Lord Blackadder's Rather Spiffy Guide to Melbourne

[Lord Blackadder]

[contains some ever-so-slight Mod-ifications :) ]
I've transported this over from the RDF Forums. I hope this is useful for anyone travelling interstate. If you have any questions, please PM me. All comments and suggestions of spiffy things to do in Melbourne (apart from the GAC, of course) are welcome.

Hello fellow atheists. So you have decided to come to Melbourne for a spot of God-baiting. Excellent! We welcome you with open arms, and hope you enjoy your stay.

For those of you coming to our fine city of Melbourne, whether by plane, car, or bicycle, I thought I would put a bit of a welcome pack/guide around town thingy for those of you that would like to get from point A to B with the minimum of fuss and maximum experience.

I have broken this up into sections to make things a little easier to navigate. If there are any fellow Melbournites out there, please feel free to add to this list.


Transport
From the Airport
If you are staying in the CBD and arriving by plane at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) it is recommended that you catch Sky Bus (http://www.skybus.com.au/). Sky Bus is cheap and drops you at Southern Cross Station (that’s Spencer Street, for us old timers). Sky Bus departs every ten-fifteen minutes from the Virgin domestic, QANTAS domestic and International terminals. After collecting your bags on the ground floor from the carousels, walk outside and follow the signs.

If you are staying outside of the CBD, you may have to catch a Taxi (da da da dum!). The taxi rank is located outside the Domestic and International terminals. Be aware that you will be charged a flag fall fee and extra if you go via City Link. The number for Yellow Cabs is 13 CABS (132227).

Getting Around Town
Once upon a time, a rather nice fellow called Robert Hoddle designed Melbourne’s CBD street layout. Possibly after he saw Sydney, and thought, “Bugger this, I can do better.” And lo, he did. Henceforth, Melbourne is a rather easy city to get around due to the Hoddle Grid.

The streets are as follows:
East-west streets (Parallel to the Yarra River)
Flinders Street (southernmost)
Flinders Lane
Collins Street
Little Collins Street
Bourke Street, incorporating Bourke Street Mall
Little Bourke Street
Lonsdale Street
Little Lonsdale Street
La Trobe Street (also written Latrobe) (northernmost)

North-south streets (Perpendicular to the Yarra River)
Spring Street (easternmost)
Exhibition Street
Russell Street
Swanston Street
Elizabeth Street
Queen Street
Market Street
William Street
King Street
Spencer Street (westernmost)

Trams
The tram system in Melbourne is quite comprehensive and rather convieniently covers most of the Hoddle Grid. There are several trams that will drop you right outside Jeff’s Shed (that’s the Melbourne Exhibition Centre to the uninitiated). Trams that will get you there are:
96 – St. Kilda to Brunswick (via Burke Street)
109 – Port Melbourne to Box Hill (via Collins Street)
112 – West Preston to St Kilda (via Collins Street)
Get off at the stop opposite the local Den of Iniquity, otherwise known as Crown Casino. DoI is on the left; Jeff’s Shed is on the right.

Trains
The closest train stations to Jeff’s Shed are Southern Cross and Flinders Street. From either there, it’s about a ten-fifteen minute walk. If you are coming from Southern Cross, continue down Spencer Street (which becomes Clarendon Street once you hit Crown Casino). If you are coming from Flinders Street, head towards the exit that will take you to the Yarra River. Follow the Yarra to the Casino.

The link for all timetables for trains and trams is here:
http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/timetables/ (http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/timetables/)

Birdie Num Nums
Eating in Melbourne is an art form (so they say). If you are rushed for time, you can pop across the road to Crown Casino, but it is typical pedestrian fare and not indicative of the Melbourne food experience. Instead, try the following places if you have the time

1) Lygon Street, Carlton
THE foodie place in Melbourne. Italian restaurants dominate, but you can also find Thai, Sri Lankan, Chinese and Greek. Fabulous gelato and pizzas, and, of course, coffee.
Catch trams 1 or 8, which run along Lygon Street between Elgin Street, Carlton, and Albion Street, Brunswick East.

2) Bay Street, Port Melbourne
Old haunt of dock workers, now a trendy beachside suburb, Port Melbourne is home to trendy pubs, Thai restaurants and underworld figures. Bay Street has Thai, French, Fish and Chips, and Greek, as well as trendy bakeries and pubs.

Catch a 109 tram and get off at any stop after North Port.

3) Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Trendy, funky, weird and eclectic. And that’s just the residents. Pubs, cafes, a 50’s style diner, Asian, Greek and Indian. Great place for souvenir hunting and vinyl collecting.

Catch a 112 tram.

4) Chapel Street, South Yarra.
Just bring your credit card. Restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, nightclubs, and shopping. Lots of shopping.

Tram routes 78 and 79 travel along the entire length of Chapel Street, between Richmond and St Kilda. Tram routes 3, 5, 6, 8, 64 and 72 all intersect Chapel Street. The Sandringham line railway stations of South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor and Balaclava are all within 300 metres of Chapel Street.

5) Hardware Lane, Melbourne CBD
Coffee Shops, funky night clubs and restaurants. Runs parallel to Bourke and Little Lonsdale Street.
Also check out the surrounds, particularly The Block Arcade (enter Elizabeth Street or Collins Street). Here you will find Haigs, the closet to religion chocolate lovers will ever get. Until you go to Koko Black, located in The Royal Arcade
Catch 96 tram and get off at the Bourke Street Mall.

6) Southbank (incorporating Crown Casino)
Okay, I was a bit unfair on Crown. There are some top restaurants inside if you have the dosh, but if not, there are several restaurants located along Southbank Promenade on the Yarra that are not too pricey, with seafood, Chinese, Greek, Japanese and contemporary Australian amongst the fare.

7) China Town
Running along Little Bourke Street between Swanston and Exhibition, China Town is the place to go for Asian fare.

Touristy Things to Do
If you are planning to hang around a bit before or after The Conference, here are some things to do and places to visit

1) Royal Exhibition Centre, Carlton
A truly lovely building. They don’t make ‘em like they used to. After you’ve finished admiring the Royal Exhibition Centre and its lovely surrounds (Carlton Gardens), pop over to...

2) Melbourne Museum, Carlton
Bugs! Stuffed animals! Giant Wombats! Dinosaurs! Phar Lap! Sam the Koala! Are you excited?!

To get to both, catch the 96 or 86 tram

3) Eureka Tower, Southbank
A very, very, very, very, very tall building. See Melbourne from above. Marvel at the traffic jams on the Monash Freeway during the peak hour. Admission fee applies.

4) Federation Square (Fed Square – not named after Roger)
Come and see one of the ten ugliest buildings in the world! Located across from Flinders Street Station, Fed Square incorporates ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), SBS, The Ian Potter Centre, Australian Racing Museum and an amphitheatre. It also has the main Melbourne Tourist Information Centre.

5) Melbourne Aquatic Centre, Melbourne CBD
Fish! Penguins! Sharks! Are you excited?!
Located between Flinders and King Streets. To get there, catch a train to Flinders Street, or a 48, 70, 75 or FREE City Circle tram.

6) Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens
Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my! And a new baby elephant.
Catch a train to Royal Park station on the Upfield railway line, or trams 55 and 19.

7) Old Melbourne Gaol, Russell Street
Two words: Ned Kelly.

Catch tram 30.

8) Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne.
An oasis of green in an otherwise busy city. This is why Victoria was once known as The Garden State. Other parks to visit are Flagstaff Gardens, Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, and, of course…

9) King’s Domain, incorporating The Shrine of Remembrance, St Kilda Road
Tram Numbers 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67, 72.

10) The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Where Melbournites worship at the alter of cricket in summer and football in winter.

Catch a train to Richmond or Jolimont stations, or get a 48, 70 or 75 tram (short walk involved).

11) National Gallery of Victoria, St Kilda Road
See art. Be challenged, inspired or annoyed - or all three at once.
Tram Numbers 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67, 72.

[Lord Blackadder]

Rampant Capitalism
Spend your money! Help the economy of Victoria (because the Government isn’t)!

1) Chapel Street
See above

2) South Wharf
Recently opened, and convieniently located behind Jeff’s Shed. Has DFO, JB Hi Fi and Borders, as well as specialty stores.

3) Chadstone Shopping Centre (Chaddie)
The largest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere. Will suck the money out of you quicker than a Southern Baptist Evangelical Minister.

Catch a Cranbourne or Pakenham train to Oakleigh station. Shuttle buses run to the shopping centre.

4) Collins Street, Melbourne CBD.
The “Paris End” (up near Spring Street) has Nice Things Which Cost Lots of Money.

Catch the 109 or 112 trams.

5) Wunderkammer – 439 Lonsdale Street (almost corner of Queen Street).
A personal favourite of mine. If you want something truly weird and beautiful and scientificy to take back as a souvenir, go here. Check out their website here: http://wunderkammer.com.au/index.html (http://wunderkammer.com.au/index.html)

6) Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne.
Once you go here, you will discover the true meaning of the phrase, “more front than Myer’s”.
Catch the 96 or 86 tram

What’s On Around Town at the Same Time
1) Zoo Twilight Series
2) Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
3) Melbourne Fashion Festival
4) Brunswick Music Festival
5) Fine Food, Wine and Music by the Bay (Mordialloc): 13 - 14 Mar 2010
6) Victorian Microbreweries Showcase: 17-18 March
For hangers around…
7) Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (starts 24th March)
8) Melbourne International Comedy Festival (starts 24th March)
9) That Bloody Awful Racket (a.k.a. The Australian Grande Prix – starts 25th March)
10) FOOOOOOOOOTY! (Starts 25th March)

There you have it – a quick guide to Melbourne. I hope you all enjoy your time here.


P.S. Spend lots of money!

[Fearless]

Wow, very comprehensive, nice one cheers. :)

Well timed.

[Darwinsbulldog]

Thanks LB, printing this one out! :)

[kazzaqld]

Thank you - makes me wish I was staying longer than just the weekend! :(

[Darwinsbulldog]

Thank you - makes me wish I was staying longer than just the weekend! :(

Indeed, the way my teaching schedule worked out now means I could have stayed a whole week, but changing flights would cost me money. :(

[Lord Blackadder]

Of course, no Melbourne thread would be complete without this song:

ap-t46_Sy3A

We've Run Out of Melbourne Clichés by The D-Generation

[Seamus]

Bloody excellent. Almost makes one homesick, and I've spent a total of one week back there over the last forty years.

Much the same,even though my sister lives there with my terrific nephew and the sperm donor.

I lived in Melbourne in 1966,Richmond. You could see the Bryant and May clock from the kitchen window. Richmond at that time was little Athens. I understand it's more like little Saigon today.

I loved the place. I was poor,no car, so did a lot of walking. There was a sleazy disco on every second corner of the 'Little' streets-and who could ever forget The George at St Kilda,or the nearby Jewish quarter with the best cakes in the city. I forget the name of that little street;it had kosher butchers and those shops with the Viennese cakes.

Saw The Seekers live, at a free concert at The Myer Music Bowl. It was great! I really liked their music and was madly in lust with Judith Durham.


Had my first legal drink in a blood and sawdust pub on Bridge Road. ( I think,it was at the bottom of the the hill,about a 5 minute walk)

So thanks for the memories Lord B.

[Praxis]

Here's a map of where the City Circle tram goes: http://www.yarratrams.com.au/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-99/

[OzAtheist]

Nice guide, could you provide some more info for us out-of-towners, please.

I'm going to the AC Grayling talk at Cinema Nova on the Thursday night but unsure how to get there.

I'm staying near the corner of Spencer St and Flinders St and according to google maps, I gather I can get a tram(s) to the corner of Lygon and Elgin St. But which trams, roughly how long would it take, and how/where can I find out?

Cheers
(cross posted in meetup before the convention (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=3174) thread)

[Lord Blackadder]

Nice guide, could you provide some more info for us out-of-towners, please.

I'm going to the AC Grayling talk at Cinema Nova on the Thursday night but unsure how to get there.

I'm staying near the corner of Spencer St and Flinders St and according to google maps, I gather I can get a tram(s) to the corner of Lygon and Elgin St. But which trams, roughly how long would it take, and how/where can I find out?

Cheers
(cross posted in meetup before the convention (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=3174) thread)

Catch the 1 or 8 tram and disembark at Elgin Street. You can jump on both of these at Federation Square.

The cinema is in Lygon Court (380 Lygon Street, Carlton) between Elgin and Faraday Streets. There is a Border's bookstore, a foodcourt and an Safeways in the same building. See their website here: http://www.cinemanova.com.au/

[Lord Blackadder]

For anyone who believes that they may be using trams a lot whilst in Melbourne and you have an iPhone, here is a handy application which is indispensable:

Tram Tracker: http://tramtracker.yarratrams.com.au/ (http://tramtracker.yarratrams.com.au/)

You can plan your route, get timetable information and receive alerts.

Please also note that Melbourne is moving towards the Myki ticketing system (which cost more than the Mars Voyager and still doesn't fricking work. But I digress...). Currently this is only being used on trains. See here: http://www.myki.com.au/

[Dan]

Indeed, the way my teaching schedule worked out now means I could have stayed a whole week, but changing flights would cost me money. :(

I'm guessing you can't tutor externally. I study externally this semester because of the convention.

[ZombieAlan]

LB, what's a good, sizeable, food-serving, late opening fun but not too loud, not too expensive pub that would preferably be welcoming to under 18s (ie bistro perhaps?)

We really need an event HQ for a central meeting point.

[Lord Blackadder]

LB, what's a good, sizeable, food-serving, late opening fun but not too loud, not too expensive pub that would preferably be welcoming to under 18s (ie bistro perhaps?)

We really need an event HQ for a central meeting point.

Hmmm, you got me there. I'm not the world's biggest pub person (even though I used to own one).

Where are you staying - are you in the CBD or in the suburbs?

If you are in the CBD, The Sherlock Holmes Inn may be a goer. It's located at 415 Collins Street (catch the 109 tram). There is also The Duke of Kent at 293 La Trobe Street (where I have participated in the odd *ahem* work related function) and the Metropolitan at 263 William Street (more damn work). All of these have good pub grub, are open to about elevenish and aren't too noisy.

However, others may have other recommendations. Any takers?

[ZombieAlan]

Hmmm, you got me there. I'm not the world's biggest pub person (even though I used to own one).

Where are you staying - are you in the CBD or in the suburbs?

If you are in the CBD, The Sherlock Holmes Inn may be a goer. It's located at 415 Collins Street (catch the 109 tram). There is also The Duke of Kent at 293 La Trobe Street (where I have participated in the odd *ahem* work related function) and the Metropolitan at 263 William Street (more damn work). All of these have good pub grub, are open to about elevenish and aren't too noisy.

However, others may have other recommendations. Any takers?

Convenient from the convention would be good. We're at the Enterprize, so just around the corner.

[Lord Blackadder]

If you want to be close to the convention, as much as I am loathe to recommend it, Crown Casino does have a family style restaurant on its upper level.

Don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with the food (once you go upstairs away from the food courts, the food is very good and still reasonably priced), it's just that Crown has that whole gambling vibe thing going, which I'm not particulary endeared to.

If you have the time, I would honestly pop up to Lygon Street in Carlton. You'll enjoy the experiance more and they stay open until late (02:00 late)

[Lord Blackadder]

BUMPED!

I will update the "What's On Around Town At The Same Time" section in the following days. Watch this space!

[Voltairine]

Do you take requests?

[Lord Blackadder]

Do you take requests?

Fire away. If I cannnot provide the answers you seek, my fellow Melburnians may be able to.

[Lord Blackadder]

If I get really bored, I might put together some pdf thingy for you all to download.

What information would be the most useful to interstate travellers, apart from how to use our world-class public transport system?

[wolty]

What information would be the most useful to interstate travellers,

Bars, Beer, Bars that sell beer, Good beer, Ales, Boutique Brewerys, Boutique Bars, Boutique bars that sell beer, Boutique brewerys that sell boutique beer and places to buy beer.

[Lord Blackadder]

Bars, Beer, Bars that sell beer, Good beer, Ales, Boutique Brewerys, Boutique Bars, Boutique bars that sell beer, Boutique brewerys that sell boutique beer and places to buy beer.

You are so predictable... :p

[Lord Blackadder]

Update:

What’s On Around Town at the Same Time
1) Federation Square Book Market (Saturdays): 12 November 2011 – 10 November 2012
2) Docklands Sunday Market: 20 November 2011 – 23 December 2012
3) Pirate Sundays at Polly Woodside: 4 December 2011 – 30 December 2012
4) The Famouse Spiegel Season: 7 February – 22 April
5) William Kentridge – Five Themes: 8 March – 27 May
6) Love and Devotion – From Persia and Beyond: 9 March – 1 July
7) Melbourne International Comedy Festival: 28 March – 22 April
8) Como Gardens Open Garden Weekend: 14-15 April
9) La Mirada Film Festival: 14-26 April
10) Australiasian Quilt Convention & Expo: 12-15 April
11) The Logies (but our after-party will be betterer): 15 April

For more info, see http://www.visitvictoria.com/

Oh, and the pubs with beer are open too.

[Praxis]

Um, there seems to be a rather glaring omission in your "what's on in Melbourne list".

Just saying...:D

[Lord Blackadder]

Um, there seems to be a rather glaring omission in your "what's on in Melbourne list".

Just saying...:D

Ah, but if you read the heading, which is "What's On Around Town at The Same Time", you will know that these are but mere secondary events surrounding the GAC... :D

[Podblack]

Oh, you are BRILLIANT. I am so using this!! Thank you and I don't know why I forgot it was here, it's so comprehensive!!

And LOVE that Melbourne Cliche song; I so miss the Late Show! :)

[wolty]

You are so predictable... :p:D:D:D:D:D


Never fear, kind Melbournianites, I have found what I seeketh.

Breweries Victoria. (http://www.beercartel.com.au/pages.php?pID=5)

Edit, this one is better. http://beerbureau.com/breweries/vic-breweries

[Lord Blackadder]

:D:D:D:D:D


Never fear, kind Melbournianites, I have found what I seeketh.

Breweries Victoria. (http://www.beercartel.com.au/pages.php?pID=5)

A lot of those are in country Victoria though. Your closest bet is Mountain Goat Brewery in Richmond. Unless, of course, you want to go to country Victoria. I would then recommend Mount Beauty/Bright. Fantastic places to visit in autumn.

[wolty]

A lot of those are in country Victoria though. Your closest bet is Mountain Goat Brewery in Richmond. Unless, of course, you want to go to country Victoria. I would then recommend Mount Beauty/Bright. Fantastic places to visit in autumn.

Depends whether I like the beer and also if I am forbidden to drive 4 hours to sample a beer. Apparently the boss who must be obeyed has put her stiletto directly into the top of my foot and said no.

My fav Victorian brews.

Mountain Goat. Hightail Ale.
Bridge Road. They make an outstanding IPA. Not allowed here. :(
Holgate Brewhouse. Not allowed to go here. :( A great Belgian Witbier.
Temple Brewing Co. Nice Saison and Pale Ale.

[Simmy]

I'm not going to the GAC but you're bloody awesome just for telling me about that Wunderkammer shop. Going there soon!

[Voltairine]

Penguins! Any preferred tour companies to use to see the penguins at sunset? Same with the Great Ocean Road, although I don't whether I'll have time.

[wolty]

Oh yeah, I wants penguins also.

[Annie]

We have a week in ye awl Melbourne town. We will be seeing penguins and beer, as is the want of Mr Annie. We will also be spending some of our time out of melbourne catching up with folk. Trying to show Mr Annie all that Melbourne has in this short time is proving tricky. I love it! We may well have to schedule another trip later.

[Mjt]

Penguins in a fridge or penguins onna beach ?

[kazzaqld]

I wanna see penguins! Shame I will have no time to do so. :(

[Lord Blackadder]

You can see penguins on the telly.

But only if they're from Burma.

[Voltairine]

Re the myki card: other than it sounds like a Japanese cartoon character, what on earth were 'they' thinking? Could be so simple... And what's with no refunds of unused loaded money (effectively) for international visitors? :(



Tapa tapa talk

[Mjt]

@V
Penguins inna fridge at the aquarium right near the casino.
Penguins onna beach at Phillip island about an hour and a bit away

[Lord Blackadder]

Re the myki card: other than it sounds like a Japanese cartoon character, what on earth were 'they' thinking? Could be so simple... And what's with no refunds of unused loaded money (effectively) for international visitors? :(



Tapa tapa talk

I'll do a rundown on Myki. Watch this thread.


Sent from my iPhone using magic technology thingy application thingy.

[Podblack]

Bump, because there are plans in the works for an early Friday tour of the Melbourne Museum, which will include me (if it happens) and may include PZ Myers (if he can make it!). I'll post a link when I know more.

[kazzaqld]

Bump, because there are plans in the works for an early Friday tour of the Melbourne Museum, which will include me (if it happens) and may include PZ Myers (if he can make it!). I'll post a link when I know more.

Puts hand up in air!

Would love to do this. Please miss may I join in?

cheers, Karen

[AUSloth]

Bump, because there are plans in the works for an early Friday tour of the Melbourne Museum, which will include me (if it happens) and may include PZ Myers (if he can make it!). I'll post a link when I know more.

Sounds a great hangover cure, i'm keen, Mrs Ausloth may be singing a different song:)

[wolty]

Ooooooo. Want. Badly.

Will chat to boss.


Sent telepathically.

[jjcrazi]

ty Blackadder:)

[Podblack]

QUICK EDIT UPDATE

IT'S NOT ME ORGANISING A MUSEUM TOUR. (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showpost.php?p=287435&postcount=42)

I'm just passing on some information that someone sent to me on Facebook and if I get more information, I'll post it here?

I'm NOT organising anything - I've got enough to do as it is!! :o

But I'll post a link when / if anything gets formalised and you can tell the organisers what you want/suggest/think, et al.

[Darwinsbulldog]

QUICK EDIT UPDATE

IT'S NOT ME ORGANISING A MUSEUM TOUR. (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showpost.php?p=287435&postcount=42)

I'm just passing on some information that someone sent to me on Facebook and if I get more information, I'll post it here?

I'm NOT organising anything - I've got enough to do as it is!! :o

But I'll post a link when / if anything gets formalised and you can tell the organisers what you want/suggest/think, et al.
Yes, yes, yes, we understand that Poddie, but can you get me on the tour anyway! :confused: :D

[Darkchilde]

Thank you for the guide Blackadder, I will print it out, and do some of the touristy thingies.

[kazzaqld]

We will eagerly await the link! :thumbsup:

[Darwinsbulldog]

I'll do a rundown on Myki. Watch this thread.


Sent from my iPhone using magic technology thingy application thingy.
Professor Blackadder, is the chocolate study of Melbourne still going? God, [A.K.A. Mrs DBD] is keen to participate.

[Rhys]

Professor Blackadder, is the chocolate study of Melbourne still going? God, [A.K.A. Mrs DBD] is keen to participate.

The Chocolate tours? I think they're still going!

For what it's worth, you should be careful when dining on Lygon Street as a lot if not most places there are quite bad and overly expensive. I can't remember the name but there was a place I went to that had Ferrari merchandise all over the place that was quite appalling and an Indian Restaurant which was very ordinary. Everyone goes to Lygon Street for food so even restaurants with poor food and service manage to survive. Lord B was correct in saying Lygon street has some excellent places for pizza and gelato but be wary of anything else there if your expecting good dining.

The two restaurants (neither on Lygon Street) that I've thought were fantastic are Leo's Spaghetti Bar in St Kilda and the Indian Star in Moonee Ponds.

[Darwinsbulldog]

The Chocolate tours? I think they're still going!

For what it's worth, you should be careful when dining on Lygon Street as a lot if not most places there are quite bad and overly expensive. I can't remember the name but there was a place I went to that had Ferrari merchandise all over the place that was quite appalling and an Indian Restaurant which was very ordinary. Everyone goes to Lygon Street for food so even restaurants with poor food and service manage to survive. Lord B was correct in saying Lygon street has some excellent places for pizza and gelato but be wary of anything else there if your expecting good dining.

The two restaurants (neither on Lygon Street) that I've thought were fantastic are Leo's Spaghetti Bar in St Kilda and the Indian Star in Moonee Ponds.
Thanks Rhys. We will only be going to Lygon street for "Readings" and similar bookshops. Our accomodation is on Howard Street so we usually 'fang" in the Melborne markets area. :thumbsup:

[ginckgo]

Re: Melbourne Museum Tour

I'm the one who's proposed this (I'm the collection manager of fossils) over at rationalskepticism, and TokenSkeptic has indicated that it's been mentioned here. At the risk of getting overrun, who is interested in taking part?

At this point I have Thrusday arvo, and possibly Friday morning pencilled in. I will have to put limits on numbers due to space issues (plus herding cats syndrome). If need be I can organise another tour sometime late for people who live in Melbourne, in order to give preference to the invading hordes.

[AFA Admin]

Hi, ginckgo.

This is a message sent to all who find their way to these forums.

We like people, and we like facts too!

We're friendly but we're skeptical, and if somebody calls for proof, it's not an accusation. Only the strong ideas thrive here: we try to respect people. (We do not tolerate personal abuse.)

You may already have visited these other handy places:
* New Member Information (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=12)
* Welcome from AFA president (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=18)
* For those interested in learning, I recommend the Atheism Resource Thread (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=7608) maintained by Fearless.
* And a quick look at our reserved spot for belief-based discussion, Fantasy Island (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16), includes The Great Big List (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=4784), a sort-of "things we've seen before" for those of faith, and general rules of argument for the forum.

If you've got questions, please ask. Moderators have red name tags, but many of our friendly people may have the answers you need.

Enjoy the forums. We hope to see plenty from you in discussions.

Have fun.

[kazzaqld]

Re: Melbourne Museum Tour

I'm the one who's proposed this (I'm the collection manager of fossils) over at rationalskepticism, and TokenSkeptic has indicated that it's been mentioned here. At the risk of getting overrun, who is interested in taking part?

At this point I have Thrusday arvo, and possibly Friday morning pencilled in. I will have to put limits on numbers due to space issues (plus herding cats syndrome). If need be I can organise another tour sometime late for people who live in Melbourne, in order to give preference to the invading hordes.

Hi Ginckgo,

Welcome to the AFA!

I PM'd you over at Ratskep - hopefully you got it! :)

Cheers,

Karen.

[Logic please]

Hi ginckgo, welcome to the forum, hope you enjoy your participation. :)

Please feel free to pop over to Welcome New Members (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2) and post an intro, if you like.

[Praxis]

Ahh! I remember you well ginkgo! Riddlemethis and Durro went on your museum tour last time!

A wonderful member of this forum, world'slaziestbusker (aka WLB) worked at the the museum a while back but I couldn't for the life of me remember your name so he could introduce himself!

IIRC you were a brand new dad around the time of the last GAC :)

Great to see you here!


GACing & Tapping

[ginckgo]

Thanks all for the warm welcome, can't believe I haven't ventured onto here before (I've become a bit of a RatSkep hermit after the Great RDF Diaspora).

I remember the tour two years ago fondly, and thought I'd see who else wanted in this time. Didn't get off my butt until rater late (didn't buy my tickets to GAC until about a week ago due to personal issues), so now it's all a bit rushed. But If you PM me I can make it seem more organised than it is.

If I could get Dawkins and Krauss involved, my boss would actually get excited :)

[Podblack]

Thanks all for the warm welcome, can't believe I haven't ventured onto here before (I've become a bit of a RatSkep hermit after the Great RDF Diaspora).

I remember the tour two years ago fondly, and thought I'd see who else wanted in this time. Didn't get off my butt until rater late (didn't buy my tickets to GAC until about a week ago due to personal issues), so now it's all a bit rushed. But If you PM me I can make it seem more organised than it is.

If I could get Dawkins and Krauss involved, my boss would actually get excited :)

HELLO! and Yay!

I'll get moving on PZ to ask if he can ask Dawkins and Krauss for us?

[ginckgo]

HELLO! and Yay!

I'll get moving on PZ to ask if he can ask Dawkins and Krauss for us?
Yes please! But I think they both are still in Sydney on Thursday night for their 'Something From Nothing (http://www.atheistconvention.org.au/fringe/)' talk. If they arrive in on Friday morning, I'd be happy to give them a tour later that day (as my wife would say, "go entertain your man-crushes").

[ClayMonk]

My first few trips to Melbourne were spent disorientated until I figured out that much activity centres around "The Hoddle Grid". I learnt The Hoddle Grid, and learnt where things were in relation to it and I've never had any trouble since.

http://thumbnails35.imagebam.com/18419/930d36184180454.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/930d36184180454)

I don't know if this will help anyone or not but I frequent Melbourne for business and it has helped me.

[wolty]

Are you going to be around CM?


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[ClayMonk]

Hi Wolty, no I won't unfortunately. I haven't been on here for some months and didn't notice that the convention was on.

I'm not sure if I would go anyway even though I think it would be interesting. I still shy away from "atheist groupings" (even this forum) because of my own views on atheism and the way I like to live it.

Would have been good to catch up with some of you for a beer though if I was in Melbourne :thumbsup: that would be a spin-out for me!

[wolty]

Hi Wolty, no I won't unfortunately. I haven't been on here for some months and didn't notice that the convention was on.

I'm not sure if I would go anyway even though I think it would be interesting. I still shy away from "atheist groupings", even this forum because of my own views on atheism and the way I like to live it.

Would have been good to catch up with some of you for a beer though if I was in Melbourne :thumbsup: that would be a spin-out for me!

No dramas, I understand. :)

Each to their own. :) woulda been nice to catch up.


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[two dogs]

...
Would have been good to catch up with some of you for a beer though if I was in Melbourne :thumbsup: that would be a spin-out for me!
I'm delighted to see you back on the forums. Hopefully, some of us will be able to enjoy a beer with you some time in the future?

[Keith_W]

Just heard news that the Logies night will be at the Crown Casino on the night of the 15th of April (Sunday). Also heard that the latest teen sensation One Direction will be there. The Herald Sun (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/security-fears-for-boy-band-mania-on-logies-night/story-fn7x8me2-1226321667802) says that police are warning parents to keep their kids at home as it is expected that thousands of screaming teenage girls with the worst case of "Bieber fever" (since the last time Bieber was here) will put the area into lockdown.

First the fundies, now thousands of screaming teenage girls! The Lord really is trying to test us!!!

[Podblack]

Yes please! But I think they both are still in Sydney on Thursday night for their 'Something From Nothing (http://www.atheistconvention.org.au/fringe/)' talk. If they arrive in on Friday morning, I'd be happy to give them a tour later that day (as my wife would say, "go entertain your man-crushes").

Hello! Just in case you missed my FB message, PZ says "Just talked to them both -- they'd love to, but won't be arriving in Melbourne until Friday" so Friday may be the better bet for them. :)

[AUSloth]

Thanks all for the warm welcome, can't believe I haven't ventured onto here before (I've become a bit of a RatSkep hermit after the Great RDF Diaspora).

I remember the tour two years ago fondly, and thought I'd see who else wanted in this time. Didn't get off my butt until rater late (didn't buy my tickets to GAC until about a week ago due to personal issues), so now it's all a bit rushed. But If you PM me I can make it seem more organised than it is.

If I could get Dawkins and Krauss involved, my boss would actually get excited :)

@ ginckgo - I have PM'd you from the AFA forum with an interest in two places on a Friday tour if it's going to happen. I will try sending from RatSkep later.

[ClayMonk]

I'm delighted to see you back on the forums. Hopefully, some of us will be able to enjoy a beer with you some time in the future?

Thanks two dogs, i'd like that. Maybe I'll go to next years convention :thumbsup: