Anyone been to Melbourne?

[Beezerk]

I've been lucky enough to be given first dibs on a three week job down under in Melbourne this coming July. The job itself is very simple, maybe a couple of days work and the rest of the time is operator training and making sure the customer is good to go without any support.
Most importantly weekends are all mine but I'm clueless as to what there is to do down there. The customer is in a place called Hastings which is south of the city so I guess my accommodation will be down there.
I also have family I haven't seen for years but I hear they are miles and miles away on the Gold Coast.
So anyone been? Dos and don'ts, places to see down there within striking distance of Melbourne?

 

[Slab]

Had a week out there, my favourite city I've ever traveled to. Such a cosmopolitan friendly place

Highlight was doing a balloon trip over the Yarra valley. Plenty sporting venues around the city so there will likely be something taking place while you're there and wine tours aplenty were good fun

 

[Beezerk]

Had a week out there, my favourite city I've ever traveled to. Such a cosmopolitan friendly place

Highlight was doing a balloon trip over the Yarra valley. Plenty sporting venues around the city so there will likely be something taking place while you're there and wine tours aplenty were good fun

Wine country, I'd not even thought of that 🥂

 

[User62651]

Spent a little time there as part of a year I spent in Oz long time back.

Winter time so likely 4-14 degrees, not hot enough for beaches/swimming.

When you're coming from Europe the city culture isn't all that in Australia tbh, pleasant enough but I think you'll get more out of the natural history there, so different to our own.
Take a trip to Port Campbell national park along the coast, that's fairly spectacular.
Also a trip up to the Kozciusko NP is worth doing, not that close though there are other NPs closer I haven't seen.
Go and see the surfing at famous Bells Beach, Torquay, it's winter so good chance of swell.
Must be some wineries I'd think though Barossa Valley near Adelaide is more well known.

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

You do realise that the sand belt to the south of the city is home to some of the best golf courses on the planet? Take your clubs with you!

 

[Beezerk]

You do realise that the sand belt to the south of the city is home to some of the best golf courses on the planet? Take your clubs with you!

No I didn't, this is getting better by the minute 😂

 

[williamalex1]

No I didn't, this is getting better by the minute 😂

Will you be needing an assistant

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Plenty nice stuff out of the city - we had three nights in Melbourne then travelled from Melbourne to Adelaide about 6 weeks ago - along the Great Ocean Road. Torquay is the hub of wind surfing and a lovely place to visit. Bells Beach and Jan Jac the big competition beaches - but loads of other surf beaches. Head inland to the Grampians also for a taste of inland Australia. Melbourne itself we found nice enough but a bit limited (for the tourist) to be honest - Australia and the cities just doesn’t have the depth of history and culture we take for granted. That said down by Flinders Street station, Federation Square, the Botanic Gardens by the Yarra - and of course the MCG (it’s in the city centre...!) all good. We also only discovered the northern suburbs late in the day - but Carlton, Fitzroy and about felt very relaxed and pleasant. St Kilda is where Brits favour I believe.

 

[Duckster]

Royal Melbourne (both courses), Kingston Heath, Victoria, Metorpolitan, plus only a short journey over to Tasmania and play Barnbougle / Lost Farm.

The Melbourne sand belt is meant to be one of the best stretches of courses in the world.

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Sandbelt

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/worlds-100-greatest-golf-courses

 

[Slab]

Another thing I did down there was take a tour on the back of a Harley (I did mine in Sydney but same thing available in Melbourne)
Basically got picked up from airport and ridden around for a hour or two, over Harbour bridge etc. Nice way to see the sights without doing any leg work

 

[Beezerk]

Thanks mate, if all goes to plan I imagine I'll be staying somewhere on the Mornington peninsula which looks to be just south of there.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Years ago mate, but loved it, just enjoy every minute and get ready for the warm beer and pom jokes.

 

[IanM]

My cousin has just moved from there up to Coffs Harbour...lots warmer! But the city is great and the Sand Belt Courses have been memtioned. They'll sort you out clubs if unable to take your own

 

[Scozzy]

I grew up around Melbourne so can give plenty of advice depending on what you want,golf obviously! Besides that you'll not be to far from the Yarra valley and some cracking wineries.The mornington peninsula will also be not far and spectacular beaches await although Melbourne winters aren't great for swimming! Aussie rules will be heading towards the final series and the MCG is a must see and do stadium although you'll miss the boxing Day test by a few months 🤔 Golf? The sandbelt is a treasure trove of truly top courses,not cheap but awesome!! On the coast nearest to you you'll have portsea,moonah links,the national....all highly recommend if Royal Melbourne won't have you😎 it's a great city although Hastings isn't quite CBD.On the other side of town head to my old home course Gisborne ,a great days golf😁

 

[Beezerk]

Thanks mate, looks like hotels are a bit scarce in Hastings, a proper one horse town.

BTW what's CBD?

 

[Scozzy]

Thanks mate, looks like hotels are a bit scarce in Hastings, a proper one horse town.

BTW what's CBD?

Oops sorry it’s shorthand for Central business district! Its a trek to the city buts it’s worth it,Melbourne takes its coffee,food and sport very seriously! Big Greek and Italian communities there and great food to match😀 You are pretty close to Rosebud,sorrento,portsea,cape schank ( no pun!) all beautiful parts of the world and great courses I would highly recommend

 

[Foxholer]

Been to Melbourne a couple of times and it really is as a great place. Certainly plenty of activities available! Wasn't into Golf back then, but it's certainly home to some of the top courses in Oz! Enjoy!

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Now in Brisbane for a couple of days and going to The Gabba tomorrow (Saturday) evening to watch Brisbane Lions vs Sydney Swans. Don’t know much about AFL but it should be fun. 👍

Got all of a day beforehand to sample the delights of the city but I’m thinking it’ll be a just wee bit far as a day trip from Melbourne 🤔 which you will enjoy even if my post sounded a little negative - its all relative - it’s a cool place - the Lanes especially - and they doo love their coffee - and the MCG is just fab 😀 Early days take a free walking tour of city centre - from in front of the State Library of Victoria - to get orientated.

 

[Beezerk]

Holy thread revival.
It looks like the job is going ahead in August and I'm seriously looking forward to it.
I've also managed to get in touch with family on the Gold Coast, I don't think I've actually met any of them so I'm looking at going the extra mile to meet them as it's proper once in a lifetime stuff.
Has anyone had experience with long distance driving down there? It looks like a good 1000 mile journey each way which is probably doable over two days per leg, trains look rubbish so the other option is internal flights.
Any tips on how best to tackle the drive if I choose that option?