Public transport
Public transport (Metropolitan services)
The Melbourne public transport system incorporates train, tram and bus services. You can change services from train to tram to bus as often as you like on the one valid ticket.
In Victoria, only the international exchange students are eligible for concession prices on public transport. Exchange students can collect a concession application form during orientation. If you travel without a valid ticket, or on a concession ticket without a concession card, you are at risk of being fined by inspectors.
Melbourne's public transport network is split into two zones which are colour coded for easy recognition: Zone 1 is yellow and Zone 2 is blue. La Trobe's Bundoora campus is located on the border of Zones 1 and 2.
For more information, including fares and timetables, phone Metlink on 131 638 or visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
Bendigo bus services
Bendigo Bus Services operate regularly between the campus and the city of Bendigo. Timetables are available at the International Office and from the Student Union and the Railway station.
NightRider bus service
NightRider buses operate on nine routes from the City to the suburbs, departing from Swanston Street (between Flinders and Collins Streets) every hour between 12.30 am and 4.30 am on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Additional services operate on some routes.
NightRider tickets are available from the bus driver at the time of travel. Metcards, V/Line tickets, free travel passes and concessions are not accepted. Tickets are transferable between NightRider services for two hours.
Taxis
Taxis are generally an expensive way to travel. The following companies offer services in and around Melbourne, and you phone them directly to book a taxi.
- North Suburban Taxis: 13 1119
- Silver Top Taxis: 13 1008
- Black Cabs: 13 2227
There is one company that provides taxi services to Bendigo.
- Bendigo Taxi Services: 13 1008
Driving
Before you start driving in Australia, we recommend you take some lessons to become familiar with local driving conditions and road laws. Road laws include:
- Driving on the left-hand side of the road; this applies to all states in Australia.
- All occupants in a car, including passengers, must wear seatbelts.
- Drink driving i.e. driving when over the legal blood alcohol limit can result in heavy fines or even loss of licence (including an overseas licence).
- At some Melbourne city centre intersections, hook turns are required; drivers turn right from the left-hand lane instead of the centre lane, to avoid obstructing trams.
You can find out more about licensing and road rules by reading Driving in Victoria: Rules and Responsibilities, on the Vic Roads website.
Driver licensing in Victoria
You may drive on a valid overseas licence indefinitely while holding a student or temporary visa, provided the licence is either in English or is accompanied by an official English translation (e.g. an International Driving Permit).
To get your licence translated, visit the Victorian Interpreting and Translating Service (VITS) at Level 1, 371 Spencer Street in the city. For more information, phone VITS. Tel: 9280 1955 or have a look at their website.
An International Driving Permit is a translation of a driver licence; it is not a licence itself. For your International Driving Permit to be valid, you must also carry your overseas licence when driving.
Cycling
Certain road rules apply specifically to cyclists, including:
- bicycles may not be ridden on footpaths;
- all cyclists must wear an approved safety helmet (except on medical and/or religious grounds);
- bicycles must be equipped with a bell or horn, an efficient brake and, if ridden at night, a white headlight, red tail-light and red rear reflector.
See the Bicycle Victoria website for comprehensive cycling information.
To buy a cheap bicycle in Victoria, look for advertisements in the Trading Post, second-hand shops, on eBay or on campus.
Getting to La Trobe
For more information about getting to and from La Trobes Bundoora campus, visit our Travel Smart page.
It's a good idea to buy a local street directory which includes bus, train and tram routes (including stop numbers). The Melways and the UBD are the most commonly used street directories, and are available from the campus bookshop.
