That's me got my flights and visa for march. what's Melbourne like at that time of year? I understand it will be coming into winter so will that make accommodation cheaper? where is the cheapest area of melbourne anyway? I was also wondering if anyone was in construction in the area and could give me a heads up as to what it is like at the moment for work ?

Thanks

Hi, I'm not currently living in Melbourne, but did for 13 years up until 2 years ago. Melbourne weather, as not doubt others will tell you, is a matter of if you don't like it, wait 10 minutes That said, March is usually quite nice weatherwise, winter does get cold in Melbourne (but not as cold as NZ!).

Regarding accommodation, it all depends on your definition of cheap and what you are willing to put up with. Melbourne, overall, is not a cheap city housing-wise, but if you are on your own you could get a flat-share or a 1 bedroom. Have a look at www.domain.com.au or www.realestate.com.au for rentals. Generally speaking, the closer to the city you are the more expensive the property. Western suburbs tend to be cheaper than eastern suburbs on the whole. If you want to be close to the city maybe try Kensington, Flemington, Footscray, Sunhsine (bit further out). I always find it hard picking suburbs in a new city until I've been there and had a look around. Maybe try to find a furnished rental or serviced apartment short-term when you first get there to give yourself some time.

Sorry, can't help at all with the construction industry, but I'm sure someone will come along who can.

Best of luck with the move! You'll love Melbourne.

I'll be arriving on the back of a Scottish winter so I'll prob only need to pack 7 pairs of shorts for the arrival

Is march a good time to go fruit picking? can you even go fruit picking in Melbourne

Also why do so many Brits pick perth over the rest of oz ??

Seriously have a look through the forum for threads labelled Melbourne v Perth, Sydney v Perth, Brisbane v Perth.....they usually end with people insulting each other cos most people think their own city is the best......

Look out for me joining in around mid-march then

Just hope I've picked the right city work wise

I would not describe March as "coming into winter"

Coming out of summer?

More like it, there is a whole season inbetween. March is nice.

Not just workwise Melbourne has so much going for it in the lifestyle department too!

BB

If you're coming from scotland you will not consider that 'winter' will ever arrive. March will be warm (usually over 20C during the daytime) and some days will go over 30C. Daytime temps even in mid-'winter' allow you to go outside without a coat, although you'd never know it from the locals whining. Put it like this, the maximum ever, middle of the night, middle of winter temp is ......... -2 C.

Take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne#Climate for more info.

Re the fruit picking, you'll need to head up to the Goulburn Valley for work - its about 2 hours north of Melbourne by car. A friend of mine works for one of the big orchards up that way, so feel free to send me a PM and I can find out some more info about that type of work for you.

I think you mean minimum ever!!!

And in Bayside it never gets lower than 3 or 4 above, we didn't have a single frost this year.

BB

If it drops below that temp, how do all these tropical spiders survive? ....... they don't start looking for warm houses do they ??

Not sure what you mean by "tropical" spiders? We find the most spiders come into the house in summer - probably to escape the heat? And those are Huntsmen which are big and scary but not poisonous and in fact they prey on the other insects and spiders so they are good to have inside!

BB

Winter in Melbourne is cold, dull and wet. jussayin.