[angelr]

I'm flying into Melbourne at the end of the week. I'm pretty excited because I've always wanted to visit although I am not looking forward to the lengthy flight. Although it's a work trip I'll have a few days of sight seeing and fun stuff so I'd welcome any suggestions or insights from those that have been before or are knowledgeable on what the area has to offer.

[Mr Tonka]

Have fun.

Don't get killed.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

Have fun.

Don't get killed.

By dangerous wildlife or rabid Sheila's (technically, a form of wildlife, I suppose)?

[BOSSCR]

Mate,

Welcome! There is a reason Melbourne has been voted Most Livable City in The World 5 years running. There is so much to offer. Whilst not a very old city, Melbourne is full of exciting things to see and do and is very multicultural. There are areas like Little China Town, Richmond to the east has a very strong Vietnamese community, Carlton to the north is our version of Little Italy and Oakleigh to the South East has the world's biggest Greek population outside of Greece. There are many people from many cultures which all create the colourful mosaic that is Melbourne.

Melbourne is known for excellent coffee, excellent restaurants, sport (catch an AFL game at the MCG if you can), street art, sudden changes in weather (yesterday it pissed rain solidly for several hours in the morning but by 1pm it was blue skies and sunshine) among other things.

If you have enough time, head to the Great Ocean Road which is a long, scenic, winding road that hugs our southern coastline and gives spectacular views of the ocean. You can do a day trip, but it's a lot of driving (the start is 2+ hours from Melbourne and depending on how far you go, you could drive the road for a few hours before turning back).

The Mount Dandenong Ranges is our hilly(it's not quite Mountain status if you ask me) area about 45 min drive from the city. Very green and picturesque.

I could go on for ages about things to do in Melbourne, but this is a start for you.

Enjoy your time and feel free to ask any questions.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by BOSSCR

Mate,

Welcome! There is a reason Melbourne has been voted Most Livable City in The World 5 years running. There is so much to offer. Whilst not a very old city, Melbourne is full of exciting things to see and do and is very multicultural. There are areas like Little China Town, Richmond to the east has a very strong Vietnamese community, Carlton to the north is our version of Little Italy and Oakleigh to the South East has the world's biggest Greek population outside of Greece. There are many people from many cultures which all create the colourful mosaic that is Melbourne.

Melbourne is known for excellent coffee, excellent restaurants, sport (catch an AFL game at the MCG if you can), street art, sudden changes in weather (yesterday it pissed rain solidly for several hours in the morning but by 1pm it was blue skies and sunshine) among other things.

If you have enough time, head to the Great Ocean Road which is a long, scenic, winding road that hugs our southern coastline and gives spectacular views of the ocean. You can do a day trip, but it's a lot of driving (the start is 2+ hours from Melbourne and depending on how far you go, you could drive the road for a few hours before turning back).

The Mount Dandenong Ranges is our hilly(it's not quite Mountain status if you ask me) area about 45 min drive from the city. Very green and picturesque.

I could go on for ages about things to do in Melbourne, but this is a start for you.

Enjoy your time and feel free to ask any questions.

I read all of this in the voice of Crocodile Dundee. Anyone else, or just me?

Also, cool information though. Great stuff for OP to do.

[Mr Tonka]

Originally Posted by jtodd_fl

By dangerous wildlife or rabid Sheila's (technically, a form of wildlife, I suppose)?

By a.... spider, snake, croc, dingo, kangaroo, emu, lack of moisture, excess of sun, rabid rugby hooligans, mosquito, death moth, poison dart, boomerang, didgeridoo, giant bat, sheilas and or a raging motorist.

[BOSSCR]

I appreciate the tongue in cheek responses about death by wildlife so I thought I'd do a bit of googling and came across this:

Only around 3 people die each year from wild animal related incidents in Australia compared with about:
• 5 people who die in Britain in cow related incidents each year;
• 13 people who die global each year in vending machine related incidents;
• 58 people who die in Australia from falling out of bed every year;
• 285 people who drown in Australia each year;
• 715 people who die from slipping, tripping or tumbling in Australia per year;
• 1,500 people who die in Australia per year in road accidents.
- See more at: http://backpackeradvice.com/destinat....7FVdEa1a.dpuf

Also 4,666 Americans have died from gun violence so far in 2016 (as of 10th May).

Therefore, I think you're more likely to get shot going to the airport in the US than to be attacked by a spider/shark/dingo etc.... in Australia.

As far as rabid sheilas go, you'll be ok in Melbourne, just don't go to Queensland.

[Xiaoxi]

I highly recommend Etto on Clarendon St. Some of the best pasta I've ever had.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by BOSSCR

I appreciate the tongue in cheek responses about death by wildlife so I thought I'd do a bit of googling and came across this:

Only around 3 people die each year from wild animal related incidents in Australia compared with about:
• 5 people who die in Britain in cow related incidents each year;
• 13 people who die global each year in vending machine related incidents;
• 58 people who die in Australia from falling out of bed every year;
• 285 people who drown in Australia each year;
• 715 people who die from slipping, tripping or tumbling in Australia per year;
• 1,500 people who die in Australia per year in road accidents.
- See more at: http://backpackeradvice.com/destinat....7FVdEa1a.dpuf

Also 4,666 Americans have died from gun violence so far in 2016 (as of 10th May).

Therefore, I think you're more likely to get shot going to the airport in the US than to be attacked by a spider/shark/dingo etc.... in Australia.

As far as rabid sheilas go, you'll be ok in Melbourne, just don't go to Queensland.

Hehe. Cool that you did the research I like it. You forgot about the didgeridoo attacks though man. They're usually carried out by roving kangaroo mounted hipsters - like this guy. Be vigilant. If you see something, say something.

[HFW003]

What do you like to do mate?

Do you like flash places to eat or just cafe style?

Do you like to watch live sport?

Nuddie bars, just checking

Etc

When do you turn up and how long are you here for?

[HFW003]

BTW fockers, we don't actually use the term Sheila, ever!

[swagon]

watch out, man

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by HFW003

BTW fockers, we don't actually use the term Sheila, ever!

Hey. Crocodile Dundee said it. I'm pretty sure Steve Irwin. It has to be true. Also, the only beer available on your whole "continent" is Fosters. You are waist deep in venomous spiders. The great whites practically swim up on shore and eat people. These are all facts we know. You can't hide down there. We got our eyes on you people.
I'd love to stay and chat, but I just fed my pet Eagle some Budweiser, so it's time to grab my gun and take the truck to McDonalds for some breakfast (after a quick stop at Walmart and Dunkin Donuts).

[P1]

Oh, cool...

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by BOSSCR

Mate,

Welcome! There is a reason Melbourne has been voted Most Livable City in The World 5 years running. There is so much to offer. Whilst not a very old city, Melbourne is full of exciting things to see and do and is very multicultural. There are areas like Little China Town, Richmond to the east has a very strong Vietnamese community, Carlton to the north is our version of Little Italy and Oakleigh to the South East has the world's biggest Greek population outside of Greece. There are many people from many cultures which all create the colourful mosaic that is Melbourne.

Melbourne is known for excellent coffee, excellent restaurants, sport (catch an AFL game at the MCG if you can), street art, sudden changes in weather (yesterday it pissed rain solidly for several hours in the morning but by 1pm it was blue skies and sunshine) among other things.

If you have enough time, head to the Great Ocean Road which is a long, scenic, winding road that hugs our southern coastline and gives spectacular views of the ocean. You can do a day trip, but it's a lot of driving (the start is 2+ hours from Melbourne and depending on how far you go, you could drive the road for a few hours before turning back).

The Mount Dandenong Ranges is our hilly(it's not quite Mountain status if you ask me) area about 45 min drive from the city. Very green and picturesque.

I could go on for ages about things to do in Melbourne, but this is a start for you.

Enjoy your time and feel free to ask any questions.

In all seriousness, this made me want to visit. Sounds amazing. Jealous of OP now. Thanks.

[HFW003]

Originally Posted by jtodd_fl

In all seriousness, this made me want to visit. Sounds amazing. Jealous of OP now. Thanks.

I've been very lucky to have travelled to most parts of the world and I believe I live in the best country in the world!

Not to say I don't love other parts but we as a country have had such a diverse life that we have the best of everything here.

Come down you won't regret it!

[kwality]

are you planning on extending your stay there by a few days?

if yes, i would recommend flying north to cairns. you can then relax and sun & take a boat to the great barrier reef to snorkel or scuba.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by kwality

are you planning on extending your stay there by a few days?

if yes, i would recommend flying north to cairns. you can then relax and sun & take a boat to the great barrier reef to snorkel or scuba.

This.

Melbourne is a great city but too similar to north american cold climate cities in that people dress well (for Australia), coffee culture etc etc. Sydney is the far more spectacular city to visit, hands down. Melbourne the easier to live in.

I would try and squeeze in an AFL match, let us know your dates but you have to get to the MCG for a game.

Animals and what-not are nowhere near as scary as people make out, however four tips ....

1) If you see a snake, don't fucking touch it or anger it any way, shape or form. You have been warned.

2) If you see a web in the ground, maybe around trees, don't be fucking with it. Just leave it be, no playsies.

3) Don't be picking critters up near the ocean, small octopus especially are a (very) bad idea.

4) In saying that, the most dangerous thing by far is the water itself, if you plan to swim learn the basic life-saving signals and rip-avoidance techniques. Swim between the fuicking flags.

Australian cities are vibrant, tree filled, with huge parks and excellent to navigate on foot. Even if you only stay in Melbourne and surrounds, enjoy the greenery and the open spaces. But yes, i would go north for three of those nine days.

[angelr]

Thank you guys for all the help as well as the humor! I'll see how much leeway there is in the schedule to get outside of Melbourne, it certainly sounds like I'll have plenty to choose from. I fly out the 13th and return the 22nd. I generally prefer natural and historical excursions but a game and some good local food/beer is always good.

[Mr Tonka]

Originally Posted by BOSSCR

I appreciate the tongue in cheek responses about death by wildlife so I thought I'd do a bit of googling and came across this:

Only around 3 people die each year from wild animal related incidents in Australia compared with about:
• 5 people who die in Britain in cow related incidents each year;
• 13 people who die global each year in vending machine related incidents;
• 58 people who die in Australia from falling out of bed every year;
• 285 people who drown in Australia each year;
• 715 people who die from slipping, tripping or tumbling in Australia per year;
• 1,500 people who die in Australia per year in road accidents.
- See more at: http://backpackeradvice.com/destinat....7FVdEa1a.dpuf

Also 4,666 Americans have died from gun violence so far in 2016 (as of 10th May).

Therefore, I think you're more likely to get shot going to the airport in the US than to be attacked by a spider/shark/dingo etc.... in Australia.

As far as rabid sheilas go, you'll be ok in Melbourne, just don't go to Queensland.

Originally Posted by swagon

Looks like SWAGON found a video clip of BOSSCR laying down the law.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

Looks like SWAGON found a video clip of BOSSCR laying down the law.

Which one is bosscr. The videographer or the subject?

[Alfisti]

http://www.afl.com.au/fixture?roundI...1601409#tround

Hawks/Swans or Pies/Cat ... be there for one of them.