Driving in Melbourne

Melbourne has a fully electronic toll road network linking manufacturing hubs with the CBD, port and airport. CityLink has a number of passes to help you get around and enjoy Melbourne.

The CityLink is a 22 kilometre toll road that links three of Melbourne's major freeways - the West Gate, Monash and Tullamarine. The payment of tolls is made through electronic overhead gantries that record your license plate number and travel details.

Visitors planning on using the CityLink will need to purchase a pass either before travelling or within 24 hours of passing through the CityLink gantries. If this is not done, fines will apply.

Melbourne offers more than 70,000 car spaces. Parking in the city is quick, easy and safe. Most of the inner city streets have metered parking.

Most car parks offer short and long stay deals, early bird specials and disabled access.

There are over 140 supervised commerical car parks in the city of Melbourne, where parking for a day can cost between 10 and 20 dollars. Occasionally, it will be more expensive.

City Square car park, situated at 202 Flinders Lane is open 24 hours, has more than 350 parking bays and is one of the most modern car parks in the CBD. Council House car park at 200 Little Collins Street is conveniently located in one of the most renowned shopping districts in the City.

City Reward card holders also receive an additional benefit of 50 per cent discount on weeknight and weekend parking at both locations.

The speed limit in Melbourne is 50 kilometres per hour, unless otherwise signposted. This includes local suburban streets. Major roads generally have higher speed limits of 60 or 70km/h.

A 100km/h limit is imposed in rural areas or where otherwise indicated. A 110km/h may be in place on highest speed zone or when otherwise indicated.

School zones and child care centres generally have a speed limit of 40km/h, and this will be indicated.

Driving in Melbourne is very similar to driving in most parts of the world. In Australia, vehicles use the left hand lane.


The only difference driving in Melbourne has is sharing the road with tram services. There are few times when this is an issue, providing you keep the following rules in mind.

• If a tram is stopping at a designated tram stop, you must not pass it. Stop behind the tram, as passengers crossing the lanes between the footpath and the tram have the right of way.
• Don't detain a tram. Cars are to keep out of the way of the tram at all times.
• In the CBD many intersections have a 'hook' turn in place. At these designated intersections, you must move to the left to complete a right hand turn. Wait until the light turns red, and then proceed with the right hand turn. These intersections will be clearly signposted, and this only takes place in the Central Business District.