Melbourne Travel Forum

Hi all, had some questions regarding how to i get to such places. Now i deciding between using those day tour package or simply rent a car to go to such places or is there other means by public transport? So far the tour package cost around 100 for each places so i guess either by car or public transport will be more cost effective.

hi there!

its up to you... if you drive you wil have more freedom etc & it may work out more cost effective but keep in mind that the petrol is not that cheap these days but philip isalnd is only 1.5 - 2hrs drive from the city & great ocean road is in the opposite direction & you would prob spend only $20-$30 on petrol (depending on what time of car you hire) & then all the other things (like entrys into places) shouldnt cost you too much.

There are probablly other buses that go to philip island but im not sure of a train that goes that way!

I hope this helps...

If there is more than one of you hiring a car - even with increased petrol prices - would be more cost efficient and you will get to see much more of the coast or the island and areas in between.

It is an easy drive to both areas and if you do the Great Ocean Road you can do a circle route seeing some great tourist areas off the coast road.

Both are very difficult (impossible in a short time frame) with public transport.

Hi there thanks for the input. Well I'm considering spending 1 day in great ocean road and 1 day in philips island. There will be 2 of us on this journey. As for the day tour, I have checked the price for both places. Each day cost cost around $100 aud. Anyway is driving in melbourne very difficult since I have drove in singapore before only.

$100 per person per day does seem a lot for the 2 x one day trips, however if you consider the costs of renting a car + fuel + insurance + entrance into attractions etc its not that bad. Add the stress of not knowing where you are going and possibly not seeing the best the coach companies offer, then maybe the coach is the way to go.

The GOR is a slow drive and the driver is busy concentrating on the road rather then seeing he scenery.

Hang the expense and go by coach is my suggestion.

GOR is a long driving day trip, it is a winding road but you can come back inland to save time. You do not say when you will be here but at the moment the days are short in that it gets dark around 5.30pm, if your here during daylight savings time you will have much more time to explore. I would consider an overnight stay if you have the time to make the journey more relaxing. Would not worry about the driving as once your out of the city the roads will be very good with plenty of signage.

If you want to see the penguins return at night at phillip island you will obviously have to be happy with driving back to Melbourne at night.

I like sirgaw's advice.

Hi all, great appreciate all your inputs. I guess I will just stick to the day tour. Well, in case you all do not know which operator I will engage, this is the site that I come across. Anyone here engae this operator before?

http://www.gowest.com.au/index.html

Hi If travelling alone then $100 to see the GOR on tour is much better than hiring a car , you will see more on tour.

Good Luck,
Mike

Agree with Mikebb but I will add that on a tour you will also meet other travellers which in my opinion is a the real fun part of travelling.
Can't speak for that tour company as I have not used them. Shop around on the internet, I am sure you will not go wrong.

Anyway just to check with you guys. If my iteriary is as follows, what are the programmes I can simply take out ar programmes that I need to insert? Btw i heard that eureka towers are much better than melbourne observation deck. Thanks.

6/7/2008 sun
Reach melbourne at 1140
queen victoria market
shopping in city + federation square

7/72008 mon
morning royal botanic garden and shopping
walk the bay trail
williamstown
st kilda


8/7/2008 tues
Philip Island (whole day)

9/7/2008 wed
Great Ocean Road

10/7/2008 thurs
yarra river
lunch at bourke street
Melbourne Observation Deck at Rialto Towers / eureka towers along the south bank
Crown Casino Complex
southgate arts and leisure precinct

11/7/2008 fri
afternoon horse riding (2hr session)

12/7/2008 sat
Leave for airport
0900 depart melbourne

>Btw i heard that eureka towers are much better than melbourne observation deck.

Yes but its expensive. Noticed your going to the royal botanical gardens - across the road from the main entrance (Birdwood Avenue) is the Shrine of Rememberance (war memorial). Its the pyramid shaped building. There is an upper story walkway which I believe gives a better view of Melbourne than the 2 towers. True its not nearly as high but the view of the city with the parklands in the foreground more than makes up for the lack of height - added bonus, its free. www.shrine.org.au/

Also the bot gardens have a great gift shop at the birdwood avenue entrance and the cafe is also great

Looks like you've researched our city pretty well - enjoy.

David

I'd definitely take the tour rather than drive. The GOR is great to drive, especially early morning in a sports car when there's no other traffic around but the driver does tend to miss the incredible scenery. A tour will allow you to soak up the sights and get some local knowledge at the same time.
I'd recommend a tour for Phillip Island too. The drive isn't difficult (except for getting out of Melbourne) but you can relax and enjoy the whole day. Well worth the extra $$.

Please do share the advise if I can make a trip to above palces in just 3 days in Melbourne? Is it recommended to stay in Blue mountain or just take a day tour? By the way, is it a great deal to take up the day tour eg.From AATKings to cover the puffing Billy & the Yarra Valley? Going to visit next year June'08. before that will stop by in Sdyney & Hunter valley for 3 days. I'm not sure if its the best time to visit the wineyard in Autumn.