What to do in Melbourne & Hobart

[travel1]

Since my bride and I (of 48 yrs) tend to stay away from the ship's tours, what is your suggestions on trips or tours in Melbourne and Hobart. We aren't

into hiking, etc but can walk or snorkle. We will be in Melbourne 9Am to 6PM

on Feb 7, and Hobart 8 AM to 6AM on Feb 8th. Our first time to Australia.

Thanks in advance.

[KiwiIan]

Since my bride and I (of 48 yrs) tend to stay away from the ship's tours, what is your suggestions on trips or tours in Melbourne and Hobart. We aren't

into hiking, etc but can walk or snorkle. We will be in Melbourne 9Am to 6PM

on Feb 7, and Hobart 8 AM to 6AM on Feb 8th. Our first time to Australia.

Thanks in advance.

Hi, if you want to find a local private tour in these ports then if you follow this link you will find a list of private tour companies with links to their web sites and also an emaill address linl. There are also lists for the other ports of call. Here is the link http://www.mctours.co.nz/shore_trips___links.html#hobart

 

Regards

 

Ian [Tauranga]

[jane02]

Melbourne is the best city - you will love it. Public transport is easy and accessable. Do you like galleries, shopping, dining, zoos?? Let me know and I will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Jane;)

[Spikesgirl]

When we were in Melbourne, we spent the day wandering the streets of the city. Found this absolutely incredible little restaurant in an alley, did more shopping there than at any other point of the cruise and just had a blast discovering the city on our own. We just hopped onto the bus and used that to get around. There is a station very cose to the pier where we docked, so it worked out great.

 

In Hobart, can recommend the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and a wildlife preserve in (or just outside of) Hobart, but whose name escapes me at present. My biggest diappointment in Tasmania was that we didn't get to stay there longer. Really enjoyed the people we met and all that we saw there.

 

Charlie

[travel1]

Thanks for your reply. In Melbourne, I checked the private tours and they are

really expensive!!! The Princess has a tour visiting Serendip Wildlife Sanctury

and the You Yangs National Park which takes 5 hours. Would that give us time to visit the city on our own ?

In Hobart, we would like to visit Bonorong Wildlife park and also the town.

Can this be done by public transportation or bus tours you pick up a the dock? By the way the ship leaves at 6:00 PM both places.

Jerry

[ErinH1]

For Melbourne I have contacted the Melbourne Greeter Service and they have set us up with a volunteer who will show us around for a few hours in the a.m. I thought this might give us a feel for where we'd like to venture on our own and how to best utlize the public transportation. We have done the same with Big Apple Greeters in NYC and it's very nice being shown around by a local volunteer!

[Spikesgirl]

Jerry, your time might be longer than ours, but we were only in Melbourne for about seven hours. We done excursions in other ports and just wanted the day to ourselves. I don't know how much of the city you can see in the time you would have left over from the excursion. We were gone for five hours and only felt like we scratched the barest of surfaces in Melbourne - darn that luck, means we'll have to go back.

 

The ship, in our case the Regal, docked in downtown Hobart, so seeing the city was pretty easy. As I recall, there were buses and taxis ready to sweep anyone off to various points as we exitted the ship. We took a bus to the sanctuary. it was amazing to me how soft the fur of a Tasmanian devil was and how coarse the koala's fur is. Also, I got mugged by a wallaby there, so guard your treats!

 

Erin - you are right about local guides being the way to go. We had a local guide in Christchurch and it was a wonderful experience. We got to see the city through his eyes and I was blown away at the depth of his knowledge - I should know that much about my home town!

 

Charlie

[Aussie Gal]

Travel1,

 

If it were me I would not do the You Yangs tour in Melbourne. If you want to see our native animals then go to the best sanctuary in Australia and that is the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

http://www.visitmelbourne.com/displayObject.cfm/objectid.000DB963-42CD-1D81-B32080C476A90000/vvt.vhtml

 

You can usually combine this with a tour of our Yarra Valley with some of our wonderful wineries.

 

If you want to do a private tour here is a link to the limousine company we use all the time for transport to and from our airport:

 

http://www.southerncrosslimousines.com.au/

 

If you want to see our lovely city, then catch the light rail at the end of the pier and get off in the heart of the city and just walk. There is a circle tram which takes you around the city for free or you can catch a tram that will take you to our wonderful Botanical Gardens and Shrine of Rememberance.

We also have a free bus that will take you to our Museum and Exhibition Building.

 

Here is another link for the tram.

 

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=140&pa=1560&pg=1562

 

We also have the Victoria Market and the M.C.G. and the Rod Laver Tennis Centre where the Australian Championships are played in January. Here is a link to the market.

 

http://melbourne.citysearch.com.au/E/V/MELBO/0027/73/98/

 

We also have our Southbank with its many restaurants and our two wonderful Art Galleries, one at Federation Square and one in St. Kilda Road. Our Art Gallery is the best in Australia if you are interested in art.

 

http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/

 

Please ask any questions and I will endevour to answer them.

 

Jennie

[Aussie Gal]

Travel1,

 

Hobart is a completely different city to Melbourne. Melbourne is a large city with over 3 million people whereas Hobart only has 184,000 people so it is tiny.

 

It is a great city to walk around especially around the dock area with Salamanca place and close by is Battery Point with the tiny homes and the interesting shops. If you are there on a Saturday morning there is a wonderful market.

 

http://www.salamanca.com.au/

http://www.totaltravel.com.au/travel/tas/hobart/hobart/attractions/tours/battery-point-walking

 

I would take a tour to Richmond and to historical Port Arthur which has so much of the history of settlement in Australia. Whilst there, you get to go around the many building, houses etc and you also get a ferry ride on the water.

 

http://www.portarthur.org.au/

 

Another great trip is to Russell Falls in the Field National Park. This is only an hours drive from Hobart proper and has the tallest eucalypts in Australia. It is a very pretty walk once there.

 

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/natparks/mtfield/

 

Another wonderful excursion is to go by boat to Peppermint Bay. I am not sure if the time you have in Hobart allows for this but here is the website anyhow.

 

http://www.hobartcruises.com/index.cgi?pageID=pbcruise

 

I hope you enjoy your visit to our country.

 

Jennie

[Aussie Gal]

double post unfortunately

 

Jennie

[jane02]

Hi Jerry,

Well Aussie Gal has just about covered all of your options!

I personally wouldn't waste my time sitting in a bus on the Princess tour if you only have one day in Melbourne. As I mentioned, Melbourne is a very easy city to walk around and the public transport system is great.

There are plenty of fantastic restaurants as well - my husband and I eat out all of the time so just ask if you want a recommendation. It just depends on how you want to spend your day.

Jane;)

[travel1]

Thanks !!!!!!

Jerry

[stan1]

Melbourne is the best city - you will love it. Public transport is easy and accessable. Do you like galleries, shopping, dining, zoos?? Let me know and I will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Jane;)

Would appresicate Melboure information but don't know to e-mail you directly.

Stan

[Jane110]

Hi Jerry,

Well Aussie Gal has just about covered all of your options!

I personally wouldn't waste my time sitting in a bus on the Princess tour if you only have one day in Melbourne. As I mentioned, Melbourne is a very easy city to walk around and the public transport system is great.

There are plenty of fantastic restaurants as well - my husband and I eat out all of the time so just ask if you want a recommendation. It just depends on how you want to spend your day.

Jane;)

 

Totally agree!

 

Melbourne is one of the easiest cities to get around and I'm sure that the guide volunteer will give them a great tour.

 

I think that Melbourne has the most exciting cuisine in the entire world....and I've been to many places. So my advice is not to miss having a spectacular lunch while you're in Mel.

 

Aussie Gal, do you know the terrific cheese shop and cafe in Melbourne? Is it Richmond St. Larder or something like that? Owned by Stephanie Alexander.

That's a good lunch spot that's quick.

 

I also like Ezard or Momo's for a big lunch.

[Aussie Gal]

Jane,

 

How are you going? Haven't spoken with you for awhile. I think it is nearly time that you are coming down here, am I correct?

 

You are just about right. It is called the Richmond Hill Larder and it is in Bridge Road, Richmond about one tram stop further on than Punt Road. You need to catch either the Vermont, Burwood East or Wattle Park tram in Flinders Street to get there.

 

I also love any of the restaurants along Southgate for lunch. Such as Bistro Vite, E Gusto and Taxi at Federation Square is just brilliant either downstairs or upstairs.

 

Of course if you want to blow all your money in one go try Vue de Monde in the city.

 

Jennie

 

Jennie

[jane02]

We love Donovans & upstairs at the Stokehouse on St Kilda beach - especially for a long lunch - book a table by the window and "people watch" along the beach. There is always something interesting going on.

The Botanical in South Yarra is also excellent - just a stroll from the beautiful Botanical Gardens. (we are eating there this Saturday night).

Jane ;)

[ciroon]

Travel1,

 

If it were me I would not do the You Yangs tour in Melbourne. If you want to see our native animals then go to the best sanctuary in Australia and that is the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

http://www.visitmelbourne.com/displayObject.cfm/objectid.000DB963-42CD-1D81-B32080C476A90000/vvt.vhtml

 

Please ask any questions and I will endevour to answer them.

 

Jennie

Jennie, ?? about Healesville What do you suggest for means of getting there. We would like to do the sanctuary in the morning and then explore the city on our own. Thanks in advance.

[mringenoldus]

Also interested in that answer as we plan to do the same.

[Aussie Gal]

Jennie, ?? about Healesville What do you suggest for means of getting there. We would like to do the sanctuary in the morning and then explore the city on our own. Thanks in advance.

 

Unfortunately the Sanctuary is about 40km east of the city so there are only a few alternatives to get there. The first of course is using the ship's excursions as I am sure that tour would be offered but would probably be a full day tour.

 

The second would be to hire a limousine driver to take you there. Here is the site of a good reliable firm that is not too expensive. We use them all the time to take us to the airport when we travel and believe it or not they are cheaper than using a taxi.

 

http://www.southerncrosslimousines.com.au/

 

The third and last would be to book a local tour company. Here is a link to a good website.

 

http://www.zoo.org.au/healesville/location_hs.htm

 

Of course you could always hire a car, but it would be so hard to drive there in the limited time you have for a number of reasons including you probably are used to driving on the opposite side of the road, the logistics of finding the area and also getting used to our traffic as Melbourne is a large city of over 3 and a half million people.

 

I hope this is of some help to your plans.

 

Jennie

[mringenoldus]

You're on the Sapphire 3-12 sailing, correct? (Sorry - not at home and don't have my list of CC members) I wonder what it would cost to share a limo since we're thinking of the same tour in Melbourne. I will contact them to ask. Please let me know if you're interested.

[stan1]

Travel1,

 

If it were me I would not do the You Yangs tour in Melbourne. If you want to see our native animals then go to the best sanctuary in Australia and that is the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

http://www.visitmelbourne.com/displayObject.cfm/objectid.000DB963-42CD-1D81-B32080C476A90000/vvt.vhtml

 

You can usually combine this with a tour of our Yarra Valley with some of our wonderful wineries.

 

If you want to do a private tour here is a link to the limousine company we use all the time for transport to and from our airport:

 

http://www.southerncrosslimousines.com.au/

 

If you want to see our lovely city, then catch the light rail at the end of the pier and get off in the heart of the city and just walk. There is a circle tram which takes you around the city for free or you can catch a tram that will take you to our wonderful Botanical Gardens and Shrine of Rememberance.

We also have a free bus that will take you to our Museum and Exhibition Building.

 

Here is another link for the tram.

 

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=140&pa=1560&pg=1562

 

We also have the Victoria Market and the M.C.G. and the Rod Laver Tennis Centre where the Australian Championships are played in January. Here is a link to the market.

 

http://melbourne.citysearch.com.au/E/V/MELBO/0027/73/98/

 

We also have our Southbank with its many restaurants and our two wonderful Art Galleries, one at Federation Square and one in St. Kilda Road. Our Art Gallery is the best in Australia if you are interested in art.

 

http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/

 

Please ask any questions and I will endevour to answer them.

 

Jennie

Eight of us (four couples)will be in Melbourne on "Sapphire Princess" in February and would like to take a city tour in the morning, and spend time on our own downtown in the afternoon. Can you suggest a tour company to contact? I was unables to find a direct email address to you. Thanks.

Stan

[ciroon]

You're on the Sapphire 3-12 sailing, correct? (Sorry - not at home and don't have my list of CC members) I wonder what it would cost to share a limo since we're thinking of the same tour in Melbourne. I will contact them to ask. Please let me know if you're interested.

 

Yes, Maureen, We're interested. Let us know what you find out. I'll email you direct. Thanks for the options. Ron & Barb

[ciroon]

Unfortunately the Sanctuary is about 40km east of the city so there are only a few alternatives to get there. The first of course is using the ship's excursions as I am sure that tour would be offered but would probably be a full day tour.

 

The second would be to hire a limousine driver to take you there. Here is the site of a good reliable firm that is not too expensive. We use them all the time to take us to the airport when we travel and believe it or not they are cheaper than using a taxi.

 

http://www.southerncrosslimousines.com.au/

 

The third and last would be to book a local tour company. Here is a link to a good website.

 

http://www.zoo.org.au/healesville/location_hs.htm

 

Of course you could always hire a car, but it would be so hard to drive there in the limited time you have for a number of reasons including you probably are used to driving on the opposite side of the road, the logistics of finding the area and also getting used to our traffic as Melbourne is a large city of over 3 and a half million people.

 

I hope this is of some help to your plans.

 

Jennie

 

THanks so much-hopefully, Maureen and some other will all want to do the same thing and we can get together and share rides. Can't wait to see you part of the world. Ron &Barb

[mringenoldus]

I have tried twice to contact the limo company for a quote on a limo tour to Healesville Sanctuary on March 22....but no reply.

 

Any hints? Can you help??

[Aussie Gal]

Eight of us (four couples)will be in Melbourne on "Sapphire Princess" in February and would like to take a city tour in the morning, and spend time on our own downtown in the afternoon. Can you suggest a tour company to contact? I was unables to find a direct email address to you. Thanks.

Stan

 

Here are some websites of some Tour Companies in Melbourne.

 

http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne.php?id=450

 

http://www.onlinemelbourneguide.info/melbourne-tours.html

 

http://www.grayline.com.au/melbourne.php

 

Hope this is of some help.

 

Jennie