Wendy

Hi Mark,<BR><BR>Just got back lat night after a few days in Melbourne. While you're in town take a little time the inner city lanes, arcades and walks - Block Arcade, Royal Arcade to name two. Follow Block arcade through to Little Collins St - try brunch at Brown Sugar Cafe or tea at Hopetoun Tearooms. Visit the numerous boutiques etc.<BR>Lygon St for Little Italy- any tram going up Swanston St to Melbourne University will take you there - trams come every couple of minutes- or perhaps wander up Brunswick St, Fitzroy for a more bohemian experience.<BR><BR>Antique shops wall to wall along High St Armadale from around No 500+ - take No 6 Glen Iris tram from the City. Edgy shops and boutiques along Chapel St. Prahan. Enjoy the Victorian architecture from the window of the tram.<BR><BR>Melbourne is a shopping and dining paradise - be warned! <BR><BR>Little books at your hotel - and every where else -will have Melbourne shopping guides, maps etc.<BR><BR>If you do go to Yarra Valley I could recommend De Bortoli winery for lunch - this is an upscale place not a winery cafeteria. Might be best to book if you go.<BR><BR>Best of luck - and have fun!<BR>Wendy

Mike

G'day Mark, <BR>here is some info for you about Melbourne. <BR>http://www.thecityguide.com.au/ <BR>On that page look for the Melbourne Greeter Service, <BR>"The Melbourne Greeter Service offers first time visitors to Melbourne, whether they are from overseas or within Australia, the opportunity to experience the city through the eyes and hearts of its local people." <BR><BR>It's a free service and is used extensively by my customers. They are all very impressed and full of praise. <BR><BR>Enjoy, <BR>Mike

Alan

Hi, again, Mark!<BR><BR>Have you left home yet? As promised, a couple (just for openers) of special events coming up in the Blue Mountains (west of Sydney) in the next month or so:<BR><BR>1. Food and Wine Festival: "Food with Altitude" May 4. Check www.bluemts.com.au/foodfestival<BR><BR>2. From June 1: Winter Magic Festival. Runs until June 29. Check www.wintermagicfestival.com. (The big parade is on June 22).<BR><BR>Have a wonderful time!

Mark

To Wendy, Mike and Alan:<BR><BR>Thanks for all of the great info.<BR><BR>Wendy, we will add those walks and area's to our list of things to see and do in Melbourne. Thanks again.<BR><BR>Mike,<BR>That was very kind to offer those suggestions for Melbourne and an introduction to the city. The "greeter" service sounds wonderful, I know that there is a similar service in NY City. I think taht would be a wonderful way to look at the city when we get in since we have the afternoon free.<BR><BR>Alan,<BR><BR>Thos are good happenings in the Blue Mtns. Unfortunatly it looks like we will miss both of them. we will be in Melbourne on the 4th, and will have left Oz on the 26th Oh well. It was nice of you to remember me. We are getting VERY excited about coming to Oz, only 5 more days till we leave (4/30) I will keep checking the various web site out that everyone has given to us while we are in Oz. maybe we will "bump into" some of you unknowingly while there. Thanks again for ALL of your help. We're getting close!!!!!<BR><BR>Mark

Mark

Well it's here and we leave tomorrow!!! We'll give a trip report when we get back after Memorial Day 5/27!<BR><BR>Thanks to everyone for the GREAT info.<BR><BR>Mark

JackColton74

I found an excellent resource with a compnay out of Denver - they do australia and I was very pleased. I think they are called queenslandertours but it may be travel. They set us up with an incredible package including air - highlights vacation of Australia and were able to help us with our scuba plans off of cairns as well. highly recommend.

emilid

Mark:

Feel free to email me if you have any questions about Katoomba/Blue Mountains. I'm from there -- although have lived in the US the past nine years -- and would be glad to help you with things I know now. I go back frequently, so I hopefully I won't be *too* rusty.

Warmly,
Liz (another Liz!)
[email protected]

Neil_Oz

Um - I suspect that Mark isn't monitoring this thread any more. He completed his trip in May 2002.

Karen246

If you are getting out of Melbourne - head up to Daysleford, down the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 (now 11 apostles). Up to Echuca to the Mighty Murray and along through the Rutherglen wineries and up to the high country - Bright - MtBeaty, Beeachworth - much better than staying in Melbourne. Enjoy