Louis

<BR>Hi!<BR>We can only spend a day in Melbourne. May we know which is the better day to visit between Saturday, Sunday or Monday?<BR>We were told that the Sunday markets are great but is concern that whether all other shops and places of interest will be closed on Sunday. <BR>May we also know that is it better to park our car at some centralised place (where?)and use public transport? or is it OK if we drive from point to point in Melbourne? <BR>Thanks.<BR>

Aussie

The weekend is better for visiting Melbourne. What do you wish to see in your one day?<BR>Places of interest ?<BR>Point to point driving... to where ?<BR>Victoria Market is open at the weekend.<BR>St Kilda Market is open Sundays only.<BR>If you can fill in the gaps we will be able to help you better. Thanks

Kay

Louis,<BR>I'd choose Sat or Sun for your visit. On Monday the city will be full of business people. Depends on what you intend to see, but most things are open both days, like the zoo, museum, shops etc. There is a craft market on Sundays under the bridge near the Arts Centre and St Kilda market is good for crafts too (Sun). Vic Market is open both days.<BR>There are lots of parking garages in the city where you pay per hour, you could park there, or park on the outskirts of the city near one of the parks, like Botanical Gardens or Treasury Gardens. You can use the free City Circle tram that goes around the CBD and there are trams to the zoo, St Kilda etc.<BR>You'll be fine if you're used to city driving but we do have hook-turns because of the trams. These are signed above the intersection and the car pulls into the left hand lane to turn right. Lots of Melbournians hate those turns!<BR>Kay

louis

Thanks Kay.<BR>We normally do not spend much time in city as we live in a busy city ourselves. In city we never go shopping in a shopping mall but would prefer to go to some markets so that we have a chance to see and mix with the locals. We would also wish to have a feel of Melbourne.For a day where do you recommend we should go?<BR><BR>Thanks<BR>

Mary

I'd suggest you park either at Southbank or in one of the car parks near the city circle tram route. (it goes along Flinders, across Spring, down Latrobe &amp; along Flinders Sts). If you park at Southbank - walk to Flinders St and have a look at the new Federation Sq buildings and Gallery (it opened yesterday), take the CC tram to the nearest stop to the Queen Vic market then walk back - wending your way through some of the small streets and aracdes. Have a look at the Southbank market and then cross St Kilda rd and walk through the parkland to the Observatory Cafe on Birdwood Ave, at the entrance to the Botanic gardens. You'll see lots of Melbourne &amp; lots of Melburnians! Enjoy your day.

Mary

While I'd second the ferry trip to Williamstown if you have time- it is lovely (I should know as I live there)! I'd give the market a miss however- it's one of the less high quality and interesting ones - my personal pick for Melbourne markets is Southbank.

Kay

Mary makes a very good suggestion. Other options are to visit Vic Market in the morning, have croissants and coffee for breakfast (great place outside , cnr Elizabeth St, opposite McDonalds) have a browse and watch the buskers. There is usually a terrific South American musical group playing. You could buy picnic supplies for a lunch in the park and catch the free CC tram to the closest stop near Flinders St Station then walk across to the Botanical Gardens.<BR>Or catch a ferry down the Yarra from Southbank to Williamstown, an historic town and have lunch overlooking the water. They have a monthly weekend market.<BR>Or catch a tram down St Kilda Rd to the St Kilda market then walk down Acland St and have cake and coffee. The cake shop windows are worth a photo!! You can wander along the walkway next to the beach and out on to the pier.<BR>Hopefully you'll have great weather which brings out all the locals.<BR>Kay

louis

Thanks Mary and kay!<BR>May I know is the parking free or with charges? Must we buy any parking coupons prior or pay to attendant direct?

Mary

Parking is charged. I'm not sure how much it is at Southbank (around A$5-7 I think) but it is usually a flat per day rate for Sunday. If you're coming during the week it is much more expensive, about the same amount but per hour. You pay the attendant either on arriving or departure - depending on the car park.