Well if anyone is down for an extended period after PAX happy to meet up and show you the sites of Melbourne. I know all the great eateries, sites, shopping etc. and have shown quite a few internationals around. Usually just meet up at fed square grab a coffee to get acquainted and enjoy the worlds most livable city If we get enough people keen i am sure we can get a facebook event going and formalise it a bit more. Anyway hope you have an awesome time i know you will ! However don't miss the Crown Casino fire show, i don't like to plug it as it's a casino and just steals money off people but seeing that go off along the Yarra with Gotham City (Melbourne) backdrop is pretty breathtaking IMO.
Cheers Empz
I'll be around for a while after PAX, and I'm still looking for things to do. I wouldn't mind a native guide at all.
If I'm not rushing back up the hill for a powder day (extremely unlikely) or going to uni for urgent class work (bleh), I'll happy spend the day after PAX in Melbourne giving the tourist tour to visitors, it'd be fun! I'm born and raised in Melbourne but I've been working overseas for the better part of the last five years, so I need to do it for myself too.
Well, we're going to be in Melbourne for the whole week PRIOR to PAX (arriving on Monday I think), and undoubtedly will be looking for hints on places to see and things to do.
I'm flying all the way from NYC, I've got my ipad and gear loaded for the 25+ journey. Looking forward to going to Australia since that leaves me with just 2 more continents to visit.
Previous PAXs: Pax East 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
I'm flying all the way from NYC, I've got my ipad and gear loaded for the 25+ journey. Looking forward to going to Australia since that leaves me with just 2 more continents to visit.
Previous PAXs: Pax East 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
making any connecting flights cos i doubt you'd want to spend that much time on 1 plane!
Next PAX: PAX AUS 2017
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
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LordOwenYoung Joel HeymanAustin, TXRegistered Userregular
I'll be making the flight down on the 11th from LAX. Few things can say 'PAX is important to me!' like a 16 hour flight on a Qantas A380 in Economy!
My longest flight to date was a Delta flight going from Mumbai to Atlanta... direct. Roughly 17.5 hours in the air, not including time spent on the plane before and after take off! It took a few drinks and some small white pills, but I managed to sleep for close to 12-13 hours that time.
This trip, I'll be flying way in the back of the upper deck on an A380, where hopefully the beer shall flow like wine!
I'm looking for help with the public transit and myki cards. If I'm just going from my hotel (riverside) and the showgrounds, is that only 1 zone? So it's $7 a day or $35 for a week of unlimited rides in that area?
Can I get a myki card in person somewhere (like the airport?) or do I have to have it mailed?
Do I need the myki card or can I pay cash?
Is there a phone app for the tram schedule? I'd also accept a paper schedule if those are readily available somewhere.
I'm looking for help with the public transit and myki cards. If I'm just going from my hotel (riverside) and the showgrounds, is that only 1 zone? So it's $7 a day or $35 for a week of unlimited rides in that area?
Can I get a myki card in person somewhere (like the airport?) or do I have to have it mailed?
Do I need the myki card or can I pay cash?
Is there a phone app for the tram schedule? I'd also accept a paper schedule if those are readily available somewhere.
i believe you can get it when in melb.
I look forward to meeting our American friends while i am in Melbs!
thegh0sts on
Next PAX: PAX AUS 2017
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
I'm looking for help with the public transit and myki cards. If I'm just going from my hotel (riverside) and the showgrounds, is that only 1 zone? So it's $7 a day or $35 for a week of unlimited rides in that area?
Can I get a myki card in person somewhere (like the airport?) or do I have to have it mailed?
Do I need the myki card or can I pay cash?
Is there a phone app for the tram schedule? I'd also accept a paper schedule if those are readily available somewhere.
Yes, those should be both within zone 1. It's $3.50 for a 2-hour ticket or $7 for a daily, but the system will automatically figure out which one is the lowest fare for you. Just make sure to scan your card at both ends of a trip (or leg) if you're traveling by train or bus, otherwise it will charge you the default rate (the zone 1+2) rate. You don't need to worry about 'touching off' on a tram, as the default rate is the zone 1 rate anyway, but you do need to 'touch on.'
The $35 for a week thing is if you buy a pass. Once you activate the pass, it will continue to run for 7 days, even if you don't travel. I wouldn't bother unless you're planning on being here for 6 or 7 days.
Note that for both the pass and the 'Myki Money' (ie normal use) you must have a positive balance (even just $0.01, as long as it's not $0.00 or negative) in order to 'touch on' - even if you've already reached the daily cap or are within the duration of a valid pass. Basically just budget $7.05 for the last day (or $3.55 if you're only going to use a 2-hour trip that day) or add $0.05 to your account if you're using a 7-day pass.
You can buy a starter pack on the Skybus (the proprietary shuttle bus that runs between the airport, Southern Cross Station, and several hotels - note that you need to pay for this bus separately and it does not come under Myki), or you can buy the card from any manned train station or 7-11. You can buy it in person, but be aware that you can't use public transport until you do; we no longer have paper tickets that you can buy on the tram or bus. Once you have the card you can top it up at the same place that you bought it or at any train station (or 7-11), and the money will be added to your account instantly. You can also top it up by phone or over the internet, but the money might not be added to your account for 24 hours.
Just to reiterate: you must buy the card BEFORE using public transport. You CANNOT buy a ticket with cash on the bus or tram (or train for that matter, but you can buy the card at most stations).
Timetables can be found here. I don't think they have an app, but you should be able to find paper versions around (or just bookmark that page or it's mobile equivalent).
I'm gonna be grabbing one when i arrive into melbourne. i've heard they last for about 4 years after the last date any credit was put on it - handy if you're planning for more PAX AUS events.
Next PAX: PAX AUS 2017
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
As for tourist ideas, I work at Mount Buller. If anyone thinks they might be up for a day on the slopes, message me.
I would like to officially rescind this invitation due to my broken ankle. Don't let that put you off though, I did do it at the resort, but I fell down the stairs in the village.
Just a little tip for my American brethren coming to Oz: call your cell phone carrier -before- you leave the US and request that your cell phone be "unlocked". Then when you arrive here, pop into any post office or 7-11 or JB Hifi store and buy a pre-paid Telstra SIM. That'll give you a local phone number for calling and SMS, but mote importantly A DATA CONNECTION! I'm shocked how hard it is to find WiFi here (that doesn't cost an arm and a leg). Even Starbucks limits you to 30 minutes per purchase.
I'm looking for help with the public transit and myki cards. If I'm just going from my hotel (riverside) and the showgrounds, is that only 1 zone? So it's $7 a day or $35 for a week of unlimited rides in that area?
Can I get a myki card in person somewhere (like the airport?) or do I have to have it mailed?
Do I need the myki card or can I pay cash?
Is there a phone app for the tram schedule? I'd also accept a paper schedule if those are readily available somewhere.
Keep in mind that with Myki the weekend fares are cheaper than the weekday fares - depending what days you're planning to use Myki you may be better off using Myki Money and doing a daily charge. See here for fares. You may also want to investigate getting a Myki visitor pack which comes with $8 fares on it plus discounts for some attractions. You can buy these at Melbourne Airport (amongst other places) at the Skybus terminal.
As for apps for the Trams, I'd recommend TramTracker - very easy to use as long as you've checked what the tram stop reference is and it's available for iPhones and Android.
Posts
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
I'll be around for a while after PAX, and I'm still looking for things to do. I wouldn't mind a native guide at all.
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
Party time! Excellent!
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
Previous PAXs: Pax East 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
making any connecting flights cos i doubt you'd want to spend that much time on 1 plane!
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
My longest flight to date was a Delta flight going from Mumbai to Atlanta... direct. Roughly 17.5 hours in the air, not including time spent on the plane before and after take off! It took a few drinks and some small white pills, but I managed to sleep for close to 12-13 hours that time.
This trip, I'll be flying way in the back of the upper deck on an A380, where hopefully the beer shall flow like wine!
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
Traveling from near Seattle, WA (Issaquah, to be more precise).
This is my 14th PAX, 9th Enforcing. Holy crap, that actually took me aback to think about that!
[edit] Arriving the Friday before PAX, leaving the Tuesday after PAX
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
can't wait!
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
Can I get a myki card in person somewhere (like the airport?) or do I have to have it mailed?
Do I need the myki card or can I pay cash?
Is there a phone app for the tram schedule? I'd also accept a paper schedule if those are readily available somewhere.
i believe you can get it when in melb.
I look forward to meeting our American friends while i am in Melbs!
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
Yes, those should be both within zone 1. It's $3.50 for a 2-hour ticket or $7 for a daily, but the system will automatically figure out which one is the lowest fare for you. Just make sure to scan your card at both ends of a trip (or leg) if you're traveling by train or bus, otherwise it will charge you the default rate (the zone 1+2) rate. You don't need to worry about 'touching off' on a tram, as the default rate is the zone 1 rate anyway, but you do need to 'touch on.'
The $35 for a week thing is if you buy a pass. Once you activate the pass, it will continue to run for 7 days, even if you don't travel. I wouldn't bother unless you're planning on being here for 6 or 7 days.
Note that for both the pass and the 'Myki Money' (ie normal use) you must have a positive balance (even just $0.01, as long as it's not $0.00 or negative) in order to 'touch on' - even if you've already reached the daily cap or are within the duration of a valid pass. Basically just budget $7.05 for the last day (or $3.55 if you're only going to use a 2-hour trip that day) or add $0.05 to your account if you're using a 7-day pass.
You can buy a starter pack on the Skybus (the proprietary shuttle bus that runs between the airport, Southern Cross Station, and several hotels - note that you need to pay for this bus separately and it does not come under Myki), or you can buy the card from any manned train station or 7-11. You can buy it in person, but be aware that you can't use public transport until you do; we no longer have paper tickets that you can buy on the tram or bus. Once you have the card you can top it up at the same place that you bought it or at any train station (or 7-11), and the money will be added to your account instantly. You can also top it up by phone or over the internet, but the money might not be added to your account for 24 hours.
Just to reiterate: you must buy the card BEFORE using public transport. You CANNOT buy a ticket with cash on the bus or tram (or train for that matter, but you can buy the card at most stations).
Timetables can be found here. I don't think they have an app, but you should be able to find paper versions around (or just bookmark that page or it's mobile equivalent).
Avatar is from www.xkcd.com
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
let me know and i'll see if i can meet up with you before leaving for melbourne.
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
I would like to officially rescind this invitation due to my broken ankle. Don't let that put you off though, I did do it at the resort, but I fell down the stairs in the village.
Absolutely.
Avatar is from www.xkcd.com
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
Keep in mind that with Myki the weekend fares are cheaper than the weekday fares - depending what days you're planning to use Myki you may be better off using Myki Money and doing a daily charge. See here for fares. You may also want to investigate getting a Myki visitor pack which comes with $8 fares on it plus discounts for some attractions. You can buy these at Melbourne Airport (amongst other places) at the Skybus terminal.
As for apps for the Trams, I'd recommend TramTracker - very easy to use as long as you've checked what the tram stop reference is and it's available for iPhones and Android.