matjones

Just saw this:

http://www.imaxmelbourne.com.au/movie/fifa_world_cup_2014_select_group_matches

Sounds awesome!

It's not the snakes you have to worry about. I hear Drop Bears are prevalent on the peninsula.

I use xetrade.com Find their rates to be the best.

The biggest problem is that the games are going to be early in the morning, so I don't think you will find too many places open.

Is turfbar open for all games? or just the England & Aus ones?

Not sure about the job market right now. Hopefully someone else can comment on that.

With regards to suburbs, you could consider carlton, carlton north, parkville & parts of north melbourne. They would be the closest to university of Melbourne. The public transportation to univeristy is really good. lots of tram lines, most which run up Swanston street through the city. You could also consider suburbs on the south side such as southbank and south Melbourne ( around Domain Interchange). There are plenty of bike lines/paths in the city and some really nice trails along the river. You can see some of the options here:

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ParksandActivities/ActiveMelbourne/WalkingCyclingandSkating/Documents/Travelsmart_Melbourne_map_May_2011.pdf

And in Victoria, an absolute essential, adopt an AFL team... It does not matter which team (so long as it is not Collingwood, who seem to be universally loathed) since it is an infinitely greater social stigma to have no affiliation than to have one different to your questioner.

Don't worry if you're not a sports fan! We have plenty of Aussie friends who couldn't give two hoots about sports. Just find people with similar interests and you'll be right. Melbourne is such a cultural mix, nobody really cares where you are from.

Have a look on google maps. Find the stop closest to your potential workplace and click it. That will highlight all the passing tram routes for you. That side of town is quite well serviced. Potential suburbs really depend on what you are looking for and your budget.

What kind of work are you looking for? Are you coming over on working holiday visa? For meeting others you might want to look at http://www.meetup.com/ They have quite a few local groups.

One of my favorite views of the city is when walking/riding up the capital city trail just before swan street:

http://goo.gl/maps/RH7VK

The ever evolving artwork of Hosier Lane, and one of my favorite restaurants, Movida:

http://goo.gl/maps/5gawX

Always pay attention to the laneways in Melbourne. Walk down each one you never know what you will find, like this little cafe:

http://goo.gl/maps/sJOmQ

http://www.thelittlemule.com/

Melbourne Cathedral - from front it doesnt look that big, but quite impressive from the side view. Up at top end of Spring Street. (make a detour to Spring Street Grocer for some amazing homemade Ice Cream & Cheese Room).

http://goo.gl/maps/AfVgb

Brighton Dog Beach - if you have/get a dog. Best fenced in dog beach in Melbourne area, can be hundreds of dogs here on a nice summers day.

http://goo.gl/maps/uzSF0

So many places along the Yarra River to walk and enjoy the scenery:

http://goo.gl/maps/z75Q6

I will pull up some fav spots a little later and post them, just remember, the street views can be out of date by up to 4 years depending on the area. Melbourne is evolving pretty fast so latest hot spots may not be visible yet.

Don't always wait for inspections at the weekend. Give the agents a call and see if you are able to view the property early. Try and beat out the competition.

A little noisy for my liking. Too many students. If they are looking for a quieter area with easy access, they could look at North Melbourne & South Melbourne.