World City Guide

Getting There By Road

VicRoads (tel: (03) 9854 2666; website: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au) has recently implemented a Statewide Route Numbering Program for its rural arterial roads. The letter assigned to each road reflects the quality and function of the route. There are four major road categories – M, A, B and C. ‘M’ roads are the primary roads connecting Melbourne and other capital cities, such as the Princes Freeway (M1) and Hume Freeway (M31). ‘A’ roads are similar to M roads, although carry less traffic. ‘B’ roads are two lane roads in good condition, often indicating a tourist destination, such as the Great Ocean Road (B100) and Alpine Road (B500). ‘C’ roads provide important links between population centres and the primary transport network. Major roads leading to Melbourne include the Princes Highway (M1) and the Western Ring Road (M80).

The legal driving age in Victoria is 18 years. Traffic drives on the left and seatbelts are compulsory for both drivers and passengers. Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in urban areas – reduced from 60kph (37mph) in Jan 2001 – and 100-110kph (62-68mph) on country roads and highways. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.05%. Driving licences must be carried at all times – International Driving Permits are preferred to national licences. Compulsory third party insurance is required for driving in Melbourne.

VicRoads provides information of road safety and conditions (tel: 131 174) and requirements for driving in Victoria (tel: 131 171), as well as an emergency breakdown service (see below).

Emergency breakdown services:
Royal Automobile Club Victoria 131 111
VicRoads 131 170

Routes to the city: Melbourne has good road access to other main cities in Australia. The Western Highway (8) goes to Adelaide and the Hume Highway (31) and Princes Highway (1) to Sydney.

Approximate driving times to Melbourne: From Adelaide – 9 hours; Sydney – 11 hours.

Coach services: Greyhound Pioneer (tel: 132 030, Australia only; website: www.greyhound.com.au) operates extensive services throughout Australia, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Darwin. The Melbourne terminal is located at the Melbourne Transit Centre, 58 Franklin Street, and is open 0600-2200 daily.