Melbourne - what are must-sees?

[SDHALFAN]

Our ship will be in Melbourne for one day on Sunday, November 2nd 2008 from 8:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. What would you consider "must-sees"? I have been to Melbourne once before and had a wonderful tour which took us into The Dandenongs and to Orinda. I have been told that Melbourne is a beautiful city and I would love to see so much more.

 

I had thought to spend a lot of time in a bookstore downtown with which (the staff that is) I had formed somewhat of a relationship when they had in stock a series of books that I had been searching for for years, and years. Yeah - but we will be there on a Sunday so the bookstore will probably be closed. I have been told about the HOHO Bus (Hop On Hop Off) and thought that may be the way to see the sights.

 

I would appreciate any information that you are willing to share. Thank you in advance.

 

Valerie:)

[DavidandPaula]

It is a real pity that you have such a short time but after our cruise last year in the Med then I understand the restrictions placed on you.

 

In a single day the Dandenongs is really as far as you can comfortably venture and that would be on an organised tour. The amount of driving for us to go anywhere is significant. A visit to the Yarra Valley would leave almost no time and the Great Ocean Road/Twelve Apostles is well out of reach.

 

I suggest the light rail to get into the CBD (Central Business District) and once there jump on the free tourism tram that does a circuit around the city. The trip takes about three quarters of an hour. Purchase an all day ticket for the light rail and it will allow you to use trains, buses, trams and the light rail.

 

It is more likely that the book shop would be open as Melbourne is really very busy on the weeknds these days. When I was growing up in Melbourne the city seemed to shut down about lunch time Saturday and you would be unlikely to see anybody about until Monday morning as no shops would be open. All that has changed over the last 20 or so years.

 

Some worthwhile things to consider close to the CBD are

Eureka Tower or Rialto Observation Decks (but not both)

National Gallery (depends on current exhibition but some great Aboriginal Art)

Botanical Gardens (can be a bit hilly)

Victoria Market (food hall good, but a lot of junky trinket type stalls elsewhere)

Polly Woodside (old sailing ship)

Fitzroy Gardens and Captain Cooks Cottage (very pretty and the cottage is interesting if you like to stoop to go through doorways)

Southbank for a snack or a full meal (some really great places for lunch)

City Shops (big variety in CBD)

Yarra Cruise (leave from Southbank so good to fit in with a meal)

 

At the end of the day its a quick trip back to the ship on the light rail.

 

David

[pinguinjo]

Our ship will be in Melbourne for one day on Sunday, November 2nd 2008 from 8:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. What would you consider "must-sees"? I have been to Melbourne once before and had a wonderful tour which took us into The Dandenongs and to Orinda. I have been told that Melbourne is a beautiful city and I would love to see so much more.

 

I had thought to spend a lot of time in a bookstore downtown with which (the staff that is) I had formed somewhat of a relationship when they had in stock a series of books that I had been searching for for years, and years. Yeah - but we will be there on a Sunday so the bookstore will probably be closed. I have been told about the HOHO Bus (Hop On Hop Off) and thought that may be the way to see the sights.

 

I would appreciate any information that you are willing to share. Thank you in advance.

 

Valerie:)

 

When we were in Melbourne last December by cruiseship we took a half day tour with the Greeter service. This is an orientation of the city for tourists by locals. It was a great tour, for free! See http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/greeter

They show you around with a small group. Because we are Dutch and one of the guides was originally Dutch he showed just the two of us around. We enjoyed it very much. Joyce

[FLA Cruiser]

Thanks for both posts - these sound like good starting points.

[SDHALFAN]

Thank you so much, both of you, for taking the time to answer my post. Fantastic ideas and I'm sure that I will enjoy my day in Melbourne very much thanks to you.

 

Valerie:)

[OHCruisinDad]

That's late spring and the weather should be very fine. I'll have to second many of the things and places previously listed. It really depends upon your likes and dislikes.

For touristy stuff -

The Eureka Tower (skip the "Edge" - its a long wait for an overpriced glass floor experience IMHO.)

Yarra River Cruise

The new Southern Star City Ferris Wheel (similar to the London Eye) may be completed by then as the structure is up and the cabs are being readied for installation. Its just west of the Docklands in Waterfront City. Take the free circle city tram and exit at LaTrobe by the northwest corner of the Telstra Dome and walk west across the New Quay at the Docklands or take the 30 or 48 tram to the Docklands.

Tour Teslstra Stadium - for sports fans

Tour the Laver Areana or MGC - for sports fans

The Melbourne Aquarium or Zoo

The Crown Casino Complex - for gamblers and shoppers

Southbank for a stroll and a sidewalk coffee (walk it from the Crown to the Eureka tower - just a block or two)

 

For museums there are the

Victorian Arts Center

The new Immigration Museum

The SBS Center for the Performing Arts at Federation Square (ACMI)

The National Gallery of Victoria

 

For fun and close by neighborhoods for lunch or coffee you might try

Carlton - just north of the CBD

Pt Melbourne - Bay Street (take the 109 tram)

St Kilda & St Kilda Beach including Luna Park - an old amusement park (the 96 or 112 trams)

Docklands - this is a new district at New Quay with lots of sidewalk cafes, bars and restaurants

Southbank - already mentioned

 

Melbourne is a very cosmopolitan city that has taken advantage of their river and waterfront. There is way too much to see in a day or even a long weekend. The main visitor information center is at Federation Square, just across from the Flinders St. Rail Station and on the north (CBD) side of the Yarra River. In addition to all of the attractions, there are several large parks in the CBD area and there is plenty of excellent shopping all througout the downtown area.

 

If you want a fun day outside of the city, there is a trip to Ballarat to see the Soveriegn Hill 1850's gold rush town. Other options include the Mornington Peninsula or a trip to the surfing towns of Torquay, Lorne and Anglesea on the first section of the Great Ocean Road.

 

I could keep going but I've gone too long. As you can tell, I am a great fan of Melbourne as it has a lot to offer to everyone. Enjoy your visit!

[mmcipdn]

I could keep going but I've gone too long. As you can tell, I am a great fan of Melbourne as it has a lot to offer to everyone. Enjoy your visit!

__________________

 

any suggestions on the puffing billy railway?

[SheilaNC]

I second using the Greeter Service at the Visitors Center. Even on a day with rain, we had the most wonderful experience with a retired school teach guide and saw museums, the library, arcades, etc. that we wouldn't have been able to do on our own. Had tram tickets and were able to hop on when it was convenient to get where we were going and out of the rain for a bit...all directed by our volunteer guide who wouldn't even let us buy him a cup of coffee....

[Aussie Gal]

Valerie,

 

Even though you will be visiting Melbourne on a Sunday, the shops in CBD will be open from 10am onwards. Actually I am wondering if you are going to be on the same ship as our friends whom we will be meeting on Sunday, 2nd November here in Melbourne.

 

It will be a busy weekend as our Racing Carnival will be on and there will be a lot of overseas and interstate visitors in Melbourne.

 

Here is a list of what to do and how to do it that I posted on C.C. last year and also the link to those pages: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=459427

 

If you want to do your own thing, you can catch the Light Rail tram from the Port and it will take about 10 minutes to get into the centre of the city. You will need to buy a ticket at the shop beside the tram stop and then once on the tram you need to validate the ticket in the special machine. If you want to use it for the whole day, buy a day ticket and

that will take you all over Melbourne on the trams, buses and trains.

 

Once in the heart of the city you can then decide whether you want to go and look at our Botanical Gardens. This means you need to catch a Number 8 tram in Swanston Street. This tram will take you directly to the gardens. Our city has many wonderful arcades to wander around and also lots of little streets and lanes. Melbourne is renowned as the Food, cultural and fashion capital of Australia. You can take a walk along Southbank and visit one of the many restaurants there for lunch.

 

You may want to go up to our Museum which is located in Nicholsen Street.You will need to get a tram in Bourke Street which is a number 91,95, 96 and 102. Also there is the Victoria Market up on the corner of Victoria Street and Elizabeth Streets which a lot of tourists love.

 

Or you can walk to the Yarra River and take a boat to either Williamstown or up river. Our wonderful Art Gallery is in Federation Square and that holds the largest collection of Australian Art including indigenous Art. Our other Art Gallery is just a a block away in St. Kilda Road and that also houses the best collection of European Art in the country.

 

There is a free City Circle tram ( it is burgandy colour) and that will take you around the perimeter of the city. Melbourne is built on the Grid system and is one mile by one mile so it is an easy city to walk.

 

http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/route/view/1112

 

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=140&pa=1560&pg=1562

 

There is also a free tourist bus which takes you to the places that are

not available on the tram.

 

http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=6706

 

If you want to go further afield, you can catch the St. Kilda Beach tram which is Number 1 and departs from St. Kilda Road/Swanston Street and that will take you down to the beach where perhaps you may see some penguins.

 

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=188

 

Hope some of this is a help to you. Enjoy our wonderful city.

 

Jennie

[OHCruisinDad]

any suggestions on the puffing billy railway?

 

I cannot personally say as this is one of the attractions that we have not been to. Based on comments from family, however, it is an enjoyable outing, particulary if you like trains, as they have several different types of outings and train rides. Check their website at www.puffingbilly.com.au for more details.

[Aussieflyer]

Puffing Billy is a lovely day out -IMO it is too far and too long if you only have a day in Melbourne. I would stick closer to the city and visit a variety of places/sights. There is no way to even scratch the surface of the city's sights - pick a few and you will enjoy them rather than trying to do too much.

[Aussie Gal]

If you do Puffing Billy which is fun, you see some lovely countryside which does give you a different perspective of Melbourne and the area surrounding the city.

 

You will also see how we live as the drive up to the Dandenong ranges goes through many of our suburbs.

 

It does depend on what you want to do with your time in our city. Do you want to see what the city has to offer or would you prefer to see tree ferns, glorious views and a ride on an old fashioned steam train on a very narrow gauge. Afterwards, you could have lunch in the Dandenongs or go to a winery in the Yarra Valley as the distance between is not huge.

 

Mind you, the trip on the train can be dirty as the soot from the engine does fly into the windows. I have been numerous times when my children were at kindergarten, it is a favourite with young children.

 

Jennie

[mmcipdn]

Aussie Gal, Aussieflyer,OHCruisinDad and all others...Thanks..Have a great day

[SDHALFAN]

Hi Jennie:

 

Yes, I am on the same cruise as your friends and have been chatting with them on the Roll Call Board. Right now several of us are "sweating" the China visa problem but we are all eagerly anticipating our cruise. Those are wonderful suggestions you provided and I have printed everything out to take with me on the cruise.

 

Thank you once again, everyone, for your help. It really is appreciated.

 

Valerie:)

[DavidandPaula]

The new Southern Star City Ferris Wheel (similar to the London Eye) may be completed by then as the structure is up and the cabs are being readied for installation.

 

Forget this one for November. Local news item early this week was that the first cab had been installed and is being tested. My gut feel on this is that if nothing goes wrong it might be barely possible to get on early next year, would be great if it was available on New Years Eve but very much doubt it.

 

Agree about the "EDGE" - what a W*NK - definitely not worth the money. You can get the same view for free on the observation deck right next to it. And the oh so creepy sound effects are really laughable.

 

Puffing Billy is a great trip but I very much doubt you will fit it in given your time constraints.

 

We holidayed in Europe last year, included London, Rome plus ports of call in the Med. When we returned it took about 6 months before we could even visit some of our own tourist spots in Melbourne. The city seemed so tame and dull compared with where we had been. It is only really the last 6 months that we have again started getting out and about and enjoying our own city again.

 

David

[RLBlack]

Re: Smartcard visa- Melbourne

http://www.seemelbournecard.com/pages_menuitems/prices.html

 

has anyone used this? if so does it appear to be a good value for the price? We have 2 full days in Melbourne - Thoughts?

 

Ruth

[Aussie Gal]

Ruth,

 

I have just gone into their website and I would be careful as a lot of the attractions they are offering are too far out of Melbourne to be of value unless you have a car.

 

The ones closest to the city are as follows:

 

Melbourne Gaol

Eureka Viewing Platform

Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne Zoo

Como House

Gold Treasury Museum

 

 

If you only visit these few places, you have saved money on entrance fees so the card is quite a good idea. The only thing I would watch out for is that it isn't run by our Government but by a private concern.

 

Some of our attractions are free such as the Botanical Gardens, the Victoria Market plus the fun of just walking around our Arcades and Lanes. You need to weigh up whether you can justify the expense of the card and if you will get to see enough places on it to warrant the cost. Remember that once you buy a Travelcard for the public transport, you can use the buses, trains and trams all day.

 

Jennie

[Cruising 4 eva]

Hi,

 

Will be in Melbourne in December for one day. Have got an 11 yr old son who is an absolute sports fanatic. He would love to see the MCG and the sports museum etc. Can someone tell me what is the best way to get there from the ship?? Is it close by or a long way? Does anyone know anything about the AFL museum?

 

Also, what is the Melbourne Zoo like? Is it better than Taronga in Sydney? Is it a full day trip? Would it be possible to do a couple of hours at the MCG and museum and then go to the zoo or is that just way too much????

 

Thanks for your help.:)

 

Tanya

[Aussieflyer]

From what I can gather the AFL museum has now become part of the Sports Museum at the MCG so you could do both the MCG tour (free when nothing is on) then spend time in the museum. The tour is one hour approx and then another hour in the museum would be about average. The MCG is quite easy to get to if you go by tram in the city along Flinders St (check a transport map for the numbers).

The zoo is really quite a full day though you could only concentrate on the Aust animals maybe. Many say it is better than Taronga but it has been a while since I visited either.

The Rialto tower may be interesting - the tallest in Victoria - great views if it is clear.

[Sean185]

The MCG is a must. The greatest stadium in the world. Go on the tour and see the museum (I haven't even seen the museum yet but I reckon it'd be awesome).

[mochuck]

We did this last year when we were in Melbourne for a break. It was very interesting especially if you've never been in a gaol / jail before.

 

Its on the free tram route and takes about an hour and a half.

 

http://www.ripefruit.com/melbourne/sights/old_melbourne_gaol.htm

 

I'm going to go against some of the conventional wisdom here and advise if you only have one day, you might be better on a tour than doing it yourself.

 

It is true that Melbourne is quite easy to get around on your own but if you have a very limited time it might be best to leave it to the experts. Especially if you want to see things that are more unique to Melbourne rather than things you can see in any city.

 

BTW the bookshops will probably be open on a Sunday.

[cruisey girl]

Melbourne is a wonderful city. I lived there for almost 10 years and agree with many of the suggestions given.

 

I really wouldn't attempt Puffing Billy with your time issues though. I've done it numerous times and it is lovely but also a huge day and a LOOONG way out of the CBD.

 

MCG is a must for sports fans. Simple to get to via light rail.

 

Victoria Market is also just at the top of the city and simple to find via the Tram ways. Well worth a look.

 

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Lygon Street Carlton, for the food. Also simple to get to via the tram ways and has the most wonderful cosmopolitan streetmosphere... Italian food to die for.

 

The National Gallery is somewhere I visited often and always has interesting exhibitions.

 

The 'all day ticket' for the light rail/trams/buses is definitely a cost effective and convenient form of transport around the city.

 

I'm sure you'll have an exciting day in the city whatever you choose.

 

Lisa. :)

[3some]

We will be arriving in Melbourne at 8pm on Wed Dec 3 after 4 sea days (crossing the Tasmanian sea from NZ). My SO is going to want to get off the ship, do some walking and find an internet cafe. Is the Docklands area in walking distance of the where the ship docks? Is it safe to walk at night in the area? Is there an area of the city that would be good for an evening stroll?

 

On Thurs, we will be taking the Melbourne Greeter's tour to get acquainted with Melbourne and then explore on our own. The suggestions on this board have really helped to make the planning process easier. Thanks to all for your assistance.

[mprcruiser]

Marti,

We also signed up for the Melbourne Greeter Service. We will also be looking for an internet cafe that first evening.

Jimanne

[3some]

Marti,

We also signed up for the Melbourne Greeter Service. We will also be looking for an internet cafe that first evening.

Jimanne

 

Jimanne,

 

It looks like we'll have to rent a cab to find an Internet cafe on Wed night. What time do you meet your greeter? We're at 9:30am.