What to do in Melbourne or Sydney?

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

I am about to leave on a quick trip to Australia. I will be primarily spending time in Melbourne and Sydney, and tragically I won't have time for any hunting. Are there are cool outfitters, sporting goods stores, gun shops, or similar destinations I should check out? Any interesting restaurants or other destinations for the sporting minded? I may also be in Canberra for a day.

Also, it appears that it is a crime to carry so much as a pocket knife in Australia, so I am a bit concerned about personal security. I am used to carrying at least one pistol all the time. What do Australians do for personal protection? OC spray? Taser?

Thanks in advance.

 

[wesheltonj]

Can't help you too much with sporting shops in either city, but tons of thing to see and do in both cities. Melbourne you have the CBD, and just past the river start the museums, the Tennis Center, and some great parks. Take a Tram out to St Kilda Beach and have a nice dinner. You can book a tour to see the penguins.

Sydney, you have "The Rocks", Opera house, harbor tour, Ferry to Manly Beach. Or take the train to Bondi Station and then a bus to Bondi Beach for a nice walk along the beach and have a meal.

 

[Hunter4752001]

All depends on what you're interested in and how much time you have. In Melbourne there are a multitude of restaurants, types of cuisine. Plenty of stage shows for those so inclined. Day tours out to various wineries. If interested in native wildlife, then a trip to Healesville Sanctuary or Ballarat Wildlife Park.

Forget about carrying any weapons, carrying anything you mentioned is a criminal offence hence only criminals get away with it. Generally not a big problem as its a fairly peaceful place. However keep an eye out for the crazies on ice.

When are you coming and for how long?

 

[PaulT]

Mike, with regards to Melbourne we have quite a few gun stores that over here we call big but they don't compare in size to what you have in the U.S but none-the-less still interesting. It would do you good to go and see what we are paying for stuff over here it will make you want to catch the next flight home !!!

In Melbourne we have Mayalls (spelling ??), Abellas gunshop depending on what "side" of the City you find yourself in.
There are many others, usually small.
The traffic in Melbourne will do your head in, and don't forget that we drive on the "correct" side of the road.

With regards to self protection as previously stated, concealed carry will land you in the big-house !!!
If anyone bothers you feel free to punch the fuck out of them that's how we sort things out here. Most places are safe, your hotel concierge should be able to tell you were you need to avoid or be careful of.

If you want more specific details feel free to drop me a p.m.

Have a great trip and I hope you enjoy your visit to my country.

 

[BenKK]

I carry a .500 Jeffery for personal protection, but I’m not in Melbourne or Sydney!

Enjoy your visit! Hit the pubs and cafes and restaurants!

 

[Foxi]

and don't forget that we drive on the "correct" side of the road.

nicely formulated

 

[lockingblock]

If you like classic English men’s dress shoes, both cities have the finest shoe stores in the Pacific. It’s called The Double Monk. $$$ but you can try on things you only see on the internet.


Beyond that, get some real RM Williams boots....Aussie versions have the real logo that they can’t sell in the US.

 

[Tim Blackwell]

In Melbourne if you're sporting minded check out the MCG precinct. Whilst I'm not overly a fan of Malbourne, that is undoubtedly our sporting mecca. I believe there are tours & museums etc there.

Sydney, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay areas are nice, check out the harbour bridge & opera house etc. Iconic Aussie places.

I wouldn't bother with our gunshops. After seeing US ones you'll only be disappointed...

Oh, and don't worry about packing heat. You won't need that here.

 

[Von S.]

I being easily entertained even at my advanced age simply because my head is awash with dirty, immoral, and impure thoughts find solace and right snappy companionship in places like Gold fingers Strip Club in Melbourne.

There a man of any age can be waited on like King Tut and drool and giggle like the dizzy bastard he is all he wants.

....éeeeeehaaaaaaaa........yea baby, yea!

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

Thanks for all the great replies. I love this forum. We are en route now, arriving in Melbourne Wednesday.

 

[Dr Ray]

Australia is very safe.
Mind you if you go walking around undesirable places at 3 in the morning you’ll likely have issues.
Use common sense!
Sydney is very attractive with beaches and a magnificent harbor
And lots of things to entertain now. A trip to the Blue Mountains by train or coach is interesting.
Weather in Melbourne is sure different. Three seasons in one day!

Many attractions in Sydney

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

Had a nice time in Melborne. I drove out the Healesville Sanctuary. Saw some Koalas, a platypus, and a Tazmanian devil. Also got the boots.

 

[Philip Glass]

RM Williams makes great stuff. I’ve been many times but spent most of my time on Sheep farms. I did visit Sydney and it is a must see destination.
Philip

 

[spike.t]

One thing I couldn't believe was how small bondi beach was when I saw it.....that programme with the lifeguards makes it look pretty big. . .

 

[Opposite Pole]

In Sydney give Blu Bar a go. Located on level 36, Shangri-La hotel in the Rocks. Truly spectacular views of the harbour. Google it, the views really are great. The bar itself is a bit lousy but it’s worth going nevertheless. Mid week is better than weekend as there are less people and you can get a better seat. I suggest you get there shortly before sunset.

 

[PaulT]

One thing I couldn't believe was how small bondi beach was when I saw it.....that programme with the lifeguards makes it look pretty big. . .

Probably because your looking at it on that big 64" TV screen you have, but remember that not all of us can afford humungous TV's like you wealthy outfitters can

 

[CBH Australia]

I don’t know Melbourne. I’ve been to Sydney for work
I live in Western NSW. Sydney is our capital.
I’m not a fan of the cities but I’ve walked around Sydney George St and Pitt st at night. Maybe I’m silly but I got used to it. Many people, busy and I used the subway etc. Raised in the country i avoided these places till m forties but I walk eat and drink after hours and it’s ok,

Don’t carry protection of any sort, tasers and pepper spray are restricted to cops. They also carry handguns. They will call them weapons. I don’t like the term, we are civilians and don’t hurt people with them.

Most real trouble is between criminals and a few unfortunate enough to be victim for no real reason. And pretty young females who fall victim, my preference is to treat then with respect.

Refugee gangs seem to be the next wave of trouble to hit our shores and cause us grief and guess what we don’t have to do anything to provoke it.
RM Williams is an iconic brand and quality product, I wear a bit.

 

[spike.t]

Probably because your looking at it on that big 64" TV screen you have, but remember that not all of us can afford humungous TV's like you wealthy outfitters can

......Paul it was about 17 years ago .....so way before big Tv screens ......