Forum Fest 2015 Melbourne

[Wonder]

Hi Jenny, great to have another Melbournite, I'm from Heidelberg so pretty close to the city. With the free trams it's only in the actual CBD (effective the start of this year) but the end of the free zone is very clearly marked. If you are wanting to travel any further afield you'll still need to purchase a Mykie which are easily available and easy to use.

[mcmich]

Here it is called a Smart Rider. I don't know why they can't all have the same name. 

Makes it confusing doesn't it. In Sydney it's the Opal card.

[obbie]

I have stayed at Quest on William twice. all good.

[bogie1]

Thanks everyone, I'm looking forward to FF.

Just FYI its only CBD trams that are free.  Here's a link to show the map:  http://ptv.vic.gov.au/1-january-2015-fare-changes/

You will still need a Myki card to use trains, trams and buses outside of this area.

Chookie, I would love to go on the waitlist for the AA cooking class.  Has it been decided already what the agenda will be for FF other than the date and cooking class?

I live in Werribee but I work in the city so I know my way around the CBD pretty well.  JudyDawn, I've put colleagues and clients up at most of the hotels I mentioned.  In particular at Flagstaff Radisson recently and both the Oaks on Collins and Oaks on Market, which have good conference facilities if needed too. 

Gertbysea - definitely bring the sunshine with you

Thanks for having me guys, really looking forward to it.

Jenny

[Aussie Brenda]

Jenny I booked my DD in for the cooking class to make up the numbers I'm sure she wouldn't mind giving up her place for you, although she is a Thermomix owner she isn't passionate about cooking and it is a fair drive for,her to come in.  She would rather just eat what I cook,   

[judydawn]

I checked out the Radisson last night and it seems to be booked out for those dates Jenny.  It certainly has changed since I stayed there, it looks lovely.

We only have the Saturday plans made.  Not sure if you know exactly what a forumfest is Jenny.  It's a group of people who are prepared to travel and meet up once a year in one of the capital cities.  Our first one was in WA, down in the Margaret River region.  Adelaide was next then last year we met up in Hobart.  There is very little Thermomix talk, and we've never done a cooking class before.  Normally the host state come onboard with ideas and do the outing bookings, air-port pick-ups etc, choose a hotel and everyone then books their own rooms.

Wonder has checked out a couple of hotels for us, others have put forth ideas but as yet nothing has been chosen.  From those I've looked at, they want full payment up front at time of booking and the cheapest rate is non-refundable, something we haven't come across this far in advance before  - I daresay because at that time of the year you have all the Melbourne Cup festivities happening.  

We don't need a conference room but we do need a large area (with a bar) where we gather every morning before setting off on our planned day and if we are going in different directions, meet up late every afternoon as well. We tend to take over this area so it needs to be quite large so that other hotel patrons are able to find a seat as well   We need to book a welcome dinner on the Friday night and another meal out together on the Saturday night. Other meals are discussed amongst ourselves on the day and we may break up into different groups, depending on what we feel like eating.  Some come earlier and stay an extra day or so and others come for a much longer holiday working around the forumfest dates.  Some bring their husbands but most don't.  

I think that's it in a nutshell, others can add to it if I've missed anything.

[cookie1]

So correct Judy. We don't really talk cooking and most of the time is decided as we go. Perhaps in Melbourne we may have a Vic Markets tour and the cooking class. Others may wish to shop, go to the MCG for a tour or any of the other things available in marvellous Melbourne.

Thanks so much for helping us with information Jenny.

[judydawn]

Checked out the Foodies Dream Tour at the Queen Vic Markets - this is on Fridays, $40 and they commence at 10 am.

Saturday - free market tour but we are already booked for the cooking class this day

Opening hours on the days we are there are -  Friday 6 am - 5 pm, Saturday is out, Sunday 9 am - 4 pm

[achookwoman]

Judy, thanks for the info.  Very good.
I could do a free tour of the Vic market as could several other members, but I think that the tour for $40 includes tastings from several of the stalls.
Perhaps we need a list for each day with members expressing a wish to attend different activities,
For example
Friday, AM
Prahan Market and Essetianal Ingredient, 10. 12.00 , no cost
Or
shopping in city or other local area such as Bridge road.
Or ?.?
Friday PM

Guided tour of Sydney Rd.
.??
Evening meal, get together, Venue?
Sat AM

Cooking class, 10 to 1.30. Tastings instead of lunch. ( visit to South Melb Market  1.00 hour, optional )
Saturday evening meal.

Sunday

High tea at Windsor or Langham.

Just a few suggestions that could be added to.

[cookie1]

Ooh I want to do all those. High Tea at the Windsor would be lovely. I did it years ago and it is lovely. I have also done High Tea at that cute little place, I think it is called Hopetown Tea Rooms. .?? That is lovely but very squishy.

Maybe us out of towners need to select a hotel and go with it.
Are there any nice places that aren't too expensive just out of the city?  I will try and sit down and check. When I go out tomorrow I may call in at the RAC and see if they have a holiday book I can have.

[bogie1]

Cookie,

I have a friend who is very into High Tea, having tried most of them around Melbourne/Victoria, she recommends Sofi's at Sofitel, top end of Collins St.  Apparently it's cheaper than the Windsor and very nice.  Personally I've never been to High Tea so I don't know, but here's an article I found that may help us decide which one to do:  http://www.au.timeout.com/melbourne/restaurants/features/2895/melbournes-best-high-teas

Another option is to check out the discount coupon sites, scoopons, buyii, etc as they often have coupons for high tea if people want to save a few $$$. 

Jenny

[bogie1]

AussieBrenda,

That would be lovely re the Alyce Alexandra class, but only if your DD doesn't really want to go.  Let me know via PM if I need to pay you or Chookie and your banking details

Thanks
Jenny

[cookie1]

Jenny thanks for your input. It's appreciated.

[bogie1]

JudyDawn,

Thanks for that info about FF, and thanks to whoever thought of FF in the first place!  It sounds like you have had some good times in the past

That's a shame about Radisson Flagstaff being booked out because it's in a great central place to the markets, tram to south melbourne etc.  Here's a search I just did on Trivago:  http://www.trivago.com.au/?iSemThemeId=19174&iPathId=44314&sem_keyword=%2Bhotel%20%2Bcbd%20%2Bmelbourne&sem_creativeid=50921979079&sem_matchtype=b&sem_network=g&sem_device=c&sem_placement=&sem_target=&sem_adposition=1t1&sem_param1=&sem_param2=&cip=6112490013

There's some real bargains on there, in particular the Sebel on Collins, which has a great bar and restaurant.  I see that there's quite a few "book now and pay later" options on there too.  Plus I notice Radisson Flagstaff is listed on this search as having rooms available, so maybe a call to the hotel would prove fruitful.

Given that it's spring racing carnival and most likely Derby Day on the Saturday, I would make a group booking for rooms soon

Jenny

[Bedlam]

Gosh. Been busy and feel like I've missed a lot.
Welcome Jenny, you will love it ( and us!)
Sounds like we need to book up soon.