Travel: Australia - Melbourne

[micollh]

aurorin:

The aquarium is nice.. though sydney's better. But kids will like it anyway. Surprisingly, the melbourne museum isnt just targetted for the older kids and adults. My DD loved it from the age of 2.. the dinosaur bones and animal exhibits are really cool and there's a two play areas (on each side of the museum), indoor garden and a children's gallery with activities as well.


For 4 and 2, you might also wanna try the zoo. Melbourne zoo is in the city but Werribee Zoo, 1/2 hr drive in the west has a african theme and safari bus which takes you into the big enclosure to see the zebras, giraffes etc. Might be cool for the kids and adults.

Oh, if you go shopping at DFO at docklands, there is a indoor playground called monkey mania where you can deposit the kids (charges apply) and your hubby if u want some peaceful shopping time. *chuckles*

i check the website for for musuem and Werribee Zoo.. u r right.. it will be something kids will like..esp the zoo.. i saw the melbourn zoo at city before not that tempting.. this Werribee Zoo is worth a visit !

thanks !

Good idea on the shopping portion.. haaa

[micollh]

anyone experience apply visa online and said not successful ? went down to the high com,. they said dunno y… ask to go home and wait… not case ID, no estimnate time… si beh jialat wor their attitude… bo chap.

[bebebub]

micollh:

anyone experience apply visa online and said not successful ? went down to the high com,. they said dunno y.. ask to go home and wait.. not case ID, no estimnate time.. si beh jialat wor their attitude.. bo chap.

I had that once. Out of 4 applications, 1 was withheld. Wait a day or 2, and the approval came through. Depending on the website you use, you can contact them for assistance.

Go down High Comm also no use. They dun entertain walk-in tourist visa applicants these days.

[micollh]

bebebub:

I had that once. Out of 4 applications, 1 was withheld. Wait a day or 2, and the approval came through. Depending on the website you use, you can contact them for assistance.

Go down High Comm also no use. They dun entertain walk-in tourist visa applicants these days.

they emailed to say ETA grant. that's it.. waste time .. waste leave.. but glad it's done. so troublesome.. they din even say why it was not successful. so not transparent.

[bebebub]

micollh:

bebebub:

I had that once. Out of 4 applications, 1 was withheld. Wait a day or 2, and the approval came through. Depending on the website you use, you can contact them for assistance.

Go down High Comm also no use. They dun entertain walk-in tourist visa applicants these days.

they emailed to say ETA grant. that's it.. waste time .. waste leave.. but glad it's done. so troublesome.. they din even say why it was not successful. so not transparent.

Chill, dun be upset.
Yes, no explanation. I think immigration dept generally dun give reasons, including Singapore. Most times the application will come thru, if u dun see any real reasons to be rejected. Just random lah.
Melbourne is a great place for family holidays. Hv fun!

[micollh]

thanks bebebub… im going going going soon !!!

[micollh]

any tips on taking cab in Mel ? go by meter ?

[aurorin]

micollh:

any tips on taking cab in Mel ? go by meter ?

Cabs are notoriously expensive here. It goes by meter (but may have dodgy ones at the airport that offer 'fixed' rate but dont go for those) and a trip from airport to the city can cost up to A$60+..

Take airport shuttle, tram or train (in and around city).. it is convenient and cheaper.

From airport to city, there is the airport bus shuttle from outside the international terminal (red bus - abt ~$17.5 per person one way, children free i think, google 'Skybus') to southern cross train station in the city, which then offers a free bus transfer to any hotel in the city. Alternatively, there are pte bus transfer direct to hotel (~A$28 two ways - google \"Starbus\" but i think also got other companies).

Rent a car for travelling outside of city. I usually do my rentals when i need from East Coast car rental, which is abit cheaper than Hertz etc, and its located in the city. A small car per day will be less than $50 a day (cheaper than taking cabs) unless if you have some membership etc from Hertz, then maybe cheaper with them.. Just make sure you go google/youtube on how to do \"Right Hook Turn\" which is unique to Melb city, cos of the tram lines. New drivers will be abit confused by the signs and how to do.. plus traffic in city is abit busy so better go do homework abt it first before driving in and out of the city.

Cheers!

[kooky83]

Yea, I think it will be good if you know how to drive in melbourne. Definitely much cheaper to rent a car and drive your family around to different attractions. Find a good hotel with convenient location so you can drive to the places easily.


Some places i recommend to go with your family.
Sovereign Hill
Australian Shark and Ray Centre
Collingwood Children's Farm
Scienceworks
Melbourne Aquarium
Werribee Open Range Zoo

[Blessed Homemaker]

My kids love Werribee Zoo, Puffing Billy and penguin watching @ Phillip Island. They were 2 & 4 then.