Melbourne Tourist Traps

Don't get trapped! Yes there are some sharks, but the exhibitions are set for children, with very basic scientific explanations. The big thank itself isn't that big. Nothing to do with Sidney Aquarium!

Unique Suggestions: See the sharks in the big thank. If you're lucky enough you could visit the aquarium when some divers feed the fish. Amazing experience.

Fun Alternatives: Go to the zoo, that's much more interesting.
If you're fans of the marine world, then fly to Sidney (Aquarium) or to the Gold Coast (SeaWorld)!

Recommended in many travel-guides, we made it to Williamstown by boat. The trip takes about 1 hour. Honestly, there is really nothing special to see except a few ordinary houses. "Buildings" would be too much.
So save your money and your time and stay away!!

Unless you're really into going to these pubs, suggest you stay well clear of them. Some include Bridy O'Reilly's and the Elephant & Wheelbarrow - they're basically just franchise pubs cashing in on the irish/english theme and after the tourist $$$. They are often more expensive than the more traditional Melbourne pubs.

Not the greatest places to go to enjoy the Australian lifestyle. These places often get packed out with alot of pissed people after work and of course there's the swag of pint guzzling dickheads ... if you're not not able to hold a conversation (or your glass for that matter!) due to inebriation, you'll love it.

Unique Suggestions: Be well and truly on your way before you arrive .....

Fun Alternatives: With so many great pubs around Melbourne to choose from, just don't go to these ones!

to those who're interested in regional victoria, try to avoid those tour agents that seem to be mushrooming all over the city. they charge exorbitant prices and entice tourists by those buy2free1 type deals which still cost heaps in comparison to renting a car and using the Melway (very readable).

The classic tourist kitsch transport - horse and carriage pulled through the streets of Melbourne. Has a certain 'romantic' appeal, especially when the city is sun-dappled. 'Til you find out that its basically A$50 for 15 minutes

Unique Suggestions: YOu decide to either do it or not - it is avoidable (although if you have young kids, might be a bit harder)

Fun Alternatives: Walk or catch a tram :)

There are plenty of stores that sell trinkets of 'ýuthentic' Australian products, ranging from the smallest of things (like a packet of TimTam biscuits) to a large didgereedoo. Choose wisely - these places tend to charge exorbitant prices, and you are likely going to find what you are looking for cheaper in a more remote part of the town.

Unique Suggestions: Buy something small, like a fridge magnet!

Fun Alternatives: Instead of buying one of the books with photographs of Melbourne from these stores, go to any one of the bookstores and pick up the same book for less.

It should not cost more than about $25 for a taxi from the airport to the city.

However, on my first visit i got conned by a driver telling me that his taxi was a 'special' taxi when i settled up. Funny that as his taxi looked just like all the other cabs ....

That teaches me right not to check the price before getting in i guess but u have been warned, jet lagged travellers are a taxi drivers ideal passengers!

Fun Alternatives: don't be lazy and just get the airport bus to the city which is so much cheaper particually if you are by yourself.

BUT YOU WILL IN THIS PHOTO: WALKWAY ALONG THE YARRA RIVER WITH MELBOURNE CITY CENTER IN THE BACKGROUND AND THE ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS ACROSS THE ROAD ON THE LEFT (BARBARA'S RIGHT).

We suggest you avoid the Crown Entertainment Complex on the south bank at all costs. You see as much about Melbourne and Australia here as you would by visiting New York City (probably less). This is a mega complex of movie theatres, gambling halls, fast food restaurants, yuppie bars and restaurants, ultra-mall style shopping down an endless inside corridor that runs along the Yarra river and ends at the spectacular Crown Hotel with an elaborate watershow in the expansive lobby (the only thing in the complex worth seeing).

Unique Suggestions: See the Crown Hotel at the Queens St. end of the complex and get supper and evening entertainment somewhere else.

Fun Alternatives: Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the downtown part of the city on the north side of the river. We like "Young and Jackson" bar and Brasserie, upstairs if you can.