Backyard Aquaponics
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Considering going over to Melbourne sometime in February 2011 for a conference at the Melbourne Convention Centre. Not really confirmed yet, until I can work out the approximate damage to the piggy bank.

Have not been to Melbourne before, hence looking for ideas on where to stay that is close to the Convention Centre and affordable, with food within close proximity.

Might also plan to head out to Werribee and Melton (where my two investment properties are located) at some stage of the trip. And it might be wise to possibly stay close to Werribee or Melton at this part of the trip instead of heading back into Melbourne. Possibly cost more per night in Melbourne as well compared to Werribee or Melton. Not sure.

Anyone has inputs? Of course I wouldn't mind visiting AP systems of forum members while I am over there, provided they are close by to where I will be staying. Will be coming over with wife and 2 yr old daughter.

Make sure you get in touch with Embi...

He is in Wyndham Vale, just a couple of minutes drive from Werribee

Mark and his family have a very impressive setup,
So impressive it recently won the Wyndham Vale sustainable garden competition.
You may also have seen his articles in the BYAP magazine.

Here's a link to his AP Blog
http://harvest365.blogspot.com/
.

The conference centre is just over the river from the CBD and there are many good motels in the CBD. All walking distance to dozens of eateries

Hey mantis, are you able to name a few so that I can have something to start searching from?? Thanks.

I'd pick the area you want and try www.wotif.com.au or one of the others...
Oddly enough, I haven't wanted to stay in a hotel in my home town since I stopped dating and living at mum and dad's at the same time...
I only know the fancy expensive places that you'd go to treat youself!
I found out last month (I've lived in this house for 4 years) that there was a motel less than 300m (line of site) from my door.
Sorry I can't be more help.

Yep www.wotif.com.au and select Melbourne CBD then GO

You're more than welcome to come here for a visit. We could even fire up the pizza oven.

There's a couple of places to stay in Werribee. This is just off the freeway... http://werribeepark.bestwestern.com.au/

Thanks embi. Will check it out.

Well researching this trip was shelved for a while.

Now, instead of finding a hotel near the Convention Centre, I think I will find one near the shopping malls in Melbourne. Mainly because the wife and daughter would probably be tagging along and when I am at the conference, they need some shopping near the hotel to kill time. So along which streets are the good shopping malls. Or tell me the name of the malls and I will google and find out which streets they are close to. And work out the nearby hotels from there.

Help much appreciated, thanks.

you must go to the victoria market Queen st the best market in AUS
Acland st stkilda for good food and the best cakes
at the beach end of Acland st is luna park a great day of rides and fun
the beach is just behind luna park if it's warm go for a swim
Ligon st in Carlton has great food of all different styles
my mouth is watering just thinking about the place
you can eat & shop any where in Melbourne 24hrs a day

As red beard said or just ask Faye

We have stayed in the Mecure in little burke st the last couple of trips. Its about as central as you can get and is the same block as Meyers and David Jones for the girls. The whole of the cbd is littered with malls and alleyways with eateries everywhere.
http://www.mercurewelcome.com.au/

Thanks guys for the great info. If anyone has any more suggestions, it would be great. More choices.

Ladies wanna go shopping?

You can't go past the new DFO (Direct Factory Outlet/s) on Southbank. Or the DFO at Moorabbin, Essendon or Southern Cross.

It's much like Harbourtown, Ivan. Except more grandiose in size , range and price. Has everything to appease every woman!

DFO Southbank will busy the girls for the day - literally. Leaving you to more important tasks - such as visiting .... Spearmint Rhino?

Melbourne city centre is pretty small. So any place in the main city grid can access all the shops you can handle. By foot.

Jeff's Shed is opposite Crown and is on the Southern corner of the grid.

If you draw a box along Flinders, Queen, Lonsdale and Spencer, any hotel in there will give good access to the shops.

Any of the "Oaks on ???" type hotels are good value.
Oaks on Collins
Oaks on Market

For Werribee, you can train it...but it will take 50mins of train time plus waiting around for the train. Hiring a car will give you a 30 to 40 min drive.... Several car rental places in the city centre. I would also consider taxis if you are going to go point to point.

No idea about Melton. I generally drive....