laurieb Posted April 20, 2018 #1 Share Posted April 20, 2018 We’ll be flying from Cairns to Melbourne post cruise in March; I’d love suggestions on where to stay for three nights. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted April 20, 2018 #2 Share Posted April 20, 2018 We like the Mantra on Bourke. But what’s your budget and likes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurieb Posted April 21, 2018 Author #3 Share Posted April 21, 2018 Thanks, I'll check it out. I'm not looking for a cheap hotel but want to stay in a reasonable price range. Never been to Melbourne before, so would like to stay somewhere close to the river and where there are good restaurants close by Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OzKiwiJJ Posted April 21, 2018 #4 Share Posted April 21, 2018 I suggest using the map function on one of the hotel booking websites and zoom in on the CBD and Southgate/Crown Casino areas around the Yarra River. That will give you a wide choice of hotels to look at. There are plenty of good restaurants of all types around the Southgate / Crown Casino area, in the Chinatown area of the CBD if you like Asian food, and in many of Melbourne's famous CBD laneways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurieb Posted April 26, 2018 Author #5 Share Posted April 26, 2018 Thanks! Having specific areas to look in is very helpful!! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naomigruis Posted April 28, 2018 #6 Share Posted April 28, 2018 I live in Melbourne. You will love it lots to do Try doubletree Hilton on fliders street Close to everything mid price and you will be able to use free trams inside the cbd. From here it is a easy tram ride to the cruise ship port or a short Uber ride. http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/victoria/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-melbourne-flinders-street-MELFSDI/index.html?WT.mc_id=zELWAKN0APAC1DT2DMH3LocalSearch4DGGenericx6MELFSDI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swissmiss6253 Posted April 28, 2018 #7 Share Posted April 28, 2018 On our next trip we are staying at the Double Tree Hilton. I have stayed often at the Little Bourke Punthill Apartments, particularly with family, as I just love the location. https://www.punthill.com.au/hotels/little-bourke/#rooms-suites You want to be self sufficient or go out to every meal, no real breakfasts on offer for example. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurieb Posted April 29, 2018 Author #8 Share Posted April 29, 2018 Thanks! I’ll take a look. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swissmiss6253 Posted April 29, 2018 #9 Share Posted April 29, 2018 The Westin is a lovely hotel but a higher price range. http://www.westinmelbourne.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawka Posted April 29, 2018 #10 Share Posted April 29, 2018 http://www.clarionsuitesgateway.com.au/ not sure price wise these days stayed here a few yrs ago was lovely its across the river from casino, there is a restaurant on side of flinder st station on river side of it walk along river will see it food there is awesome specially the lamb cutlets view of water etc just rock up find a table etc they have a floating one too dont know much about that one , get a chance to check out rice paper scissors off bourke st well worth it chin chin on flinders lane is good food too plenty of good food places there good lucky on choices etc and enjoy your stay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurieb Posted April 30, 2018 Author #11 Share Posted April 30, 2018 I've been looking at the Pan Pacific; any opinions on the hotel and the location? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OzKiwiJJ Posted April 30, 2018 #12 Share Posted April 30, 2018 I've been looking at the Pan Pacific; any opinions on the hotel and the location? Pan Pacific hotels are usually good and I think that's a very new hotel. I haven't stayed there though. The location is a little further away from the main CBD and Southgate/Casino areas than I would like (thinking of restaurants). I'm not sure what public transport services that area, I don't think it's on a tram route. I've been to South Wharf a couple of times as there is a big outlet centre there and we've always gone there by car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerfectlyPerth Posted April 30, 2018 #13 Share Posted April 30, 2018 Pan Pacific is surrounded by dozens of great restaurants, cafes and bars along South Wharf. 2 Min stroll to the DFO. 4 Min stroll to Clarendon St entrance of Crown complex and Southbank - again gazillion eateries of all descriptions from cheap cafe to unaffordable celebrity chefs. 3 minute stroll to the Batman Park tram stop on the Clarendon/Spencer bridge which is the first stop in the free tram zone - 96 will take you around to Bourke St Mall, 12 and 109 will take you along Collins St. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurieb Posted May 1, 2018 Author #14 Share Posted May 1, 2018 Pan Pacific is surrounded by dozens of great restaurants, cafes and bars along South Wharf. 2 Min stroll to the DFO. 4 Min stroll to Clarendon St entrance of Crown complex and Southbank - again gazillion eateries of all descriptions from cheap cafe to unaffordable celebrity chefs. 3 minute stroll to the Batman Park tram stop on the Clarendon/Spencer bridge which is the first stop in the free tram zone - 96 will take you around to Bourke St Mall, 12 and 109 will take you along Collins St. I am so happy to see this! We got a screamin deal on a Pacific Club room there and it looks to have stunning views of the river. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerfectlyPerth Posted May 2, 2018 #15 Share Posted May 2, 2018 Lol it's the Yarra. It's extremely famous for being dark brown. I live in the CBD and see it every day. It ain't stunning ! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurieb Posted May 3, 2018 Author #16 Share Posted May 3, 2018 but is the river's shore line not nice to see? Every photo I see of it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerfectlyPerth Posted May 3, 2018 #17 Share Posted May 3, 2018 "Shoreline" meaning what exactly ? The city skyline ? Southbank boulevard is nice to walk along with the city view and buskers and lots of things going on. It's also quite an active river despite its colour, with river boats of many shapes and sizes (including an old tram), gondoliers, rowers etc. I can recommend breakfast or brunch at The Boatbuilders Yard on South Wharf (cant miss it as it has a ye olde sailing ship docked next to it). Sit dining outside and watching the rowers going up and down. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurieb Posted May 3, 2018 Author #18 Share Posted May 3, 2018 yes the skyline and the esplanades. Thank you for the recommendation for breakfast/brunch! Is the pedestrian bridge across the river far away? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OzKiwiJJ Posted May 6, 2018 #19 Share Posted May 6, 2018 Here's a little more info about the Yarra River in Melbourne. http://www.traveller.com.au/the-mysteries-flowing-in-melbournes-yarra-h0zhuq Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerfectlyPerth Posted May 6, 2018 #20 Share Posted May 6, 2018 Is the pedestrian bridge across the river far away? You will be able to see multiple bridges - both pedestrian and pedestrian/traffic/tram - all the way along the river in every direction. If you look at google maps you will clearly see the Clarendon/Spencer St bridge labeled along with its tram stops. Note that the Casino stop is outside the free tram zone - just walk about 50 metres over the bridge to the Batman Park stop which is the first stop in the free tram zone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LokiPoki Posted May 6, 2018 #21 Share Posted May 6, 2018 Lol it's the Yarra. It's extremely famous for being dark brown. I live in the CBD and see it every day. It ain't stunning ! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Agree it’s not impressive during the day (or not in the CBD...I live a stone’s throw or so from the Yarra, just a lot further upstream) but I rather like the river at night... I used to row in town and was lovely seeing everything start to light up as darkness fell. Laurie, the banks are pretty ordinary in the CBD to be honest. Much nicer as you go further upstream - not that I’m biased or anything ;) Probably too far given your very limited time in Melbourne though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurieb Posted May 10, 2018 Author #22 Share Posted May 10, 2018 I am looking for a couple excursions while here; we want to see the penguins and on another day possibly wine tasting in the Yarra River Valley. Is a whole day necessary for Philips Island when all we want to do is see the penguins? Well maybe some kangaroos too :) Suggestions? :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LokiPoki Posted May 10, 2018 #23 Share Posted May 10, 2018 I am looking for a couple excursions while here; we want to see the penguins and on another day possibly wine tasting in the Yarra River Valley. Is a whole day necessary for Philips Island when all we want to do is see the penguins? Well maybe some kangaroos too :) Suggestions? :D Are the penguins the only reason you want to go to Phillip Island? If so, you might want to look at going down to St Kilda instead. Phillip Island is roughly 2 hours from Melbourne - St Kilda is not far from the Cbd. http://stkildapenguins.com.au/skp/?page_id=93 For other Aussie wildlife - if you’re already considering a Yarra Valley wine tour, you might look at whether you can combine it with a trip to Healesville Sanctuary (if you’ve not come across it - it’s a zoo, but with Australian wildlife only). Depending on time of day, you’re also likely to see plenty of wild roos on the way out (I live that direction, not as far out, and have to stop for them - and wombats, echidnas, deer...definitely not native, total pests, but impressive nonetheless) on almost a daily basis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OzKiwiJJ Posted May 10, 2018 #24 Share Posted May 10, 2018 I am looking for a couple excursions while here; we want to see the penguins and on another day possibly wine tasting in the Yarra River Valley. Is a whole day necessary for Philips Island when all we want to do is see the penguins? Well maybe some kangaroos too :) Suggestions? :D The actual penguin viewing is in the evening, when they return back to shore after being at sea all day. There are tours that leave Melbourne late afternoon so you could do other things during the day (but not a Yarra Valley tour as it wouldn't get back in time). Or you could do a full day tour which includes a wildlife park on the way to Phillip Island. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swissmiss6253 Posted May 10, 2018 #25 Share Posted May 10, 2018 There are some wonderful wineries on the Mornington Penninsula which would be much more convenient when combined with a Phillip Island visit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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