Editing Melbourne (section)

== '''What can I do in Melbourne?''' ==

=== Useful Websites on what to do in Melbourne ===

Extensive and excellent up-to-date information on things to do in Melbourne & Victoria can be found through one of the many websites listed below, which will have you spoiled for choice on what to do and see during your time here. Official tourism information can be found at [http://www.visitvictoria.com/ Visit Victoria].

You can find out more in person by visiting the following information services:
* Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square
* Melbourne Visitor Booth in the Bourke Street Mall
* [http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/CommunityServices/DisabilityServices/MobilityCentre/Pages/MobilityCentre.aspx Melbourne Mobility Centre] at Federation Square
* [http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Gettingaroundthecity/Visitorassistance/Pages/CityAmbassadors.aspx City Ambassadors] who wear hats and red shirts and are usually around Swanston Street
* Free [http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/gettingaroundthecity/visitorassistance/pages/touristshuttle.aspx Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle]
* [http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Gettingaroundthecity/Visitorassistance/Pages/MelbourneGreeterService.aspx Melbourne Greeter Service] for free two-hour walking tours
* [http://www.free-things-to-do-melbourne.com/ Free Things to do in Melbourne]
* [http://www.weekendnotes.com/free-guided-tours-melbourne/ Free guided walks]

'''Want to be in the Know?'''

Listed in order of the best to, well... the mediocre

* [http://thethousands.com.au/melbourne/ Three Thousand]'s weekly newsletter (with tons of contests) is a must for hipster-oriented events. They have a so-so iPhone app as well.
* [http://www.au.timeout.com/melbourne/ Time Out Melbourne] is a venerable publication around the world. In print form as well as having a weekly newsletter (and good iPhone app), it's handy.
* [http://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/ Broadsheet], while catering more to the well-heeled Melburnians, is a good way to get to know the city, and has a newsletter.
* [https://www.chug.com.au CHUG] CHUG is a online directory that lets you search for food & drink specials. Their weekly newsletter highlights new specials around Melbourne.
* [http://thatsmelbourne.com.au/ That's Melbourne] is the official City of Melbourne newsletter that comes out weekly, and shows city-sponsored events. Sign up for the [http://newsletter.thatsmelbourne.com.au/ newsletter].
* [http://www.milkbarmag.com/ Milkbar Mag] was founded in 2011, and has a weekly newsletter about events, as well as a very active Twitter account.
* [http://everguide.com.au/melbourne/ Everguide] has a more music-focused newsletter, and throws parties every now and then.
* [http://smallwerld.com/ Small Werld] has a nice weekly newsletter to sign up for.
* [http://www.theagendadaily.com/melbourne/ Agenda Daily] is similar to Broadsheet, but still worth checking out for events and must-dos.
* [http://www.whitehat.com.au Whitehat] has a weekly newsletter in text form that has tons of events, but isn't that easy on the eyes since it's in text form.
* [http://www.my247.com.au/melbourne/ My247]'s weekly newsletter ain't all that great, but they do have contests every now and then.

=== '''Top Nine Cheap Suggestions from Local CouchSurfers''' ===

(1) The aboriginal art (ground floor) and Australian art (1st floor - Ian Potter Gallery) inside Federation Square. Its all free.

(2) Opposite Federation Square is Hosier Lane, which is full of graffiti- some of it is really great to see.

(3) The Queen Victoria Market - large undercover market with all kinds of goodies, fruit/ vege/ organics, meats/ seafood, a fantastic deli section.

(4) Cheap Eats - Indian Food at 123 Swanson Street, just go upstairs and eat for around $6

(5) Chinatown - good cafes and food.

(6) Shrine of Remembrance - provides good views of the city from the very top.

(7) Fitzroy Gardens has Captain Cook's Cottage and a beautiful conservatory nearby and at night you can see wild possums (just remember to keep your distance).

(8) #96 tram ride to St Kilda, walk out onto pier and see little penguins at night.

(9) Free city circuit tram will take you all around the city centre get on and off it free of charge.

Other suggestions include:
* The Melbourne Aquarium
* A walk along the Yarra river
* A MCG ground tour.
* Brunswick / Smith Streets at night
--- Check the [https://www.google.com/calendar/b/0/embed?src=csmelbourne@gmail.com&ctz=Australia/Sydney Melbourne group calendar] for events. ---

=== '''Popular Food & Drink Specials with CouchSurfers''' ===
Details in this section are subject to change by venue management, if the offer no longer exists please notify a CS Melbourne group moderator so we can update this information.

Also check out this [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=707&post=13212419 thread] for more ideas.

'''Drinks:'''
* Discover the best happy hours via [https://www.chug.com.au CHUG]  
* Top 5 [http://www.au.timeout.com/melbourne/bars/features/1757/top-5-ladies-nights ladies' nights] (researched & written by CSer Theresa!) - also try [http://www.thehappiesthour.com/venues/melbourne/u-bar/ U Bar] on Tuesday from 9pm
* 5 cocktails for $20 @ [http://www.barnothing.com.au Bar Nothing]: 5 cocktails for $20, 3 cocktails for $12.50!
* $2 pints @ [http://www.tongueandgroove.net.au/ The Tongue and Groove] (16 Grey Street, St Kilda): This is the cheapest bar in Melbourne - on a Monday, Thursday and Sunday (9pm-1am) they have $2 pints!

'''Food:'''
* Check out ''Time Out Melbourne'''s 2012 [http://www.au.timeout.com/melbourne/restaurants/features/1896/cheap-eats Cheap Eats] info -- totally comprehensive guide (along with the [http://www.au.timeout.com/melbourne/restaurants/features/1892/cheap-eats-twenty-under-2020 under $20])
* [https://www.chug.com.au/melbourne/guide/best-cheap-eats-melbourne/ A list of Melbourne's best cheap eats] via CHUG.
* [http://www.burgersofmelbourne.com.au/cheap-eats/ Cheap Burgers, Fries and Milkshakes] via Burgers of Melbourne

* Broadsheet's [http://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/food-and-drink/article/top-10-cheap-eats-under-10-collingwood Collingwood under $10] list is great if you're on Smith Street
* $5 paella @ Claypots (213 Barkly St, St. Kilda). More info in [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=707&post=8725384 this thread]
* $1-$2 pinxtos, aka Basque tapas @ [http://www.nakedforsatan.com.au/ Naked for Satan] (285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy): the price varies depending on what time you go
* $4 pizzas @ [http://www.bimbodeluxe.com.au/ Bimbos] (376 Brunswick St., Fitzroy) & [http://www.luckycoq.com.au/ Lucky Coq] (179 Chapel St, Windsor): check website for days and times
* $2 tacos on Thurs. @ [http://www.thedan.com.au/?page_id=10 The Dan O'Connell] (225 Canning St, cnr Princes St, Carlton): These are pretty basic (salad, cheese, beans, corn shell). But Melbourne University dweebs bring their own salsa, sour cream etc., the tacos do need jazzing up! 
* $10 "all you can eat" @ [http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/761716/restaurant/CBD/Shanghai-Village-Dumpling-Melbourne Shanghai Dumpling House (Chinatown)]: they keep serving fried rice, greens, dumplings, noodles etc. until you ask them to stop
* free bbq @ [www.exfordhotel.com.au The Exford Hotel] (199 Russell St, CBD): Fridays, weather dependant, the pub serves free barbeque from 6pm
* cheap chicken parmas @ [http://parma.com.au/ Parma.com], [http://www.parmadaze.com/ Parmadaze], and [http://www.thehappiesthour.com The Happiest Hour]
* $6 ($5.50 concession) all-you-can-eat lunch @ [http://www.iskcon.net.au/food/crossways Crossways] (123 Swanston St., CBD): Hare Krishna vegetarian buffet
* $6.50 all-you-can-eat lunch @ [http://omvegetarian.com/ Om Vegetarian] (1/28 Elizabeth St, CBD): Indian vegetarian buffet
* Pay-as-you-feel vegetarian meals @ [http://www.lentilasanything.com/index.html Lentil As Anything] (Abbotsford, St. Kilda, Footscray): The pay-as-you-feel philosophy is simple – you are invited to pay what you think the food and the experience is worth – and to donate towards a philosophy that places human dignity above profit (it's definitely not the place to go & not pay, they are only just making ends meet each month so consider a standard menu's prices when considering how much to pay).
* ''Time Out Melbourne'' has a list of great [http://www.au.timeout.com/melbourne/restaurants/features/1781/international-restaurant-guide international restaurants] by cuisine

'''Free Wine Tastings:'''
* [http://www.blackheartsandsparrows.com.au/ Black Hearts & Sparrows] (North Fitzroy, Windsor, East Brunswick): 4:30—6:30pm on Saturdays

=== '''Nightlife, Music and Festivals''' ===
[[File:IMG_1005.jpg|thumb|right|Melbourne by Night ...]]
Melbourne is renowned for its nightlife and pub/ bar scene. Many venues around the City and suburbs have regular live music, including popular Australian and international acts. There are many sources of information, including [http://www.beat.com.au/ Beat], also available as a free newspaper from many cafes and music stores around the City. For rave and techno try [http://www.inthemix.com.au/whatson/melbourne What's on in Melbourne] or [http://www.likesofyou.com.au/ Likesofyou] for underground. These also include festivals. 

The links below will take you to the Region/Suburb page for some of Melbourne's popular nightlife districts.
* [[Melbourne Regions - Inner South#Nightlife|Inner South & Bayside]]
* [[Melbourne Regions - Inner North#Nightlife|Inner North]]

Melbourne is known for its many festivals - there sometimes seems to be a different one every week! They are a good opportunity to experience something a little bit different. Here are some of the better known ones, but for a comprehensive listing, check the festivals listing on [http://www.whitehat.com.au/ ''whitehat'']
* [http://www.bigdayout.com/ Big Day Out] - Australia's biggest music festival: January
* [http://tropfest.com/au/ Tropfest]-short film festival: February
* [http://www.stkildafestival.com.au St.Kilda Festival]: February
* [http://www.lmff.com.au/ Melbourne Fashion Festival]: March
* [http://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/ Melbourne Food and Wine Festival]: March
* [http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/moomba Moomba Festival]: March
* [http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/ Comedy Festival]: April
* [http://www.melbflowershow.com.au/ Flower and Garden Show]: April
* [http://www.emergingwritersfestival.org.au/ Emerging Writer's Festival]: late May
* [http://miff.com.au/ International Film Festival]: August
* [http://mwf.com.au/2012/?name=Home-2012 Melbourne Writer's Festival]: late August
* [http://www.melbournefringe.com.au/ Fringe Festival]: September
* [http://www.melbournefestival.com.au/ International Arts Festival]: October
* [http://www.centre.org.au/spring_fling_festival/ Spring Fling] (biennial): October
* [http://www.horseracinginfo.com.au/melbourne-spring-racing-carnival.htm Spring Racing Carnival] (dress up, don a big hat, get drunk &, oh yeah, then watch some horse racing): November

'''[[Buskers|Busking]]/ Street Entertainment'''

Melbourne is very proactive towards street entertainment however some areas require you to get permits. For the City of Melbourne go to the [http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/enterprisemelbourne/industries/design/StreetEntertainment/Pages/StreetEntertainment.aspx Street Entertainment] site. For other councils you will need to check their local information - Google will help you here.

''' Confest Festival'''

Join the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/groups/29125 Confest CouchSurfing group]!

[http://http://www.dte.org.au/NextFest.html Confest] (from CONversation and FESTival) is held over a week twice annually, at New Years, and at Easter. It is popular with Couch Surfers, partly, because it is cheap (tickets are $80 for a week bought at the gate- no limit on tickets sold) and partly because it is a uniquely Australian festival that is quite magical. There is usually a CS camp at Confest with around 30 surfers. 

The entry ticket is spent on facilities and to fund events and activities. No one gets paid, so all the money comes back to you as Confestors. Confest is located in a mature and beautiful area of protected river-red gums alongside the Edwards River. This is across the NSW border, approx. five & a half hours drive from Melbourne. Public transport stops about 100 km away in Deniliquin, but hitch-hiking is generally easy, and CSers often post their ride in the Melbourne group forum a few week's before.

You are asked to volunteer for two hours on your ticket. People who do enjoy Confest a lot more too. Bring a tent and food for week, musical instruments and good karma. Please take all rubbish you make with back you. Cook in one of the cooking circles, which are set up with gas cookers and water. All water on site is filtered and safe to drink.

Confest is now over 35 years old. It emerged in part from the mental heath sector and is informed by the work of controversial Scottish psychologist R.D Lange. The idea being, the world is a harsh and crazy place - so that so-called mental illness is simply a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. Therefore, create a genuinely tolerant and supportive environment and people will naturally start to heal themselves, or at least the worst symptoms of mental illness will be alleviated. So, at Confest, you may see a naked man painted blue lying on the ground crying and screaming, and people will smile at him as they walk past and say, ''how wonderful, he is healing.'' Confest is also informed, in part, by a bunch of dirty hippies, both influences are currently still in play. In short, it can all be a bit anarchistic, with nothing quite working as you, or anyone else - like the organizers - might expect. 

Still, it is a very tolerant place. There are no formal rules other than no dogs and a request to be drug and alcohol free on the ticket. Anything goes are long as other people don't feel aggrieved. Whatever conflict might occur is usually solved by negotiation, and in truth, Australians are a pretty tolerant lot. That said, there are fire wardens (and even an ancient fire engine), 24-hour first aid and duty volunteers. So Confest is pretty well run for a bunch of dirty hippies. There are about 2,500 Confesters at Easter and 1,500 at summer Confest.

Confest has no sound stage or center. There is no amplified music - but there are several acoustic areas and there is silent trance music using head-phones. It's more like a colorful crazy medieval village with lots of centers. All built a few days before hand - and then torn down again - so all very eco, or messy. There is usually Tranquility area with meditation, healing and massage workshops, the Arts village with the steam-tent, drawing, painting, body painting, photography, mud bath etc, the tee-pee village (still no real idea what the hell they do there but they do great free breakfasts and have a sacred fire) communal kitchens, gay village, nudist village (it's clothes optional anyway!?! but I think they just don't want to be left out) and the polyamorous village (although they tend to stick together). Plus the drumming and fire twirling circles, the Chai tent in the market, etc etc etc. Except in the market, which sells meals and some clothing, you cannot use money. No alcohol is sold. Everything else is reciprocal or based on giving. There are about 800 workshops over the five days. These range from juggling and tight-rope walking workshops to karma and meditation, to meet an alien, to be an alien, etc etc. Also Green and alternative issues, bio-stuff, save the hippie, etc. Some are life changing others, are considerably less so. You can leave a workshop any time you like. 

But most of all, lots of nice interesting people. So it is really what you make of it yourself. You need to actively join in to make Confest your own or you will be very bored. I think Confest is about the most free you can realistically ever be. Also the most hot you can ever be too as temperatures reach the mid-forties C. in summer, but are much nicer at Easter.

=== '''Dancing''' ===
This section is about getting your body moving in a fancy-shmancy way but if you're keen for the nightclub style groove-thang check out the [http://www.beat.com.au/ Beat magazine].

'''Salsa Dancing'''<br />
First off, you can join the '''[http://www.couchsurfing.org/groups/42128 Melbourne CS Salsa Sub-group]'''!
* Check out this website/directory: 
* [http://www.melbournelatindance.com.au/ Melbourne Latin Dance] run structured courses and allow you to try the first class FREE. They also offer HALF PRICE deals for new students.([https://www.facebook.com/MelbourneLatinDance/ Facebook page])
* [http://www.melbournesalsa.com.au/ Melbourne Salsa] ([https://www.facebook.com/groups/melbournesalsa/ Facebook page]).
* [http://www.thesalsafoundation.com.au/ The Salsa Foundation] runs many classes, some of which are FREE.
* Other groups include: [http://www.facebook.com/latin247 Latin247], a monthly night in Coburg or Brunswick; [https://www.facebook.com/FlavouredRhythm Flavoured Rhythm]; [https://www.facebook.com/groups/salsainthepark/ Salsa in the Park], which meet every Sunday at around 3pm - "I've been once and it was soo much fun," reports a CSer.
* [http://www.latinlover.com.au Latin Lover] lists a variety of different places to go for lessons and social nights.

The Salsa Foundation have free classes in the CBD Wednesday and Thursday at 600 Little Collins St @ 17:30. However these are more of a place to learn rather than a 'social night'.<br />
Places to go social dancing (without a free class beforehand):<br />
~Thursday @ The Spot<br />
~Friday @ The Conga Room @ Sontano's Hilton or @ Amber Lounge in CBD<br />
~Saturday @ The Spot or @ Copacobana<br />
~Sunday @ The Night Cat

'''Swing Dancing'''
* [http://www.swing-dancing.com/ Lindy Hop Melbourne] has a calendar of events.
* [http://www.swingpatrol.com.au/ Swing Patrol] offers many classes/social dances throughout the week in various locations.

'''Tango'''
* [http://www.verytango.com/calendar.html Very Tango] has a calendar of events.

=== '''Film/ Cinema''' ===
Melbourne has a bevvy of cinemas, but films in Australia can break your budget. Try winning tickets through one of the mailing lists listed above in Useful Websites (Time Out and Three Thousand have giveaways almost weekly). You can hit up a discount night, go to a film club at a bar, try out one of the free screenings -- or splash out with an outdoor film.

'''Cinemas:'''
* Mondays: Kino in the city for $7; Cinema Nova in Carlton for $9, or $6 before 4pm
* Tuesdays: any Palace cinema (other than Kino) for $7; Hoyts for $11
* Wednesdays: Astor Cinema for $9
* [http://www.milkbarmag.com/2010/12/28/the-reel-deal/ list of deals]

'''Indie Film Nights:'''

[http://www.milkbarmag.com/2011/12/07/milk-bars-guide-to-melbournes-indie-film-nights/ Independent Film Nights in Bars] (Bar Open, Loop, Bar 303, Long Play, Kent Street) 

'''Indoor Free Films:'''
* [http://www.celebratesouthgate.com.au/events/category/cinema/ Celebrate Southgate] - upper level Southgate, Southbank
* [http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/event/outside-cinema Outside In Cinema] - State Library of Victoria, Swanston Street
* [http://thousandpoundbend.com.au/events/sunday-night-double-feature-movie/ Sunday Night Double Feature] - Thousand Pound Bend, Lt. Lonsdale

'''Outdoor Cinemas:'''
* [http://www.rooftopcinema.com.au/ Rooftop Cinema] - 6/252 Swanston Street, at the Rooftop Bar above Cookie/The Toff in Town
* [http://www.stkildaopenair.com.au/ St. Kilda Open Air Cinema] - 10-18 Jacka Blvd, St. Kilda Beach
* [http://www.moonlight.com.au/home.php?location=Melbourne Moonlight Cinema] - Botanical Gardens
* [http://blowupcinema.com/outdoor-films/gasworks-backyard-cinema-2/ Gasworks Backyard Cinema] - corner of Graham & Pickles Street, Albert Park
* [http://shadowelectric.com.au/ The Shadow Electric] - Abbotsford Convent
* [http://villagecinemas.com.au/Cinemas/Coburg-Drive-In.htm Coburg Drive-In] - 155 Newlands Rd, Coburg
* [http://www.cameocinemas.com.au/Page/Outdoor-Cinema Cameo Cinemas] - Burwood Highway, Belgrave
* [http://www.cinemanova.com.au/MITV/ Movies in the Vinyard] - Rochford Winery, Yarra Valley

'''Rentals:'''

On Tuesdays, Blockbuster have $2 New Release DVDs, Albert Park Movies Now have $1 DVDs, and Video Busters in Collingwood have $1 movies.

[Note: specials were accurate at the time of writing, but may change.]

=== ''' Shopping ''' ===
Melbourne has shopping precincts, lanes, factory outlets, charity stores, boutiques and oh so much more!

'''Shopping Precincts:'''
the Only Melbourne site has provided a full list of [http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne.php?id=255 precincts and shopping streets], as well as a list of [http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne.php?id=253 shopping centres]. For bargain shopping check out We Love Melbourne's [http://www.we-love-melbourne.net/shopping-Melbourne-bargain.html list].

'''Markets:'''
Whitehat have put together [http://www.whitehat.com.au/melbourne/markets/marketsm.asp an overview] that details a [http://www.whitehat.com.au/melbourne/markets/marketsm.asp#Listing comprehensive list of markets] around Melbourne & outer suburbs. They've also done all the hard work listing the [http://www.whitehat.com.au/Victoria/Markets/Farmers.asp farmer's markets] too! If you know of one not on their list, contact them with the new info so we can always be up-to-date.

'''Dumpster Diving:'''
is quietly, slowly growing popularity in Melbourne. There's a relatively new [https://www.facebook.com/dumpsterdivingmelbourne facebook page], and a [http://www.couchsurfing.org/groups/2439 CS group], as well as a great write-up on [http://www.notquitenigella.com/2008/06/19/freeganism-the-new-frontier/ Not Quite Nigella]. Coles & Woolies may require keys- although many are quite lazy about actually locking up. The markets do not, just be aware of safety if diving while the crew is cleaning up. The suburban supermarkets are definitely better because they're hit less often, Aldi can be good for that reason too. I've not heard of police called but divers should expect to dive late at night to avoid unnecessary attention. Also, be mindful to stay out of the way of the dumpster trucks, they're doing their job. Always dive in pairs for safety reasons.

'''Op Shopping:'''
you will notice as soon as you hit north of the Yarra river, that the folk there love their op-shop fashion. Charity stores or opportunity stores are a dime a dozen. Here's a [http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=13576 list] put together by Only Melbourne.

'''Secondhand Bookshops:'''
books might be thought of as a dying fashion in competition to the Kindles & iPads of the technological world but I for one will always love the feel of an old paperback as I sip my cuppa tea. Check out this [http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne.php?id=281 list] for bookshops around town. Also [http://www.ruebebelons.com.au/the_venue.html Rue Bebelons cafe/ bar] have just started a new book sharing program. The books are free for you to exchange with your already read books. There's a great selection. Also watch out on the Melbourne group forum for book swapping events that MelbourneExperience likes to put on occasionally.

=== '''Sports''' ===
Melbourne (okay, who am I kidding, AUSTRALIA) has a huge sports culture!

An extensive list of all things sport's can be found on the [http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne-sport-recreation.php Only Melbourne] site. To find out what sport is on, check out the [http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/whatson/sport/Pages/Sport.aspx City of Melbourne's What's On Sports] page. And if you're a mega keen sports enthusiast why not round your fellow CSers up for a [http://www.melbournesportstours.com.au/ Melbourne Sports Tour]?

'''AFL''' (also known as Aerial Ping Pong by Rugby supporters): this type of football has an elongated ball and they do a lot of bouncing, jumping and running, not a lot of tackling or brute force. [http://www.afl.com.au/ Official website].

'''Rugby''': this is the type of football where big beefy boys run, tackle, pound the crap out of each other and attempt to run. [http://www.rugby.com.au/ Offical website]. 

'''Soccer''' (what the rest of the world - except the US - know as FOOTBALL): this is the one with the round white & black ball, no tackles to be had (although they do fall & trip and crash into each other), a few punches if you're lucky, a lot of speed and skill (guess which football I support?!). [http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/ Official website]. CS Melbourne also has a futsal team [https://www.facebook.com/groups/277606335583958/ CS United].

'''Cricket''': long, hot summer days spent drinking in the sun watching the boys in white hit a ball with a flat stick and run back & forth. [http://cricket.com.au/ Offical website]. And, funnily enough, I actually like it.

'''Basketball''': an orange ball, mega tall people who like to swing off the hoop if they get the chance to slam-dunk. See [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=707&post=10895854 this CS post] for more on basketball courts, or check out [http://asphaltallstars.blogspot.com/ Asphalt All-Stars] for more info.

'''Swimming''': whether you're into solo laps or splashing about, this is the ideal sport for keeping fit. Check out [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=707&post=11019523 this CS thread] for more information on public swimming pools around the city.

'''Tennis''': Melbourne is widely popular for it's tennis scene. You can find places to play tennis in Melbourne [https://www.tennis.com.au/play/social-tennis play tennis in Melbourne] and, of course, watch the famous 1st Grand Slam of year at the [https://tenniseventguide.com/australian-open Australian Open]

'''Ultimate frisbee''': I'm not sure when the good ol' faithful, picnic in the park, frisbee became it's own sport but it's definitely loads of fun. Check out [http://www.ultimatevictoria.com.au Ultimate Victoria] for more information about where and when you can play!

'''Yoga''': Check out [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=707&post=12364029 this thread] on all the places offering free or cheap yoga classes.

=== '''Chloe - The Icon of Melbourne''' ===

She has graced magazine covers, had wine named after her and poems written to her. She has experienced fame and adoration and has won high acclaim from critics. Chloe has kept company with artists, poets, wharfies, Prime Ministers and drunks, soldiers, sailors, celebrities, bushies, laborers and art connoisseurs. Her history involves transformation, death, intrigue, love, war, depression and passion. And still she smiles down on Melbourne. 

Chloe was brought to life in Paris in 1875 by the artist Jules-Joseph Lefebvre, a respected leading academic master of the painted nude figure in the late 1800's. Marie, a young Parisian woman, modeled for Lefebvre's Chloe at around the age of 19. Marie was a model who posed for several artists and, after throwing a party for her friends, spent her last money on poisonous matches, boiled these up, drank the concoction and painfully died. It is thought she was rejected and left destitute her long-term lover. Marie was about 21 years of age and left a small daughter, nothing is known of her fate. And we think of the French as a romantic people.

Chloe's debut at the Paris Salon - a showcase exhibition for the leading French academic masters and their prize works - was a raging success. Chloe won the Gold Medal of Honor, the greatest official award to be bestowed on a French artist and the first of three gold medals Chloe was to win. In 1879 she was the central figure in the French Gallery at the Sydney International Exhibition and at the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880; Chloe scooped the pool, winning both the highest awards and acclamation.

Chloe was then purchased by Dr Thomas Fitzgerald of Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. However, while Chloe had won the highest of critical acclaim, she had not yet won the hearts of the Melbourne people. With new Sunday opening times in effect and a naked woman at the Gallery, the Presbyterian Assembly worked themselves up into a frenzy of religious protestation. Chloe remained with Dr Fitzgerald for a further 21 years causing scandal until his death in 1908.

In 1908, Messrs Young and Jackson, who had been successful in the gold fields of New Zealand, purchased and hung her above the bar, now named after her, in their [http://www.youngandjacksons.com.au/ hotel]. Custom increased dramatically with the cultured viewing and criticism of a wholly new audience.

Chloe has kept soldiers company through two World Wars, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. She has held a special place in the hearts of Australian soldiers, as witnessed each Anzac Day when more than 2,000 people visit Young and Jackson's to have a drink in her company. During the World Wars diggers came to drink with Chloe before being shipped out. Letters were written to her from the trenches of Turkey, France, and Papua New Guinea, swearing their true love and promising to return. Many diggers during both World Wars arranged to meet their mates afterward at Young and Jackson's, if they survived.

American GI's so in love with her during World War II that plans were made to abduct her. Another GI was so besotted with Chloe that he threw a glass of beer at her exclaiming that ''he would give her something to remember him by''.

Having put up with each other for almost 100 years, Chloe and Y&J's have become inextricably linked as part of Melbourne's heritage. The National Trust and Heritage Victoria decreed several years ago that they remain bound together forever. Chloe is now raising money, for [http://www.challenge.org.au/ Challenge], a cancer support network.

=== ''' 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."