What to do with one week in Melbourne
 

I will be in Melbourne for just one week on business. Although free time is limited, what must I make time for? What are the items to purchase as souvenirs of the trip? What other items are good buys in Australia using US dollars?

If you are at all into sports, you should visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which has near-religious significance for too many Aussies. Its on Brunton Ave (http://www.mcc.org.au/ <BR>). <BR>If you like open-air markets, visit the Queen Victoria Market. <BR>A good viewpoint is the 55th-story Rialto Towers Observation Deck on Collins Street.<BR>If you like museums, then check out the Melbourne Museum at Carlton Gardens and the National (Art) Gallery of Victoria, on Russell St.<BR>The Melbourne Zoo, on Elliott Ave., is Australia's oldest; and the Royal Botanical Gardens in South Yarra are supposed to be some of the finest in the world (if you go for that sort of thing).<BR><BR>I'm sorry that you have limited time, because if it was up to me, I'd chuck all of the above and ferry or fly to Tassie!

Hi Terry!<BR><BR>As a born and bred Aussie girl, you are in for a real treat! Melbourne is a relaxed city compared to Sydney. In your free time, Visit Acland street on Sunday morning for the best cake shops and then walk to the Esplenade Market, close to luna park. Not only will you pick up souvenirs, but the vista is beautiful on a Sunny day (any time of year). <BR>Southbank resturants are costly, but some have magnificent views over the Yarra. Crown Casino for gambling is something to pass time if that is what you enjoy doing.<BR>Williamstown is a nautical town with great little resturants, antique shops and a marine museam and you can take a ferry to St Kilda.<BR>If water isn't your theme (it is mine) then a trip up to the Dandenongs (Dandenong mountains) is beautiful on a nice day. There are many places in Ferntree Gully, Silvan, Monbulk (+++) for Devonshire tea, antique shops, markets (lillydale) etc.<BR>If you want any other tips, just let me know and I'll be happy to help out. <BR>Try out Yum Cha at Shark Fin House in China Town or on Burwood Hwy (if you go up to Mount Dandenong).<BR>Victoria Market on Sunday, MCG, cinemas (Gold Class!), ferry trips on the Yarra and St Kilda... Shrine visit, Botanical Park.<BR>Cheers<BR>Sarah<BR>P.s. souvenirs of kangaroos, koalas, boomerangs, aboriginal artwork is the way to go.

As well as all of the other suggestions, don't miss the new Federation Square - amazing buildings and space and home of the just opened Gallery of Australian art. Adjacent is Birrurung Mar - a wonderful modern parkland leading to the Yarra river.

Visit the Queen Victoria market for a good range of souvenirs, plus windcheaters, t-shirts etc.<BR>The new Federation Square has an excellent art gallery specialising in Australian art (and it's free).<BR>If you want to shop for clothes, try the factory outlets in Bridge Road, Richmond - only five minutes from the CBD by tram.<BR>Incidentally, there is a free City Circle tram around the CBD - look for the brown vintage trams.<BR>The craft market on Sundays at St Kilda Esplanade is also worth a visit.

When in Melbourne a year ago we went on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant for an evening. It's a restored tram converted into a first-class restaurant, and dinner is cooked and served on board as you tour around the city. It was realy great and everyone in our group raved about the atmosphere, service and food. You pay a fixed amount on reservation, and this covers all food and drink. I highly recommend it. Also took a trip out to Healesville for indigenous Aus wildlife which was interesting, and enjoyed the Melbourne Aquarim (sp??).