Is Melbourne safe at night?
Having lived in Melbourne most of my life, with breaks , one overseas and one in rural Victoria, Melbourne is safer at night today that it was when I grew up in the 1960’s and 1970’s. A big change is the public transport system now having Protective Services Officers - like Police Officers at every rail station whilst trains are operating. Additionally Public Transport now operates 24 hours a day over weekends.This is not to say that you cannot get yourself into trouble in Melbourne. Unfortunately, like all cities, there is a lawless element. However if you stay within the main sections of the this very vibrant and alive city, eg CBD, Lygon Street Carlton, Brunswick Street, Brunswick Chapel Street Windsor, Southbank and the busy parts of St Kilda, you shoul be pretty safe, as basically these parts of Melbourne are open pretty much 24 hours.Many sporting events are held in the evening and walking from say the MCG to the CBD afterwards is all part of the experience and fun, particularly if your team won! And you will have literally thousands of fellow sports enthusiasts around you.Of course that most uncommon thing called common sense should always apply. If, for any reason you do ‘feel’ unsafe act on your gut feel and remove yourself from that location.Venturing out into the suburbs may be a bit more risky at night, but using the Trains and Trams is generally safe.As previously stated I feel safer now than when growing up, which is a credit to the State government.
Melbourne (RMIT) or Brisbane (QUT)?
There's more to do in Melbourne and the weather's better in Brisbane. Public transport is better in Melbourne. QUT is ranked higher and rising and RMIT's ranking has been falling over the last few years, but which is better for you will depend on your course of study. EDIT: Brisbane will be a bit cheaper to live in than Melbourne, but really, there won't be a huge amount of difference. If you love the outdoors and the warmth, come to Brisbane. If you love night life and more sophisticated pursuits, go to Melbourne. Both places are great to live in - I know, I've spent many years in both.
LA vs Melbourne, Australia...anyone familiar with both and can give me a reliable comparison?
I pretty much grew up in Melbourne (still visit very frequently) and Just got back from Los Angeles after a prolonged visit. So here goes..... L.A. (except for the cost of rent in some areas) is generally quite cheaper than Melbourne and the rest of Australia. This includes cost of living, food etc. Like LA Melbourne has HEAPS of awesome things to do and is very hip and cosmopolitan. Melbourne is safer than LA. There isnt a big gang presence. But as with anywhere use common sence. Instead of a big hispanic population, Melbourne has huge European populations such as Greeks, Italians etc. The weather can be strange. Melbourne winters are cooler than LA winters with the average high being about 50-55 and the average low being about 35-40. It can get colder. Summer weather flunctuates alot one day it may be 100 and the next it may be 60 and the days are really long. Unlike the U.S. Australia generally has no convience or any huge variety. Everything shuts early and the only time you can shop past 5.30pm is once a week when stores will open till 9. However over the last few years Melbourne eateries have started to remain open later and there are more and more places to dine late night etc. The Nightlife is great (and these dont shut early ofcourse) clubs and bars are fantastic in Melbourne, the best of all the Australian cities (checkout the Crown Complex, Chapel Street, Carlton). A great place for a single woman to live in Melbourne would be Docklands. Expect to pay able $300-$400 per week on rent but you will be in the best location in Melbourne with everything on your doorstep. Melbourne also has a U.S. grocery store where you can buy selected American foods that you will miss while your here. However expect to pay $15+ for a box of U.S. cereal!!! Hope I helped any questions you can email me
What are some free things to do/see in Melbourne?
Ah could not resist myself from answering this question. Coz it makes me realize how much I love and miss Melbourne.In the CBD and around-Indulge in the great Coffee culture ( not Starbucks). The lanes like Flinders lane etc have so many good cafes. Bruentti is one of my favorites.If you are a fan of sport, then Melbourne is heaven. Cricket, Tennis, AFL, Football and the list goes on. MCG, Etihad Stadium, Rod Laver Arena etc.If you love cocktails, so many options . At least check eau de vie or Siglo bar.Street art (graffiti). Oh they are awesome specially if you like photography.Try different multi cuisine restaurants. You will never regret.Buskers performances in South bank (Yarra River Side)Eureka sky deck- get the edge experience.Melbourne wheel in Dockland.Visit Royal botanical Garden.Watch movie in IMAX.If you are an outgoing person, pay a visit to chapel street nightlife.Crown casino.St Kilda, Brighton, Frankston and all other beaches.A lot of different cultural festivals happen there, food ,drink, dance etc etc. Those are really good.It’s worth to attend the Melbourne Race on the Melbourne cup day.From Melbourne to nearby places of Victoria-Great Ocean Road Drive. A lot of good beaches , bay and lookout point on the drive.Visit Bright in Autumn, Do paragliding there from the hills.Wilson Prom national park, a great camping place.Visit Grampians .Drive to Point Napean.Visit and taste different wines in Yarra range Wineries.Visit 1000 Steps in Dandenong ranges.Take a ferry trip from Sorrento to Queenscliff.Spend some time in Portsea.Drive to lakes entrance.There are so much to write, but guess this is enough for now.
I was yelled by a person at Victoria Street Swanston Street Melbourne CBD, Why there are so many weird people in Melbourne?
I wouldn’t take that personally.Some people can be very strange. While I was walking on Lonsdale Street eating an apple, one man behind me was asking if I wanted to do hard drugs. I just continued eating my apple and ignored him.I would not go as far as to say there are so many weird people in Melbourne. One person is not representative of the whole population. But with any city with a wide variety of individuals, a few are going to exhibit behaviors that don’t always have a decent explanation.Night time is also a very strange time in the CBD and people say crazy things. I consistently have people say things that would never be tolerated in a work environment, but they are also drunk. They also do a…wide variety of activities near my apartment, also drunk.Melbourne CBD is where some of the nightlife is, and some people take their filters off when the night is young, it’s a Saturday night and they feel they won’t get into trouble.