Temporary, 3 month, housing needed in Melbourne
 

My husband and I are temporarily (3 months) relocating to Melbourne for business next October. We are looking for advice on neighborhoods and sources for finding housing info. We live in Park Slope, Brooklyn, are in our 60's, love new adventures. We are looking for a furnished place where we can walk to restaurants, culture, commuting transportation, etc. . We were in Australia for a month two years ago but don't know Melbourne at all- we've only heard great things. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

We live in Melbourne so haven't had to find short term accommodation here. Rental leases are nearly always for 12 months and nearly always unfurnished.

If you want to walk to restaurants, you'd have to stay in the inner city, maybe Carlton, Richmond, Fitzroy, South Melbourne or obviously the city itself (CBD = Central Business District).

These places are where we would stay for a weekend but you could ask them about rates for longer term -
http://www2.citadines.com/en/austral...ne/bourke.html
http://www.punthill.com.au/
http://www.apartment401.com.au/

Medina, Quest and Mantra are chains that have apartments for short term rental.

You could also check out Gumtree but ensure the advertiser is legitimate - http://melbourne.gumtree.com.au/

Another idea is home swapping, these are quite popular though we've never tried it. If I could get 3 months off work, I'd love to swap!

One other tip for once you arrive, Queen Victoria Market (Vic Market to the locals) is fabulous for fresh food and loads of other stuff such as clothes and souvenirs. Big and popular.

Best of luck
Kay

You might also have a look at http://www.stayz.com.au/accommodation/vic/melbourne


Melbourne is a great city; you'll have a wonderful time. And you'll be there for the racing season.

There are a lot of short term business apartments in the docks area. I had one for a month and price was reasonable, easy access to bus, trams and even the costco.

Sabbatical homes is another possibility: they have rentals, exchanges and house sitting. I don't think you have to be an academic:

http://sabbaticalhomes.com/