Visiting Melbourne! (Pre-trip To Know, To Prepare)

G'day! I visited the land of down under for the 2nd time last year. However, it was my 1st time going to Melbourne, Victoria and it was for a wedding of my good friend. Spent a good 2 weeks over there. Of course, before talking about my trip, this post is dedicated to Pre-visiting the wonderful capital of Victoria!

1) Applying for Visa

As mentioned in the previous traveling post , you always need to check for visa requirements. This is very important when you visit Australia.

 If your passport is from: Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, Brunei, USA, South Korea, Hong Kong or Japan.

 You simply have to visit: http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/  to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for AUD$20 so that you will be permitted to enter the country. The approval is almost immediate and you will get a reference number. Do it at least 1 week before you fly ! Not exactly a risk-taker here. There are cheaper alternatives if you do it through alternatives for around SGD$12.

For the other countries, you will have to apply for an eVisitor or Visitor Visa. Check THIS out.

2) Useful Apps of Melbourne, Victoria!

Getting Around!

If you are planning on taking public transport here are a few useful apps that I would recommend:

You will need to get a Myki Smart Card once you land at Melbourne Airport from the Myki machine at Terminal 2, 3 and 4.

My Top Choice of Transport App because it covers everything:

- *Public Transport Victoria App (Free) 

Journey planner and schedules for trains, trams and buses throughout Victoria (You can plan for specific timings. They are usually pretty punctual.) 

- Others: Train Trapper, TramTracker, Tram Hunter, SilverTop (Taxi), 13CABS (Taxi) 

I do not recommend Taxis as they are really costly. You would want to spend more on food and shopping! :) 

Things to do and eat!

This is a good starters app if it's your first time in Melbourne and have got no idea what to do and eat. It will practically provide you with the main have-to-go attraction in the city. Like the main shopping malls, popular sites, festivals & events etc. 

-* Melbourne Official City Guide (Free)

General things to see and do in Melbourne. 

Arts Related Events & Festival

If you are an artsy fartsy lover like Gem and I, then do download these apps if you have no time to research on the festival that you want to attend. 

-* Melbourne Fringe Festival (Free)

The different festivals that is happening at Melbourne and the emerging arts! 

-Others: Melbourne International Film Festival 

History & Heritage

Yes! I love the nature, the arts, the history and culture of the places I travel. So history lovers or even curious tourists. Here's an app that will probably bring you to special places such as the Olympic Pool Stadium, Old Customs House, Shrine of Rememberance, Churches... You name it, we have it. You won't get to see them when you are with a tour group! TURN ON YOUR LOCATION AND YOU CAN BEGIN DISCOVERING! :) 

-*Vic Heritage (Free)

3) Additional Things to Bring Along (Regardless of Season)

- Windbreaker (best if it's waterproof!) 

- Jacket (waterproof and windproof) 

- Umbrella

- Sunscreen

The weather in Melbourne is temperamental. Yes. You can experience 4 SEASONS in a day. No kidding.  However, be prepared so that you will not let it spoil your traveling plans! 

4) Research on the Cafes and Coffeeshops

Besides the commonly known Seattle for its coffee culture, I must say that the all around the city, they are serving really awesome coffee. You will be overwhelmed by the number of coffeeshops or cafes around. From latte, cappuccino to cold brew. Don't worry! I will cover some of the popular ones that I visited in the next few posts about Melbourne :D 

5) FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD research 

Honestly, due to the European Settlement, Gold Rush Immigration and Post-war Immigration, and the welcoming of migrants in the recent years,  Melbourne is a place that consists of authentic cuisines from almost all over the world.  (Well, my prof. who is from Melbourne sort of mentioned this too!)

Let me list some: Lebanese, Greek, Vietnamese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Indian, Maltese, Bosnian, Chinese ........... 

However, they are located in different areas of Melbourne, from North to South, East to West. If you are a foodie like me, then you probably wouldn't mind traveling. Heh! But oh oh. Do take note of their FUSION FOOD as well! 

Make use of Urbanspoon by Zomato:
http://www.urbanspoon.com/c/71/Melbourne-restaurants.html

They usually have reliable reviews from customers if you want to know which restaurants tastes good. \

SAVE YOUR STOMACH FOR YUMMY FOOD!! 

6) Football, cricket and sports culture

Well, I don't know much about this, but I heard that they have a really strong sports culture especially in football and cricket. Let me know more about this through maybe an email so that I can update? 

7) Learn some of their Funky Slangs! 

That's all I have for now! Look out for the latest post! Oh yes. This is going to go onto http://60bpm.blogspot.com  . Check us out too!

Have a good one! Hoo Roo!