Forum Fest 2015 Melbourne

[gertbysea]

Book early I say plenty of accomodation . Melbourne always busy. And prices keen. Do it now I say. Sort the details later.. Need an approximate number, block some rooms and  away we go

Gert

[CreamPuff63]

I've done the walking tour for laneways and arcades and it was terrific.  Yarra Valley is also fantastic, as is catching a show. The best thing I've done is an Italian food safari and I know it would be a huge hit. It is very informative but from memory about $120pp which may be a deterrent.. We did keep all the names of the places we went to tho so we could probs go there anyway as they were mostly around Lygon Street. I'm sure a little pre calling to some places to advise of a large group coming in could be easily arranged.

[Cuilidh]

I will certainly be coming along.

I agree re. accommodation costs etc. with it being the Spring Racing Carnival and just one weekend out from the Melbourne Cup especially, we will have to move relatively quickly as I would imagine that some places will almost certainly be booked out already. 

I cannot comment on good places to stay, but I am sure CP will be able to help with that.

Personally, I have a huge reluctance to go to the casino, but that's just me; I can always find something else to do to keep myself amused.

One suggestion I thought of was booking the Tramcar Restaurant, not sure of costs at this stage, just a thought.  Also, I believe a certain world famous chocolatier (I think I have not spelled that correctly ... I mean maker of chocolates) does tours - and probably tastings  . 

I will also check with the guys at Books for Cooks to see if there are any food related things happening but I doubt that there will be because of the horse racing at that time of the year.  Not sure what shows or concerts will be happening, but will keep an eye open.  We should start getting concert programmes in soon.  Most of the ones we know about will be chamber / classical which may not suit everyone, but there is bound to be something happening to suit most tastes.

Starting to get excited already!!!

[Wonder]

It was a real treat to wake up and find this thread today. I'll definitely be in. I would agree on the accommodation at this time of year, we are in the midst  of 3 weeks of near capacity n Melbourne. The Jehovah's Witness world convention, a Vietnam Veterans event, Melbourne marathon weekend as well as the racing  carnival. It's a very busy time.

I wouldn't go with a shopping tour, the city shops all have plenty of sales at the moment and there are lots of great finds or for anyone interested in outlet shopping there are now a few easily accessible by public transport, with one not far from the casino. I too would give the casino a miss although some of the restaurants are nice around there, but these days I think the city centre is much better.

I would look at Phrahan  market as well as South Melbourne and Victoria markets, the Essential ingredient is at Prahran and I think Alyce's cooking classes take place near the South Melbourne market. I've also done a tour of China town and Sydney road both of which were great.

I don't have a good idea of places to stay although CP's suggestion is a great location.
So many fantastic things to do in and around Melbourne, the list is endless.

I don't mind helping a little but unfortunately I don't have much spare time with work at the moment so can't put my hand up for too much.

[fundj&e]

Maybe we should change the dates Gert. maybe the week b4

[Cuilidh]

Just a thought ... if there are more husbands / partners coming along, would they like to do something that is 'boy's stuff' as opposed to following the women around doing 'girl's stuff'?

Maybe we should change the dates Gert. maybe the week b4

Re. dates, to be safe, we would have to go about 2 week's earlier as the Caulfield Cup is on the week preceeding this one (I think ... I'm afraid I don't follow the horses, but I am pretty sure that at this time of year there is a major race meeting for the 2 - 3 weeks leading up to the Melbourne Cup).

[fundj&e]

its our way or the highway for the boys 

[fundj&e]

just a thought, most of us did pay $230 per night for tassies would that time of year be more than that

[Wonder]

Uni you should be able to get something in that price range, the problem is where there is also a major convention like last week with the Jehovah's Witness meet. We had a backpacker friend who couldn't get a bed for any price on Friday night, and paid $100 for single bed in a 16 bed dormitory on the Saturday night! I'm not sure how you find out about events such as those but i guess if you book far enough in advance it might not matter.

[CreamPuff63]

I was just going to mention Alyce's cooking school, she has lots of different courses but maybe she could do a special class for us so our dates coincide providing we have enough members to make up a class. The only time I can't go is mid Jun, Jul,  - mid Aug as I will be away overseas.

[fundj&e]

Plenty rooms are available ATM for next year at very good rates

where are you off too CP, i will be overseas too  i dont get back until the 1st week of October

[jeninwa]

I was just going to mention Alyce's cooking school, she has lots of different courses but maybe she could do a special class for us so our dates coincide providing we have enough members to make up a class. The only time I can't go is mid Jun, Jul,  - mid Aug as I will be away overseas.

I'd love to do a class with Alyce,

[Wonder]

I would also love to do one of Alyce's classes, although I'm never sure if she runs the actual classes or not.

[CreamPuff63]

uni we're off to italy, croatia (of course), and Berlin

[Kimmyh]

One of Alyce's classes sounds great.  Can't help with accommodation suggestions either.  I also agree, casino not for me. Plenty else to do and see. Wonder the parham market and essential ingredient is on my go for list. Boy I think we would get ourselves into a lot of trouble in that place.