Melbourne - neighborhoods, hotels, sites

[kdp77]

Headed to Melbourne, which part of the city should we stay in?
City central, St. Kilda, South Yarrow...other?
we want to take in all the city sites via public transportation
picking up a car a couple days later to do Gr. Oc. Dr.
What are some 'not to miss' things in Melbourne?
Thanks!

 

[Scubaroo]

Hi,

Funny, my wife is from Maryland.

I would suggest staying in the city - or if you can afford it, maybe at the Crown Casino on Southbank (literally a stone's throw over the Yarra from the central business district). List of things - the casino, the National Gallery of Victoria (check what exhibits they have on), the Melbourne Aquarium, Bourke St Mall shopping, Chinatown, maybe Ripponlea Estate, Werribee Zoo, diving at Portsea, St Kilda Beach, penguins tour, Chadstone shopping centre... there's a visitor's centre in the Bourke St Mall, and also one in Federation Square (right next to Flinders St station - central landmark of the city). There's a free city circle tram that does a loop of the city, otherwise get the regular trams, but be sure to have change for tickets, or pre-purchase them - some of the inspectors are rather anal and have been known to give tourists a hard time.

US Consulate is on St Kilda Rd, about 10 mins from city centre should the need arise.

cheers