Which of you Aussies lives closest to Melborne?

[Rick]

I'm taking a fast trip to Alice Springs next week. I don't think any of our posting Aussies live near Alice, but on the way back I'll have an 18 hour layover in Melbourne. Any up for a visit?

 

[cattmad]

I think stone or Roy are the only victorians here, they might be up for it.

 

[emydura]

I think stone or Roy are the only victorians here, they might be up for it.

I think so too. I'm not sure either are very central to Melbourne though but I will let them speak for themselves.

Sounds like a whirlwind trip. I was at Uluru this time last year. Nice time of year to see it.

 

[quietaustralian]

I love Alice Springs, more accurately the area around The Alice. BUT! Alice Springs is one of the very few places in Australia that I'd issue a travel warning.

Never will you find a more laid-back and accommodating bunch of people than the locals around Alice Springs. One currency is the Australian dollar but a more favored currency is cartons of beer.

The vast majority of tourists/travelers have a great time in the "Territory" but there are a few things that even locals do and don't do: I won't create a long list but a couple of things to consider: stay away from the Todd river at night, probably better to take a taxi at night even for short journeys and best to stay away from large groups of drunken people. Ask the locals where to or not go.

If your looking for a meal, I recommend Overlanders Steakhouse http://www.overlanders.com.au/ for a great feed in a quirky Australiana setting, their service can be hit or miss but it"s an interesting experience. You could try their 2kg rump steaks.

Mick

 

[Stone]

Yes Rick, You're more than welcome to visit. (a couple of hours from Mel. airport) PM me your details if you like.

Mike

 

[Ozpaph]

Enjoy the outback!

 

[Roy]

Rick, just caught up with posts. I'm about a 3 hour drive west of the Airport. Your welcome to visit if time permits. PM if you want details.

 

[Rick]

Sorry I missed all you guys. Just got back in the States yesterday.

I was participating in a men's retreat, and we had pretty much a total communications blackout during the event (not to mention I had no working cell phone while in Australia).

Needless to say, I had a wonderful time down under, and will have even more incentive to make it over again for a much longer visit when I can get it some proper visits.

 

[NYEric]

"...men's retreat.." Oh where do I begin!? :evil:

 

[emydura]

SO how was Uluru?

 

[Stone]

Such a pitty! I had hired you a Ferrari to get around, a fully catered 6 course banquet and a baby Koala to take home
So how was the desert?

 

[Ozpaph]

What is a men's retreat?????????????

 

[Rick]

Such a pitty! I had hired you a Ferrari to get around, a fully catered 6 course banquet and a baby Koala to take home
So how was the desert?

:rollhappy::rollhappy::rollhappy:


Of coarse the grandkids were wondering where the koala was when I got back too!

I thought the desert was great. I grew up in the Southwest US, and roamed around the deserts quite a bit when I was younger. Things were both different and the same in Northern Territory.

 

[Roy]

One thing about Aus', you can drive or fly for hours and not leave a state, WA in particular. Wide open spaces of sfa if you don't appreciate ancient landscape. Happy you liked the place.

 

[Stone]

One thing about Aus', you can drive or fly for hours and not leave a state, WA in particular. Wide open spaces of sfa if you don't appreciate ancient landscape. Happy you liked the place.

Not sure if our northern neighbours know what sfa means Roy:rollhappy:

 

[Roy]

Might make 'em come back to find out.

 

[Ozpaph]

.......sweet fanny adams..................(I dont think so!)

 

[Roy]

I'm happy you put it that way......!

 

[Rick]

Don't worry it's such a popular phrase it was easy to Google the true meaningoke:oke:

If you want to see some major sfa then check out the deserts around Trona or Las Vegas. Even Death Valley has better scenery.
Alice is a virtual garden spot in comparison.

 

[Roy]

Rick, one thing even Aussies fail to understand is that when the rains come to the Aussie outback, the landscape can turn into a floral paradise. Spring time thru WA & the red centre & many other arid areas just come alive. Its a joy to behold.
Did you manage to tackle a Darwin Stubbie ????