My husband will be in Melbourne for the next year for work. We have 2 teenage daughters 15 & 17. The girls and I will be able to travel back and forth a few times during the year. Part of the reason my husband accepted this stint in Melbourne is so that we can take the kids there. This seems like a wonderful way for our girls to see a different part of the world. What do you all suggest to do in Melbourne to make sure our daughters get the very most out of oour trips there? Where should we go and what should we do? We will probably go there this June for 2-3 weeks amd over Christmas holidays. If the girls were younger we would probably move there with my husband but next year is my oldest daughter's senior year. Does anyone have a different opinion on this decision? Thanks in advance for all of your advice. Toni

Hi, Toni!<BR><BR>For starters, read the post headed "First Time Visit, Only 7 Days in September". There were a couple of posters to that message -- I think Marg was the name of one -- that really seemed to know their Melbourne. Maybe you could email them direct while you are waiting for replies here.<BR><BR>I agree that this is a wonderful way for you to show your daughters the world.... I envy them the experience, and I salute you for your initiative in doing this for them. I am sure they will have a wonderful time here because they will have learned from your positive attitude. I have never lived in Melbourne, but I hear it is a wonderful place, full of friendly people.<BR><BR>P.S. You will, however, make sure the girls get up to Sydney once in a while, won't you?

What a great opportunity for both you and your daughters! Spend some time in and around Melbourne itself. St Kilda, Fitzroy, South Yarra are interesting for trendy young fashion and cafe life. Visit Soverign Hill with the goldfields museum and replica goldfields town near Ballarat, spend a few days driving down the Great Ocean Rd. Visit the Grampians, the Yarra Valley and if at all possible spend a few days at Wilsons Prom - one of the greatest National Parks. Tourism Victoria have excellant information on all of these areas.<BR>Do your daughters have any special interests?

Toni, you do not say where your home base is I presume the school terms/quarters are different so it may a good experience to let your daughters go to school for a few days. That way they may meet some teenagers their age. My son did that in Sydney when we visited from USA and he was amazed at the different school systems, teaching etc. Maybe they could hook up with a youth group or even get a counsellors position in a day camp.

Here's some suggestions. Healesville Sanctuary specialises in Australia birds and animals. Melbourne Zoo also has a good range of animals and is only a few minutes from the CBD by tram. Take a ferry along the river to the Scienceworks Museum. Melbourne Museum is very new and has some great things for young people. Prahran is a great place for shopping and people watching. St Kilda Esplanade on Sunday for the terrific craft market and more people watching, plus walk a little further and have cakes and coffee in Acland Street. Queen Victoria market in the city for a great range of food, clothes, souvenirs etc.<BR>Visit the penguins at Philip Island. Go to Bendigo, interesting buildings and a good Chinese museum. Also near by, Maldon - little old town preserved by the National Trust. Ballarat is a must. The Great Ocean Road is another must - stay overnight at Port Fairy - little old fishing town. The Grampians is a good spot to look for kangeroos, emus, koalas etc.<BR>Try www.visitvictoria.com.au and www.melbournecitysearch.com.au<BR>Hope you all enjoy your stay in Melbourne.

Forgot something really important! Great factory outlets in Bridge Road, Richmond, just a short tram ride away from the CBD. Also in Swan Street, Richmond. With the Aussie dollar exchange rate, your girls will have a ball in the shops.