anya4oz

Fortunately, it's very easy to get around this area by public transport - much easier that it would be in the UK, as the train service is so cheap/reliable and the stations are usually not that far to walk to. There are also bike paths along most of the roads, so that's an option too.

Although I've been driving for what seems like centuries I prefer taking the train a lot of the time here, as it's just more relaxing (also means you can have a few without having to worry about who's driving ).

Cheers,
Anya.

tonyk38

Cheers, I'll bear (bare) those tips (oo-er) in mind! Oh god I'm in the process of turning this thread into a load of double-entendres!

tonyk38

Yeah, I remember the trains and trams in Melb'n and how brilliant they were. I loved the way that one ticket enabled you to hop on a tram, then onto another, then onto a train. Strictly hassle free!

In comparison you could carbon-date the trains I have to use here in Kent, and as for buses.....

CasG

That sounds hopeful Yvsie - where does he work?
I've got a job with NorthWestern Mental Health.
Cas

Quinkana

What exactly is In-Car navigation?

Hels

Another thing to know about Melbourne roads is if you are on a road that goes through more than one suburb...the street numbers will stop and start again at 1 in the next suburb.

That can get quite confusing when you are not used to it...

yvsie

well its a bit of a long story really...
they migrated here in jan this yr...wife became unwell..lump on thyroid gland..thought she had cancer and they panicked a bit and went back....
now theyve found out she is fine..phew! ...and are planning on moving back(omg how much dosh eh?)
while they were here though he worked at graylands and was horrified at the nursing there....dont know details...
she couldnbt get social work job(due to not being qualified for long enough...dont understand ins and outs of it)

recently we have chatted on msn and by email and wife tells me that they are thinking of melbourne because when he worked here..with mental health nurses from melbourne some were planning to go back due to standards of care..
oh and also they fancy melb because models of care or soemthing are being used in UK....wife's words were 'melbourne is a centre of excellence for mental health care...."
so in answer to your question cas...he isnt working anywhere yet ......
and....theyve not fully commited to where they are going to try this time!

Grayling

In the land of the blind a one-eyed man is king

G

yvsie

?????????????????

CasG

OMG -Like that on the M1/M25 - and I managed to get lost on that!!!!
Cas

Wol

One of the first things I did was get a satnav for the car and it was one of the best things I bought!

Driving around totally unfamiliar roads looking at house after house is bad enough but when you are also unfamiliar with the "driving" of the locals (quotes intentional) it is a relief to have Fanny (as we call her) telling you where to go, and in advance of the turns.

Never had one before, and they are not perfect but they do make it a lot less hassle and allow you to concentrate on the road rather than the map.

How the hell they program the things is beyond me, but that's another thread!

Trevglas

Driving to new places in Qld can be fun. You find the roadsign, and off you go. Come to the next junction, that too will be signposted, and the next, right up until you come to a T junction, only to find that whoever put up the signs lost interest.....

Wol

Sounds a bit like those b****y telephone menus!

Smudgo

Hi Tony

I find driving in aus a lot easier than the UK as I dont have to travel on the M25 daily although I do drive into melbourne CBD on CityLink (did catch the train but found out sometimes it is quicker by car), my observations are
1. No junction Number only Junction/ Street Names (This is really a crap system for a newbie ! I still havent learnt all the names yet & doubt if I ever will)
2. Lack of Advanced Information Signs before junctions, lucky if there are 2 signs before junction (in UK sometimes have up to 4 huge signs before Junction) so just keep in the left lane when you think you might be approaching your turn off.
3. Trucks drive in the outside lane which cause tailbacks when they have to tackle a bump or small hill, luckly they do check their mirrors but it is only to get on their CB & claim that they have now caused the biggest tailback ever !
4. Driving in The CBD is similar to london, no body gives way or says thanks
5. The Grey Ghosts (parking warden's) stalk the streets trying to hit their parking ticket target so beware of just poping into a shop quickly !
6. Hook Turns are easy ! You will really get to notice the signs quickly once the driver behind you sits on their horn when you indicate right & should infact be in the left hand lane rather than the rightlane to turn right !
7. Dont Drive on a rainy day, everybody else has the same thought including the sunday drivers who insist on driving at 1/2 the speed limit as the road could be damp.
8. Trams - Sharing the road isnt a problem as long as you get out of their way ! if their hazard lights are on you cannot undertake as they are about to stop to for passengers


ta

Smudgo

Mel Gibson

You won't get lost in the land of OZ as long as you follow the Yellow Brick Road.