Editing Melbourne (section)

=== ''' Where To Stay If Not CouchSurfing ''' ===

'''Hostels'''

The following are ALL recommended by CSer's.

* [http://nomadshostels.com/hostels/australia/melbourne-all-nations-backpackers Nomads All Nations] on the corner of Spencer and Flinders streets; $20 for a 12 person dorm.
* Home @ [http://www.homemansion.com.au/ The Mansion], is in three locations: City, St Kilda, and near the Great Ocean Road, Torquay. Rooms & rates vary.
* For an affordable long-stay hostel option, [http://www.homeathoddle.com.au/ Home on Hoddle] has two locations and good reviews (and I can personally vouch).
* [http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/australia/melbourne/ Hostel Bookers] can also recommend other hostels in Melbourne.

'''Hotels on the Cheap'''

There are quite a few hotels that run their room rates at well below normal prices when they're low on bookings. If staying with a friend or in a couple these offers can ''sometimes'' be cheaper than hostels - but you have to hunt for the bargains, and watch out for the fine print!
* [http://www.cancellations.com.au/default.asp Cancellations]
* [http://www.quickbeds.com/hotels/australia/victoria/melbourne Quick Beds]
* [http://www.wotif.com Wotif]
* [http://www.lastminute.com.au/ Last Minute]
* [http://www.ratestogo.com/City/EN/Melbourne Rates to Go]
* [http://www.stay247.com/ Stay 24/7]

'''Camping/ Caravan Parks'''

The [http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne.php?id=10897 Only Melbourne] site lists profiles of Melbourne caravan parks. And [http://www.coastalcampingvictoria.com.au/ Coastal Camping Victoria] lists those camping/ caravan sites around Victoria.

''Gypsy Car Camping in Melbourne - by Melbourne CS legend Cassie''
* Legality - technically you cannot sleep in public places. So be quiet, polite, do not litter and move on if the police or members of the public ask you.
* Park near a public toilet to avoid police charging you with 'littering.'
* Avoid beaches and other more obvious camping places as these are more patrolled, and the locals are sick of free campers.
* Highly recommend are parks as they have toilets, water and BBQ's to cook on and no neighbors. Google maps is excellent as it identifies these facilities.
* Don't stay more than two nights in a row.

Two excellent Melbourne locations are Edinburgh Gardens, next to the toilets is very quiet and located in walking distance of the CBD; and Darebin Gardens (west, at the end of Separation St.) is a lovely spot with toilets, water, free BBQ and very quiet. Williamstown Beach has free showers.

'''Squatting'''

The Melbourne CS group and CS.org do not advocate illegal activities, but we know you want to know so here's a [http://melbournecio.org/?page_id=15 guide] packed full of information, and there's been [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=707&post=4728625 a short discussion] on CS already. One CSer recommended in Dec. 2012: "Quietly ask around at Loophole Community Centre in Thornbury."