joho

Ok you lot in Melbourne. I am hoping to take my mum and dad to Melbourne for a few days starting 2nd Feb and would like recommendations of things to see, places to go and a nice inexpensive place to stay. Any help gratefully received.

Jo

goingau

we used this website for booking our hotel in sydney, but they cover other aeras.

http://www.wotif.com/?country=AU

we did ring and confirm booking just to be sure about an hour later, everything was fine

The Crow

I like the location of the Travelodge - next to Eureka Tower and the Belgium Beer Cafe on Southbank. We stayed back in Sept and paid $99 for us and the girls - microwave, basic cutlery/plates and kettle. No pool/gym of course.

Rachel

Johnsyweb

As goingau mentioned, Wotif is a great resource for inexpensive hotels.

What to see?

• Federation Square, St. Paul's Cathedral, Aboriginal Art Exhibition ...
• Rialto Towers Observation Deck
  
• Melbourne Central and the Shot Tower
• Albert Park Lake
• St Kilda and its beach [take a tram, it's part of the experience]
• Queen Victoria Market (check dates on the WWW)
• National Gallery of Victoria
• Carlton United Brewery
• Perhaps take a wonder along Chapel St if they're shoppers
• I hear some soap opera is filmed nearby and there are associated tours
• Docklands

And then your biggest problem is how to choose from the thousands of excellent eateries!

I recommend the restaurant tram for starters. Book today!

Bon voyage!

RedT

There's a free tram which runs around the city and points out all the main museums, parks and attractions. My hubbie and I found it very useful although as we only went for a short visit we didn't actually get to see most of them!! But there's certainly plenty to see.

I'd give the zoo a miss, it was expensive and most animals were asleep or looked suicidal so quite sad.

The old gaol is very good, you can see the beam from which Ned Kelly was hung and tour around the cells etc. We also took a day trip from Mellie to see the Philip Island penguins and I would highly recommend this! For an extra few bucks on top of the price (something ridiculous like $20) you can upgrade to the 'delux' experience meaning we got better viewing positions than everyone else and our own park ranger (to about 8 people) who explained what we were seeing. Absolutely amazing experience. Also included visits to a wildlife park and a stop off for cream teas!

have a great time!

Therese

joho

Thanks everyone for the tips.

Jo

thribble

The only tip I'd add is that the YHAs have double and twin rooms aswell as dorms, and you can make your own breakfast etc, which may be your thing. Or not.

worzel

Rydges is a dump which I didn't expect at those prices.
Quay West does some really nice suites if you can afford it, great location on the river bank too. Saville Park Suites was a bit further out (NE corner of the CBD) but the suite was excellent with even a laundry.