On my last day in the Australian road trip, we needed to catch an oversea flight back home from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. It was located about 22.5 km from downtown. Luckily, we stayed in the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport which is just opposite the airport, pretty convenient.
There is 30 commercial carrier fly to Melbourne Airport, including Jetstar, Qantas, Tigerair and Virgin Australia as well as destinations in Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America.
Melbourne Airport is not small, it is the second busiest airport in Australia, it has two runways and four terminals with a combined total of 56 gates.
Departure Hall
There are auto check-in kiosks located in the Departure Hall but there is no proper control of the line, the staff to take initiative to set up a proper line to avoid confusion. The check-in kiosks are placed scattered here and there and when the crowds are huge, it is hard to control the line and some can just cut queue as they can’t see where is the line.
Check in
Going through Custom
The queues to get through customs on departure can be long so always get to the airport early. They check on your stuff thoroughly and make sure no liquid carried with you as your hand luggage. I saw a tourist’s Lanolin lotions were being thrown away by the immigration staff.
After the scan, you need to go through the passport scan and are done automated by going through a machine, the immigration officer will not entertain you even there is no line on their desk, they want you to go through the automated machine.
Shopping
There are few Australian shops after you passed through the customs check-in. You are still able to get sheepskin, Kangaroo skin, Australian leather hat and other souvenirs here if you have missed out something but please be prepared to pay a higher price as compared to the outside, such as Paddy’s Market.
Tim Tam Biscuit
You can basically get Tim Tam everywhere not but it is said the Aussie’s favorite biscuit. Tourists usually get Tim Tam back as souvenirs.
Sportsgirl
One of the hot brands in Australia selling clothes, bags, shoes, and accessories.
Restaurant & Cafe
There is a McDonalds, sushi bar and cafe before you check-in.
Don’t worry there is no food after you have check-in, there are several restaurants & cafes after the check-in section, including Asian’s taste.
Dropping The Rental Car
In case you have a rental car with you, please note that the car rental return is located outside the airport. It is best if you could come early to find where is the car return location. It can be a little confusing so be at least 3 hours earlier to reach the airport.
The process of dropping the rental car takes only 2 mins but first, you need to find the return depot. Set your GPS to the airport and when you are near the airport, just follow the signs to the Rental Car Drop Off. Drive-in and choose the lane designated for your car rental company as there are several car rental companies there. Take your stuff out of the car and put them in the airport trolley which will be available around the depot. Hand in the keys and the staff will do some check at the car and then you are done. Make sure you fill-up the petrol full before you return. The walk to the airport departure is only 3 mins.
