Meet Moby Vic!

Moby Vic · 17-09-2012, 07:01 AM

Hello all,

Thanks for all the input and advice in my "Australia Trip" topic. I figured I'd start this one so no one would have to wade through pages of stuff.

If you haven't read my other topic, I'll restate here that I'm an American living in Orlando, Florida who is coming to Australia to attend the Bathurst 1000. I've had PM discussions with a few members, but I thought I would share here where I'll be and when to see if anyone wants to meet. I have signed up for several small tours, so I can't guarantee I'll be available for just hanging out, but I would like to meet as many Ford fans as possible!

So here's the itinerary:
Monday, 24 September, arrive in Sydney.

Friday, 28 September, drive to Canberra.

Monday, 1 October, drive to Katoomba.

Thursday, 4 October, drive to Bathurst.

Monday, 8 October, go back to Sydney for the night, and then fly to Cairns on Tuesday.

Wednesday, 10 October, day tour of Great Barrier Reef.

Thursday, 11 October, fly to Alice Springs (for a 3-day camping tour of Uluru and other sites).

Monday, 15 October, take train to Darwin.

Thursday, 18 October, fly to Melbourne.

The plan currently is to spend the evening of Friday, 19 October, in Berwick, then return to Melbourne on the 20th, then go to Geelong for the day on the 21st.

Monday, 22 October, fly back to Orlando.

Trek · 17-09-2012, 11:20 AM

What did you have planned for Geelong on a Sunday?

Jason[98.EL] · 17-09-2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trek

What did you have planned for Geelong on a Sunday?

we are undecided atm but could be a day trip down the coast ie torquay bells lorne and poss the 12 appostles but will be leaving it to make the final choice

Jason

Moby Vic · 17-09-2012, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trek

What did you have planned for Geelong on a Sunday?

Geelong on Sunday came about because of availability of the people who have already offered to meet me.

No matter what I do, I will be seeing a place I haven't seen before.

OffRoadFalcon · 17-09-2012, 10:48 PM

Enjoy your trip mate!

Can you take me back to the USA with you? That's on top of my list of overseas travel! I'd like to do some vehicle 'shopping' there as well

and HMPH! Not coming to WA, huh? I see how it is...........................

You will miss out on our beaches then... heheheheh.

Sounds like a great plan though, you'll see lots of good stuff where you're going! Gee ain't it annoying when the people from other countries are visiting places in YOUR country that even you are still waiting to see?

Moby Vic · 18-09-2012, 05:40 AM

I was hoping to make it to Perth, but it didn't fit the schedule with the other things I was planning to do.

I should have arrived in Australia closer to the date of the race in Bathurst. The way I'm doing it, I have a week and a half to kill prior to the race, and since they don't have a big airport there, I'm sort of tied to in and around Sydney prior to that.

I had to miss Adelaide, too. Maybe next time!

(And there's plenty I haven't seen in the US--maybe after this trip I'll plan something more "local." I've barely explored my own state!)

**Elks** · 18-09-2012, 09:31 AM

Plenty of time for a catch up in Melb on the 20th.

Moby Vic · 18-09-2012, 09:46 AM

So Geelong on Sunday may not be too exciting.

Is there anything to do in Melbourne on a Saturday night?

mik · 18-09-2012, 02:17 PM

while i`m far from a social butterfly, i`d say there`s plenty to do only limited by your imagination, lot`s of pubs and clubs, lots of food places, i`m an old fart , don`t get out that much these days, but lygon street gets a pretty good rap

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/PLA...nPrecinct.aspx

if you want to get a view of the city the Eureka tower might be worth a look
http://www.eurekaskydeck.com.au/

there`s the casino in the city if your tired of your cash

http://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/

there are some pretty flash establishments around for parting with some more of your hard earned
http://melbourne.grand.hyatt.com/hya...index.jsp?null
if you want to sight see a an older sea side town close to Melbourne , williamstown is not a bad place to check out, also many many food places, it is usually a hive of activity but in good weather williamstown comes alive, it is one of my favorite places, i think there are ferry rides to be had, sea plane rides during the day,
http://www.williamstowninfo.com.au/

the science works is in the vicinity, not sure what time it`s open to,

there used to be motor events held at different venues around melbourne at different hours , i have`nt been for years, brooklyn, avalon, sandown maybe some of the other guys can shed light on that,, sporting events there`s usually something on, football, tennis, horse racing, greyhounds,

i just stumbled across the royal melbourne show starting on september 22, which is sort of a carnival atmosphere, also has live stock pavilions show bags etc
http://www.royalshow.com.au/things-to-see-and-do.asp

here`s another link for events
http://www.victoria.aussietrueblue.c...012.php#events

have fun.

Franco Cozzo · 18-09-2012, 09:04 PM

Scienceworks is awesome, I love the planitarium.

Moby Vic · 18-09-2012, 10:18 PM

I see that Matchbox Twenty—a band that started in Orlando—has a concert in Melbourne on the 20th. I didn't even know they still existed!

Moby Vic · 19-09-2012, 02:36 AM

And now I've booked a room in Melbourne. That was the last reservation to make.

I'm right in center city on Little Bourke Street. That should be fun to arrive to after midnight.

vanman_75 · 20-09-2012, 08:58 PM

It's a good connection Moby , skybus leaves from front of airport , grab return ticket , when it gets into town ( southern cross station ) they have free hotel connect mini bus, $26 one way or 50 return ...ticket box is on bus ...just walk out the door

oh this is for your Melbourne stop mate . I stay at little Burke st all the time its the most convenient to the trams ...which you just need a pass that you get in any convenience store 7/11

Franco Cozzo · 20-09-2012, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanman_75

It's a good connection Moby , skybus leaves from front of airport , grab return ticket , when it gets into town ( southern cross station ) they have free hotel connect mini bus, $26 one way or 50 return ...ticket box is on bus ...just walk out the door

oh this is for your Melbourne stop mate . I stay at little Burke st all the time its the most convenient to the trams ...which you just need a pass that you get in any convenience store 7/11

I don't think you can buy a metcard anymore, you need Myki.

Or you can just go to southern cross and buy a Vline ticket which gives you zone 1/2 access all around Melbourne without having to buy a Myki.

Moby Vic · 20-09-2012, 11:34 PM

Yes, I picked that hotel because of its proximity to transportation along with it being in the center of town. Is that in the Chinatown area, or just adjacent?

Neale · 21-09-2012, 12:22 AM

I noticed you will be in Katoomba for a couple of days. Theres an old race track there, that hasnt been used for a few years now. But it hasnt changed since the 1960's, its worth a look if If you have some time to kill.

Theres no signs for it but its also known as Frank Walford Park & theres a few signs to the Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre which is on the edge of the old circuit. Heres a link to it on a map http://goo.gl/maps/LpRMy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalina_Park

& heres a few pics

Moby Vic · 21-09-2012, 12:39 PM

Excellent!

They used a "Le Mans start," I see.

That's the kind of thing I'd never learn about in a guidebook. (And I can't wait for someone to teach me the correct pronunciation of "Geoghegan." I know he and his brother raced Falcons later.)

Less than 48 hours until I begin my trek.

4stanger · 21-09-2012, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby Vic

Excellent!

They used a "Le Mans start," I see.

That's the kind of thing I'd never learn about in a guidebook. (And I can't wait for someone to teach me the correct pronunciation of "Geoghegan." I know he and his brother raced Falcons later.)

Less than 48 hours until I begin my trek.

Some one here will correct me if I am wrong, but i think the pronunciation of Geoghegan i have heard on DVDs is "gay - e - gun".
Pity you couldn't include the All Ford Day in Brisbane Oct. 14.
All the same, I reckon you have picked a pretty good trip with the time you have.

vanman_75 · 21-09-2012, 07:49 PM

Yes same street , I suggest the teppenyaki place on your right as you walk up China town , or the byo on left just before the oxford on the corner ( grab drinks walk back 2 or so doors and they will put em in fridge and serve them to you for nothin ) oh and have a beer at the oxy and check if the comedy club is on upstairs free .and yes all myki now just grab at any shop 7/11..and always look up many roof top bars in Melbourne in most streets

Neale · 21-09-2012, 09:54 PM

This video should help you with the correct pronunciation of "Geoghegan."

http://youtu.be/-N9I_yhQucE

Heres an in car video of a lap of catalina to give you an idea of what its like. a very scary & deadly track that claimed some lives.

http://youtu.be/YXSn_1oHM_Y

Moby Vic · 22-09-2012, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arnaldo

Pity you couldn't include the All Ford Day in Brisbane Oct. 14.
All the same, I reckon you have picked a pretty good trip with the time you have.

If I had known about it a few months back, I probably could have included it.

I'm hoping they'll have lots of historic cars at Bathurst with it being the 50th anniversary, though.

And I'm pleased that I'll get to visit four states plus ACT in one trip.

wrongwaynorris · 22-09-2012, 04:00 AM

I'll take you to Catalina Park on the drive home from Bathurst M8 . We have to pass it on our way home .

wrongwaynorris · 22-09-2012, 04:00 AM

I'll take you to Catalina Park on the drive home from Bathurst M8 . We have to pass it on our way home .

Moby Vic · 22-09-2012, 04:25 AM

Maybe I'll see it twice!

I need to check with the car rental agency—if they'll give me a better deal for returning the car to Sydney rather than leaving it at Bathurst, then maybe I'll be driving myself.

But even if I do that, I'll "de-hire" it for the race days.