famous cove offers an excellent selection of Greek cuisine to get your mouth watering. Be sure your table orders one of their delightful platters, but ensure you leave room for the exquisite homemade Gemista! 9663 3316
Laksa King 6–12 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington This Flemington institution has built up a mighty reputation for itself over the years, with many Melburnians arguing it’s home to the city’s best Malaysian food. The service is quick, the food is delicious and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant gets extremely busy in the evenings, so you may need to book a table – unless you don’t mind waiting. 9372 6383
www.laksaking.com.au
Vegie Bar 380 Brunswick St, Fitzroy Vegie Bar offers a healthy and natural alternative to traditional take out. The shop is youthful, fun and creative! You can either dine in or, if you prefer eating in the comfort of your own home, you can take away. The shop sells a range of different pizzas, pasta dishes, roast vegetable dishes and noodle dishes. 9417 6935
www.stalactites.com.au
www.vegiebar.com.au
Eat & Drink
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
9387 7771 www.kakedihatti.com.au
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PUBS & STUDENT HANGOUTS Pubs are a central part of Australian culture and they used to be known as ‘public houses’. In Melbourne, you’ll find a pub on most streets in the CBD. In recent years, most of the pubs around Melbourne have upgraded their looks and their kitchens, now serving some fantastic food as well as offering a wider range of beverages. Pubs aren’t just a place to have a drink and a feed either. Many pubs can also serve as a live music venue and even host trivia nights.
Brunswick Mess Hall
Clyde Hotel
The Alderman
400 Sydney Rd, Melbourne This bar is not quite sure what it is but that just makes it even more fun! They do cocktails, beers in steins and Asian food, quite a combination. The whole place works best when sharing, so head here with a group of friends. Get a few dishes to share, throw in a bowl of punch and you have the start of a great night.
385 Cardigan Street, Carlton The Clyde is a good old fashioned style pub focused on beer and cheap food. They have meal specials almost every night and a lovely beer garden to hang out in. It’s a long way from some of the hip craft beer bars around town but that is also reflected in the prices. This is how Melbourne pubs used to be and still well worth checking out for a beer and a steak.
134 Lygon St, Brunswick East Even though The Alderman sits fairly and squarely on Lygon St, it’s easy to pass by this great little bar without noticing it. The best way to describe The Alderman is relaxed, mature, no fuss. The front bar is chic, quirky and minimalist; the homely middle ‘lounge room’ features an open fireplace, leather couches, and board games; and the back courtyard is the perfect place for a quiet drink and a chat on a warm night.
9388 0297 thebrunswickmesshall.com.au
Reverence Hotel
9347 1874
www.theclydehotel.com
28 Napier St, Footscray Music, beer, mexican food, what more could you want? Live music is a big part of Reverence but it is also a great place to hang out with friends over a beer. In addition to great mexican food (especially taco Tuesday) they do cheap pizza and provide a range of vegan options. Throw in a beer garden (plus cheap pool) and its clear to see why the locals love this pub.
9380 9003
9687 2111
www.reverencehotel.com
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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Prudence 368 Victoria St, North Melbourne Intimate, warm, trendy, casual – all these words can be used to describe Prudence, a small bar very close to the Queen Victoria Market in Victoria St, North Melbourne. Full of cosy spaces and retro design features, this place always has great music spinning on the vinyl record player. Drinks here are pretty standard prices for an inner-suburbs bar and there’s beer on tap. If you’re planning a visit to Prudence, be warned; it gets very busy on the weekend. 9329 9267
The Penny Black 420 Sydney Rd, Brunswick A favourite haunt of Brunswick locals, the Penny Black plays host to live music in its front room, but venturing further will find you a calmer seating area on the other side of the bar. From here you view their fantastic backyard beer garden - but it’s worth going outside to experience the atmosphere for yourself. And don’t be put off in winter as the garden is fully heated for your comfort. 9380 8667 www.thepennyblack.com.au
The Corner Hotel 57 Swan St, Richmond A lovable pub in the dark part of town, The Corner has remained a favourite Melbourne spot for bands including The Buzzcocks, The Horrors, Broken Social Scene and many others. Venture into the darkness of the band room for a superb music venue or relax in the side bar for some pool. A cosy beer garden and delicious pizza are available on the second floor. 9427 9198 www.cornerhotel.com
The Brunswick Green 313 Sydney Rd, Brunswick Stocking an impressive array of bottled beer, the Brunswick Green is a relatively new addition to Brunswick nightlife. It has a nice outdoor courtyard in which talented musicians spin tunes in the afternoons. The tofu wrap with wasabi comes highly recommended too - only $9 with chips and salad. 9381 2413
The Workers Club 51 Brunswick St, Fitzroy Host to a restaurant, two bars, a band room and a monthly vintage market, The Workers Club is one of those places you want to stay in all day long. For a night out on a budget, grab a delicious lamb burger, wash it down with a beer (or two), and head over to their band room to see some quality local bands in action. 9415 6558 www.theworkersclub.com.au
Joe’s Shoe Store 233 High St, Northcote No, actually, this is not the place to buy shoes. Joe’s Shoe Store is in fact a bar. Simple, unpretentious and relaxed, Joe’s specialises in a wide variety of local and imported beers and wines. You can order gourmet pizza at the bar, which is then delivered from Meine Liebe pizza shop next door, and enjoy it in the beer garden out the back. It’s the perfect place to come for a casual afternoon drink. 9482 7666
E-Fiftyfive 55 Elizabeth St, Melbourne E-Fiftyfive is like a second home. Decked out in funky and comfortable couches with modern art on the walls, it’s like the lounge room you’ve always dreamed about. It’s also easy to forget you’re in the heart of the city at E-Fiftyfive as mellow tunes drown out the hustle and bustle of the street. 9620 3899 www.efiftyfive.com.au
Section 8 27-29 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne What do you get with a shipping container and some free space in an alley? One of the best bars in Melbourne! Situated down Tattersalls Lane near Little Bourke St, this cleverly designed bar looks like it has been put up temporarily, with many of the seats being neatly stacked wooden pallets and the well-stocked bar operating from a window in the shipping container. 0430 291 588
www.section8.com.au
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
COCKTAIL BARS If you feel like dressing up and enjoying a sophisticated night out you can head to one of Melbourne’s cocktail bars. Be prepared to spend some cash - most cocktails cost around $14-$19. Buying shared drinks such as Sangria or ordering a bottle of wine can be an effective way of cutting costs.
Der Raum
Ferdydurke 239 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Linked to Section 8 (with the same owners) is Ferdydurke, a slightly classier place to hang out. It’s not over the top but just that little bit nicer than your regular hangout. The vibe is cool and the drinks list is full of classic cocktails made with quality spirits. They do cheap Vietnamese style bar snacks as well, which is a refreshing break from regular bar snacks. 9639 3750 www.ferdydurke.com.au
Amelia Shaw 280 Sydney Road, Brunswick Situated above The Retreat, Amelia Shaw has brought quality cocktails to the Brunswick area. The layout is amazing with large open fires, crazy centrepieces and glam inspired wall coverings. They make awesome cocktails made up of Australian spirits. It sure is an unusual place but what more would you expect from a cocktail bar in Brunswick? Make sure you check out the circular pool table!
Croft Institute
438 Church St, Richmond
21 Croft Alley, Melbourne
Regarded by the Worlds Best Bars website readers as THE World’s Best Bar, there’s no questioning this is an asset to Melbourne nightlife. Using only freshly pressed juices, their cocktail menu changes with the seasons. There’s no doubt that you will be astounded at the selection of drinks and the talent of the bar staff.
Take a stroll down Croft Alley and you’ll find an unmarked door, which leads you to one of the most interesting bars in Melbourne. This science lab themed bar will have you drinking delicious concoctions out of test tubes while gazing at the bizarrely clinical decor. This place attracts a cool crowd of 20-30 year olds and very rarely any idiots. There is a dance floor upstairs that pumps Electro for those looking for a little more.
9428 0055 www.derraum.com.au
Rooftop Bar Curtin House, 6/252 Swanston St, Melbourne To find the Rooftop Bar you must first venture up six flights of stairs. Although it’s a bit of workout, it’s well worth the discovery of a quaint bar with fantastic views over the city. The bar has a chilled out vibe about it and is a great place for catching up with friends on lazy summer nights. 9654 5394
www.rooftopcinema.com.au
9671 4399
www.thecroftinstitute. com
The Black Pearl 304 Brunswick St, Fitzroy During the week, the Black Pearl is definitely a spot to unwind. You’ll be sure to get your drink with a little history, advice and a show from the bartenders. On weekends the Pearl goes into party mode, so Fridays and Saturdays you’ll be sure to have a rocking night out. We recommend heading on upstairs on those nights to the Attic, where making special concoctions really gets serious. 9417 0455
0412 907 847
www.ameliashawbar.com.au
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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NIGHTCLUBS For those who enjoy a night out dancing, the Melbourne nightclub scene has much to offer. With a range of different clubs, there’s sure to be at least one that tickles your fancy.
Transport
Alumbra
Federation Square, Melbourne
Shed 9, Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
While this bar has a massive dance floor and is a cranking club late at night, it’s also fantastic for chilling out with a drink while looking over the Yarra River. This place is one of the biggest Melbourne has to offer, and is popular with a range of clientele. With an industrial feel balanced with cool dim lighting, chic furniture and a stunning outdoor area, it oozes cool. Prices are pretty reasonable too! 9654 8808 www.transportpublicbar.com.au
Billboards 170 Russell St, Melbourne The classic dance club of Melbourne, Billboards is a massive complex that you’ll struggle to stand still in. Playing a range of Top 40 hits and R&B tunes all night, Billboards has a nice chilled out bar so you can relax in your breaks from dancing. We recommend getting here early on Saturday night as you’ll struggle to get in if you leave it too late. It’s definitely big enough to spend a whole night in too - capacity is around 1,000 people! 9639 4000
Alumbra is one of Melbourne’s alluring waterfront venues. Alumbra can accommodate up to 700 people across its main three function rooms. Alumbra Saturdays features some of the fantastic DJ’s talent of Melbourne. The music is essentially ‘main room’ club music, with club and house music classics. 8623 9666 www.alumbra.com.au
Eurotrash 18 Corrs Lane, Melbourne Stocking a range of European beers, the highlight of this bar is the bizarre clash of cultures from Europe. You can find yourself chatting to a friend in a typical French cafe booth and the next minute be drinking smooth beers at the German bar or getting comfy on the Turkish harem couches. If you’re from one of the countries they’ve obviously been influenced by, you’ll probably either love it or hate it. Either way, it’s worth checking out. 9654 4411 www.eurotrashbar.com.au
18 Market Lane, Melbourne Sister bar to New York’s famous Ding Dong lounge, Melbourne’s Ding Dong provides rockers with the perfect location to meet up with mates and see a few bands. This venue has had an impressive list of famous local and international acts feature in the past. Some majors include Foo Fighters, MGMT, Muse and spontaneous jams from Mumford and Sons. Most nights of the week they have something interesting going on so check out their online gig guide to see if anything suits you. 9521 7447 www.dingdonglounge.com.au
Paris Cat Jazz Club 6 Goldie Place, Melbourne This venue is one of the new homes of live Jazz in Melbourne, and one of the most talked about. If you‘re after a relaxed night sipping on classic cocktails and listening to the smooth sounds of jazz, this place is certainly for you. 9642 4711
www.billboardthevenue.com.au
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Ding Dong Lounge
www.pariscat.com.au
Eat & Drink
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
LATE NIGHT EATS Sometimes you just want to get a decent feed, but it’s after 10pm. Most places stop serving dinner at 9pm, and a lot of restaurants and cafes are shut. Luckily, there are still a few good places serving delicious food after most people have headed off to bed.
Bimbo Deluxe
Lord of the Fries
Naked for Satan
Corner Brunswick St and Rose St, Fitzroy One of the best meal deals in town for either lunch or (late) dinner is to be found at the Brunswick St institution Bimbo Deluxe. Their $4 gourmet pizzas are legendary but if you miss out on the $4 deal, don’t despair; the pizzas are still pretty good value at full price ($7-$9). Upstairs the mood is a bit lighter in the beer garden, but be warned; Bimbos can get jam-packed so be prepared to wait for a table.
4/55 Swanston St, Melbourne On a bustling corner in the CBD lies one of Melbourne’s best late night eats. Serving up some of the most delicious fries you will ever taste, with a choice of toppings that will make make your mouth water, this place will almost definitely make its way into your late night routine. They also serve up tasty mini vegetarian burgers that are also kosher, vegan, gluten free and halal. Definitely worth a try.
285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy This is the place to go for cheap late night eats. You simply grab Pintxos on toothpicks from the bar and when you have had enough take the toothpicks to the bar to pay. Normally they are $2 but on certain nights they are only $1 each! Enjoy their range of spanish delicacies and then head upstairs for a cocktail with an amazing view.
www.lordofthefries.com.au
San Churro
9419 8600 www.bimbodeluxe.com.au
Town Hall Kebab Corner Sydney Rd and Glenlyon Rd, Brunswick It’s happened to everyone. You’re out with friends, going from pub to bar to club, and suddenly you realise it’s past midnight and you’re starving. Assuming you’re not a fan of certain global fast-food chains, it can be quite a challenge to find a quality feed at this time of the evening. If you happen to be on Sydney Rd, you can thank your lucky stars for the Town Hall Kebab caravan, purveyors of some very fine kebabs.
Breizoz French Creperie Corner Gertude St and Brusnwick St, Fitzroy This creperie may change your mind about crepes forever. Made with gluten-free buckwheat and in the traditional style of Breton (France), you can get both savoury and sweet crepes here from just $5. 9415 7588
www.breizoz.com.au
9416 2238
www.nakedforsatan.com.au
143 Acland St, St Kilda San Churros make spicy and rich blends of hot chocolate to traditional Spanish recipes. Get your hot chocolate fix here or indulge in a chocolate tasting and a coffee. They often have specials on, such as free coffees after a certain time on Wednesdays, and these change regularly. Follow them on Facebook to find out what the current specials are. 9534 9819
www.sanchurro.com
0430 305 533
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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F E D E R AT I O N S Q U A R E
W H ERE M ELBOU R N E
engages Every day brings a new experience Catch a performance. Enjoy lunch or dinner with a friend. Experience Australian art in all its forms with free entry to five of Melbourne’s best galleries. Soak up the buzz of the city in one of the cool bars, restaurants or cafes. You might want to explore your surrounds on the edge of the Yarra. Whatever you want to do, and wherever you want to start your Melbourne adventure make a beeline for Fed Square.
Visit fedsquare.com for details
THE STUDENT KITCHEN (TIPS)
At Home
At The Store
Freezing bread
Buy Home/Store Brand
If you won’t use a whole loaf then freeze some. Your toaster has a defrost function so you can always grab some out for toast.
They are often made in the same places as the more expensive brands and represent a significant saving.
Buy frozen veggies Vegetables are essential for your diet but can lead to a lot of wastage. There is nothing wrong with having frozen vegetables and only using what you need. Freeze meat If you have a freezer then you can buy meat when it is on sale and bring it out when you need it. Leftovers Whether for the next day’s lunch or dinner, leftovers are a great way of stretching food further, reducing wastage and saving money.
Buy non-perishable items in bulk If you have the space then buying foods that won’t perish in bulk will save you money. End of day specials At the end of the day stores are looking to clear stock, so it is a great time to grab a bargain. Use coupons Several stores still distribute coupons; take them with you to save money off their products. Check the unit prices The product on sale, or even the biggest item, may not be the cheapest. Make sure you check the unit price for the best value.
The Staples Top Ten Foods That Should be in Every Student Kitchen These foods are cost effective, healthy and versatile. Brown Rice = $3.50/kg Tinned Tomatoes = 65c for 400g tin Canned Tuna = $2.50 for 400g can Pasta = 70c for 500g Potatoes = $3/kg Eggs = $4.50/dozen Beans = $1.50 for 400g Onions = $2/kg Oats = $1.50 for 700g bag Soup = $2 for 500g
Fire Safety Only cook food in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended. Do not allow cooking oil to overheat and catch fire. Do not use water to extinguish an oil fire.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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ENTERTAINMENT
INTRODUCTION Melbourne’s live music scene is hands-down the best in the country. You can find music gigs happening on any night of the week, many of which are free or covered with a minimal charge. The city hosts numerous music festivals throughout the year and is a regular stop for big-name international acts. Melbourne also boasts a vibrant performing arts scene – it’s the birthplace of Australia’s first professional theatre company (the Melbourne Theatre
Company) and is home to numerous independent theatres and exhibition spaces that feature plays, dance and an infinite variety of other performing and visual art forms. Despite its reputation as Australia’s ‘cultural capital’, Melbourne is similarly famous for being fanatical about sports. It was here that Australian Rules Football (AFL) was invented in the mid-1800s, and it has since grown to become the state’s most popular sport. Every summer Melbourne hosts
the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament, as well as the annual Australian Grand Prix motor race. There’s a constant stream of cultural festivals held in Melbourne, particularly during the summer months, including the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the Melbourne International Film Festival, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and the Melbourne Writers’ Festival. Quite simply, it’s impossible to be bored in Melbourne.
Top Five - Best street press 1) Beat Magazine 2) InPress Magazine 3) Meld Magazine 4) Farrago (Uni of Melb) 5) Rabelais (La Trobe)
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
NEED TO KNOWS Ticket Sales If you’re planning on going to a concert or sporting match while you’re in Australia, you’ll need to buy tickets. Most ticket buying takes place on the Internet through a couple of national websites. If you’re buying for a festival, those tickets are usually available through the festival’s website. www.ticketek.com.au www.ticketmaster.com.au www.moshtix.com.au
Student Discounts Being a student certainly has its advantages, especially where live entertainment is concerned. If you enjoy a bit of live theatre, but don’t like the price, you can easily get a discount if you’re under 30.
Orientation Week Also called ‘O-Week’, this introductory week to uni is time to get settled in while having some fun. University campuses become a hive of activity as clubs are showcased, tours are run and introductory lectures are given. Some universities also have concerts, dances, fairs, and more to help everyone meet in a relaxed environment. It’s highly recommended that you don’t forget the academic stuff because this is the best time to get a library tour. Some very important information is given out in these first lectures.
Cultural Events There are many celebrations from around the world that Aussies embrace with a passion and commit to making them a great day out. Melbourne is a multicultural hub of excitement too! Many of the nationalities that make it a culture capital have their own events throughout the year.
Culture Card Culture Card is a free card for international students that provides you with a range of special offers. From day tours to art galleries, your culture card gives you access to a range of cultural experiences around Melbourne. They are available from the International Student Office at most institutions but if your institution does not supply one head to: www.culturecardvictoria.com.au
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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LIVE SPORTS
Football
Basketball
What’s the name of the league?
What’s the name of the league?
The Australian Football League (AFL).
The National Basketball League (NBL).
Who are the teams?
Who are the teams?
Victoria is home to ten AFL teams, nine of which represent Melbourne suburbs: Collingwood (‘Magpies’), Essendon (‘Bombers’), Carlton (‘Blues’), North Melbourne (‘Kangaroos’), Hawthorn (‘Hawks’), Melbourne (‘Demons’), Richmond (‘Tigers’), St Kilda (‘Saints’), Western Bulldogs (‘Bulldogs’) and Geelong (‘Cats’).
Melbourne’s team is called the Melbourne Tigers.
Where do they play? In Melbourne, AFL games are played at the MCG and Etihad Stadium. Occasionally games are also played at Simonds Stadium in Geelong.
The Melbourne Tigers play some games at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville and some at Hisense Arena. How much does it cost? The cost of tickets to a game depends on where you sit. For concession, they can range from $15 to $70. Who’s the captain of the team?
How much does it cost?
Tommy Greer
Adult/concession tickets to AFL football matches cost $35/$27 (reserved), $25/$17 (general admission – advanced) or $21/$13 (general admission – gate).
Who are some star players?
Who are some star players? Some players to watch out for include Chris Judd (Carlton), Travis Cloke (Collingwood), Lance Franklin (Hawthorn) and Dane Swan (Collingwood).
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Where do they play?
Alongside Tommy Greer, some of the standout players include Chris Goulding and Adam Ballinger. Interesting facts Established in 1931, the Melbourne Tigers are the second-most successful NBL team (second to the Perth Wildcats) and the club is the former home of Australian basketball superstar Andrew Gaze.
Entertainment
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Cricket
Soccer (Football)
What’s the name of the league?
What’s the name of the league?
There are a number of different cricket leagues in Australia, but each state has a team in the Sheffield Shield series.
The Hyundai A-League. Who are the teams?
Who are the teams?
Melbourne has two teams: Melbourne Heart FC and Melbourne Victory FC.
Victoria’s team is called the Bushrangers.
Where do they play?
Where do they play?
Soccer games in Melbourne are held mainly at AAMI Park with some games at Etihad Stadium.
The Bushrangers’ home ground is the MCG in East Melbourne.
How much does it cost?
How much does it cost?
Tickets will usually cost between $16 and $25 for general admission seats.
Some games are actually free to watch! Other games may be between $2 and $7 – bargain!
Who are the team captains?
Who’s the captain of the team?
Melbourne Victory’s captain is Mark Milligan and the captain of the Melbourne Heart is Harry Kewell.
The captain of the Bushrangers is Matthew Wade.
Who are some star players?
Who are some star players?
For Victory the star is Archie Thompson (who once scored 13 goals in an international game) and Heart’s star is their captain Harry Kewell.
Some of the star players include David Hussey and Cameron White. Interesting facts
Interesting facts
The first ever Sheffield Shield tournament was held in 1892–1893 between Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. Victoria beat both teams twice to secure victory.
Melbourne Victory have the largest supporter base of all teams in the Hyundai A-League.
Getting Social Joining a sports team at your university or a local club is a great way of making new friends. Not only are you staying fit, but you are also meeting people with at least one common interest!
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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LIVE MUSIC Punk & Metal If you like your music loud and your guitars heavy then you will love the Melbourne punk and metal scenes. With so many bands, both touring and local, you should be able to find gigs most nights of the week. Where? The best bets for punk and metal in Melbourne are Rev-
erence Hotel in Footscray, The Tote in Collingwood and The Corner Hotel in Richmond.
Melbourne metal scene with bands covering every sub genre of metal found in the Melbourne scene.
Who?
How much?
Several of Australia’s best punk bands have come from Melbourne including Bodyjar, Cosmic Psychos, The Meanies, Mid Youth Crisis and Area-7. The same can be said for the
Occasionally you will find a local band playing for free but generally you would expect to pay $10-$15. For larger touring band this may rise to $30-$40.
Melbourne musical experience. The Wesley Anne is popular for folk music while the Thornbury Theatre hosts a variety of musical acts. The Paris Cat Jazz Club often plays more than jazz and features world music.
Melbourne home and the city continually produces more. The legendary singersongwriter Paul Kelly is based in Melbourne, as is the talented Xavier Rudd.
Folk & World As Melbourne is a vibrant, multicultural city it has developed a broad and varied music scene. Drawing influences from around the world you can experience a vast range of music in Melbourne. Where? Northcote plays host to several music venues and is a good starting point for a
Who? Some of Australia’s biggest folk musicians call
How Much? Free gigs are common for smaller acts, particularly on weeknights. You will pay more if you want to see one of the bigger acts play.
DJs Melbourne has a vast range of options for those who love a bit of dance music. Most venues play a variety of music but with regular ‘theme nights’. Check out websites and social media for info on particular nights.
Where? Popular clubs for dance music include Billboards, Brown Alley, Roxanne Parlour, Wah Wah Lounge and The Hi-Fi. These venues are all in the CBD and all have top DJ’s playing. Who? Melbourne has several well known electronic acts
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including Will Sparks and BeXta. How Much? Nightclubs will generally have a cover charge, particularly on a Friday or Saturday night. This will usually be $10-$20 but can be more for big acts or special events.
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Hip Hop Hip Hop is a genre that has been rapidly gaining popularity in Australia over the last few years. What was once an underground scene is starting to make some impact on the mainstream. Where? The Laundry Bar in Fitzroy is a great venue for hip hop and regularly hosts gigs. First Floor, in Fitzroy too, also feature a lot of hip hop music.
Who? Melbourne is home to several hip hop acts including 360, Illy, Seth Sentry, M-Phazes and Pez. Bigger international acts also include Melbourne in their tour plans. How Much? Small local acts will cost between $5 and $15 but bigger acts will cost more.
Jazz & Classical If you love a bit of jazz then there are a few cool venues around town that you should check out. Where? Bennett’s Lane Jazz Club is an institution in the Melbourne jazz scene and still a great place to see some jazz. For cool jazz venues you
really can’t go past The Paris Cat, an amazing venue to experience jazz at its finest. Who? Bob Sedergreen is a legend of the Australian jazz scene and still plays regularly around Melbourne. Every Tuesday at Bar Open in Fitz-
roy there is ‘Make It Up Club’ where you can see a range of jazz musicians experiment and improvise. How Much? Jazz tickets are between $15 and $30, occasionally more for big name acts.
Indie & Rock Where?
Indie music is part of Melbourne’s identity and Melbourne provides some of the best bands in the country. Every night of the week there are gigs at a range of venues.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Northcote is a good starting point for indie music. On High St alone you will find the Northcote Social Club, Bar 303, Open Studio and the Wesley Anne. There are indie venues across Melbourne but particular highlights are The Corner Hotel in Richmond, The Esplanade Hotel (The Espy) in St Kilda, Bar Open in Fitzroy and The Empress in Fitzroy North. Who? As mentioned Melbourne is, and has been for generations, a hub for indie and
rock acts. Notable acts from Melbourne include Gotye, The Temper Trap, Nick Cave, The Living End, Miami Horror and Cut Copy. New bands are popping up all the time and Melbourne is a great place to see a band ‘before they are famous’. How Much? There are plenty of free gigs around every week, particular on weeknights. Big acts will cost more but smaller local acts rarely cost more than $10.
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ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT If you don’t care about owning the content and just want to access it, then the Internet provides a world of opportunities.
Streaming Music Spotify
Guvera
A huge database of music that is highly sociable. Often used for sharing music with friends and creating personalisedplaylists.
An Australian company that gives you free access if you interact with brands on their platform. Downloads are also available on this platform and they have a range of independent artists.
Pandora This is a useful way of discovering new music as it is more like internet radio. Playlists are created around a band or song you like to create a personalised radio station for you.
Rdio Follow the ‘tastemakers’ in different genres to discover the latest in new music. This platform is handy for discovering and reviewing music.
Streaming TV TV Stations
Apple TV
Australia’s TV Networks, Seven, Nine, Ten, ABC and SBS all have content available to stream on their websites. All the latest episodes are on there and they last at least until the next episode is aired.
Apple TV gives you the ability to watch series and movies you have downloaded from iTunes on your TV. Using your WiFi you can also stream content from your other Apple devices.
Foxtel Play Foxtel is Australia’s pay tv supplier and is now available on computers and games consoles. Their packages aren’t cheap but can be viewed on three devices so you can split the cost with friends/housemates.
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Telstra T-Box This digital set top box allows you to watch free-to-air TV channels, as well as internet channels, TV shows, BigPond Movies on demand and Foxtel on T-Box (if eligible) when you connect to Telstra broadband.
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
VISIT THE LAND OF INBETWEEN
SHEBEEN MANCHESTER LANE
Safety at Night If you find yourself out late at night know where you’re and walk with purpose so you don’t draw unwanted attention, keeping to well-lit areas with people around. Where possible travel with friends and wait for your next train, taxi or NightRider service in areas that are designated transport hubs. Have money on you for your journey home, have your myki topped up and don’t be afraid to call for help; maybe a mate will get out of bed to pick you up. Watch your alcohol intake, drink responsibly to avoid fines or worse, seriously harming yourself, others or their property. Keep your personal belongings close to you at all times and don’t flash around any valuables such as iPods, jewellery and cash. Remember to dial 000 in an emergency.
CINEMAS Melbourne has a number of cinemas to satisfy a range of tastes. There are also drive-in cinemas and rooftop cinemas, which are perfect on the warmer evenings. Look out for the diverse range of film festivals during the year.
Cinema Nova
Moonlight Cinemas
380 Lygon St, Carlton For those of you wanting to step outside mainstream movie culture, Cinema Nova is a fantastic art-house cinema that won’t break the budget. On Mondays, tickets are a mere $6 before 4pm and $8 after that. For the rest of the week (except Saturdays), a student ticket is $12, If you feel like being lavish with your leftover cash, you can enjoy a glass of wine or some gourmet nibbles with your film.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra Friends, food, gardens, stars and a great movie – it doesn’t get much better than that. The Moonlight Cinema is an outdoor cinema located in the Royal Botanic Gardens in South Yarra that screens cult, classic, contemporary and newly released films. The cinema operates during the summer months, and tickets are $18 full or $16 concession. Check the website for the current screening program.
9347 5331
www.cinemanova.com.au
Kino Cinema 45 Collins St, Melbourne If you’re a fan of independent, art-house or foreign films, the Kino Cinema will suit you to a tee. You’ll find a broad range of films here, from the latest blockbusters to documentaries and indie films that have a limited release. Cheap day is on Monday, when tickets are $7 all day long. At other times tickets are $18 for adults and $14 for students, except on Saturday evenings when all tickets cost $1 extra. 9650 2100
www.palacecinemas.com.au/ cinemas/kino/
1300 551 908
www.moonlight.com.au
Village Jam Factory 500 Chapel St, South Yarra A cinema which caters to all lovers of film. The Village Cinema offers connoisseurs a fine selection of European films, Blockbusters and everything in between. With the enormous V Max cinema offering big arm rests, comfy seats and plenty of legroom, try not to get so comfortable that you actually fall asleep. For those looking to impress someone special, take them into the Gold Class cinema where the screen is huge, the champagne is flowing and the sound will be sure to blow you away.
The Astor Theatre Corner Chapel St and Dandenong Road, St Kilda One of Melbourne’s most iconic and beloved cinemas is The Astor Theatre in St Kilda. Built in the 1930s, this single screen cinema has a whole lot of art deco charm – not to mention fabulous films. The movies shown here are generally cult favourites and often the audiences aren’t afraid to show their enthusiasm during screenings. Many films are shown as a double bill, with tickets costing only $15 (full) or $14 (concession) for both movies; even better is Wednesday’s ‘cheap day’, when all tickets are $10. 9510 1414
www.astortheatre.net.au
1300 555 400
www.villagecinemas.com.au
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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GALLERIES If you feel like stimulating your creative side and strolling the hallways of some galleries, there are plenty around Melbourne to keep you busy.
NGV International 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne Lying on the carpeted floor and looking up at the National Gallery of Victoria’s beautiful stained-glass ceiling is a Melbourne rite of passage. This wonderful gallery features a large permanent collection of international art that can be visited free of charge. Temporary exhibitions usually cost between $12 and $25. For Australian art make sure to also experience The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Fed Square. 8620 2222 www.ngv.vic.gov.au
Off the Kerb 66B Johnston St, Collingwood This gallery runs three spaces for almost any type of artist to hire. As a result, they have talented artists showcasing their materials throughout the year, including many up-and-coming artists and graduates. Coming here, you might find sound art, fashion design, or performance art. There are also resident artists hiring space to work in, which is open at various times throughout the year. 9077 0174
Centre for Contemporary Photography 404 George St, Fitzroy If you love your photography, make sure you check out the Centre for Contemporary Photography on George St, Fitzroy. Established in 1986 as a notfor-profit resource and exhibition centre, the CCP showcases the best photography-based works from local, national and international artists. The centre features individual, group and curated shows. Exhibitions are generally free to visit; just check the CCP website for details on past, current, and upcoming shows. 9417 1549
www.ccp.org.au
No Vacancy 34-40 Jane Bell Lane (QV Building), Melbourne No Vacancy has gained a reputation for exhibiting the highest standard of young up-and-coming local and international artists and illustrators. No Vacancy exhibits high-profile street artists and illustrators such as Phibs, Swifty, Junior (Nior), No Comply and Twoone. 9663 3798 www.no-vacancy.com.au
Melbourne International Fine Art Level 1, 278 Collins St, Melbourne MIFA is an unusual gallery space set in the heart of the city. The beautiful open gallery, with natural light, is a wonderful place to see new art from overseas. The focus is on international artists from the Asia-Pacific region. 9663 3304
www.mifa.com.au
Kick Gallery 4 Peel St, Collingwood Kick Gallery is a contemporary art gallery, housing some funky and innovative pieces from young artists. The gallery has awesome drawings, paintings, photography and sculpture from all over Australia. A dozen artists have their work stocked there at any one time and exhibitions change regularly. 0412 243 818
www.kickgallery.com
www.offthekerb.com.au
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
THEATRE & LIVE ARTS Melbourne has a blossoming live arts scene, especially during the warmer months. There’s never a shortage of theatre shows and dance companies touring Melbourne, and usually students can get themselves a pretty cheap deal.
The Malthouse Theatre
Forty Five Downstairs
Fed Square
113 Sturt St, Southbank The Malthouse, located next to the Victorian College of the Arts in Southbank, is one of Melbourne’s best theatres for students. Committed to staging quality contemporary theatre, prices here are also reasonable, with student tickets at $25 and under-30s for $30. Expect a wide range of theatrical material here too.
45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Forty Five Downstairs is a not-for-profit space, offering experimental and emerging theatre the chance to show itself. The acts here tend to be on the cutting-edge of theatre and offer something engaging, personal and thoroughly emotional for their audiences. There are also some more classical performances. Prices can vary widely, but most productions are around the $20-$30 mark.
Corner of Swanston and Flinders St Throughout the year, cheap or free events are run at Fed Square. They range from performances to markets. A full list of events are at the Fed Square website:
9685 5111
www.malthousetheatre.com.au
La Mama Theatre 205 Farraday St, Carlton If you love theatre, you definitely have to check out La Mama Theatre in Carlton, which bills itself as ‘Australia’s home of independent theatre’. Within La Mama’s cosy confines you’ll find small-scale productions by independent theatre companies – all at student-friendly prices. Concession tickets here are usually $15, with full-price tickets costing around $25. There’s also La Mama Courthouse, a smaller and more intimate venue on Drummond Street. 9347 6948
www.lamama.com.au
9662 9966
www.fortyfivedownstairs.com
Melbourne Workers Theatre Corner Errol and Queensberry Streets, North Melbourne Melbourne Workers Theatre prides itself on the documentary style of its performances. With real issues in society as the inspiration for the pieces, they bring to light the ideas that most need talking about in modern Australia. 2010 saw a particularly exciting topic, as they sought to combine the mediums of theatre and television for a discussion on race and international students. 9326 6667
melbourneworkerstheatre. com.au
www.fedsquare.com
Southbank Theatre 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank The newly built Southbank Theatre houses Australia’s oldest professional company, the Melbourne Theatre Company (commonly called the ‘MTC’). Established in 1953, the MTC is one of the largest theatre companies in the English-speaking world, staging up to twelve plays per season plus a studio and education program. The company usually performs works by firmly established playwrights, both historical and contemporary. Of course, this reputation is also reflected in ticket prices. The good news for young people is that the MTC charges a flat-rate ticket price of $33 for those under 29 years of age. Full-time students who are over 33 can expect a slight discount on full price tickets - usually around $10 off. 8688 0800 www.mtc.com.au
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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EVENTS CALENDAR JAN
FEB
MAR
Australian Open
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival
Moomba Festival
13 - 26 Jan, Melbourne Park If you like your tennis, then Melbourne is where you need to be during January. Melbourne has hosted the Australian Open for years and is a must see summer event for many Aussies. Expect to see your favourite international players hit the courts. www.australianopen.com.au
Big Day Out 24 Jan, Flemington Racecourse Australia’s biggest touring music festival drops into Melbourne on its way around the country. Featuring a huge line up of international acts as well as local favourites, the Big Day Out promises a whole day of awesome tunes - it’s an Australian summer tradition! www.bigdayout.com
Festival of Sails 23 - 27 Jan, Geelong This is the oldest sporting event in Victoria, and one worth checking out! Over 450 yachts and over 4500 competitors come along to enjoy the party over the Australia Day long weekend. Expect some world class sailing, with gourmet food, live music, wine and more. www.festivalofsails.com.au
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1 Feb, The River’s Edge, Footscray If you prefer your music a little more underground, the St Jerome’s Laneway Festival will probably be for you. Featuring an eclectic selection of acts from around the world, as well as some of Australia’s best indie artists, it’s a unique festival experience - and one of the cheaper festivals touring the country. www.lanewayfestival.com.au
St Kilda Festival 1 - 9 Feb, St Kilda The St Kilda Festival is the longest running local music festival in Australia. Now with a welcome from the local Indigenous peoples, markets, stalls, and so much more, the festival is really something to experience. Best of all, it’s free. www.stkildafestival.com.au
Neon Run 22 Feb, Albert Park This unique event combines running, music and neon lights. Run though an amazing course while wearing neon gear. They will light up under the black lights and lasers used in the course. Each section has a different musical theme and there is an after party with local DJs.
7- 10 Mar, Alexandra Gardens Moomba Festival welcomes people into the city annually to experience the traditions and fun of Melbourne’s largest free festival. A celebration of Melbourne, Moomba is famous for its ‘Moomba King and Queen’ who reign over the traditional Monday street parade, Birdman Rally on the Yarra River, carnival in Alexandra Gardens and nightly fireworks. www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/ Whatson
Thai Culture and Food Festival 16 Mar, Fed Square A day of embracing Thai food an cultural traditions. There will be cultural shows, puppetry and martial arts on the main stage in Fed Square. You will also have the opportunity to buy a range of handicrafts in the ‘Thai Village’. www.thaifestvic.com
Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome Event 22 Mar, City Square This event celebrates the diverse contribution of multiculturalism to our city. Meet other students, enjoy fun activities, and watch cultural arts and performances from around the world.
www.neonrun.com.au
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ internationalstudents
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
APR
MAY
JUN
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Melbourne International Coffee Expo
Flavour Exchange
26 Mar - 20 Apr, Various Locations around Melbourne This is the perfect way to let of some of that mid semester steam. Featuring a whole range of world class comedians, as well as some of the budding locals, most of the acts are reasonably priced.
15 - 18 May, Royal Melbourne Showgrounds Caffeine addict? Make sure you attend the Melbourne International Coffee Expo. You’ll get to see the experts do what they do best as well as compete in the World Barista Championships. You can probably also get yourself a pretty decent cup of coffee.
www.comedyfestival.com.au
Step Off - Dance Crew Competition 12 Apr, Dallas Brooks Centre This is one of the city’s highest quality dance competitions, proudly supported by the City of Melbourne. In 2012, there were over 1300 audience members and 33 dance crews!
Bright Autumn Festival 25 Apr - 4 May, Bright The Bright Autumn Festival celebrates the autumn colours and autumn produce of the valleys of the Victorian Alpine High Country. There are a range of events across the 10 days with the highlight being the Gala Weekend on the final weekend. www.brightautumnfestival. org.au
www.internationalcoffeeexpo. com
Melbourne International Jazz Festival 30 May - 8 Jun, various locations around Melbourne Even if you’ve never listened to jazz, this festival is the perfect opportunity to expand your musical horizons. You can see some of the world’s best as well as local newcomers. www.melbournejazz.com
19 - 21 Jun, The Atrium, Fed Square Enjoy the best of Victoria’s wine, beer and cider. Meet the producers and winemakers while tasting sensational seasonal produce. www.fedsquare.com/events/ flavour-exchange
Melbourne Cabaret Festival 19 Jun - 29 Jun, Various Locations The top cabaret performers converge on Melbourne in the winter months to get things a bit hotter. If you’ve never experienced cabaret, this is a great chance to see why people love this intimate form of storytelling. www.melbournecabaret.com
Melbourne International Animation Festival Late Jun, ACMI Cinemas Do you love cartoons? Better yet, do you love cartoons that are made for adults, with stories and interesting themes? The Melbourne International Animation Festival is just that - a celebration of all things animated. Featuring short films and feature length animated pieces, this is one festival to visit if you’re a movie buff. www.miaf.net
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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JUL
AUG
SEP
Melbourne Magic Festival
Melbourne International Film Festival
Melbourne Spring Fashion Week
31 Jul - 17 Aug, various locations around Melbourne If you love going to the cinema, you’re going to love the Melbourne Film Festival. Featuring the best films from Australia and around the world, the festival also sees filmmakers talk about their craft.
Early Sep, various locations around Melbourne Each year, Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) ushers in the changing season with a full-to-bursting program of events. City residents and visitors alike are invited to engage with fashion — from the burgeoning talent of our students and new designers, to the captivating collections from our country’s most revered labels and established designers.
30 Jun - 12 Jul, Northcote Town Hall There’s magic in the air around July in Melbourne with the Melbourne Magic Festival. With plenty of performances for everyone, including kids shows, ‘after dark’ adult magic shows and magic workshops to hone your tricks, this is one impressive festival. There will also be world-renowned magicians and illusionists. www.melbournemagicfestival. com
Oz Comic-Con 5 - 6 Jul, Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Have your friends often referred to you as a ‘nerd’? You might find yourself at home at the Oz Comic-Con. It’s essentially heaven for anyone interested in sci-fi and pop culture. You can expect to meet actors from your favourite tv shows and authors of your favourite books.
www.miff.com.au
Melbourne Writers Festival 21 - 31 Aug, various locations around Melbourne The Melbourne Writers Festival is a pretty big deal amongst readers, writers and anyone interested in literature. There are hundreds of authors, both local and international, who come out and discuss their works as well as a whole range of different genres. melbournewritersfest.com.au
www.ozcomiccon.com.au
Open House Melbourne
Melbourne Fringe Festival Mid Sep - Early Oct, various locations around Melbourne Fringe festivals are supposed to bring a whole range of musical, theatrical and comical acts to the general public - and the Melbourne Fringe Festival outdo themselves every year. The best thing is that most of the tickets are pretty cheap, so you can see more than one thing! www.melbournefringe.com.au
26 - 27 Jul, various locations around Melbourne If you’ve ever wanted to see the inside of Melbourne’s extraordinary buildings then this event is for you. Over 100 buildings across Melbourne open their doors for free for you to discover their architectural and engineering secrets.
Royal Melbourne Show 21 Sep - Oct 1, various locations around Melbourne There’s nothing like a good old fashioned Royal Show - imagine a carnival sort of atmosphere with rides, animals, food, sideshows and plenty of things to see and you’re pretty close to the Royal Show.
www.openhousemelbourne.org
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www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/ Whatson
www.royalshow.com.au
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
OCT
NOV
DEC
Oktoberfest
Melbourne Cup (Public Holiday)
Stereosonic
Most of Oct, various locations around Melbourne Another way Australia celebrates it’s multicultural nature is with Oktoberfest - the German festival. It combines everything Aussies love - great food, loud music and good beer.
Melbourne Festival 10 - 26 Oct, various locations around Melbourne If you have slightly more highbrow taste when it comes to your entertainment, the Melbourne Festival will probably have something to suit you. Impressive, thought-provoking theatre, abstract visual art and even a little bit of opera thrown in for good measure, the Melbourne Festival is like nothing else. www.melbournefestival.com.au
French Polynesian Festival 23 - 27 Oct, Como House and Gardens, South Yarra Join in the festivities as Como House and Gardens come alive for the French Polynesian Festival. This four day event will feature display booths, workshops, arts and crafts, photographic exhibitions and French Polynesian cuisine. www.frenchpolynesianfestival. com.au
4 Nov, Flemington Racecourse The people of Melbourne are incredibly lucky - we get an entire day off just to watch a horse race! The Melbourne Cup is an Australian institution, with many Aussies around the country placing a cheeky bet and watching the big race. Some also head to the races to get in on the action. www.melbournecup.com.au
Melbourne Music Week 14 - 23 Nov, various locations around Melbourne Another local music initiative is Melbourne Music Week. Support local independent artists to do what they do best by getting along to a gig or volunteering to help out behind the scenes. www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
Early Dec, Melbourne Showgrounds If you love your electronic dance music, you’ll want to be in attendance at Stereosonic. One of Australia’s biggest dance festivals, you can expect all the big names as well as local DJs. This is the real start of the festival season - and summer! www.stereosonic.com.au
Falls Festival 28 Dec - 1 Jan, Lorne If you prefer to spend your new years eve in a large field listening to an awesome array of international bands, Falls Festival might be for you. Camping, live music and a chilled out atmosphere, the festival also features film, art and comedy. It’s got everything! www.fallsfestival.com.au
New Year’s Eve 31 Dec, various locations around Melbourne Several areas around the city offer free, live entertainment and activities for all ages in an alcohol-free atmosphere. The evening hosts two fireworks displays, with 9.30pm at Yarra Park and a midnight display. The midnight spectacle sees fireworks launched from rooftops across the city centre, meaning the spectacle can be viewed from any skyline view. www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/ Whatson
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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ADVENTURE INTRODUCTION Although Melbourne isn’t known as a beach city, the Melbourne region is filled with beautiful natural scenery. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most breathtaking coastlines on earth, featuring dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, world-class surf and quaint rural towns dotted along its length. Northwest of Melbourne you’ll find beautiful national parks, including the Grampians National Park and the famous rock-
climbing destination Mount Arapiles, as well as a number of great ski resorts including those at Mount Bulla, Hotham and Falls Creek. The Yarra Valley in Melbourne’s east is Victoria’s premier wine-growing region, and further south you’ll come to the Mornington Peninsula, another great beach destination. There’s also plenty to explore within Melbourne itself. You could spend weeks wandering through the city’s
art galleries, museums and zoos, and still find more to discover. But perhaps Melbourne’s most alluring aspects are found at street level: its cafés, parks, street art and markets. While the city boasts all the glitz of big attractions, most locals will tell you Melbourne’s true charms lie behind hidden doorways rather than under neon signs.
Top Five - Best viewpoints 1) Eureka Skydeck - Southbank 2) Rooftop Bar - Melbourne City 3) Naked in the Sky - Fitzroy 4) St Kilda Beach - St Kilda 5) Arthur’s Seat - Mornington Peninsula
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
NEED TO KNOWS Airfares Travelling Australia by plane can be a pretty cheap way to get around - you just need to look for a bargain. Keep your eyes on the budget airlines Jetstar, Tiger and Virgin – you can often get deals for under $100 one way!
Air Bnb If you are looking for cheap accommodation then definitely check out AirBnB.com.au. This awesome service allows people to hire out their properties for short term stays. For less money than a hotel room you can stay in someone’s cool apartment while they don’t need it. www.airbnb.com.au
Cheap Accommodation Being a student means you probably don’t have a whole lot of money to spend on luxurious accommodation. Luckily Australia has plenty of cheap places to stay – keep your eyes out for hostels, backpackers or motels when you’re travelling. Check out websites like Lastminute and Wotif for regular specials. www.wotif.com www.yha.com.au www.lastminute.com.au
The Seasons Australian seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern hemisphere. Australian summers start in December and end in March, and winters start in June through to August. Expect plenty of very hot, dry weather in summer and wet, windy days in winter. In the north there are dry and wet seasons so don’t travel there in the wet season.
Getting Social When attending Orientation week keep an eye out for all the clubs and associations that try to get you involved. Join groups you are passionate about and you will meet plenty of new people with a mutual interest.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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COMMUNITY CENTRES Community/Neighbourhood Centres/Houses, also referred to as Learning Centres are a great way to engage with your new local community through social, educational and recreational activities. Learn a new skill (e.g. arts and crafts), practice an old hobby of yours (e.g. singing), or discover something completely different (e.g. gardening) at very low costs together with local members of the community. These centres are also a great resource for volunteering opportunities.
Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre
Kensington Neighbourhood House
20 Princes Street, North Carlton Provides community development, general interest courses, IT courses and access, nationally recognised training, and the provision of community space and information and referral.
89 McCracken Street, Kensington Offers a range of adult education, art & hobby, social, children’s activities, childcare and health and wellbeing programs.
9347 2739
www.cnlc.org.au
North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre 58 Errol Street, North Melbourne Delivers short courses, community forums and exhibitions, activities that provide opportunities for learning, interaction, sharing and mutual support. 9328 1126
9376 6366
kensingtonneighbourhoodhouse.com
The Hub @ Docklands 80 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands (The Docklands Library and Community Centre is expected to open in early 2014) Information on local events and community groups, library services, social and recreational activities (e.g. table tennis, tai chi), and wireless internet. 8622 4822
Activities Dancing at First Friday Dance Club Let your body move to the music with 1st Friday Dance Club. Led by community and professional dance groups, 1st Friday Dance Club gives you a chance to learn, share and experience dance. It’s free, lo-fi and open to all ages, and happens on the first Friday of the month during spring and summer, 6pm-8pm at Queensbridge Square, Southbank. melbourne.vic.gov.au/whatson
Melbourne Conversations Ever wanted to hear more on a particular issue, or to have your say? Melbourne Conversations is a series of free discussions in the city, exploring a wide range of issues and featuring expert panelists. melbourne.vic.gov.au/whatson
www.centre.org.au
Find your closest centre and learn about its many opportunities: www.anhlc.asn.au
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
LIBRARIES The City of Melbourne operates four public lending libraries, plus an access point, collectively known as the Melbourne Library Service. Membership is free to all residents of Victoria including local and international students.
Libraries are located in the central city, Southbank, East Melbourne and North Melbourne. The Docklands Library and Community Centre is expected to open in early 2014. Melbourne Library Service has one of the largest collections of adult English as a Second Language (ESL) and English literacy material in Australia, containing a wide variety of resources to assist in learning to speak, listen, read, and write in the English language. Members are able to access the free online International English Language Testing System (IELTS) training program. Collections available in languages other than English include Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese. Collections consist of books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, CDs and talking books. Members and visitors can also use a great range of online resources, internet access and study spaces - all of which are free. Joining is easy: log on to www. melbournelibraryservices. com.au, complete the online membership form then drop into one of our libraries with some identification to collect your membership card.
City Library 253 Flinders Lane Melbourne Features a large English learning collection, study spaces and free Wi-Fi. You need your library membership number and password to access Wi-Fi at City Library. 9658 9500
East Melbourne Library 122 George St, East Melbourne A modern, environmentally sustainable building with quiet study areas and free Wi-Fi. 9658 9600
North Melbourne Library 66 Errol St, North Melbourne A vibrant, neighbourhood library featuring study spaces and free Wi-Fi. 9658 9700
Southbank Library at Boyd 207 City Rd, Southbank This library has a readerfriendly layout, similar to that of a book shop. Free Wi-Fi available.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
9658 8300
Books About Melbourne The art of the engine driver Steven Carroll
Set in 1950s rural Melbourne, this novel is an evocative tale of ordinary suburban lives, told with extraordinary power.
Cocaine blues: a Phryne Fisher mystery Kerry Greenwood
First novel in the popular series about a glamorous lady detective in 1920s Melbourne.
The mystery of a hansom cab Fergus Hume
First published in 1886, this crime novel set in Melbourne was a huge bestseller in Australia, Britain and the United States.
Growing up Asian in Australia Alice Pung (ed.)
A diverse and unpredictable collection of writing about what it is really like to grow up Asian-Australian.
Mao’s Last Dancer Li Cunxin
The bestselling autobiography tracing the life of a poor peasant in China to international ballet star and finally senior stockbroker in Melbourne.
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CHEAP & FREE ACTIVITIES So you need to save your pennies? Don’t worry! There’s still plenty of stuff to do around Melbourne that wont break your bank! Plus, the best thing is, most of these activities are outside so you can see more of the city.
Street Art Where should I go?
Everyone knows Melbourne for its little alleyways and laneways snaking through the main streets, and often that’s where some of the best displays of public artwork can be found. Follow a list of directions, take your camera and check out some of the city’s best graffiti displays.
With so many different laneways and streets, it can be hard to know where to start. A visit to Hosier and Rutledge Lane (opp. Federation Sq) and Union Lane (off Bourke St Mall) might get you underway. Check out Street Art on www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/whatson to discover more locations, explore an image gallery and search Melbourne Street Art Tours. Also, don’t miss www. tightarsetours.com. When should I go? Although Melbourne is a safe place, it’s always a
good idea to go during the day. Also, you’ll get better photos that way. Who should I go with? Take a group of likeminded friends who won’t mind walking – if you follow a planned tour, it can take anywhere from two to three hours. It’s a great way to see more of the city and bond with fellow international students. How much will it cost? This sort of self-guided exploration is totally free! You might need to stop for refreshments though.
Lawn Bowls Where should I go?
If you’re new to Australia, you may not have yet come across lawn bowls, a game similar to bocce that’s popular in several countries including Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK. The game is played on a grass-covered pitch, and competitors try to roll balls as close as possible to a smaller ball called a jack.
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The St Kilda Sports Club is one of the best places to head for a couple of rounds. They’re open for casual players from noon to 6pm in winter and noon to 8pm during the warmer months. When should I go? Lawn bowls makes a great summer activity, especially at dusk when it’s just cooling down. Who should I go with? The game has traditionally been popular with older folks, but younger people
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are increasingly seeing the fun in getting together with a group of friends and playing a casual game of bowls in the afternoon sunshine. How much will it cost? There are plenty of bowls clubs scattered throughout the city, and it’s generally pretty cheap to play a round. The St Kilda Bowling Club charges $10 per hour per person – and most of them also house a pub or a bar, so you can keep well fed and hydrated.
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
GROUP ACTIVITIES These activities are best enjoyed with a group of friends, either on the weekend or during university breaks.
Ice Skating
Where should I go?
You may not think that Australia and ice-skating would be comfortable bedfellows, but in fact it’s never been easier to put on a pair of skates and take to the rink in this city. Even though there’s no snow falling in Melbourne, you can still experience the chilly weather and slippery ice. It’s like roller-skating, but on ice – and it’s harder than it looks!
The Docklands is home to a new world-class ice-skating facility called the Medibank Icehouse, which houses two Olympic-sized ice rinks.
to midnight, which makes it a great late night activity on those chilly nights. Who should I go with? Take a big group of friends and get ready to fall over, hold onto and trip up each other!
When should I go?
How much will it cost?
Tuesday’s are a good day to hit the Medibank Icehouse – it’s half price! And at 7pm you get a free lesson! There are usually two sessions for public skating: one from 9am to 3.45pm and another from 7pm to 10pm. On the weekend, you can skate from 9am
Ticket prices for a skating session at the Medibank Icehouse are $25 (adult) or $23 (concession) with skate hire, or $21 (adult) or $19 (concession) without skate hire.
shoot to your heart’s content indoors. Melbourne Indoor Paintball is only five minutes out of the city. Check their website www.melbourneindoorpaintball.com for a guide of handy directions.
Paintball has a special deal that sees you have unlimited access to the venue and the equipment – you won’t get a deal like that any other day! Check their website for all the important info – you’ll need to book ahead of time.
Paintballing
Who should I go with? Paintballing is essentially the practice of shooting people with little paintfilled balls. It’s a great excuse to run around and have fun with your friends. Where should I go? Usually paintballing takes place on a big property in the countryside. But luckily, Melbourne thought to create a place where you could
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To get the best deal, get a group of at least eight mates together. That way, you have enough people to make the game fun, as well as challenging. Also, make sure everyone’s fit and healthy. If you don’t have enough people to make a team, you can always join another session, just check the website. When should I go? One of the best days to go is a Sunday. Melbourne Indoor
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How much will it cost? If you’ve got a group and you’re heading in on a Sunday, you can get 200 paintballs and a couple of hours of fun for just $45 each. The more paintballs you get, the more expensive it is. If you’re feeling really eager, you can pay $120 for an after dark session, where you shoot with glow in the dark paint!
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
LOCAL SITES One of the best things about arriving in a new city is exploring and discovering those new cultural places. Thankfully, Melbourne has plenty of excellent museums and gardens to wander through.
Old Melbourne Gaol
Signal
377 Russell St, Melbourne The Old Melbourne Gaol was built during the 1800s and housed some of Australia’s most notorious criminals. Choose from a number of day and night tours to learn about these criminals and what their lives were like in the gaol. See a recreation of Ned Kelly’s last days, the best known bushranger in Australian history. Night tours are particularly exciting as they include ghost hunting and a special hangman’s tour of the gaol.
Flinders Walk, Northbank Signal is a creative studio for young people aged 13 to 20. At Signal, you can work alongside professional artists in a collaborative way. Located in the heart of the city, Signal is a place for making, showing, inspiring and developing Melbourne’s creative talent – in every medium. Signal is open to young people from all walks of life and ability – you don’t need any experience to take part in Signal.
8663 7228
www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au
Fed Square Off Flinders St, Melbourne You really cannot avoid going to Fed Square while you’re here. The Square is home to galleries and cultural centres including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and The Ian Potter Gallery of NGV. Find a number of great bars and restaurants on the Square as well, such as Chocolate Buddha and the Transport Hotel. Make sure you witness a major sporting event on the big screen and join the locals in celebrations.There are always events on which cater for writers, poets, artists, car lovers, beer lovers and everyone else. The book market on Saturdays is a must.
8696 5400
www.signal.net.au
ArtPlay Birrarung Marr, behind Federation Square ArtPlay is an art studio for children and families, facilitating workshops, performances, exhibitions and other art experiences for babies to children up to 12 years. Children meet and work alongside emerging and professional artists to cocreate works of art in ArtPlay’s open and supportive environment. From here, they can move on to galleries and other art offerings in Melbourne with confidence and curiosity. 9664 7900
www.artplay.com.au
18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda Okay, even though this place is packed full of families on weekends, you still need to go to Melbourne’s Luna Park at least once during your stay. It is one big amusement park that caters to everyone from those just wanting to play a few side show games to those searching for ultimate thrills (the scariest rides are Pharaoh’s Curse, Metropolis and the Enterprise). It is a great way to spend a day, or even take your guy/ girl on that first date (nothing breaks the nerves like sharing a super-fast roller coaster ride together!). Tickets cost about $40 and get you unlimited rides for the day. 9525 5033 www.lunapark.com.au
Captain Cook’s Cottage Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne Learn all about Captain James Cook and experience what life was like in the eighteenth century, as you walk through this double-storey cottage and its traditional vibrant and colourful English cottage garden. 9419 5766
www.fedsquare.com
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Luna Park
www.cookscottage.com.au
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Eureka Skydeck 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank Head up to the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower for awe-inspiring views of Melbourne. Day or night the Eureka Skydeck provides you 360 degree views of the city, sports precinct, Port Phillip Bay and Docklands. Skydeck 88 is also the only observation deck in the world that can thill you with ‘The Edge’ - a glass cube which projects 3 metres out from the building - with you in it - suspended almost 300 metres above ground! 9693 8888
www.eurekaskydeck.com.au
GETTING HEALTHY The key to a healthy life is the balance of a good diet and regular exercise. Increased fitness will improve your mood, give you energy and make it easier for you to focus on your study.
Finding a Gym Gyms can be a large expense so make sure you are committed before you sign a contract. More flexible 24/7 options are starting to open up and present better value if you can live without classes and swimming pools etc. Most universities also have gyms and offer their students reasonable rates.
Health Foods Many universities have health food stores on campus that present students with healthy options. They sell natural, organic products that are generally gluten free. Farmer’s markets are a great way of sourcing fresh fruit and vegetables. The farmers sell directly to you so you pay less than at the supermarket and get fresher produce.
Social Sport Available at sports and community centres across your city, you can start a team with your friends and play against other teams. The level of competition will vary depending on which league you play in. The lower leagues will be purely social while higher leagues may be more competitive. Common sports include indoor soccer, squash, netball, indoor cricket, tennis and volleyball.
Sports Clubs If you are more serious about your sport then you can join your university (or a local club) team. This will involve attending training and committing to playing games for the entire season. You must be registered at the start of the season and pay for the entire season in advance. They are a great way of meeting new people while keeping fit.
Yoga/Pilates There are various ways to get involved in yoga and pilates. Your local gym may have classes, there are plenty of specialist venues opening, outdoor sessions are often advertised or you could teach yourself from YouTube.
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
DAY TRIPS So you’ve settled into the everyday grind of studying and you’re looking to get away for a few hours and see the countryside. There are plenty of great places only an hour or two away from Melbourne that are definitely worth seeing.
Warrandyte The suburb of Warrandyte is located 24 kilometres northeast of Melbourne on the winding Yarra River. Covered with beautiful native bush land, this area was once rich with gold, a fact that was discovered in 1851 and exploited during the mid-century gold rush here and elsewhere in Victoria. The river is Warrandyte’s main draw-card, with some great swimming holes and picnic spots dotted throughout the area. Pound Bend, famous for its enormous 145-metre tunnel dug in the late 1800s, is a particularly popular place to come for a swim in summer. If you get hungry, head to The Warrandyte Bakery for a pie or something sweet and wander down the hill to eat beside the river. It takes roughly half an hour to drive to Warrandyte from the Melbourne CBD; alternatively, you can get here by public transport (train then bus).
1,000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is a 2.8 kilometre climb uphill through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges National Park. The track was first created in the early 1900s and later named as a memorial to the battle fought between Australian and Japanese forces in Papua New Guinea in WWII. Located close to the Ferntree Gully Railway Station, this is a great destination if you want to get close to nature but don’t have a car. At the top of the walk you’ll be treated to some great views as well as the One Tree Hill picnic ground, so pack a lunch and make the most of the day. It’ll take between 45 and 55 minutes to get from Flinders Street Station to Ferntree Gully Station by train, and the start of the walk is situated only about one kilometre east of the station.
Yarra Valley Wine Region Located about an hour’s drive east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is Victoria’s premier winemaking region. The very first vineyard was planted here in 1838, and today the Yarra Valley is known as one of Australia’s best cool climate wine districts. The region is famous for its Pinot Noir, but you’ll also find excellent Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz grown here in the many wineries scattered around the large area bordered by Hurstbridge, Kinglake, Healesville and Yarra Junction. A great way to see the region is to do a wine tasting day (this is much easier if you have access to a car). Even if you’re not interested in wine, a trip to the beautiful Yarra Valley is still well worthwhile, if only to see this lovely area of the state.
Did you Know? Melbourne was almost named Batmania! John Batman was involved in the settlement of Melbourne and they considered naming the city after him.
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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ACTIVE MELBOURNE The City of Melbourne, through its Active Melbourne program, plays a big part in connecting many local and international students to Melbourne’s various communities. The City of Melbourne encourages active participation in exercise for all students through Active Melbourne programs and facilities. We look forward to catering to international students and continuing to bringing fun and active recreation to all corners of our city.
North Melbourne Recreation Centre
North Melbourne Community Centre
204-206 Arden Street North Melbourne North Melbourne Recreation Centre offers a variety of group fitness classes including yoga fusion, boxing, outdoor fitness and skip fit. Sign up for a personal training session, join a netball competition or enjoy the array of summer season outdoor activity such as DJ by the pool, big wave breakfast, sunny sombreros or poolside cinema. Outdoor pool season opens 1 October.
North Melbourne, 49-53 Buncle Street Whether it’s working out in the gym, joining a stadium sports clinic, Zumba, boxing or yoga, North Melbourne Community Centre offers an intimate community spaces for students to stay active, meet locals and get involved in the community.
9658 9444
melbourne.vic.gov.au/nmrc
Kensington Community Recreation Centre Cnr Kensington Rd & Altona St, Kensington Kensington Community Recreation Centre offers a range of activities catering to the student community. If you’d like to keep fit, visit the gym or try one of the many group fitness classes such as box fit, pliates and zumba. Or try out one of the fun student social evening netball or indoor soccer competitions. If you’re looking to get fit to surf the Australian waves, get swim fit and join one of the main swimming classes on offer. 9376 1633 www.kensington.ymca.org.au
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9320 4700 www.nmcc.ymca.org.au
Active Melbourne City Sports 744 Bourke St, Melbourne AMCS offers a wide range of activities such as social basketball, lawn bowls, netball and soccer competitions as well as lunch time team based running and walking clubs. All students are encouraged to participate. 9604 8600
melbourne.vic.gov.au/amcs
Riverslide Skate Park Boathouse Drive, Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne Riverslide caters for beginners, intermediate and advanced skaters. All students welcome. Facilities and services include skate lessons, competitions and events, café and chill out spots, first aid and supervision, skate shop and equipment hire.
Go Online For more active recreational ideas and information on sport and active recreation options for all abilities within Melbourne City and surrounding suburbs visit: melbourne.vic.gov.au/ activemelbourne Active Melbourne also promotes, and welcomes students to the city’s extensive range of community sports such as tennis, badminton, lawn bowls and baseball. Visit Active Melbourne’s sports directory at melbourne.vic. gov.au/activemelbourne for more information. For fun and free events throughout the year sign up to Active Melbourne facebook page where you will be kept up to date. facebook.com/ activemelb
9663 0495
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
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WEEKEND TRIPS If there’s a long weekend coming up, or maybe it’s the mid semester break, it’s always nice to get away for a few days and explore some of the outer parts of the state. There are plenty of great places to visit overnight or for a couple of days.
Great Ocean Road
High Country
Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the country – and for an island this size, that’s really saying something. Built between 1919 and 1932 by returned WWI soldiers, the road was created as a memorial to the war dead. The road winds along 243 kilometres of coastline between Torquay and Warrnambool, passing by countless beaches and small seaside towns. Hotspots include Wye River, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell – all of which are jam-packed with holidaymakers during the warm summer months.
Starting around the lovely town of Mansfield, the High Country stretches north-eastward, encompassing the alpine resorts of Mount Bulla, Falls Creek and Mount Buffalo, plus a handful of very charming historic country towns including Beechworth, Glenrowan and Myrtleford. During winter the alpine regions are blanketed in snow, making this a hotspot for skiers and snowboarders.
One of the most beautiful areas on the Great Ocean Road is the Otway National Park, situated at the southernmost point of Victoria’s west coast. Incidentally, this is one of the best places to come to see koalas – as you move through the area, just look up and you’re sure to spot a few fluffy grey lumps in the treetops. This area is great if you want to do some mountain biking. The best way to see the Great Ocean Road is by car, but there are lots of tour companies that provide organised trips. It’s also possible to access the region by public transport; check the Public Transport Victoria website for details.
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Bright is worth the trip during Autumn to experience their ‘Autumn Festival’. Mansfield is located roughly 190 kilometres from Melbourne; Beechworth is around 285 kilometres away. As usual, the most convenient way to see the region is by car, but it’s also accessible by public transport (see the Public Transport Victoria website for details).
Grampians National Park Keen rock-climbers will need no introduction to Victoria’s Grampians National Park, which boasts some of the best climbing spots in Australia (neighbouring Mount Arapiles is world renowned as one of the world’s best climbs). But this incredibly beautiful national park isn’t just for those who want to scale the peaks; it’s a great destination for hiking and camping, with walks catering for all ability levels available in the area.
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Situated around 235 kilometres west of Melbourne, this national park is heritage-listed for both its natural beauty as well as its ancient Aboriginal rock art. You can also spot native animals including kangaroos, koalas and emus in this region. The best way to get to, and around, the area is by car, but if driving isn’t an option, there are organised tours of the Grampians available.
Goldfields Between 1851 and the late 1860s, Australia’s population almost tripled due to the Victorian Gold Rush. The wealth generated from gold mining is still visible today in the beautiful historic architecture of the mining towns, including Ballarat, Castlemaine and Bendigo, all of which are located to Melbourne’s northwest. Check out Bendigo’s Golden Dragon Museum, which tells the little-known story of the huge influx of Chinese gold prospectors during the 1850s, whose legacy is still felt today. History buffs can also head to the ever-popular Sovereign Hill, an open air museum that has been made to look like a goldrush-era town, complete with recreated buildings and staff dressed in 1850s costumes. You can easily reach these major regional towns by car or public transport.
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
GLoBall Program Established in 2009 by the Essendon Football Club, GLoBALL is jointly supported by Cricket Victoria to provide international students with free access to premium Victorians sporting events throughout the year. In this time, the program has directly impacted the lives of more than 15,000 participants representing 104 countries. GLoBALL enables international students to meet Victorians who, as GLoBALL ambassadors will introduce students to the sports and make them welcome in Victoria. International students are also offered opportunities to connect with local football and cricket community sporting clubs. Essendon Football Club Community Manager Cameron Britt said it is important to provide opportunities for international students to engage with the wider community.“The GLoBALL program was established to develop opportunities to engage people from diverse cultural backgrounds in the game of Australian football with the view to broaden both the participation and supporter base in the game,� Britt said. As well as Essendon Football Club matches, international students are also offered the opportunity to attend Big Bash League (BBL) season games whereby students can support both the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars T20 cricket teams. To learn more about the program, or for International students or ambassadors to register, visit : www.globall.com.au
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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Werribee Open Range Zoo Experience an African adventure Take a guided safari bus tour across the savannah and discover rhinos, giraffes and zebras. Visit our three male Western Lowland Gorillas in one of the world’s largest gorilla exhibits. Or follow the African walking trail to see lions, hippos and cheetahs.
Just a 30 minute drive from Melbourne. K Road, Werribee Transport: Take the Werribee line train to Werribee Station. Then take Bus Route 439 to Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Melbourne Zoo Journey through a world of wildlife in the heart of Melbourne See eye to eye with orang-utans, walk the trail of the elephants and spy native koalas and kangaroos in an Australian bush setting. Then head underwater to see playful penguins and seals!
Only 10 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. Elliott Avenue, Parkville Tram: Take tram No. 55 from William St. Train: Take the Upfield line to Royal Park Station from Flinders St or Southern Cross stations.
HEalESvillE Sanctuary Explore a bushland haven for Australian wildlife Experience a real slice of Australia at Healesville Sanctuary. Wander the tranquil bushland tracks and come face to face with iconic Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, platypus and emus.
Open daily 9am to 5pm 1300 966 784 zoo.org.au
An hour’s scenic drive from Melbourne. Badger Creek Road, Healesville Transport: Day tours to Healesville Sanctuary depart from Federation Square every day.
WILDLIFE Aside from its beautiful landscape, Victoria plays host to a number of unique animals. Everyone knows the koala and kangaroo, but what about the wombat or the bilby? There are plenty of native animals housed in a number of wildlife parks in the city and a little further out of town.
Healesville Sanctuary Badger Creek Rd, Healesville The Healesville Sanctuary is located in the town of Healesville in the beautiful Yarra Valley region 65 kilometres east of Melbourne. Located on 30 hectares of beautiful native bushland, this is one of the best places to see Australian animals in their natural habitat. The sanctuary acts as a zoo as well as a rehabilitation centre, where experts treat injured animals with the hope of releasing them back into the wild. Highlights here include platypuses, red kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils and the ‘Fearsome to Awesome’ reptile show. Getting to the sanctuary will take either one hour by car or roughly two hours by public transport (you can catch a train to Lilydale Railway Station then a bus to Healesville). Tickets are $26.10 (adult) or $20.20 (concession). Day tours are also available daily, departing from Federation Square. 5957 2800
www.zoo.org.au/ HealesvilleSanctuary
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Melbourne Zoo Elliott Ave, Parkville First established in 1862, the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens (or Melbourne Zoo) is Australia’s oldest zoo. The 55-hectare site is conveniently located in Parkville, just 15 minutes from the city centre by tram. The zoo was originally modelled on the London Zoo, and today it houses more than 320 different animal species, including a range of native Australian animals. Highlights here include the fantastic seal tank, where you can watch these playful creatures through enormous glass windows, and the butterfly enclosure, a glasshouse filled with botanical plants and hundreds of exotic butterflies. Tickets are $26.10 (adult) or $20.20 (concession). www.zoo.org.au/MelbourneZoo
Melbourne Aquarium Corner of Flinders St and King St, Melbourne Located on the Yarra River in the CBD, the Melbourne Aquarium was opened in 2000 and features four distinctly themed underwater environments: ‘River to Reef’, ‘Antarctica’, ‘Weird and Wonderful’ and ‘Sharks Alive’. Each of these different habitats is home to some incredible wildlife, including King and Gentoo penguins, beautiful jellyfish and seahorses, and a variety of sharks and stingrays in the 2.2 million-litre Oceanarium. If you have some cash to splash, you can even dive with the sharks or walk among the penguins in their icy enclosure. It’s best to set aside two hours to see the aquarium properly. Tickets are $34.90 for adults and $23.90 for concession holders. 9923 5999
www.melbourneaquarium.com. au
Did you Know The Box Jellyfish is responsible for more deaths annually in Australia than snakes, sharks and salt water crocodiles.
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Safety Tips Swim between the flags At most popular beaches you will see surf lifesavers who have worked out the safest part of the beach to swim. They communicate this by putting up big flags on the beach.
Don’t fight the rip or current Rips are narrow powerful currents running out into the ocean. If you get pulled out to sea by the rip, do not try and fight it. Let it pull you out, swim around it and swim back in.
Swim with friends Make sure you swim while your friends watch you. If you struggle, they can help you out or find someone nearby that can help you!
Don’t eat immediately before you swim Wait at least half an hour before you go for a swim if you have just had a meal. You could get cramps and this could make swimming very difficult.
Also, many popular beaches have surf life-saving offices present, with life-savers patrolling the beaches at busy times. If you want more information on beach safety, check out www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
BEACHES No trip to Australia would be complete without a dip in the ocean and feeling the sand between your toes. We have some of the best beaches in the world – long stretches of golden sand, blue water and plenty of perfect waves for surfing. Melbourne has a range of quiet, gentle beaches for those who prefer sunbathing, but a little further up the coast there are beaches with some intense waves for those with a passion for surfing.
St Kilda Beach Melbourne’s best-known and most accessible beach is in St Kilda, the famous southern seaside suburb that is eternally popular with tourists and locals alike. The beach itself is not Victoria’s most spectacular, nor is it ideal for surfing, but it’s perfect if you want to go for a beachside stroll or a quick dip in the water without having to travel too far. It is also great for a spot of kitesurfing and watching the penguins at dawn. Located roughly six kilometres south of the CBD, St Kilda Beach is easily accessible by the many trams that depart from Swanston St outside Flinders Street Station (check Public Transport Victoria’s website for timetables).
Brighton Beach If you’re looking for a safe sandy swimming beach close to the city, head to Brighton Beach. Famed for its very cute and colourful ‘bathing boxes’ that line the waterfront, Brighton is a great choice for those wishing to avoid the big surf and dangerous rips found elsewhere along Victoria’s coastline. Located just 11 kilometres south of the CBD, it takes only 20–25 minutes by train to reach Brighton Beach from Flinders Street Station. If you get tired of sunbathing,
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
you can try out one of the many pubs or restaurants in the area, or make use of the public barbeque facilities located along the foreshore.
Blairgowrie Blairgowrie is a popular seaside town on the Mornington Peninsular, best loved for its beautiful ocean beaches. Wedged between Sorrento and Rye, Blairgowrie is located about 85 kilometres from Melbourne near the western tip of the peninsular, making it a great access point to both the gentle waters inside Port Phillip Bay as well as the wilder ocean beaches looking out onto Bass Straight. The Blairgowrie Back Beach is famous for its ‘jump rock’ – a large rock formation from which many daredevils jump into the deep rock-pool below (this can be very dangerous, so take extreme caution if you decide to take the plunge). The easiest way to get to and around Blairgowrie and its beaches is by car, but it is also accessible by public transport (train to Frankston, then bus onwards).
Torquay Torquay is one of the most popular surf beaches among Melburnites, famed not only for its waves but also for it’s shopping. It was here that the iconic
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Australian surf brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver were founded, and today this small beachside town is home to an enormous complex of surf-wear stores and factory outlets. You’ll also find numerous surf schools in Torquay, offering lessons and board hire to novice surfers. Torquay is located roughly 100 kilometres southwest of Melbourne – around oneand-a-half hours by car, or two-and-a-half hours by public transport.
Williamstown The quaint seaside suburb of Williamstown is located only eight kilometres south of Melbourne’s CBD, making this a great spot to come for a swim or a walk along the beach. As with all beaches located inside Port Phillip Bay, you won’t find big waves or strong tides here; as a result, this is also a popular place for sailing, windsurfing and kite boarding. Williamstown itself is a lovely and historic area of Melbourne, featuring many heritage-listed buildings and sites, so there’s plenty to see if you want to get out of the sun. It takes about half an hour to get to Williamstown by train from Flinders Street Station – just catch any Williamstown-bound train and get off at the end of the line.
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YOUTH HOSTELS I recently travelled along the east coast of Australia, and stayed in YHA hostels along the way. Below are some of the reasons I would recommend hostels over other accommodation options. By Aainaa Ab. Rahman.
Making Friends The hostels were all really social places and I found it easy to make new friends. With great lounge areas and group activities I always felt included. This made the whole experience more enjoyable and I have kept in contact with some of the people I met.
Saving Money Compared to other options, I found hostels a cheap way of travelling. This allowed me to travel for longer, enjoy nights out and go for day trips. Not only was the accommodation cheaper but I could cook food in the kitchens so I didn’t have to always eat out. Often these meals became social events, particularly the barbecues, making it even cheaper and way more fun!
Going on Tours It was great to be able to explore by myself but I also enjoyed going on organised tours. I got to try activities I’d never experienced before and really enjoyed them all. These tours were often in places I would have become completely lost trying to find by myself. The tour guides were always super friendly with great knowledge but rubbish jokes!
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Safe, Clean Accommodation I didn’t book expecting a 5 star hotel but I was really impressed how clean all the hostels were. Everything is set up so you don’t have to worry about anything, well apart from clean underwear! I always felt safe as well which allowed me to enjoy my travels even more. Everyone there is doing the same thing so there is a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere in the hostels.
Friendly Staff The staff at the hostels made the experience even better and were always willing to help out. They suggested a few activities to try and booked tours that I wanted to go on. One night a group of us wanted to have a night out so they told us all about the local bars and the different specials we could get.
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
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EXPERIENCE AUSTRALIA While you’re over here, it would be a waste not to see what the rest of Australia has to offer. Remember to look out for editions of Insider Guides that exist in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. See our website for more details.
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www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Sydney
Perth The most isolated city in the world, Perth is a busy metropolis with a strong sense of natural beauty. Located 20km inland from the Indian Ocean, Perth nightlife is bustling, its beaches are pristine and clean, shopping is relaxed but incredibly diverse and the ability to experience the real ‘great outdoors’ is made easy for locals and visitors.
Adelaide Lonely Planet declared Adelaide was one of the top ten cities to visit in 2014. It’s a remarkable place, particularly in the summer months as all the best festivals in Australia (and the world) come here to give the whole place a party atmosphere. There are beautiful wine regions and some of the best restaurants in Australia waiting to be discovered.
Sydney has two of the icons that everyone associates with life ‘down under’: the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It’s jam-packed full of everything to do in one city, with breathtaking harbours in the centre, the ability to buy almost anything you want, and some of the best beaches and scenery not far away.
Canberra Canberra is the capital of Australia. It is a cosy little city and hosts some of the sites that many tourists add to their list of ‘must sees’ when they visit. These include the world famous National Gallery of Australia and the Australian War Memorial. It is also where our Federal Parliament sits, and if you visit you can tour Parliament House and gain a deeper understanding of how our democracy works.
Hobart Locals proudly proclaim that a traffic jam here would rarely last more than a couple of minutes. For fans of the wilderness, Hobart is just a few hours from some of the world’s most beautiful bush walks. There are plenty of waterfront cafés, bars and some stunning restaurants. With a population of around 200,000, this city is perfect for a leisurely getaway.
Brisbane The locals are friendly, the beaches are some of Australia’s best, and the weather is great all year round. Brisbane is one of the most relaxed places in Australia, with a real party culture. South of Brisbane is the Gold Coast, a great place to swim and surf. If you head north you’ll find stunning rainforest conditions and the Glasshouse Mountains.
Melbourne Known for its restaurant and café culture, Melbourne is the centre of classy urban Australian life. The shopping is second to none and the streets are lined with artwork. You can’t go without exploring some of the hidden laneway bars and cafés that showcase the urban culture.
Darwin This is the real Aussie outback, well known for it’s wildlife and beautiful natural flora. There are a stack of national parks in the Northern Territory and the sights are incredible, including the famous rock Uluru, right in the middle of the territory. Darwin is a very modern looking city as it was rebuilt after being almost wiped out by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Insider Guides recommends STA Travel for booking your trips around Australia, and YHA for booking hostels. www.statravel.com.au www.yha.com.au
www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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Thank You Insider Publishing would like to thank our Editors, Marleena Forward, Ellie Williams and Bridie Moran for their efforts. They researched their cities from the inside out. They listened to current students, experienced what makes their city great and then luckily wrote it down for us at Insider Guides. A very special thank you to our Head Editor Craig Riddell
INSiDeR
FOunDRy
These guides are a product of Insider Foundry www.insiderfoundry.com
City of Melbourne accepts no responsibility for the supplied information or omissions, or any use of or reliance on the contents of the guide.
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What can you do on the app? • Find a doctor near you using your GPS • Order your membership card • Update your OSHC account details • Find all our contact details • Find out how to claim Download the free iPhone App
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STUDENt WELCOME Melbourne attracts students from all over the world to study at the many leading tertiary institutions in the city. In fact, almost 55 per cent of students living and studying in the city are international students. What’s on? The City of Melbourne hosts a number of events, workshops and programs for students throughout the year at venues including the Multicultural Hub, City Library and The Couch. Visit melbourne.vic.gov.au/internationalstudents for more information Volunteering in Melbourne All of the programs that are run for international students, such as the welcome events, the student welcome desk at Melbourne Airport and the couch drop in centre, have volunteer staff. Each year, over 200 volunteers assist with these events. To get involved visit melbourne.vic.gov.au/internationalstudents To register for our email newsletter, visit melbourne.vic.gov.au/internationalstudents