Travel: Australia - Melbourne

[MadScientist]

micollh:

i was told any food including milk powder and snack for kids must declare when going in Aus.. medicine.. can share ur experience on this? all pack into the luggage and check in right..

Here is how we do it... All the milk powder and food MUST declare.
We pack enough powder in a plastic bag for the journey there. A bit of excess is ok. The rest of the milk powder for the trip, is in an unopened new tin... So that even declaration at customs is no problem. They just want to know that the manufacturer is from SG. All other food stuff may not be necessary... Go to the supermarket and find the kids foodstuff, there is an awesome range which SG hardly has. We used to buy a carton of baby/toddler food back!

Medicine is also ok...

Just remember to pack all nicely in one lugguage so that you do not have to open everything up.

If you are lucky, some of the officers would be nice enough to help you get in front of the queue... Just smile and be happy and you might be lucky!

Good luck.

[micollh]

Thanks MadScientist !! so new tin of 400g milk powder is ok if declare right. ok then i wont bring too much snacks as my kids always hungry sigh… got to buy when we reach there and i plan to go to victoria market i was told can get many food there !! and pizza is superly cheap… we booked apartment so we can cook and all… so looking fwd to my trip !! abt the skybus from airport to CBD hotel (the apartment i book is near lonsdale), i can buy online from what is stated in website, is even cheaper than buy there… not sure i should get it online ornot…

[MadScientist]

micollh:

Thanks MadScientist !! so new tin of 400g milk powder is ok if declare right. ok then i wont bring too much snacks as my kids always hungry sigh.. got to buy when we reach there and i plan to go to victoria market i was told can get many food there !! and pizza is superly cheap.. we booked apartment so we can cook and all.. so looking fwd to my trip !! abt the skybus from airport to CBD hotel (the apartment i book is near lonsdale), i can buy online from what is stated in website, is even cheaper than buy there.. not sure i should get it online ornot..

Good day micollh

You are most welcomed.
Yes, a brand new unopened tin is ok... They understand.
We could bring in Pocky that was unopened too... Hut like you said, just enough for the trip, the rest can buy there.

I wasn't too impressed with Victoria Market myself, but it's a good place to visit nonetheless.

Sounds like you are going to have a ball of a time. We usually stay Southbank area... In any case, find the closest Woolys or supermarket and it should be good enough. Otherwise, yes, it's quite amazing (and disturbing) that the AUD is stronger and still many things are cheaper than sunny Singapore.

Oh! Go check out the kids canned meals... They have speghetti meatballs and other stuff... On offer, it's worth to get a few, pop it and heat in the microwave. The kids love it. Otherwise, plenty of fresh food around nonetheless.

Have a great Easter weekend, and an awesome trip ahead!

[micollh]

Thanks MadScientist, my trip will be in end May…still have plenty of time to plan…thanks for all the tips !!

[MadScientist]

micollh:

Thanks MadScientist, my trip will be in end May..still have plenty of time to plan..thanks for all the tips !!

You are most welcomed!

Anything particular info you need?
DW is going to Melbourne soon, and I can ask her to get some info back if convenient...

[micollh]

MadScientist:

You are most welcomed!

Anything particular info you need?
DW is going to Melbourne soon, and I can ask her to get some info back if convenient...

how to make phone call using our spore phone in Mel ? i need to call the person in apartment (if required)..

and do u thk she can help me to check if there is any day trip to mt. buller (i thk at the airport can get those day tour ?) heee.., if not too troublesome, pleasee.. else is ok, as we plan to go up mt buller for some snow play..

Thanks so much MadScientist !!!!

[MadScientist]

micollh:

MadScientist:

You are most welcomed!

Anything particular info you need?
DW is going to Melbourne soon, and I can ask her to get some info back if convenient...

how to make phone call using our spore phone in Mel ? i need to call the person in apartment (if required)..

and do u thk she can help me to check if there is any day trip to mt. buller (i thk at the airport can get those day tour ?) heee.., if not too troublesome, pleasee.. else is ok, as we plan to go up mt buller for some snow play..

Thanks so much MadScientist !!!!

Your SGphone should be on autoroam. Just select automatic network selection and it should hook up. Then call the number you need, as if you are calling from SG. Clearly, charges apply... A bit higher with the non subscribed autoroam.

Yup, will update you if we know anything... Never been to mount buller... Might be a sit we can consider next time we are there...

[micollh]

MadScientist:

Your SGphone should be on autoroam. Just select automatic network selection and it should hook up. Then call the number you need, as if you are calling from SG. Clearly, charges apply... A bit higher with the non subscribed autoroam.

Yup, will update you if we know anything... Never been to mount buller... Might be a sit we can consider next time we are there...

the no given to me is +61 (0) xxxxxxxxx , so i just dial all the numbers after switching to automatic network right? worried later cant get the call out then stuck.. haaa.. is there any public phone conveniently available in airport ? stupid q right?

[MadScientist]

micollh:

MadScientist:

Your SGphone should be on autoroam. Just select automatic network selection and it should hook up. Then call the number you need, as if you are calling from SG. Clearly, charges apply... A bit higher with the non subscribed autoroam.

Yup, will update you if we know anything... Never been to mount buller... Might be a sit we can consider next time we are there...

the no given to me is +61 (0) xxxxxxxxx , so i just dial all the numbers after switching to automatic network right? worried later cant get the call out then stuck.. haaa.. is there any public phone conveniently available in airport ? stupid q right?

Sounds cliche but there really never is a stupid question.

If I remember correctly, once you are on Oz network, call direct as that number... If cannot, then delete off the (0) and call again.

If really cannot. Seek assistance to use phone from the airport counters. People there tend to be helpful. And yes, definitely have public phones at the airport.

I confirm again in a few weeks time, after my DW returns.

[tinkertinker10]

Joined a tour to Gold coast then to Melbourne for couple of days and rented a car to extend stay. Easy to drive around with GPS and to find food. If you are staying in the CBD area, it is best to take the train ard, they have some trains on some days FOC for the tourists. Good experience for kids to visit the Chocolate factory and the penguins in Philip island and also taking real trains at Puffing Billy. Stuck at Victoria market for shopping and set off late to the mornington on a Thursday and was trapped at bad jam for a couple of hours so hv to turn back and missed mornington so best to set off early for it. Recently the TV program showed tour to mornington, featuring hot spring & wine appreciation and field maze there . Great ocean road is a must go if you like sceanic view, to and fro took whole day and we return to the city ard 11pm! OPtion optional tour to the GOR, Philip island will cost AUD100+per pax so best to rent a car to DIY if you are going in a group. Overall experience was good:)