Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - 8-Day trip to Melbourne

I'm booked to go to Melbourne for 8-days. (Couldn't resist getting 21K in miles from HNL.) I'm staying t the Travelodge South Bank since it was available for $84 a night.

Okay, what's the top five things I should do? For example, Victoria Market, Penguin thingie, Great Ocean Tour, winery tour, etc.

When ?
What days of the week do you arrive - depart ?
What do like doing:- sport, fine dining, nature stuff ?
There are several threads on Melb & Victoria on this forum: use the search function

Go to the football at the MCG or Docklands
Go to Ballarat (Sovereign Hill etc)
Go To Bendigo (historic goldfields town)
Penguins (and Phillip Island generally)
Wine areas (Yarra Valley, Macedon Ranges, Mornington Peninsula)
Dandenong Ranges
Docklands
GOR (likely overnighter)
Wilson's Promontory (overnighter)
Vic Markets (half day max)
Eureka Tower skydeck (pretty much right on top of where you are staying :))

Are some choices...top 5 depends on your preferences.

As mwenenzi said, a couple of indicators of your preferences would help...eg. driving or not. Would you prefer stuff in/around Melbourne metro or day trips outside MEL or a combo? Arts, sport, dining etc?

You certainly have enough time to do a few things...

Cheers

Melbourne is a great city to visit. While there are lots of tourist type attractions (e.g. Mel aquarium, which has a new penguin exhibit, botanical gardens, zoo) it is also a great city for walking around in. Lots to see everywhere, esp. from a US perspective (quite a contrast to most US cities). It is also a foodie town. Try a cappucino, for example -- quite different from Starbucks (much better). Good food everywhere. A big Greek and Italian community (much better restaurants than you find in the US). If you like cakes be sure to visit Monarch cake shop on Ackland St. in St. Kilda -- their chocolate kugelhopf is stunningly good. The real charm of Melbourne is in the neighbourhoods and from living here, not in the tourist attractions. Shopping is also a major attraction (some really great stores here, definitely the best in Australia and competitive with NY and London in quality).

Melbourne would be a great place to live but there is an extremely limited no of things to do for a tourist in Melbourne unless there is a big sporting event taking place such as the Australian Open tennis & Melbourne Cup. These are both world class events although dont be surprised if those highly touted restaurants start to run out of food towards the end of the evening.

When people start recommending botanical gardens & zoos as tourist attractions I know it's time to move on.

I would recommend Old Melbourne Jail - it gives a rare insight into Australian heritage.

Thanks for the quick replies! I guess it comes down to different strokes for different folks, eh?

We are arriving on May 18 and departing on May 25. We won't have a car and just plan on taking a few tours and walking around the city. I will look up some of the suggestions and take it from there.

Thanks again for the insights.

We are arriving on May 18 and departing on May 25. We won't have a car and just plan on taking a few tours and walking around the city. I will look up some of the suggestions and take it from there.
Aussie Rules (http://www.afl.com.au/fixtures/tabid/10586/default.aspx) Games are on Friday (night), Saturday and Sunday, May 22-24. Follow the link for the schedule - you need to click on the "round 9" tab. Under 'Venue', "TD" is the Telstra Dome (http://www.telstradome.com.au/) and MCG (http://www.mcg.org.au/) is the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Both are in the centre of Melbourne (more or less, easy to get to anyway). I won't suggest which game you should go to (others may have plenty of advice on which is the 'best' team to see ... :) ). The linked page has a link (to Ticketmaster) to buy tickets. Telstra Dome has a capacity of about 50,000+ whereas the MCG (just say "the 'G" and you'll sound like a local) is more like 100,000. Now that I go to check the capacity of the Telstra Dome, I see they've changed the name - who knew!? A bit like "Southern Cross Station" (which is right across from Telstra Dome) which everyone still refers to as Spencer Street Station (because that's where it is).

Renting a car. You certainly don't need one in Melbourne but if you want to go down the Great Ocean Road (which you should) or want a day out to the Yarra Valley wineries (ditto), then renting a car would probably be the best way. All the major car rental companies have places in town, so easy to rent for the day or so. Some of the recent threads in this forum have much discussion on these topics, so I assume that you've been able to read those.

We are arriving on May 18 and departing on May 25.Go to Cairns for Oz Fest 6 ( http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=9803303) ^ Can be a little cold in Melb mid May

I would recommend Old Melbourne Jail - it gives a rare insight into Australian heritage.

So having called Australians lazy, self-publicists, youv'e now moved onto that tried and trusted "their all convicts" angle:rolleyes:.

My teen son and I will be in MEL late June (and SYD a few weeks later). We want to attend an AFL game...for the fan experience and excitement, the venue, and watching a very different sport. The possibilities in MEL are:

St. Kilda v Richmond @ Telstra (evening game, 1610 start time)
Collingwood v Fremantle @ MCG
N. Melbourne v West Bulldogs @ MCG

Does one of these games stand out as the one to attend? Also, are there good or bad seating areas at an AFL game or in the particular stadiums?

Based on 2008 rankings, that's -

# 4 St. Kilda v # 9 Richmond @ Telstra
# 8 Collingwood v # 14 Fremantle @ MCG
# 7 N. Melbourne v # 3 West Bulldogs @ MCG

Does one of these games stand out as the one to attend? Also, are there good or bad seating areas at an AFL game or in the particular stadiums?I'm not really qualified to offer an opinion on the 'best' of these but I would probably opt for St. Kilda v Richmond. Telstra Dome is c. 50,000 capacity so a bit more 'intimate' (if a stadium can ever be said to be that) versus 100,000 for the MCG (which is huge). Both are easy to get to. You may want to 'try' buying tickets online and see what it offers up as the 'best available' seats and see how they look on the seat map - not a very scientific way of deciding which game to attend, I know, but it's one approach ....

My teen son and I will be in MEL late June (and SYD a few weeks later). We want to attend an AFL game...for the fan experience and excitement, the venue, and watching a very different sport. The possibilities in MEL are:

St. Kilda v Richmond @ Telstra (evening game, 1610 start time)
Collingwood v Fremantle @ MCG
N. Melbourne v West Bulldogs @ MCG

Does one of these games stand out as the one to attend? Also, are there good or bad seating areas at an AFL game or in the particular stadiums?

tt7 has summed it up well.

None of these games stand out as potential 'blockbusters' at this stage but you never can tell how a season is going to pan out.

St Kilda and Richmond both have good fan bases and are both Melbourne- based clubs. Collingwoood has a huge fan base, but Fremantle (Perth based)will attract very few fans to this game. Neither Nth Melbourne or Bulldogs have large fan bases.

I would agree with tt7 that SK vs Richmond is looking the best bet at the moment. There is certainly no need to commit too early as it is rare for any game to sell out (Grand Final excepted, of course), so I would check back 6 weeks prior, to see the state of the competition.

To add to tt7's comments Telstra Dome (Etihad Stadium to everyone bar the heads-in-the-sand AFL) has a roof that can be closed during inclement weather (this should ensure a better standard of football should it be raining at the MCG games). The MCG is a much more impressive stadium to behold, but is not likely to be too full (little atmosphere), and of course is outdoors and at the mercy of the weather.

As for seating, different strokes etc. You get quite a different view at the lower levels than at the higher. It may even be possible to watch one half from each. I prefer sitting half way back on the ground level. Close enough to see some closeup action, and farback/elevated just enough to appreciate the bigger picture. The 'best' level IMO is levels 2, but much harder to get seating there...usually reserved for corporates etc. Also, I prefer sitting between the wing (fattest part of the ground) and half-forward...enables a reasonable view of the whole ground, whereas seated behind the goals, the far end is a *long* way away.

Thanks all, I'm going to go ahead with St. Kilda v Richmond since they are local teams. Since it will be winter, Etihad sounds great due to the roof. (I knew about the name change but didn't want to risk a rabid response...sounds like everyone is OK with it).

I know zero about team standings or fan base so your replies were helpful. I was reading the AFL rules...definitely very different from American football where the ball needs to be kept in control of the tackled player, and losing posession of the ball is a fumble!

So having called Australians lazy, self-publicists, youv'e now moved onto that tried and trusted "their all convicts" angle:rolleyes:.

Nah just cant think of too many other places of interest in Melbourne. Personally I found Port Arthur one the most interesting places in Australia.

Australians are their own sternest critics - hard to beat anywhere.;)

Taking in the local sport is definitely way to go. Australian culture is sport. Aussie Rules players are undoubtedly some of the country's finest athletes.

NYTimes has ranked Melbourne as one of the top 3 cities in the world, and ahead of Manhattan for clubbing and shopping (but not for theatre). I am in Mel now and the clubs close at 5 am (and don't start until midnight). Not just the zoo and botanical gardens to visit here (though 85% of the species in Australia don't occur on other continents, so they are well worth a look). And the women are very friendly (a bit like US in the 70s, quite different from the US bar scene). Really a remarkable place, in many different ways (and quite distinct from Sydney, which has its own charm and is more tourist friendly).

Top 3 to live or to visit?

Melbourne would be a great place to live. I would have to rank it in my Top 10 if not 5 cities worldwide on that basis. Tourism is a completely different ball game. Would you fly all day to shop and club?

Maybe if I was from Oregon.....:D

Top 3 to live or to visit?

Melbourne would be a great place to live. I would have to rank it in my Top 10 if not 5 cities worldwide on that basis. Tourism is a completely different ball game. Would you fly all day to shop and club?

Maybe if I was from Oregon.....:D

You don't like zoos, botannical gardens, clubs or shopping so what makes a city worth visiting for you?

Melbourne has some of the best restaurants in the world too.

I have often been asked by friends where they should visit in Australia & I am afraid if I do recommend Melbourne it is someway down the list only to be visited if the trip's duration is likely to exceed 2 weeks. I would always put Sydney, Cairns & Ayers Rock above Melbourne as they offer sights and experiences which are unique to Australia.

I am great believer that cities are similar wherever you travel. Most have zoos, plenty have botanical gardens & all of them have shopping & clubs. Sydney is one city worth visiting as it has a unique harbour but I am afraid despite its agreeable ambience I would only recommend Melbourne when an important event is on such as the Australian Open or Melbourne Cup.
Obviously being a young country Australia can not offer many places of historical interest. I do think it could do with some better historical museums -The Immigration museum in Melbourne is a particularily insipid establishment. There is absolutely nothing wrong with highlighting the locations with interesting exhibits on Australia's convict heritage.

I have often been asked by friends where they should visit in Australia & I am afraid if I do recommend Melbourne it is someway down the list only to be visited if the trip's duration is likely to exceed 2 weeks. I would always put Sydney, Cairns & Ayers Rock above Melbourne as they offer sights and experiences which are unique to Australia.

I am great believer that cities are similar wherever you travel. Most have zoos, plenty have botanical gardens & all of them have shopping & clubs. Sydney is one city worth visiting as it has a unique harbour but I am afraid despite its agreeable ambience I would only recommend Melbourne when an important event is on such as the Australian Open or Melbourne Cup.
Obviously being a young country Australia can not offer many places of historical interest. I do think it could do with some better historical museums -The Immigration museum in Melbourne is a particularily insipid establishment.

I'm not sure if that was meant as an answer to my question but if it was you haven't answered it. I'm genuinely interested, you keep saying why Melbourne is a boring city but why not say what makes an interesting city. For most people a city is not just about museums and art galleries.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with highlighting the locations with interesting exhibits on Australia's convict heritage.

History is probably a better word to use rather than heritage. When viewed in light of your other comments re Australia it's not surprising that some might take offence. It's odd that you have nothing positive to say about Australia and yet you still post. Is it purely to discourage people from visiting?


Having said that Australia is a decent place to live. Safe, decent climate, fairly lazy population so still plenty of opportunities.

bolding mine.

When viewed in light of your other comments re Australia it's not surprising that some might take offence. It's odd that you have nothing positive to say about Australia and yet you still post. Is it purely to discourage people from visiting?


I'm with you Bensyd. There is post after post demonstrating how much this chap dislikes Australia and Australians. The generalities flow thick and fast. I have no real idea why but it does seem a touch obsessive. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and this poster's views should be considered given that background.

The issue for me is by commenting do you provoke more obsession? Most people are pretty good at picking an extremist.

As for Melbourne, it lacks a Harbour and an Opera House (at least the stunning exterior of a Sydney Opera House) but in my view is a great city for a tourist given its ambiance, people friendliness, restaurants, clubs, bars, parks, gardens, museums, theatre, sporting events, opportunity to do fascinating day trips (Dandenongs, snowfields, Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Ballarat) and physical attraction. All up 8 days there would be great and I hope the OP has a wonderful time. :D

I'm a frequent Melbourne (http://tom911.smugmug.com/gallery/2804407_LGeyH#149715823_82mV6) visitor and I like the neighborhoods. I enjoy Italian food and gelato out on Lygon Street (http://tom911.smugmug.com/gallery/2804407_LGeyH#149720782_FVzn7), shopping out at the outlet stores in Richmond, and visiting cafes and bakeries out in St. Kilda (http://tom911.smugmug.com/gallery/2804407_LGeyH#149716818_DYWfb). I enjoy walking along the Yarra River down to the Crown Casino (and stopping for dinner along the way (http://tom911.smugmug.com/gallery/2804407_LGeyH#149717568_m3Qej)), and the CBD or Queen Victoria Market (http://tom911.smugmug.com/gallery/2804407_LGeyH#149719888_zm67k) for shopping.

Bensyd, I thought I had answered the question. I dont think Melbourne's offerings are enough to justify an 8 day trip unless the traveller has plenty of time on his hands or there is an event such as the Australian Open taking place.

I think I have been quite consistent in saying that Australia & Melbourne would be decent places to live. I have lived in Australia though not Melbourne. I have also seen a high percentage of the inhabited areas & a good chunk of the outside world. I think I am in a fairly privileged position to compare places.

I wont deny that I would encourage travellers to head to the South Island of New Zealand rather than Australia if they were deliberating between the 2.

Maybe I am a Kiwi.......

I dont think Melbourne's offerings are enough to justify an 8 day trip.....I think we got the message from your first post. Repeating it doesn't make your viewpoint any more compelling.

Perhaps you misread the OP's post but they said "I'm booked to go to Melbourne for 8-days." They didn't say they were thinking about it, planning it, thinking of including it in some longer trip or any variation thereof. It's booked (including the hotel). If you have some constructive suggestions as to what the OP might do in Melbourne (in addition to the Old Jail), by all means post that information. However, repeatedly slagging off Melbourne serves no useful purpose whatsoever, particularly when the OP's trip is already booked.

I think we got the message from your first post. Repeating it doesn't make your viewpoint any more compelling.

Perhaps you misread the OP's post but they said "I'm booked to go to Melbourne for 8-days." They didn't say they were thinking about it, planning it, thinking of including it in some longer trip or any variation thereof. It's booked (including the hotel). If you have some constructive suggestions as to what the OP might do in Melbourne (in addition to the Old Jail), by all means post that information. However, repeatedly slagging off Melbourne serves no useful purpose whatsoever, particularly when the OP's trip is already booked.


^

Yes, it's a little too late for buyer's remorse in my case. I actually think (thanks to the suggestions here and elsewhere) that we'll do just fine.

Perhaps some people feel their days needs to be jam-packed with activities from dawn to the wee hours of the morning. But for my wife and I, a couple of tours, a bit of walking and shopping, a sampling of good food and wine, and just relaxing in our room works just fine.

^

Yes, it's a little too late for buyer's remorse in my case. I actually think (thanks to the suggestions here and elsewhere) that we'll do just fine.

Perhaps some people feel their days needs to be jam-packed with activities from dawn to the wee hours of the morning. But for my wife and I, a couple of tours, a bit of walking and shopping, a sampling of good food and wine, and just relaxing in our room works just fine.

In that case Melbourne will suit you just fine.:)

There are some great dining options but I will let the locals fill you in on those.

^

Yes, it's a little too late for buyer's remorse in my case. I actually think (thanks to the suggestions here and elsewhere) that we'll do just fine.

Perhaps some people feel their days needs to be jam-packed with activities from dawn to the wee hours of the morning. But for my wife and I, a couple of tours, a bit of walking and shopping, a sampling of good food and wine, and just relaxing in our room works just fine.On that basis MEL is actually better than SYD (better food -- be sure to try the food court in the basement of David Jones, it almost puts Harrod's to shame). Excellent tram lines and a compact walking area make it a great city. Plus the streets come with hot and cold running street sweepers (zamboni like machines that sweep up the CBD every hour on the hour -- unlike NY or London). Also some surprisingly good high-end and specialty shopping (stores that only have 5 locations in the world have 1 in Melbourne,that sort of thing). Prices are almost reasonable with the collapse of the AUD.

Not sure if live theatre is your thing, we have some greats shows on here right now.
Wicked
Billy Elliot

even the theatres where they are playing are awesome to look at, historic buildings with loads of character.

Parts of the CBD are very old too, tiny little rabbit warren arcades with interesting architecture.

Don't call me a freak, but I find cemeteries cool places to visit, and we have some very old ones also steeped in our history.

I think Melbourne is a good mix of old and new, very genteel, and we certainly have more class than the poster who keeps dissing our City .

Maybe the Botanical Gardens are not everyones cup of tea, but a more soothing place you would be hard pressed to find.

The poster will have a brilliant time in MEL.

and Winter is a great time to visit.

It's cold, but not snowing, there's no sleet and of late we have had no rain. You will be perfect in a jumper or jacket, polo neck for style, a scarf flung around the neck for colour. MEL is the rare destination you could hire a car in, yet the coaches would take you to very interesting day tours. Do try to see the inland cities of the 1850 gold boom Bendigo, the latter day spa and foodie haven of Macedon Daylesford Kyneton. For a real treat stay if you can at Robe on the Southern Ocean, eat a freshly caught lobster, or try for Port Fairy a little closer to the capital. If too cold, head north to the Murray River and the old paddle steamer ports of Echuca and Mildura. Up thar in the hills are beautiful little villages like Hall's Gap, Bright and Beechworth, so old and quant and so colourful you would swear they are paintings. Back to MEL, Carlton is where the Italians settled, so the evenings are pasta and the days are coffee. St Kilda is young trendy and edgy, chocolate shops and the girls mix well, Collins and Bourke streets are the city center's borders of mazes of arcades full of such interesting shops. The much maligned Yarra River now is bookcased between the large sporting arenas at one end and the Casino and a thousand eateries along the boardwalk. The all new docklands is absolutely wonderful but with all new projects the locals haven't given it a soul yet. The trams are a joy to ride, they are cheap, fun and safe and the streets are so wide and grand. In the Arts precinct, expect to spend some time if that is your cup of tea. Food Arts Sports Clothes and wine I should mention. Pop out to the Yarra Valley for the greatest wines and the best look, whilst if Oils are your thing, we do go on:), but MEL is like that, I have entertained guests for years who have loved Melbourne because they just felt so confortable sitting in a streetside cafe sipping coffee and watching the world go by. Hotels like the Hyatts IC Hiltons Sofitels, always have high occupancy, says something about the calibre of tourist this grand old city attracts. You will enjoy your holiday, feel free to PM me if I can be of help, regards bkkrop

Some of this might be of interest (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/4423231-post10.html) to you. I wrote this a few years back and it was aimed at a Summer traveller but most is still relevant. (not sure if all the links still work)