* You must not drive into the path of a moving tram, drive over raised dividing strips or cross double yellow lines.
* You must not drive on tramways and tram lanes, unless you need to avoid an obstacle, or drive on the tram lane to make a right turn.
etc.
Trams have right of way - full stop.
https://transport.vic.gov.au/road-and-active-transport/road-...
“Tramways” are a specific type of road dedicated for trams, separated by dividers. “Tram lanes” are regular roads with tracks that are for exclusive use by trams, usually for part of the day and shared with cars for the rest.
The majority of the tram network is on roads shared with regular vehicle traffic (ie. neither a tramway nor a tram lane).
When trams are moving on shared roads they have no right of way special to them EXCEPT at roundabouts.
(I also know a PTV tram operator who lost their job for rear ending a car that suddenly stopped to turn right)
FWiW I've spent way more time on Phillip Island than in Melbourne - but I do like the trams there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wffDBsSgS5Q
Anyhow, fair point - I principally jaywalked and /or rode a beat up mountain bike getting about Melbourne in my time there & took the road rules more as an aspirational guideline than as Commandments from the Victorian TAC.