Melbourne in 10 days


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Gymrat76

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May 10, 2004
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Hi guys,

Will be making my first trip down under with the wife end of the month, and need some information on what would be the best way to spend our time. It will be a self-drive kinda trip, so we're open to suggestions.

In the 10 days, so far we plan to visit:

1. Melbourne city (got cousin there who can show us around), maybe 1-2 days
2. Wineries, maybe 1-2 days going around taking pics and more importantly, drinking wine!
3. Great Ocean Rd drive.. maybe spend 2 days driving along.. what are the 'hot' spots besides 12 apostles?
4. Drive down to Tasmania, maybe 2-3 days? What are the main highlights there?
5. Any other places of interest? Grampians?

Also, any nice hotels/motels/B&B's you encountered would be great, both in the city as well as along any of the places listed - preferably below AUD$100 a night ;)

Any places to share that are off the beaten track? Would like to hear stories and experiences for those who've been around Victoria (or those who stay there!) on some of the highlights that you think are worth spending time on and we'll see if we wanna incorporate them into our plans. Many thanks!

Sorry, title should be Victoria in 10 days... but can't seem to change the title now
 

Hi guys,

Will be making my first trip down under with the wife end of the month, and need some information on what would be the best way to spend our time. It will be a self-drive kinda trip, so we're open to suggestions.

In the 10 days, so far we plan to visit:

1. Melbourne city (got cousin there who can show us around), maybe 1-2 days
2. Wineries, maybe 1-2 days going around taking pics and more importantly, drinking wine!
3. Great Ocean Rd drive.. maybe spend 2 days driving along.. what are the 'hot' spots besides 12 apostles?
4. Drive down to Tasmania, maybe 2-3 days? What are the main highlights there?
5. Any other places of interest? Grampians?

Also, any nice hotels/motels/B&B's you encountered would be great, both in the city as well as along any of the places listed - preferably below AUD$100 a night ;)

Any places to share that are off the beaten track? Would like to hear stories and experiences for those who've been around Victoria (or those who stay there!) on some of the highlights that you think are worth spending time on and we'll see if we wanna incorporate them into our plans. Many thanks!

Sorry, title should be Victoria in 10 days... but can't seem to change the title now

How do you drive down to Tasmania??? Submarine vehicle?
Well, go visit Philip Island.. There's a tree top walk and the most southernmost lighthouse along GOR. Be careful of your speed though, there's a few signs that show 100km limit at a 135 degrees bend.
 

How do you drive down to Tasmania??? Submarine vehicle?
Well, go visit Philip Island.. There's a tree top walk and the most southernmost lighthouse along GOR. Be careful of your speed though, there's a few signs that show 100km limit at a 135 degrees bend.

Err, last I checked, there's a ferry...

Philip Island? See the penguins? :) OK will go read up on the tree-top walk. thx
 

Tasmania is so good that you should spend a whole week there at least, there's many sights within driving distance of each other (Tassie isn't a very big island, half a day's drive would get you from the longest end to the other). However each sight takes time, and there's a lot of must-sees. You should make a Tasmania trip a trip on its own, instead of trying to fit it within 10 days.

I would say, search Boroangel's thread on his Melbourne trip. You can also do a Google search for the Great Southern Touring route - I've done this 3-4 day trip before, and it encompasses most of the must-go locations around Victoria.

Remember that if you harbour any intention to take photos in good light, you have to allow yourself extra time to wait around, so don't plan your schedule too tightly.
 

Tasmania is so good that you should spend a whole week there at least, there's many sights within driving distance of each other (Tassie isn't a very big island, half a day's drive would get you from the longest end to the other). However each sight takes time, and there's a lot of must-sees. You should make a Tasmania trip a trip on its own, instead of trying to fit it within 10 days.

I would say, search Boroangel's thread on his Melbourne trip. You can also do a Google search for the Great Southern Touring route - I've done this 3-4 day trip before, and it encompasses most of the must-go locations around Victoria.

Remember that if you harbour any intention to take photos in good light, you have to allow yourself extra time to wait around, so don't plan your schedule too tightly.

Thanks r32, we were intially considering Sydney instead of Tasmania, but Tasmania won out in the end after seeing photos of the beautiful landscapes. If its really that good, we may spend more time there, but sadly don't think we can spend the entire week there as we wanna see other parts of Victoria also. Will go search the two items you mentioned, thanks!
 

Just a question, for this kind of trip, how useful would bringing my 70-200 f/2.8VR be? Should I just leave it at home?
 

1. Melbourne city (got cousin there who can show us around), maybe 1-2 days
- Goto the Crown Casino in the evenings to shoot the fire balls display.

2. Wineries, maybe 1-2 days going around taking pics and more importantly, drinking wine!
- Do call the wineries as this is currently the harvest period, and they may not be open for visitors.

3. Great Ocean Rd drive.. maybe spend 2 days driving along.. what are the 'hot' spots besides 12 apostles?
- You have the London bridge, Loge Gourge etc.. The sunrises and sunsets are stunning! :bigeyes:

4. Drive down to Tasmania, maybe 2-3 days? What are the main highlights there?
- The last time I went there, I flew in and rented a car to drive ard (Book the car in advance!)

5. Any other places of interest? Grampians?
- Check out this website
 

Just a question, for this kind of trip, how useful would bringing my 70-200 f/2.8VR be? Should I just leave it at home?

IMO, if you dun mind bringing it, it'll come in handy. I'd say bring it. I'm sure you'll use it. :)
 

Hi Gymrat, it's been 5 years since I went (Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Tasmania, then finally up to Gold Coast), and here's the stuff that's stuck in my mind:

In Melbourne, don't bother to drive -- we walked and took the (free!) Circle Tram everywhere.
along Great Ocean Road:
we did a loop out and back to Melbourne. On the way back along the GO Road, stayed overnight in Lorne, which is set is a SPECTACULAR bay (look our for shots as you drive in/out). We stayed at the Cumberland Lorne, partly because each room had a washer/dryer (we did laundry every 3-4 days, selecting accommodation on that basis;) ) The bonus was a Jacuzzi with a view of the bay!

The lookout points (12 Apostles, London Bridge, etc) can be VERY windy (my backpack was blown almost horizontal!) and the salt spray isn't good for your camera, so you may want to protect it -- I left some spots with a layer of salt on my specs and UV filter.

We flew to Hobart and left Tasmania from Launceston (so we wouldn't have to waste time retracing our route). The ferry trip was long (suppose it still is) and 2-ways would waste a whole day. Wineglass bay was spectacular (although you have to do an uphill hike to get to the vantage point, and much longer if you actually want to get down to the beach! Salamanca Market in Hobart was fun, and colourful (weekend market, so check your schedule first!).

Have fun!
 

Thanks all, pls keep them coming! :)

Edwin, I suppose your idea of flying back is good, but we have a car already (my cousin's) so we won't need to rent another one. How long do you reckon the journey (one way) from Melbourne city to Tasmania would take?
 

Love Melbourne there, There is alot of things to see and Take photo on. I want there with my mum early of last month.

Check out the Poster's at the backally. It is like there is a few 100 poster over one and other
http://tn1-2.deviantart.com/fs11/150/i/2006/248/b/d/Clearks_II_by_Lord_Angelus.jpg

You will love to take photo on this people. They are may be will be there the weekend or firday Outside the train station.
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/39341860/?qo=36&q=by:lord-angelus&qh=sort:time+-in:scraps

One of the islands
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/39560417/?qo=33&q=by:lord-angelus&qh=sort:time+-in:scraps

You will see this three in the street
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/39947391/?qo=19&q=by:lord-angelus&qh=sort:time+-in:scraps

The Food there is kind of cold (like sandwhich, rice, meat, meat, meat and pizza). One meal at there is at least around $4.50 to $7 (without the drinks).

Check out their market at there. It is really good! And their Leather jackets there are cheap. You can talk to the person to lower their price if you want the jackets. The lowers they may give you is $140Aust or $160Aust. And if you go really early when they just open for work, they may give discourt on the thing you want to get.

There is alot of markets on Firday and Satday. Go And check out St Kilda. They have this art market where this people make it by themself and selling it at there. It is really good. And PLEAS cheak out their cake shop! They are still using the old kind of shop. It is REALL COOL!

If you love birds, there is alot of birds at there flying like wild parrots, sea gill and etc.
 

Love Melbourne there, There is alot of things to see and Take photo on. I want there with my mum early of last month.

Check out the Poster's at the backally. It is like there is a few 100 poster over one and other
http://tn1-2.deviantart.com/fs11/150/i/2006/248/b/d/Clearks_II_by_Lord_Angelus.jpg

You will love to take photo on this people. They are may be will be there the weekend or firday Outside the train station.
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/39341860/?qo=36&q=by:lord-angelus&qh=sort:time+-in:scraps

One of the islands
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/39560417/?qo=33&q=by:lord-angelus&qh=sort:time+-in:scraps

You will see this three in the street
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/39947391/?qo=19&q=by:lord-angelus&qh=sort:time+-in:scraps

The Food there is kind of cold (like sandwhich, rice, meat, meat, meat and pizza). One meal at there is at least around $4.50 to $7 (without the drinks).

Check out their market at there. It is really good! And their Leather jackets there are cheap. You can talk to the person to lower their price if you want the jackets. The lowers they may give you is $140Aust or $160Aust. And if you go really early when they just open for work, they may give discourt on the thing you want to get.

There is alot of markets on Firday and Satday. Go And check out St Kilda. They have this art market where this people make it by themself and selling it at there. It is really good.

If you love birds, there is alot of birds at there flying like wild parrots, sea gill and etc.

Thx for sharing! :)
 

victoria is loads of fun by itself if you intend to explore the place intensively.

ocean road, Grampians and ballarate are along the same route. along the way, you might wanna stop by some lavender farm. (though it's not in bloom now) Ballarate is a very old mine town, almost dead now but the architecture is very contrasting and nice as compared with mel. Ballarate also has mining tourist showcase(something that shows and educates the mining history of aussie) to me this is worth a visit. I think every thursday nite there will some kind of program on. You can also choose to spend a nite in this small sleepy town. total - 2 to 3 days for this route

GO Murray river... take the overnight cruise.... very nice lovely sunrise and sunset. This place is very Mississippi like. Ask me and I’ll tell you must go!!! total: at least 2 days

Wilson prompt is at the other end of victoria. Another must visit. This NP is very different from Grampians. if you explore "deep" enough, you will see some vast lands. a very different & beautiful sight. total: spend at least 2-3 days. (I spent abt a week there)

closer to mel, there are ofcoz some not to be miss area like st Kilda, Vic market (personally i prefer the weekend version) some nearby vineyards & a nite at the casino and river bank. There is a rainforest near mel too but you need a to-to train ride into this rain forest. Oh gosh… I forgot the name…nice experience otherwise nothing much here.

dont think there is still snow nw. so u can forget abt buller.

There are also ample cheap shopping streets w some factory outlets and nice eating place which I’m sure yr wife will enjoy.

Forget abt tas. With 2-3 days to explore that place, you are wasting yr resources. I think the ferry itself is gonna take you half a day to reach. Not sure is there is nite ferry though. The 2-3 days in tas will only allow you time to visit Hobart (where the ferry anchor) some nearby parks and a lookout (I thing is call mt Willington or something like that) and maybe Salamanca market on the Sunday. (the ferry used to do only a weekly departs abt 6-7 years ago. Not sure abt now.)

To get to the Hobart nearest and biggest attraction which is lake st. clair and cradle mt, you will need at least 2 days for a return driving trip not even to mention some historic places like Richmond which is very nice in the right light.

Suggest you should plan another trip to tas on its own. At least spend 12 days there. The last time, I traveled a loop from Launceston to Hobart then to Laun again. We did self drive and spend lots of time visiting many national parks along the way. An intensive travel but seen almost everything that need be + some extras . the motel group which arranges our car and stay is budget group . Per nite is abt aus$50/- with attached kitchen and up to max 5 beds. Car rental back then was also A$ 50/- only for a 1.3 manual.
 

victoria is loads of fun by itself if you intend to explore the place intensively.

ocean road, Grampians and ballarate are along the same route. along the way, you might wanna stop by some lavender farm. (though it's not in bloom now) Ballarate is a very old mine town, almost dead now but the architecture is very contrasting and nice as compared with mel. Ballarate also has mining tourist showcase(something that shows and educates the mining history of aussie) to me this is worth a visit. I think every thursday nite there will some kind of program on. You can also choose to spend a nite in this small sleepy town. total - 2 to 3 days for this route

GO Murray river... take the overnight cruise.... very nice lovely sunrise and sunset. This place is very Mississippi like. Ask me and I’ll tell you must go!!! total: at least 2 days

Wilson prompt is at the other end of victoria. Another must visit. This NP is very different from Grampians. if you explore "deep" enough, you will see some vast lands. a very different & beautiful sight. total: spend at least 2-3 days. (I spent abt a week there)

closer to mel, there are ofcoz some not to be miss area like st Kilda, Vic market (personally i prefer the weekend version) some nearby vineyards & a nite at the casino and river bank. There is a rainforest near mel too but you need a to-to train ride into this rain forest. Oh gosh… I forgot the name…nice experience otherwise nothing much here.

dont think there is still snow nw. so u can forget abt buller.

There are also ample cheap shopping streets w some factory outlets and nice eating place which I’m sure yr wife will enjoy.

Forget abt tas. With 2-3 days to explore that place, you are wasting yr resources. I think the ferry itself is gonna take you half a day to reach. Not sure is there is nite ferry though. The 2-3 days in tas will only allow you time to visit Hobart (where the ferry anchor) some nearby parks and a lookout (I thing is call mt Willington or something like that) and maybe Salamanca market on the Sunday. (the ferry used to do only a weekly departs abt 6-7 years ago. Not sure abt now.)

To get to the Hobart nearest and biggest attraction which is lake st. clair and cradle mt, you will need at least 2 days for a return driving trip not even to mention some historic places like Richmond which is very nice in the right light.

Suggest you should plan another trip to tas on its own. At least spend 12 days there. The last time, I traveled a loop from Launceston to Hobart then to Laun again. We did self drive and spend lots of time visiting many national parks along the way. An intensive travel but seen almost everything that need be + some extras . the motel group which arranges our car and stay is budget group . Per nite is abt aus$50/- with attached kitchen and up to max 5 beds. Car rental back then was also A$ 50/- only for a 1.3 manual.


Thanks for all of that.. we're still quite keen on Tasmania though... maybe try to squeeze mroe time for it, perhaps 5 days or so. We'll see :think:
 

Hi guys,

Will be making my first trip down under with the wife end of the month, and need some information on what would be the best way to spend our time. It will be a self-drive kinda trip, so we're open to suggestions.

In the 10 days, so far we plan to visit:

1. Melbourne city (got cousin there who can show us around), maybe 1-2 days
2. Wineries, maybe 1-2 days going around taking pics and more importantly, drinking wine!
3. Great Ocean Rd drive.. maybe spend 2 days driving along.. what are the 'hot' spots besides 12 apostles?
4. Drive down to Tasmania, maybe 2-3 days? What are the main highlights there?
5. Any other places of interest? Grampians?

Also, any nice hotels/motels/B&B's you encountered would be great, both in the city as well as along any of the places listed - preferably below AUD$100 a night ;)

Any places to share that are off the beaten track? Would like to hear stories and experiences for those who've been around Victoria (or those who stay there!) on some of the highlights that you think are worth spending time on and we'll see if we wanna incorporate them into our plans. Many thanks!

Sorry, title should be Victoria in 10 days... but can't seem to change the title now

You Like driving....?
Then you can drive form Melbourne ....all the way via GOR, up till Port Fairy. I did that back then with my wife and its really beautiful drive.

rgds,
Sulhan
 

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