I'm going to be in Melbourne for 2 weeks for business in Jan., and am looking for some recommendations on:<BR><BR>1) What to do the day I get there (a Sat.) to keep me awake until bedtime, and how best to spend the next day (Sun.).<BR><BR>2) Things that might be open in the evenings that I can visit after work.<BR><BR>3) What to wear when sightseeing... I'll obviously have business clothes with me, so I'll have nicer things for dinner. But for touring, will I totally stick out as a tourist if I'm wearing shorts and running shoes, like I would in Europe? Should I stick to skirts and sandals?<BR><BR>As for the weekend during my stay, before anyone recommends a trip to Sydney I'm already planning on going wine tasting with friends. I figure not going to Sydney on this trip just gives me more reason to go back!<BR><BR>Any suggestions MUCH appreciated!<BR><BR>Thanks -<BR>Cynthia

Depending on where you're staying there's lots to do on a Saturday. All the shops are open (most open on Sunday too) or go for a walk around the laneways of the CBD, through the Botanic gardens or visit Federation Square and the new gallery of Australian art. Evenings during summer have lots of options as it doesn't get dark until 9pmish- visit a beach, restaurant or stroll along Southbank.<BR>Smart shorts and runners are fine during summer - you won't stick out.<BR>Depending on where you're going wine tasting you could also add in a trip to Healsville sactuary (if Yarra Valley) or take the ferry across from Sorrento to queenscliff, or a walk in the very interesting Nepean National Park (if Mornington Peninsula).

Australians dress fairly casually so you'll fit right in in shorts and running shoes. Here's some suggestions - a walk along the river at Southbank (shops, eating places, restaurants, people watching).<BR>Visit the craft market on the Esplanade at St Kilda on Sunday (good crafts, people watching, beach - plus walk a bit further and check out the cake shops at Acland Street). Take the tram.<BR>Visit the Melbourne Zoo (again by tram).<BR>Take the ferry from Southbank along the river to Williamstown - old port area, lots of little shops and eating places. Check out Melbourne's parks. Check the newspaper for what's on as there is a lot of free entertainment around the city during January.<BR>If you want to go to the theatre, there is a half-price ticket booth in the mall.<BR>Incidentally, look out for the free City Circle tram - does a loop around the CBD - there are usually vintage trams painted brown.<BR>Hope you enjoy your visit to Melbourne.

Please be aware that Melbourne can be very variable and that over two weeks in January the maximum temperture each day can vary from 60F to 105F and can drop 30F in an hour.You will need to watch the weather forecasts closely.At the moment it is about 90F.That is not to say that it isnt a great place.Just getting a tram(trolley car)to the end of the line can be interesting.You should enjoy Melbourne.The weather is always interesting.

When visiting Melbourne I have always loved the tram trip to St Kilda on the bay - catch it in Swanston street - cheap and a fun destination.<BR><BR>For your weekend, why not get a cheap air fare to Hobart on Friday night (1 hour trip), the second oldest Austalian city and very walkable with lots of lovely old buildings. Go to the Salamanca market on Saturday morning, then a walk through the old suburb of Battery Point, then a trip on the river and a ride to the top of Mount Wellington - the best view in Australia!<BR><BR>A bonus is that Hobart is often much cooler in Summer than Melbourne.