Is it hard to drive in Melbourne, particularly CBD?

Question

Hi, were going down to Melbourne soon and I am wondering, with all the tram lines on the road, and trams etc. is it hard to drive around Melbourne. Also how is the traffic like in the CBD.

Thanks.

Answer 1

It can get pretty overwhelming but certainly not as bad as Sydney.

Just watch out for the tram barricades. You wouldn't want to hit one at speed.

http://www.greenash.net.au/sites/default...

And watch out for those bloody hook turns!! (right turn from left lane only)

Answer 2

I'm used to driving in Perth and i've just got back from a holiday in Melbourne. The traffic didn't look anywhere near as bad as I was expecting, but with the trams there are a few different road rules, and I don't think I would like to do it.

Answer 3

I'm from Brisbane and have no trouble driving in Melbourne. The whole place is laid out on a grid and it's really easy to find your way around without getting lost. Much easier than Brisbane for example. Some suburban roads with trams are a real pain to drive in as they allow parking on both sides of the road and there simply isn't enough room to get past a tram - you can get stuck behind one for ages, so those roads are best to avoid if at all possible. Just remember that you're basically not allowed to pass a tram at a tram stop. Not all roads with trams are bad though: many are wide avenues with special sections  reserved for trams in the middle.

Driving in the CBD is OK, though you can't go along Swanston Street during the day and some of Bourke Street is a pedestrian (and tram) mall. The infamous 'hook' turns are OK too and once you've made one the first time, you'll see that they're actually quite logical and easy to handle. Traffic turns left and right from the left lane. Left turns are exactly the same as anywhere else. For right hand turns, you move  across the intersection to where the right hand lane is on the crossroad and you stop. When the lights change, you complete the turn as if you're at the front of the line of cars about to cross the intersection. Don't worry about it, it's a busy city and there's usually someone to follow AND, they're all well used to out of staters messing up the turn.

Enjoy Melbourne. It's a brilliant place and their public transport is fantastic if you feel like a change from driving.

Answer 4

if your not from melbourne, or a big city, it is a really daunting place to drive. the traffic is ok in the CBD - just try not to drive in peak hour traffic of course. the tram lines are ok, they just run parralel to the roads, but it can get confusing when your crossing big intersections.

Answer 5

3 point turns oh my god, Melb is hard to drive in, but great transport system, use the trams, buses and trains! :)

Answer 6

I luuuuuuuuuuuurve Melbourne. The traffic is no WAY near as bad as Brisbane or Sydney but the cost to park is shockers ^^

Answer 7

it's easier than in sydney.

Answer 8

Hey there,

yeah here in Melbourne, its a bit difficult to travel in the CBD cause there are too many cars on the road, but public transport is great in the CBD. the rest of Melbourne, its easy travel by car.

hope that helps.

and sorry, you said you are from the Gold Coast, I'm about to go there for a camp, whats the weather like there in the middle of August, generally?

thanks!