Melbourne's city centre is the main working area for many local Victorians. During the week there is the routir~e "hustle bustle" of people travelling to and from the city by their own vehicles (e.g. cars, motorbikes), public transport, push bikes, walking or other means of transport. The peak hours are extremely busy and crowded. Car parks are usually a scarcity. Workers and students rely heavily on public transport, so any delays or cancellations cause commuters to be become stressed or irritated.
The public transport system consists of buses, trains, trams and light rails. Also there are taxis available at numerous taxi ramps in various locations.
Melbourne has two major train stations, Flinders Street and Spencer Street, and the underground loop system.
Melbourne is well renowned for its trams. You see plenty of trams in the city and they travel out to the main suburbs. Victoria is the only state in Australia that uses trams.
The City Circle Tram is a free service available to the public. This tram is convenient as it travels "in a circle" right around the city, and it links to other transport systems.
The Night Rider Bus is a safe and convenient way to get home
after midnight on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Buses are available from
12.30 pm to 4.30 am and depart from the city and travel to several main
suburbs. The fares are cheap at $5.00 a ride.
Melbourne is a fantastic place to shop. It is so tempting and easy to just spend your money or swipe your card. Melbourne has a great collection of department stores, specialty shops, arcades, laneways, plazas, galleries, markets, boutiques, discount stores and small shops. There is such a wide range of goods and services available. You can purchase anything from expensive, high qLlality, upmarket products to very cheap bargain goods.
The main shopping areas in the city include Bourke Street, Collins Street, Elizabeth Street and Swanston Street. The Bourke Street Mall and most of Swanston Street are closed off for traffic, only trams are permitted to pass through. However some taxis continue to sneak across.
The shops are open 7 days a week. Shopping hours are as follows:
| MON- WED | 9.00 am to 6. 00 pm; |
| THURS-FRI | 9.00 am to 9. 00 pm; |
| SAT | 9. 00 am to 5. 00 pm |
| SUN | 10.00 am to 5. 00 pm |