Related Melbourne Favorites Tips

Favorite thing: Like Sydney, not many people actually live in Melbourne. Most live in the suburbs and come to work, shop, and play in Melbourne. You can drive down Victoria to the suburb of Richmond, however. The main drag seems almost like a page from Hanoi. It doesn't stay as Vietnamese when you get off Victoria, but no matter which section you want to be in, you can see a little of how people in the area live. Sadly, I had waited until the last day before leaving to come out here. if I had it to do over again, I would have spent more time in the suburbs and less in Melbourne.

Fondest memory: A conversation I had in the grocery store while buying TimTams.

Favorite thing: While you're in Melbourne, do consider renting a car. There's lots to explore outside the city. You can drive around Port Phillip bay and visit the picturesque little towns, like Portsea or Queenscliff. Or take a hop down to Torquay - the surfing capital of the world and explore it at your leisure. But the main reason you will want to drive is to get a chance to explore the Great Ocean Road properly. Driving this coastal road heading West from Torquay is an experience that you should not take in from a seat on a tour coach. You
have to explore it on your own - making stops when you want to, and staying in any one place for however long you want to. Besides, if you were on a coach, you'd likely never get a chance to meet this little guy going about his business in the brush just off the side of the road!

Favorite thing: So you have heard how dangerous Footscray is and that it is the drug hole of Melbourne where the Vietnamese gangs roam the streets. Truth is, this is also a place where normal people like you and me live. You'll probably have equal chance of getting mug/beaten up/abused/shot to death in the city, and I've been walking with my boyfriend from Western Hospital where he was doing an elective study to the train station at night without any problem for a month. Half an hour is not a short walk. One of the VT'er said that's because I'm Asian, I'm like one of them (thank you :)), that's why I haven't encounter any problem. What about my white Polish boyfriend who had to walk back to the hospital alone after sending me off? I don't understand where that logic came from. Asian, and therefore safer in Footscray, HA. Perhaps I'd pass on my immunity to my boyfriend. Yeah right.

Anyway, if you want to experience Melbourne's multiculturalism, go to Footscray in the day. Everything except a couple of restaurants are close at night, so no point. It's a different experience, but I won't eat in the restaurants. There was a food poisoning case resulting in death of a few people and dozens in hospital, awful. Don't remember the name of the restaurant though, doesn't matter, just don't eat in any restaurant (even though we did and came out alive, but then again someone might say that's because I'm Asian ;)). The bakery near the train station is safe, however. Love the custard bun.

Favorite thing: So there I am, all on my own, in the middle of Melbourne for the first time. Where to go, what to do, and how to get there? Fortunately for me, I stumbled across a couple of charming gentlement dressed all in red and ready to help me find the tram I needed. City Ambassadors are volunteers, ready to help the visitor to Melbourne. You will find these Ambassadors around the central areas of Melbourne, and they are ready to help you with directions, ideas - any general queries you might have. A brilliant idea!

Favorite thing: The best place to go to obtain the most comprehensive view of Melbourne, its suburbs and surrounding geography is the Melbourne Observation Deck on the top level of The Rialto Buildings. The Rialto is situated in Collins Street in the financial district of the city.
Of course there is a good restaurant and viewing facilities. Before you go to the top, a viewing of an introductory film is a must. It is available at the booking office on level one.

Fondest memory: A quiet walk through our magnificent Botanic Gardens. So very close to the city and an easy escape from the pressure and hubbub. Include a rest on the grass beside the Garden's decorative pondage and then experience the tranquility of the flowing waters of the Yarra river and of the rowing teams at training. You can also smell the tantalizing aroma of steaks and sausages being barbercued on the facilities provided along the river bank. The main disturbance coming from the greedy sea-gulls squabbling for a morsel. It's all part of the lovely atmosphere which is Melbourne.

Favorite thing: Favourite thing about Melbourne? Clean public toilets. :)

If you can't stand dirty toilets (I doubt anyone can ;)), be rest assured that those in Melbourne are extremely clean, even the one at the market. Some even have a nice smell and I'm not being sarcastic. ;)

I saw this pic in my sis' PC. She's doing her archi. project on public toilet. ;) This one is next to the Melbourne Town Hall at Collins Street. You'll find a number of them dotting the city.

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Favorite thing: Barry Humphries aka Dame Edna Everage has been starting off 'her' TV and stage shows with 'Hello Possums' for longer than most of us can remember - after all 'she' started her show business career back in the 1950's and has been poking fun at us ever since.

OK back to the business at hand - Possums. Nocturnal they can be heard scampering around older houses and particularly those surrounded by trees. They eat almost anything that grows - fruit is their favourite, but they'll also 'knock off' (that's Aussie slang for steal) flowers, seedlings and vegetables.

Our own garden in suburban Melbourne seems to be inundated with possums - the common bushtail photographed - and almost every night we can hear them stomping on our roof. About the size of a domestic cat, they can pack a punch with their rapier like claws and healthy teeth. Their growl can be heard and for those not used to the noise, it can sound like a much larger animal.

The possums are a protected species and cannot be baited or killed.

Visitors to Melbourne wishing to see possums should head to the Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne at night.

The following web site may assist you if you are experiencing a 'possum problem': http://www.nana.asn.au/n2-possum.htm

Favorite thing: While in Melbourne, you MUST visit MCG.
Absorbing the big-occasion atmosphere of the stadium is a wholly unforgettable experience cherished by all sports lovers!
Watch a Aussie Rules Football match....you'll love it!!!!

Fondest memory: ...A ticket for a game there was my birthday present!!!! :)