International Students

Transport options for Melbourne Campus-Victoria 

SkyBus  

SkyBus runs express services between Melbourne Airport and Melbourne CBD (Southern Cross Station), operating between 4am and 1am 7 days a week, with the adult fare being $19.95 one way or $32 return.  SkyBus stops at Terminal 1, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 – check the SkyBus website for more information on this service, including timetables and fares. 

Melbourne City Express timetable:

• 15 min service frequency – 04:00 to 08:45 
• 10 min service frequency – 08:45 to 17:45 
• 15 min service frequency – 17:45 to 01:00 

SkyBus also provides services to St Kilda and Frankston. There is a SkyBus booth to assist with tickets and related services on the ground level of T2. 

Taxis 

A taxi to Melbourne City takes approximately 35 minutes and costs around $55–65, although times and fares can vary. Taxis can be caught on the ground floor outside T1, and between T2 and T3. See the Taxi and Rideshare Pickup Map for locations. 

Rideshare 

The following Rideshare companies operate at Melbourne Airport:  UberX, UberBLACK, Ola, Didi, GoCatch and Shebah. 

A rideshare access fee of $4.54 (inc GST) applies per trip. Rideshare passengers can be dropped off at any of the public drop off areas. These are located anywhere along Departure Drive and the Terminal 4 Transport Hub drop off zone on Level 1. 

Each rideshare operator as the provider of the service is responsible for determining the price it charges its riders for trips from Melbourne Airport to the CBD. You can get fare estimates on the respective rideshare operators app. See the Taxi and Rideshare Pickup Map for locations. 

Public buses 

The following public buses arrive and depart from Melbourne Airport near the At Terminal T4 Car Park. To travel, you will need a myki card.  

• Route 478 Airport West SC (via Melrose Drive) 
• Route 479 Airport West SC (Sunbury Station) 
• Route 482 Airport West (via South Centre Road) 
• Route 901 Frankston 

See Terminal 4 Ground Floor Map for locations. 

Pick up

If someone is picking you up from the airport and would like to meet you in the terminal, they can park at the At Terminal T1 T2 T3 Car Park. Alternatively, they can park in the wait zone on the corner of Mercer Drive and Melrose Drive for 20 minutes for free and drive up to the pickup point outside T2 once ready to meet you. 

Car RENTAL 

Melbourne Airport offers six car rentals companies including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise (formally Redspot), Hertz and Sixt, that are all on site and located on the ground floor of the At Terminal T1 T2 T3 Car Park. 

For booking information, go to melbourneairport.com.au/Passengers/Parking/Ground-transport-options/Car-rental. 

Chauffeur  

Chauffeur/Hire cars can be pre-arranged to meet you at any of our terminals. Drivers will meet at the Chauffeur/ Hire cars meeting points inside the airport. The fee is agreed to in advance as there is no meter in the vehicle. Chauffeur/Hire cars must be pre-arranged as there are no service desks at the airport. 

See Chauffeur/Hire Car Pick-up Map for locations. 

Transport options for Geelong Campus-Victoria 

SkyBus & VLine (Train) 

SkyBus runs express services between Melbourne Airport and Melbourne CBD (Southern Cross Station), operating between 4am and 1am 7 days a week, with the adult fare being $19.95 one way or $32 return.  SkyBus stops at Terminal 1, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 – check the SkyBus website for more information on this service, including timetables and fares. 

Melbourne City Express timetable: 

• 15 min service frequency – 04:00 to 08:45 
• 10 min service frequency – 08:45 to 17:45 
• 15 min service frequency – 17:45 to 01:00 

From southern cross Station, V/LINE Trains run at regular intervals to Geelong. Cost of 1 way ticket to Geelong is around $11. It takes around 1 hour to reach Geelong from Southern cross station in Melbourne CBD.  

Taxis 

A taxi to Geelong takes approximately 60 minutes and costs around $200–$250, although times and fares can vary. Taxis can be caught on the ground floor outside T1, and between T2 and T3.   

See the Taxi and Rideshare Pickup Map for locations. 

Rideshare 

The following Rideshare companies operate at Melbourne Airport:  UberX, UberBLACK, Ola, Didi, GoCatch and Shebah.

A rideshare access fee of $4.54 (inc GST) applies per trip. Rideshare passengers can be dropped off at any of the public drop off areas. These are located anywhere along Departure Drive and the Terminal 4 Transport Hub drop off zone on Level 1. 

Each rideshare operator as the provider of the service is responsible for determining the price it charges its riders for trips from Melbourne Airport to the CBD. You can get fare estimates on the respective rideshare operators app. See the Taxi and Rideshare Pickup Map for locations. 

Pick up 

If someone is picking you up from the airport and would like to meet you in the terminal, they can park at the At Terminal T1 T2 T3 Car Park. Alternatively, they can park in the wait zone on the corner of Mercer Drive and Melrose Drive for 20 minutes for free and drive up to the pickup point outside T2 once ready to meet you. 

Car RENTAL 

Melbourne Airport offers six car rentals companies including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise (formally Redspot), Hertz and Sixt, that are all on site and located on the ground floor of the At Terminal T1 T2 T3 Car Park. 

For booking information, go to melbourneairport.com.au/Passengers/Parking/Ground-transport-options/Car-rental. 

Chauffeur  

Chauffeur/Hire cars can be pre-arranged to meet you at any of our terminals. Drivers will meet at the Chauffeur/ Hire cars meeting points inside the airport. The fee is agreed to in advance as there is no meter in the vehicle. Chauffeur/Hire cars must be pre-arranged as there are no service desks at the airport. 

See Chauffeur/Hire Car Pick-up Map for locations. 

Transport options for Sydney Campus-New south Wales 

Taxi & Rideshare 

You can access taxis and rideshare services when you arrive. The Sydney CBD is a short, 20-minute ride away and will cost about $45-$55 one way. You’ll find taxi ranks at the front of all terminals – simply follow the signs to the nearest ranks. For rideshare services, please arrange with your driver to meet you at our priority pick-up area. 

Taxi and rideshare at Sydney Airport 

Trains 

Sydney Airport is located just 13 minutes by train from the city. Airport Link offers a fast and convenient way to reach the city and suburbs, with trains running approximately every 10 minutes. The International station can be accessed from the arrivals level of the terminal, past Arrivals Hall A. The Domestic station can be accessed from the arrivals level of the T2 and T3 Domestic terminals. To use this service, you can either purchase an Opal Card from the station or WH Smith, or tap on with your Amex, Visa or Mastercard. For more information, including fares, maps, timetable changes and travel planners, choose from the links below. 

• Airport Link
• Opal Card
• Transport NSW Trip Planner

Rental Cars 

Sydney Airport has several car rental companies located at the arrivals level at T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals. Search and compare the best deals from quality rental car providers like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty and Enterprise. 

Book a Rental Car 

Public buses 

Several bus routes connect Sydney Airport with surrounding suburbs, including major destinations such as Bondi Junction, Coogee, Maroubra, Eastgardens, Mascot, Rockdale, Bexley North, Campsie and Burwood. 

All-day frequent route 350 bus services run between the Domestic Terminal and Bondi Junction via Mascot, Maroubra and Coogee, operating at least every 10 minutes during the day, seven days a week. 

Regular services also operate on route 420 bus services between Burwood and Mascot Station via Campsie and Rockdale, serving both the International and Domestic Terminals. These routes operate from early morning until around midnight seven days a week. 

Overnight services are provided on route N20 between Riverwood and the City, operating via the International Terminal between around midnight and 4am.  Route 420 also operates to and from the International Terminal between midnight and 4am. 

Melbourne is Australia’s most liveable city 

Melbourne was ranked the #1 most liveable city in Australia and #10 in the world in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index for 2022. This list assesses 173 cities across the globe in the categories of stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. 

There are many reasons why life in Melbourne is so highly valued: there are multiple public transport options, relatively low crime rates, and plenty of jobs. Plus, it offers an awesome arts and culture scene, first-rate universities and an easy lifestyle. 

Melbourne features top-tier accommodation options 

A key part of living in Melbourne is deciding where to live in Melbourne. In other words, you’ll need to choose the accommodation style best suited to your needs. 

Fortunately, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Melbourne is home to a wide range of high-quality accommodation options designed to suit the student lifestyle, including purpose-built student accommodation. Student accommodation is a particularly popular option among international students as it offers a unique sense of support and community. Plus, student accommodation features incredible amenities that can hugely improve your international study experience. 

For example, Scape Student Living offers a wide range of perks to its residents. With fully furnished rooms, social spaces (like rooftop terraces and communal study areas), events, 24/7 on-site support, and even all-inclusive food offerings at some locations, you’ll have everything you need and more to thrive as an international student in Australia. Best of all, Scape feature’s locations across Melbourne, including Lincoln College, Franklin St, La Trobe and more! 

See How Much Does it Cost to Live in Melbourne as an International Student? on YouTube. 

Melbourne is home to world-class education providers and research facilities 

Victoria is known as the Education State, so it should come as no surprise that Melbourne is very academic. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, several of its universities sit within the top-ranked universities in Australia and the world.  

When living in Melbourne, you’ll quickly recognise the city as a creative hub, home to world-class academics and an exciting entrepreneurial spirit. Before you know it, you’ll soon be thinking outside the box (and around it, above it and below it, too). 

Melbourne’s laneway culture is rich, vivid and exciting 

Melbourne’s winding alleyways are magical; they’ll probably make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a real-life Wonderland. The city is well-known across Australia for its vibrant laneway culture, which is brimming with bustling shopping arcades, wandering musicians, live music, quiet street-side book cafes… and the occasional secret street party! 

If you’re in search of good food, take a wander down the colourful Centre Place, where you’ll find plenty of places to eat. For anyone into street art, a walk down the paint-splashed Hosier Lane will definitely inspire. Don’t forget your camera! 

See also:  6 Ways to Relieve Stress in Melbourne 

The coffee is incredible 

Can’t survive without your morning caffeine hit? If you’re a coffee-lover, we have great news: coffee culture in Melbourne runs deep. Thanks to Melbourne’s champion baristas, the friendly neighbourhood vibe and the locals’ love of supporting small businesses, Melbourne cafés serve up some of the best coffee in Australia – and perhaps even the world. 

See also: The Best Melbourne Cafés to Study In 

It’s Australia’s ‘cultural capital’ 

Melbourne’s eccentricity, creativity and love of the arts are universally famous. 

If you want to absorb some of Melbourne’s culture, check out the National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Plus, the city is home to more underground arts movements, such as zine fairs (look out for Festival of the Photocopier), artist collectives, record stores, swing dancing clubs… the list goes on. 

The community is hugely diverse 

Melbourne is a melting pot of communities and is home to many different cultural celebrations. The Antipodes Festival, Melbourne Italian Festa, Chinese New Year, TET Festival, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and the Melbourne Queer Film Festival are just some of the options on offer. Plus, make sure to check out the neighbourhoods that sit around the CBD. You’ll find many different communities from all around the world in each one. 

The trams are a lot of fun 

In Melbourne, trams are both a major form of public transport and one of the city’s most famous icons. Melbourne locals tend to express genuine warmth for their tram system. What’s more, Melbourne’s trams can be just as colourful as the city itself: since 2013, the Melbourne International Arts Festival has worked with local artists to decorate trams with unique designs – Art Trams! 

Learn more about public transport in Melbourne. 

Melbourne is a great place for start-ups 

If you’re an international student looking to start your own business, living in Melbourne could be a smart move. There are many small business grants offered to ideas that display creativity, innovation, business readiness, financial viability and benefits to the city of Melbourne. Does that sound exciting? Well, it could be you! 

Melbourne is home to breathtaking natural beauty 

Like the great outdoors? Then you’ll love living in Melbourne! The city is home to a wide range of stunning outdoor settings, from beaches to parks and so much more. 

Whether you’re keen to lounge in the sun at St Kilda Beach, have a picnic in the Fitzroy Gardens or take a stroll along the Yarra River, there’s no shortage of beautiful nature to explore. 

Living in Geelong

Ask any Geelong resident – we are proud of this lifestyle! 

Famous for our big city feel without the congestion, the stunning coastline, diverse night life and food culture, Geelong is a place for everyone. Getting around is simple with easy to navigate road networks and intelligent bus networks making for a highly accessible city. 

Spend more time doing the things you love with sporting facilities, shopping and café precincts within arm’s reach across Geelong. 

Geelong is famous for sport and leisure, with the second oldest Australian Football team (with great recent success!) and great opportunities to play a wide range of sports. 

The Waterfront 

Stretching from Eastern Beach around to Rippleside, the area incorporates many restaurants and cafes on the water’s edge. There are places for kids to play, from open grassy areas to some of the biggest and best playgrounds in the region. 

Over 100 sculptured bollards are installed around the Geelong waterfront. The bollards chronicle characters from the city’s past and present, including dapper young ladies in neck-to-knee bathing costumes, 1930s lifesavers, a Geelong footballer, jaunty sailors, fishermen and a town band. View the bollard trail. 

There are kids’ attractions including the carousel, a miniature train ride and a skate park. Seasonally there are also bungee trampolines and a giant Ferris Wheel. 

Children’s attractions, open public space, a lively calendar of events and fabulous places to eat and drink make the Waterfront a Geelong must-do. 

Music, arts and theatre 

There is a lively music scene in the region, with many of the country’s favourite concerts and music festivals close by.  The Queenscliff Music Festival, Meredith Music Festival and A Day on the Green Mt Duneed are all popular destinations, attracting quality performers and supportive crowds. 

The Blues Train, based in Queenscliff, transforms the vintage steam trains of the Bellarine Railway into a rockin’ and rollin’ good time. Four of Australia’s best blues acts perform in the four train carriages, making it a progressive party you’ll never forget. 

Theatre buffs will find something of interest too. Geelong Arts Centre services a regional need for a high-quality performance venue. Offering two theatres, four conference and event spaces, plus a restaurant and café, the Centre hosts an array of musicals, plays, dance, comedy, festivals, community events and workshops. 

The Potato Shed in Drysdale is just one venue of many around our region where local theatre groups and travelling performers can be seen. 

The Geelong Gallery houses a fantastic collection of art while the region boasts some fine contemporary galleries such as Boom Gallery in Newtown. 

One of Geelong’s greatest lifestyle attributes is its range of recreational opportunities. 

There are wide expanses of open space and diverse waterways to enjoy, many kilometres of walking and bike tracks, cultural experiences, great sporting facilities, world class major events and fine dining and entertainment. There really is something for everyone! 

A leisurely stroll or ride along the award-winning Waterfront or the more challenging Bellarine Rail Trail is popular on weekends all year round. Sailing on Corio Bay, skiing on the Barwon River or just enjoying our region’s beautiful beaches are also favoured pastimes. 

There are facilities for all seasonal sports from top class golf courses and equestrian facilities, an international standard baseball centre, a newly upgraded Landy Field and Goldsworthy Reserve athletics tracks and state-of-the-art leisure and aquatic facilities. 

Major Events 

Major events also play a key role. The Australian International Air Show, Festival of Sails Sailing Regatta, national and international cycling events and triathlons including the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the Ironman 70.3  are just some of the high profile major events in Geelong. 

The Geelong region hosts a diverse range of festivals and events, from world-class surfing and ocean swims to music, arts and cultural festivals. Some of the major events held in and around the Geelong region: 

• Rip Curl Pro - Bells Beach, Torquay 
• Bay Cycling Classic – Geelong 
• Toast to the Coast (regional food and wine event) 
• Pako Festa (multicultural street festival) – Geelong 
• Queenscliff Music Festival  

See our events calendar for all the events on offer. 

Into Sports & Fitness? 

The region offers sport and recreation activities for everyone. Whether it is joining a crowd of thousands at GMHBA Stadium to watch the Geelong Cats play in the Australian Football League competition, National A league Soccer matches or national and international T20 Cricket or taking part in the many local sporting opportunities offered to all ages. 

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club has a 240-berth marina and welcomes sailing and social members. The club has a strong junior squadron and offers sailing courses. 

Cycling paths and trails spread across the Region with many linked. 

Sporting Clubs 

The City of Greater Geelong is home to over 325 sporting clubs ranging from football, netball, basketball, soccer and tennis to archery and gridiron, underwater hockey and rowing. 

Leisure Centres/Swim/Waterparks 

There are four major public indoor aquatic centres, three outdoor pools and several recreational/leisure centres. 

• Bellarine Aquatic & Sports Centre 
• Leisurelink Leisure Centre 
• Splashdown Leisure Centre 
• Waterworld Leisure Centres 
• Kardinia Aquatic Centre 
• Lara Swimming Pool 
• Adventure Park Geelong 

Like to Relax? 

Geelong offers a number of magnificent bay and ocean beaches. 

Geelong is also the gateway to the famous Great Ocean Road which includes resort towns like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. 

Parks & Reserves 

There are many parks and open spaces in the Geelong region. Some are winding bush trails, others are perfect for sports, play and picnics. 

The Geelong Botanic Gardens, only a short walk from Central Geelong in Eastern Park, are the fourth-oldest in Australia (150 years). A 21st Century Garden is now a feature. 

Wineries 

Geelong was the largest grape-growing region in Victoria in the 1800s, and it has undergone a renaissance in the last couple of decades as winemakers rediscover rich soils and a climate that is halfway between France’s Bordeaux and Burgundy. Learn more about the Geelong wine region. 

For the Family 

There are loads of things to do and places to see in the region for families. With so much coastline, well serviced towns, villages and regional centres and a hinterland area that has some of the best attractions in Australia, there are activities to suit every type of family, and family member.   

Rockpool rambling and beach activities at any number of the beaches in the region are popular. You can learn to surf, boogie board, paddle in the waves or try skim boarding in the shallows. Build sandcastles, play cricket or just enjoy a picnic or ice cream on the sand, the beach is the perfect place for families to spend some time. More about the region’s family activities. 

Youth activities 

The region has a range of dedicated facilities for children such as preschool play centres, adventure parks, amusement arcades and skate parks. 

Living in Sydney 

One of the most multicultural cities in the world, Sydney celebrates its cultural diversity and heritage, and   passion for arts and sports. Begin your discovery in the cultural heart, Sydney City, where you’ll find the iconic Sydney Opera House near Circular Quay’s trains, ferries and buses. 

Public transport is available to many of Sydney’s top tourist attractions. Hop on a ferry at Circular Quay for Taronga Zoo and Manly in Sydney’s north, Watsons Bay in Sydney’s east, and UNESCO World Heritage Australian convict sites at both Cockatoo Island and Parramatta in Sydney’s west. 

You can also take the ferry to Darling Harbour, home to the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the Wild Life Sydney Zoo. The fun entertainment area is also a short walk from Town Hall Station in the city centre. Getting to Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach from Town Hall is easy on public transport. 

Still wondering where to go in Sydney? 

Then visit the vibrant inner Sydney neighbourhoods, such as Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Paddington, Chippendale and Newtown. You’ll beautiful hidden places in Sydney, from the Royal’s tranquil rainforest to secret beaches. 

The following pages are also helpful when planning your holiday, short break or weekend escape: 

• Things to do in Sydney 
• What’s on in Sydney 
• Sydney attractions 
• Tours in Sydney 

Getting Around… 

Ferry – The most spectacular way to get around Sydney and for quick access between the CBD and Manly (15 min) you can’t beat Sydney Ferries. Enjoy regular services between Manly and 20 other ferry terminals, it’s the most beautiful way to get around. Learn more at Learn more at sydneyferries.info. 

Bus – The Bus network is a great way to get around Sydney in general. Students have access to discounted weekly bus tickets. Learn more at sydneybuses.info. 

Train – Transport NSW (manages Sydney’s train network) offers a convenient and relatively cheap way to travel, particularly to the outer suburbs of Sydney. Learn more at https://transportnsw.info 

Bike – Manly has an extensive bicycle network with over 20kms of dedicated bicycle tracks to follow. Bicycle racks are available all over the Manly area. Furthermore, there is also the Whistler Street Bicycle Parking Station. There are a number of businesses offering bicycle rental including: Manly Bike Tours – manlybiketours.com.au. 

For more information on living is Sydney, please visit the official website Sydney.com 

Living in Parramatta

As one of Sydney’s fastest-growing centres, Parramatta combines cultural heritage with modern living. Known as Sydney’s “second CBD,” it celebrates its rich diversity, history, and passion for arts, food, and community. Begin your discovery at Parramatta Square, a dynamic precinct filled with restaurants, cafés, and events, all just minutes from Parramatta Station’s trains, buses, and ferries.

Public transport makes it easy to explore Parramatta and beyond. From Parramatta Wharf, you can take a ferry ride along the scenic Parramatta River to Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and Sydney’s iconic attractions. Trains from Parramatta Station connect you to the Sydney CBD in around 30 minutes, while buses and the new light rail (under development) expand your travel options even further.

When staying local, Parramatta offers plenty of highlights. Visit the heritage-listed Old Government House in Parramatta Park, explore riverside walking and cycling tracks, or enjoy shows at the Riverside Theatres. The area is also known for its vibrant food culture, with authentic global cuisines, lively street dining, and bustling night markets.

Still wondering where to go in Parramatta? 

Discover the city’s many neighbourhoods, each with its own charm. From the cultural festivals of Harris Park, known as “Little India,” to the historic architecture of North Parramatta and the modern shopping at Westfield Parramatta, you’ll always find something to explore.

The following pages are also helpful when planning your stay in Parramatta:

Things to do in Parramatta

What’s on in Parramatta

Parramatta attractions

Tours in Parramatta

Getting Around… 

Ferry – A relaxing and scenic way to travel along the Parramatta River, connecting Parramatta to Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay. Learn more at transportnsw.info

Bus – Parramatta’s bus network provides convenient connections across Western Sydney, including nearby suburbs and universities. Students can access discounted weekly bus tickets. Learn more at transportnsw.info

Train – As a major transport hub, Parramatta Station offers frequent train services to the Sydney CBD, Blue Mountains, and Greater Sydney region. Learn more at transportnsw.info

Bike – Parramatta promotes cycling with shared paths along the river and safe bike parking around the city. Several local businesses also offer bicycle hire for exploring the area.

For more information on living in Parramatta, please visit the official website atparramatta.com