Dec 19 2008
Melbourne Public Transport At Christmas and New Years
I just came back from a trip to Melbourne so this is the first in a series of posts about visiting Melbourne - one of my favourite Australian travel destinations . Melbourne is famous for its trams but the trams are also an integrated part of one of the best city transit systems in the southern hemisphere.
Trams cover the CBD and inner suburbs. There is also an extensive suburban train network run by Connex. Trains take you as far as Dandanongs and Frankston on the SE coast. Buses fill in the gaps between the others
Most tourists only need a zone 1 ticket which will cover probably enough of the city, unless they want to get right out to the Dandenong ranges which are zone 2. There are only 2 zones so taking more trips give you better value for money.
The trams come in amazing range of styles and ages :the most modern are articulated and include electronic stop notifications. Some of the older, smaller wooden trams date back nearly 50 years and are alwasy in green and gold.
There is also the distinctive city circle tourist tram: this is the oldest tram running and is distinctive red. It only does the circle line around the CBD and is free - you don’t need a ticket. A good way of getting your bearings is to hop on and do the circuit which will take you as far as Docklands and all the way to Parliament. There is commentary as well. Its a lot better deal than paying for an over-priced city tour. Then get yourself a free tansit map and plan the rest of your excursions.
A single ticket can be purchased on trams coin-only machines. Single tickets get you to 2 hours to all trains, trams and buses for 2 hours. Alternatively you can buy a cost effective day, weekly or longer passes. You buy these from most kiosks, train stations and convenience stores: just ask.
Over the Christmas holiday period trams will run on a Sunday schedule on the public holidays of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and will also be free on those days plus on Christmas Eve - nice touch guys!
2 Responses to “Melbourne Public Transport At Christmas and New Years”
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Just like our cable cars here in San Francisco. That photo looks like downtown Market street. I love it!
I thought of you when I chose the photo - its been 30 years since I was in SF so I wasn’t sure if they were similar. Downtown Melbourne is dead flat though I don’t recall SF being flat LOL Have some photos of more modern version posting in the next or so!