Travel to relax, eat and shop ......: Melbourne (Aug '08)

Went to Melbourne (墨尔本) for my company's overseas audit from 05 Aug (Tue) till 09 Aug (Sat). During this period, I had the chance to re-visit some of the places in Melbourne.

Business trip at a glance

Country: Australia
Period: 05 Aug to 09 Aug 2008
Flight timings:
05 Aug: SQ 237, SIN-MEL, ETD 2335 ETA 0855 (06 Aug)
09 Aug: SQ 228, MEL-SIN, ETD 1550 ETA 2135
Accommodation: Novotel Glen Waverley Hotel (06 Sep to 09 Aug)
Currency exchange rate: AUD 1.00 = SGD 1.30 (end Jul '08 period)

Airline Review

Singapore Airlines

Due to the last minute arrangement, I could only confirm the flight departing at mid-night. This is the worst timing for a business trip as it would be difficult for me to sleep on the plane, especially on an economy class seat. In fact I could only sleep for about 2 hours due to the engine sound and serving of those flight meals. Journey was about 7 hours and 30 minutes, and two main meals were served during each flight.

Late supper of Mutton noodles (left photo below) and light continental breakfast (right photo below) were served on flight SQ 237.

My dinner of rice with beef (left photo below) and supper of Mee Goreng (right photo below) served on the flight SQ 228 back to Singapore.

Airport Review

Changi International Airport

This is my first time departing from Terminal 3 of Changi International Airport since its official opening in Jan 2008. The departure hall is very spacious and grand-looking compared to other two terminals (photos above). There are more shops (mostly restaurants) on the third floor of the departure hall, which can be accessed by anyone. Specialty shops such as Hard Rock café is located inside the transit area. The IATA code for this airport is SIN.

Every area and corner of the terminal 3 is carefully planned; even the male toilets are designed with 'human psychology' in-mind. What I've discovered that there is a dummy picture of housefly at every urinals (left photo). These "houseflies" will be the 'target' for any users. This is definitely more effective than those posters of telling users to 'aim' properly!

Melbourne International Airport

Like most international airport, Melbourne International Airport has wireless internet service available. No photo was taken as my hands were occupied with those luggage and laptop, however the website above should provide a good overview. The IATA code for this airport is MEL.

Accommodation Review

Novotel Glen Waverley Hotel

As its name suggested, Novotel Glen Waverley Hotel is located at Glen Waverley (suburb of Melbourne) about 30 minutes train ride to Melbourne Central Business District (CBD).

The main reason for choosing this hotel (left photo below) was it is near my Australian colleague's house and the contract manufacturers to be audited. Must comment that it has good location where restaurants, cinemas, shopping malls and train station are just 5 minutes walk away (right photo below).

The room was cozy with basic amenities (photos below).

Charges per room (Superior room) per night was AUD 275, with an addition of breakfast charges of AUD 26 per meal (left photo below). Internet connection has to be purchased at about AUD 0.50 per minute. This room also had a Jacuzzi bathtub (right photo below).

Food Review

Nothing fantastic about my meals during my trip; either it was western food or fast food as I often rushing for time.

Pescare restaurant

Tried Kangaroo meat for dinner at a restaurant named Pescare near my hotel on my first day. The meat texture of kangaroo was almost the same as beef, but had this faint "raw wildlife" taste when chewed; luckily the sauce was able to mask the taste. Cost for my starter, Garlic bread was AUD 5.50 (left photo below) and main course was AUD 26.50 (right photo below).

Red Rooster Fast-food restaurant

During lunch time while rushing to audit another contract manufacturer, my colleague and I decided to go to this fast food restaurant, Red Rooster, for a quick bite (left photo below). Taste similar but at least the chicken wasn't that oily compared to 'K* Fried Chicken' (right photo below). Cost for this set meal was AUD 10.95.

Pancake Parlour restaurant

Had pancakes for lunch prior my departure flight at Pancake Parlour restaurant near the hotel. Ordered this Canadian Pancakes at AUD 20.90 (left photo below). Do note that the scoop on the pancakes was butter, and not ice-cream which I initially thought (right photo below).

Rest and Relax (R&R) Review

Since I had been to Melbourne 3 years ago, there isn't particular place that I wanted to visit during this trip.

Melbourne Streets

It was winter period, with an average of 10°C daily, during my trip there. Most of the trees besides the roads were bare without any leaves, and everywhere seems to be grayish (photos below). You might feel rather depressing if on a holiday. To me, I'm happy as long as it doesn't rain.

The Glen, Centro

Visited this The Glen Shopping Centre near my hotel on my first day after the audit (left photo below). As I'm not a good shopper, didn't find anything worth buying; majority of the things could be found back here in Singapore and even at a cheaper price.

I do notice something interesting; there was this vending machine inside the male toilet of this shopping mall (right photo below). As the name "Vanity Bar" applies cosmetic products, mouth rinse and even condoms, can be bought at AUD 2. Wonder how often does this vending machine gets re-filled?

Moorabbin Direct Factory Outlet (DFO)

My colleague took me to this Moorabbin Direct Factory Outlet on my last day of audit (left photo below). This warehouse has more than 100 shops selling items like clothes, shoes, bags, households and books. Sports brands will include Adidas, Quicksilver, Fila, Speedo, Puma etc. Despite the claim of up to 70% off, I only bought a discounted book and an Adidas T-shirt (right photo below). Do click on the link to find out its location and opening hours.

Melbourne Central Business District (CBD)

Had one whole morning by myself before my flight in the late afternoon, therefore to re-visit the Melbourne CBD.

Train to Melbourne CBD