ATTN Melbourne, Australia! Im coming and need help...?

Question

so YAY I'm coming to do an exchange next January 2009!! Im pretty scared though...

I was wondering if anyone filled with knowledge can give me all the tips, tricks, and amazing bars and beaches!

I have a limited budget, there for 5 months, I would really enjoy taking off for certain weekends. Are hostels safe/clean?

My number one question are beaches. Whats the closest one, that's not gross? I hear I have to go like an hour away which is fine, but is it fairly easy to get out of town on a bus or train? Do you have trains lol? Are there special rates for student? Whats it cost? Will I get easily lost? Are surf lessons cheap?

I'm french canadian, do australians dislike outsiders? Should I hide that I am french?

What are the cool pubs and clubs? Are the men sleezy?Is it dangerous to walk around touring alone? Can I visit Sydney?

Im not looking for the stuff I can find on the tourist web sites, I want good specific advice from fellow/former university students. im 20/f & little lol

Answer 1

Hi there or should I say g'day!

You are going to have a wonderful time, Melbourne is a beautiful city.

I will try to answer any questions that I have some knowledge of.

All the beaches here are lovely, but if you are staying actually in Melbourne or inner city (St. Kilda, Richmond, Caulfield) then probably Brighton beach would be closest which is only approx. 20 minutes, although there are many, we are an island!

There are heaps of train/tram/bus services all of which offer concession fares for students.

Australia is a multicultural country and we LOVE visitors, you do not need to hide your nationality.

Most people (99%) will want to know all about where you live and the differences to Australia & talk to you for hours.

I would suggest you find out about any companies that organize tours for single young travellers or back packers so you can travel together and it gives you some people to go out with that are all in the same situation as yourself.

I wouldn't suggest walking the streets in inner city Melbourne by yourself late at night, while it is generally safe you just never know. I personally wouldn't.

The guys here are just the same as any where else, yes some can be sleazy especially when you add alcohol,  but most are good guys.

Sydney is only a short fight away, so yes you could easily fly to Sydney. Just to let you know everything in Sydney (from a can of coke to a hotel room) is more expensive than in Melbourne so you might want to allow a bit more in the budget if you intend on staying for any length of time.

I hope I was of some help, and I might just see you around!  Ã¢Â˜Âº

Answer 2

okay a lot of questions but i'll do my best.

first of all melbourne is like the best city i love it here.

cant fill u in on bars and stuff coz i only 15.

but the beach up the mornington peninsula. which is about 2+ hours from melbourne are great!!!

yeah u can take a train from melbourne to frankston. then a bus onto places like rosebud and sorento which is SO BEAUTIFUL. i live down that way and its seariously most funnest place around.

i might get lost but most people are really friendly and u just need to ask someone. probably go into the nearest shop and ask them how to get somewhere they will probably help you.

Surf lessons arnt too much i dont think. i dont know what u consider much though. but i got  4 lessons for about 200$ or it might have been less...

no most australians dont not like outsiderrs. yeah there can be sleezy  but not all oh them.

no it isnt really dangerous unless ur out alone at night i guess that would probably be the same anywhere. but its quite safe i think.

kay well thats all i know

:)

Answer 3

Melbourne is a good city to stay in :)

*The hostels are pretty good, I'd be survived if you had problems.

*You can get to St Kilda beach, and Brighton Beach by public transport, about 20 mins from the city, roughly. They are flat, being right up the top of Port Philip Bay. Brighton is cleaner than St Kilda usually is. The really nice beaches are further south and require a car, so get an international drivers licence if you can! If you're not accustomed to driving on the left, get a few lessons from the RACV (very easy to find.)

*Yes we have trains. They are fairly reliable. There are special rates for students, thank goodness. You can catch trains interstate (flights are usually cheaper) and between cities. For example, it's 2 hours from Melbourne to Bendigo (where I live!) I think a student discount will make it a bit over $9 each way. Not too bad. If you get lost, ask anyone and they'll help. Getting a map would be useful.

*Don't know about surfing lessons. The major cost is probably the petrol to get down to the surf beaches.

*Aussies have no problem at all with French Canadians :)

*I'm the wrong person to ask about pubs and clubs, but you'll get sleezy guys in Australia just as you get sleezy guys anywhere. Walking around at night by yourself is not a good idea. You'll be ok in the main streets, but don't walk down dark alleys! It would be much more sensible to go out with people from your hostel. Anyway, the people who work at the hostel can give you all the tips you need, most likely.

*You can visit Sydney if you want to. There are no laws preventing entry to French Canadians ;)

Melbourne is a big place, and there are lots of unis. It can take time to get from one place to another. Instead of staying in a hostel, try and get shared accomodation. You may not be able to, since you are only there for 5 months, but you may have some luck.