Sat & Sun in Melbourne, what to do?
 

Business trip lands me in Melbourne on a Friday night in August, leaving Sat & Sun with nothing planned till the meetings begin on Monday.

Having never been there, I would appreciate some advice on the sightseeing essentials for a weekend in Melbourne. I'll have a car, so getting out and about will be possible.

There are heaps of things to do in Melbourne, especially, over a weekend, it just depends of what "appeal" to you!
The wineries in the Yarra Valley are nearby, you could even drive to Healsville to the zoo, or Marysville to see the fantastic tree fern forest.
Why not a drive down to sorrento, or take the vehicular ferry across to Queenscliffe, and then Geelong, and then right back around to Melbourne (great circular trip).
You could even go down the Great Ocean Road for one nights stay, then return to Melbourne.
In Melbourne, there are restaurant areas to eat out in, eg. Lyon Street, St.Kilda Beach (markets along the esplanade on Sunday, I seem to remember), Brunswick Street, etc, etc,
I'm sure there are others on this Forum you will fill your mind with places to go.

Well Uncle John
A lot depends on your interests, but a few suggestions
Impressionists exhibition at the Art Gallery
Werribee Park- an old mansion, a great hotel, the state rose garden, polo field and an open range zoo (All within 40 minutes drive of the CBD)
Australian Rules Football match at MCG
Aquarium
Old Melbourne Gaol
Trip to the Yarra Valley Vineyards
A game of Royal Tennis
Markets-Queen Victoria, St Kilda Esplanade (Sunday)
Day trip to Daylesford (spa country0 and a meal at Lake House
Trip to the Ballarat or Bendigo (gold rush cities)
Federation Square, especially the indigenous art exhibit
Puffing Billy and the Dandenongs
Want to go snow skiing, then Mt Buller is doable in a day (however would recommend that you go a day tour which provides all equipment and transport)
Ferry to Williamstown asnd Scienceworks
A day exploring the lanes, arcades, cafes food etc. Chinatown, Greek Precinct
If gaming is an interest then the Casino Complex, also has many good eating options and if you are here during the Olympics there will be big screens telecasting all events.
Trust this gives you an idea of the diversity of activities

I'd go for the most interesting (see - I didn't say only interesting) thing in Melbourne - football, preferably at the MCG - where you may well freeze. Failing the MCG - try one of the other matches.

Despite Margo's most negative response there are dozens of interesting things to do in Melbourne apart from the football (which indeed is interesting). And it is HIGHLY unlikely that you will freeze unless of course we have some cataclysmic disaster a la The Day After Tomorrow. You will probably need a warm coat as the wind at the MCG can be fresh. Of course as we don't know where Big Uncle John hails from (could be Alaska) the climate in Melbourne could almost be balmy to him.
Any way Big Uncle John do try and catch a game of footy - it is a great game - but as others have suggested here there are tons of other things to occupy a weekend in Melbourne.

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
Hi again Uncle John
The above website will give you lots of information on things to do in Melbourne. It is updated regularly for events.
As Danielle has said you will not freeze if you decide to go to the football (the winter temperature ranges from 6 celsius overnight to 15/16 celsius during the day). The MCG may be a little breezy as the ground is in the process of being redeveloped and there are open areas where some stands once were.

And try not to take notice of the inevitable reaction of a Sydneysider to such a question, which would be something like "slash your wrists". There's plenty to do in Melbourne.

Well thanks for noth'n youse lot! I am heading to Melbourne on Sunday and wanted to know myself what to do on the two days that I won't be occupied at the Trade Fair. No I don't want to watch aerial ping pong but won't have a car so need some other suggestions - remember Neil I am a Queenslander so it will be "soldiers" for me.

Liz
Go and see the Impressionists:Masterpieces from Musee d'Orsay at the national Gallery
$20 per adult, a must see
this exhibition is only in Melbourne, it will not tour (I think that is because of insurance issues), closes in September
www.ngv.vic.gov.au

Big Uncle John - in case you are confused Aerial Ping Pong is the name those in our northern states give Aussie Rules Football - because unlike Rugby League and Union the football is mostly in the air being kicked and handballed to move it up the field whereas with rugby the player usual holds the ball and runs with it (getting mauled and knocked over in the process).

Thank you B99 I will certainly do that - sounds terrific. I am going to France in October but not into Paris so this will be a treat.
Danielle:
Sorry love, its aerial ping pong 'cause the guys have these tight little shorts and they are always leaping around like ballet dancers - actually should be the "nut" cracker sweet!!!!!!

or should that be "sweet nut crackers"?

I would really recommend a visit to the Queen Victoria Market on Saturday morning. It's on the edge of the CBD and on Sat morning has loads of atmosphere, great buskers (the South American band are terrific), fruit & veg, meat, seafood, deli, all sorts of clothes, souvenirs, you name it, they sell it. There are a few good places to have a light breakfast or coffee, try the croissant place on the corner of Elizabeth St opposite McDonalds. You do have to sit outside there so no good if it's raining.
The view from the top of the Rialto Tower in the CBD is stunning. There is lots to do in the city without driving but it does depend on your interests. A day driving to Healesville to see the sanctuary, have lunch and a browse around the town and a walk at Maroondah Dam would be a nice idea. They have set times at Healesville Sanctuary for feeding of certain animals, like the koalas, so check out their website if you don't want to miss out.
Hope you enjoy Melbourne and the weather isn't too cold for you!
Kay

Thank you all so much for your ideas. I definitely will try to get in a footy match, I'm packing the warm woolies just in case!

Being from Chicago, I understand watching sports in the cold -- Baseball in April (5C and raining) and Gridiron football in December (-10C and lake-effect snow).