Melbourne's accommodation?

[cygnus]

I'm planning to spend a week in Melbourne in the coming uni break with my gf,
anyone knows where to find cheap stays?

[Borgeman]

er, ill look around for you

meetup anyone?

George

[STL]

You can try a few of the backpacker hostels that have twin rooms. They're very cheaply priced and a lot of traffic of other tourists too. They're all located conveniently in the heart of Melbourne. $24-30 a night when last I stayed in one. (which was a few years ago)

If you're looking for some motels, there are a few in the Bundoora or Broadmeadows/Fawkner area not far from the Hume highway but they'll take longer to get to the city from. $60-80 a night

[cygnus]

thanks STL and Borgeman,
i did looking through some motels...(so far cheapest is $66 per night in the heart of the city)
since my gf can't share room with strangers.
How good/bad is the Melbourne transport?

so any recommendations about what to do in Mel?
I only know Crown Casino up to now.
And by the end of June/ Early July, how cold will Mel be?

I really can't do any meetup (as i m with gf) but i can bring along stuff anyone wants it to save postage.

[Paulbot]

How good/bad is the Melbourne transport?

Melbourne public transport is excellent
(said with the disclaimer that I work at the state's Department of Transport )

And by the end of June/ Early July, how cold will Mel be?

I think it will likely be very cold around then.

[STL]

thanks STL and Borgeman,
i did looking through some motels...(so far cheapest is $66 per night in the heart of the city)
since my gf can't share room with strangers.

A "twin share" room is actually for 2 people only. A bit more expensive but nice in a hostel cos it gives couples or temporary friends a cheap accomodation alternative.

I considered it very convenient when backpacking.

How good/bad is the Melbourne transport?

It depends really. If you want to stay around the city areas and inner east, it really is pretty good. Once you want to say head out to some of hte outer suburbs, it's not so desirable.

so any recommendations about what to do in Mel?
I only know Crown Casino up to now.
And by the end of June/ Early July, how cold will Mel be?

As Paulbot said, expect it to be pretty cold. We're already having a colder than usual April than I've remembered for a few years now. I know cos I'm wearing jeans whereas in the past, you'd find me walking around in shorts.

As for what to do outside of Crown Casino (which isn't that great any way)
- Royal Botanic Gardens/the Shrine
- Alexandra Gardens in Kew are very nice
- Dining in the little laneways in the city's is a definite must
- Doing a tour of the MCG
- Shopping along Chapel Street
- Rialto

[Demonac]

It will be freezing by the time july rolls around. Especially in the morning.
Public transport isn't too bad, so long as you avoid peak times!
Other items I suggest:
- Boat cruise on Melbourne River Cruises
- Bridge Road for shopping
- Brunswick Street for food
- If you can, take a drive east up to the Dandenong Ranges
- Instead of the Rialto, the Eureka tower is another option (it's taller)
- And for something indoors: Chadstone, Southland or Highpoint shopping centres