Population:
3.1 million

Area:
2,452 sq. miles. Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia and capital of the State of Victoria.

Time Zone:
Greenwich Mean Time plus ten hours: When it is noon in Melbourne, it is 9:00 pm yesterday in New York City and Washington, DC. (Daylight saving time turns the clocks one hour ahead between November and March.)

International Dialing Code:
All numbers for Melbourne and the outskirts of the city begin with 03 and have 8 additional digits. The country code is 61. (When calling Melbourne from another country: use the country code, 61, and add 3 following it, not 03.) Calling cards can be purchased at tobacco stores, post offices and stores For directory assistance, dial 1-800-888-8888. Emergency: Police, fire or ambulance emergencies: 000. General police: 11444; fire: 11411; ambulance: 11440.

Currency:
Australia's currency is in dollars and cents. Coins come in 5,10,20, and 50 cent silver pieces, and 1 and 2 dollar gold coins. Notes are $5,$10,$20,$50,and $100. Major credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted almost everywhere. The easiest method of securing cash at the best exchange rate is to make withdrawals using a US credit card from the ATM machines found at the major banks.

Electricity:
( 240 volt, 50 cycles A/C). Most hotels have 110V shaver outlets. American appliances will need a three pin flat plug adapter and will require a transformer if they do not have a dual voltage capability.

Sunscreen:
Australian sun has strong ultraviolet rays, especially between 11am and 4pm. A wide brimmed hat and high SP sunscreen are essential in Melbourne in the summer when the sun is especially intense.

Visas and Passports:
All visitors require a visa and passport to enter the country. Visas are free from Australian consulates and allow up to a three month stay. There is a charge for business visas.

Visitors with disabilities:
Information is available from : VICROD Victoria Council for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled: P.O. Box 210 Hampton 3188. Tele 9597 0157. The Met Disability Services Officer will assist with advice on public transport for disabled travelers. 9619 7482