Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - MEL 3-day visit

Hello-

After tons of research, I think I have a workable itenerary for our 3-day visit to MEL. My 16yo son and I are visiting in late June (winter!):

Friday: Arrive from LAX around 0730. Take shuttle bus to hotel in CBD area. Start sightseeing around city to combat jet lag. (We are flying F so that should help, LA is 6 hours ahead so we will think it's afternoon).

Saturday: More sightseeing. Go to AFL game in afternoon.

Sunday: Small group tour of GOR using "A Tour With a Difference" or GoWest.

Monday: Rent car downtown to go to Phillip Island. Visit Maru Koala Park, Nobbies, PI Circuit racing museum, blowhole, and penguins (also Puffing Billy and a winery time permitting). Return to MEL and keep car.

Tuesday: Drive to MEL for 0720 flight; return car.

Several questions:

- Does anyone see fatal flaws with this plan? Are there any "must sees" I have overlooked?

- Maru KP is apparently rebuilding after a fire. Any local news on their reopening date?

- Will we encounter traffic problems in the rental car leaving MEL around 9am?

- Is rental car return at MEL easy, or does it involve a remote lot and shuttle to the terminal? Will we hit traffic around 0545? (I believe that time is right for a 0720 flight, Jet* to CNS).

I know this schedule sounds overpacked to some people but we enjoy being active and on the go. Thanks for everyone's ongoing help!

Friday: I'm not sure how much the shuttle is ($16/person?) but a cab would probably be about $40/$45 so not that much more if there are two of you. LA will be 7 hours ahead (you've already put your clocks on, we haven't put ours back yet - when we do, LA will be 17 hours behind us/7 hours ahead).

Saturday: Collingwood vs. Fremantle at the G - enjoy!

Monday: Shouldn't be any major issues getting out of town at 9am .... but it is 9am in a major city so there'll be traffic.

Tuesday: Rental car return is in the car park, across from the terminals, so no remote lot/shuttle (unless you're renting from some obscure company and not Hertz, Avis etc.). Just follow the signs as you come into the airport. Should be no problems with traffic at that time in the morning, about 30 minutes at most. The "usual" way to the airport from the city is a toll road - tolls are electronic (no cash booths) and you have 3 days to call and pay up. Alternatively, the rental car company can add the tolls to the rental. On Monday, you may end up on the 'other end' (from the airport) of the tollroad ("Citylink") when you're leaving the city so probably just easier to get the rental company to add the tolls for both days. Either way, tolls are a complete rip-off. Downturn to the airport is $5.50 (bad enough) if you have an account; if not, you have to buy a 'day pass' which is $12.15 - ok if you're actually going to be using it for the 'day' but if you're just going one way to the airport ...

Keeping the car in MEL just to return to the airport is a poor plan. Parking will cost you up to AUD 40 per day (depends on the hotel; but expect over AUD 20 and most are 40ish) along with the toll cost. Driving in the CBD is difficult esp. if you haven't driven in Melbourne before (some interesting roads and the infamous hook turns); also trams have the right of way (in a major way) and every 2nd road has trams -- better be quite familiar with the traffic laws. Police are very active and during my visit here I have seen traffic stops every block, even for minor infringements like illegal turns and being between lanes. Most US drivers simply cannot drive here without breaking many laws; usually that is benign, but you really need some training and practice to handle the CBD traffic. It isn't just driving on the wrong side of the road.

The secret to avoiding jet lag is simple: prepare for a few days ahead of time (lots of different well known regimens for that) and on QF94 do not, under any circumstances, close your eyes during the first 4 hours of the flight -- making it 4 am before you go to sleep. Then you can sleep for 8 hours, and wake up refreshed in F with 3 hours left to go -- just right for breakfast and watching a movie. This gets you into MEL with zero jetlag. I speak from first hand experience as this is what I did on my A380 flight; even in Y it was pleasant and had no problems with jet lag upon arrival. Sometimes I've gone to sleep earlier (when traveling through from JFK, for example) and this makes the jet lag a problem in MEL. That 15 hour flight time is quite a bit harder on the body than a 10 or even 12 hour flight.

Thanks for going over the plans. The car park our hotel uses costs AUD 8.00 for overnight parking between 4pm and 8am which fits our schedule. I really didn't want to keep the car overnight but all the downtown agencies close before we get back to the city anyway. I did not consider local traffic laws and quirks so that is a very good point!

The toll road tips are great. We have electronic toll roads in our area south of LA and they are a ripoff too but very convenient.

Fortunately jet lag hasn't been a big problem for my son or me. The second day is actually hardest, hopefully the game and fans will keep us energized. QF94 will be a 380 and it will be hard to get 8 hours of sleep due to the cool experience and general excitement of the trip! The firsthand account is helpful.

Keep the suggestions and comments coming, they are much appreciated!

You better support Collingwood or I am not answering any more questions :p.
There is nothing finer than watching the Pies win at the G, take plenty of cash, food and drinks are outrageously priced,but you need to have a pie and sauce (ketchup) to round out the experience.

Monday is a jam packed day for you. It is a long drive to Phillip Island and back, and if you stay to watch the penguins they don't do their thang till really late, so you might not be home until well after midnight. Hard to judge really because they are dependent on the tides for the time they start to run the shore.

Hmm, what else, sadly touching koalas is illegal here in Victoria, so don't be expecting any hands on experience there. If time runs short, or it's still closed due to our recent bushfires, probably not a great loss, as I see you are heading to Cairns, and I am pretty sure you can get touchy feely with the fauna there.

If it was me, I might consider switching your days around, it jus concerns a bit the drive time to Phillip Island is conservatively 2-3 hrs each way.

Hello-

Monday: Rent car downtown to go to Phillip Island. Visit Maru Koala Park, Nobbies, PI Circuit racing museum, blowhole, and penguins (also Puffing Billy and a winery time permitting). Return to MEL and keep car.



I think attempting Puffing Billy on this day will be ambitious, especially bearing in mind it's somewhat of a detour from a Melb - PI trip (PB round trip, admittedly only a quick peek at the website, seems to be 4 hrs plus - suggest a close look at it if you really want to do it).

I think 2 hours (maybe a smidgin' more) should cover the Melbourne CBD - Phillip Island drive (one-way).

Plenty of wineries around, including Phillip Island Winery (http://www.phillipislandwines.com.au/). I haven't been there but have heard some good reports over the years.

Noelene- I promise to cheer for Collingwood! Great to know that pie and sauce are required to make our experience authentic.

I will look into the PI Winery but will skip Puffing Billy. After looking at the timetable it looks fun but too time-consuming.

By the way, I found out Maru Wildlife Park should be back in business by the time we visit. They had a structure fire in their main building that was unrelated to the wildfires.

... I did not consider local traffic laws and quirks so that is a very good point!
...Some MEL traffic laws that may get US drivers in trouble:
1. buses ALWAYS have the right of way when they signal that they are pullling out from a bus stop. You must stop and let them pull out.
2. trams have the right of way at all times and run on different signals (sometimes). You must not drive on the tramway unless it is unavoidable and you must stop when the tram lights flash (like school buses in US).
3. Hook turns
Traffic laws are much more strictly enforced than in the US, but reasonably so. Driving in MEL is a pleasure once you know the rules and follow them.

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RulesStandardsRegulations/RoadRulesRegulations/

it doesn't sound like you have the time, but one of my favorite meals in MEL was at a place in federation square - tjanabi. it has emu, crocodile,kangaroo, etc on the menu so you can try all the stuff unique to oz in one place (theres an appetizer sampler you can choose any four - incl kangaroo, wallaby, croc etc), the emu steak was to die for. might be a quick way to try all the"weird" foods during your trip.

MemphisQueen- We definitely have the time. The day we arrive and the next day are set aside to explore MEL. Even though we may succumb to jet lag the first day, I'm hoping we can have an early dinner before we crash. I've added Tjanabi to my list, thank you!!

(Also saw a good explanation and animation of hook turns, so I think I get it. )

For our recent trip to MEL, we did not rent a car, for us, there seemed to be no need. For tours, we went with A Tour With a Difference for the Great Ocean Road trip. It was a good tour, I definately recommend then. For the Phillip Island tour, we went with GoWest, they were good too, but I definately liked the more space in the Tour With A Difference vehicle. But these were different tours, GOR vs Phillip Island, both companies were good. Come to think of it, if I had to do over, driving to Phillip Island, and visiting the sights you plan to visit, would be better to do on your own vs. a tour. However, I dreaded the late night drive back to Melbourne, which is why we took the tour. You'll have a great time. Have fun.

swdke- Thank you for the comments on Tour w/ a Difference. We have booked them for GOR so I'm glad you had a good experience. I'm not looking forward to the night drive from PI to Melbourne, but we will be there in winter and the penguins should come ashore around 5 or 530 and I figure we can be back in MEL by 930 or 1000 taking our time.

number_6 - I practiced hook turns driving to work here in California. I even started from the far left-hand lane but everyone got all upset! I guess I need more practice :rolleyes:

Noelene (or others)- I looked at buying tickets for Collingwood vs. Fremantle at the G. Some sections are already sold out although there are still plenty of seats. I assume I shouldn't wait to long for decent seats? Any comments about Premium or Reserved seating? Are there any sections to avoid or favor? Lastly, where are the best seats assuming it could rain?

Thank you for all the ongoing help, I'm finishing up plans at Cairns, done w/ Uluru, and that leaves Sydney!

Noelene- I promise to cheer for Collingwood! Great to know that pie and sauce are required to make our experience authentic.

I will look into the PI Winery but will skip Puffing Billy. After looking at the timetable it looks fun but too time-consuming.

By the way, I found out Maru Wildlife Park should be back in business by the time we visit. They had a structure fire in their main building that was unrelated to the wildfires.

PM me - although I too am a long suffering Collingwood supporter (64 years of suffering to be precise), I am an MCC member and if I am in Melbourne, I would be happy to arrange visitors tickets to the Member's reserve for you - I might even be able to do that if I am not there - I will check.

Wellington- PM'd you this morning and I'm very appreciative of your generosity and assistance!

...number_6 - I practiced hook turns driving to work here in California. I even started from the far left-hand lane but everyone got all upset! I guess I need more practice :rolleyes:...Doing the hook turn is easy. What gets visitors in trouble is someone else doing a hook turn when they don't expect it or realize what is happening, and they don't have the right reflexes. Also if you want to turn at a specific intersection and don't know which kind of turn it is you can be in the wrong lane (and traffic is heavy so changing lanes is not so easy at times).

Actually the most likely problem for a US visitor driving in Australian cities are the fire engines (less so the other emergency vehicles like police). The fire engines are quite accustomed to other drivers being well behaved, observant and giving them the right of way (as the law, and common sense, dictates). This means the will go through red lights at speed if they see the intersection is clear -- unlike the US where they always slow down and often stop before entering an intersection. US style driving will get you into a crash here. Similarly with the trams, esp. at traffic circles ("give way to trams" is an essential survival strategy, not just a road sign). Trams are quite aggressive and will generally run yellow lights to stay on schedule. The car driver is always at fault if hitting a tram; and remember to stop when the lights are flashing, even if there are no passengers on the road. This is strictly enforced.

Wellington- PM'd you this morning and I'm very appreciative of your generosity and assistance!

PM'd you this morning kenish.

PM'd you this morning kenish.

PM'd you again this morning, Kenish

Some MEL traffic laws that may get US drivers in trouble:
1. buses ALWAYS have the right of way when they signal that they are pullling out from a bus stop. You must stop and let them pull out.
2. trams have the right of way at all times and run on different signals (sometimes). You must not drive on the tramway unless it is unavoidable and you must stop when the tram lights flash (like school buses in US).
3. Hook turns
Traffic laws are much more strictly enforced than in the US, but reasonably so. Driving in MEL is a pleasure once you know the rules and follow them.

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RulesStandardsRegulations/RoadRulesRegulations/

Before our trip in mid April I read this and chuckled. I have been driving almost 50 years and have always wanted to drive on "the other side". We rented a car in Sydney and drove to Hunter Valley and all around the city. Other than getting forced into a toll with no manned booths and having to go on line to buy a "get out of jail - 24 hour pass" it was great fun.

However being confident after a whole three and a half days in Sydney made me dangerous in Mel. Not only did I have to buy another "after the fact" payment for a toll, but when I got home about three weeks later I had a letter with a bill for $227AU because I was doing 73kph in a 60kph zone. It was easy to go on line and pay, but when the poster of the above reply says they are STRICT, they mean it. I admit I respect the entire way that highway law enforcement is done, not by wasting manpower and fuel crusing, but cameras and having manpower ready when needed.

And those hook turns; after doing two wrong and having horns blowing and people pointing I finally figured what they were all about. And for visitors, this is just where they have trollies, such as Mel.

Driving on the left was a lifelong desire, but it had its price.

I tried to warn you. At least you avoided any accidents (drivers are better than in the US, so often there isn't an accident even when you screw up and fail to follow the expected behaviour). There is also a greater manned police presence on the roads. Personally I think the bus right of way rule has the most potential to cause grief for US drivers (If stopped at a red light alongside a bus, you cannot go on the green until the bus pulls out in front of you, for example -- and the bus drivers know this, so they pull out without looking for the most part).

[QUOTE=kenish;11455747]Hello-

After tons of research, I think I have a workable itenerary for our 3-day visit to MEL. My 16yo son and I are visiting in late June (winter!):


Saturday: More sightseeing. Go to AFL game in afternoon.

In the it’s a small world department, my son age 16and I will be in Melbourne at the same time as your son and you. We have also purchased tickets for the Collingwood and Freemantle game on 6/27/09 with tickets in Section M13.

Four years ago, in Sydney, we saw the Rabbitohs versus the Bulldogs at Aussie Stadium in Sydney. It was one of the highlight’s of our trip. We live in the BOS area and follow all the local BOS sport teams, so we are happy to see a game a this great park.

We are staying at the Hilton on the Park adjacent to the G and you can PM me to see if we can meet.

National Sports Museum for those who have attended games here? What about the National Sports Museum visit on game day, is there enough time to enjoy the museum and the G also or is it better to leave for another day, since there is no MCG tour on game day? We are staying close by and my inclination is to do it separate from game day to enjoy more

[QUOTE=kenish;11455747]Hello-

After tons of research, I think I have a workable itenerary for our 3-day visit to MEL. My 16yo son and I are visiting in late June (winter!):


Saturday: More sightseeing. Go to AFL game in afternoon.

In the it’s a small world department, my son age 16and I will be in Melbourne at the same time as your son and you. We have also purchased tickets for the Collingwood and Freemantle game on 6/27/09 with tickets in Section M13.

Four years ago, in Sydney, we saw the Rabbitohs versus the Bulldogs at Aussie Stadium in Sydney. It was one of the highlight’s of our trip. We live in the BOS area and follow all the local BOS sport teams, so we are happy to see a game a this great park.

We are staying at the Hilton on the Park adjacent to the G and you can PM me to see if we can meet.

National Sports Museum for those who have attended games here? What about the National Sports Museum visit on game day, is there enough time to enjoy the museum and the G also or is it better to leave for another day, since there is no MCG tour on game day? We are staying close by and my inclination is to do it separate from game day to enjoy more

Macken,

I have PM'd you about your visit to the AFL match in Melbourne

WellingtonFF