Some travelers recommended The Little Penguin Bus for an evening tour to see the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, highlighting its timely arrival and departure that maximizes time spent at the event. Additionally, the Melbourne Men's Shed group offers weekly walking tours led by an experienced guide, covering hidden local gems.

For a more personalized experience, a couple of users favored Posh Penguins for a private tour to Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade. This tour is noted for its convenience of pick-up and drop-off in downtown Melbourne and the option for an upgraded viewing experience, though it comes at a higher cost.

For those preferring self-guided tours, some users suggested using a ranger-guided tour directly from the official Penguin Parade website, which offers detailed access and information about the parade. Another self-directed option is exploring Melbourne's laneways, with downloadable maps available from the local information center, providing a flexible way to enjoy the city's famous street art and cultural spots.

According to forum posts, Melbourne offers a variety of public transportation options, including trams, buses, and trains. The city features an extensive network facilitated by the Myki card system, which is used across different modes of transport.

Some travelers mentioned the tram as a convenient way to travel around the city, with specific trams like the 86 tram providing direct routes to key destinations like La Trobe University. Additionally, train services connect Melbourne to suburban areas and other cities, with lines such as the Upfield line leading to the Melbourne Zoo.

The city also has comprehensive bus services, including the 250 bus route, which goes directly into La Trobe University campus. Other buses like the 220 and 906 provide connections from certain campgrounds to the CBD, making them useful for tourists staying outside the central area.

Travelers have called out the necessity of the Myki card, a reloadable ticket that allows travel across trams, buses, and trains. This card can be purchased at various locations around the city and needs to be topped up with funds to be used.

According to forum posts, the Intercontinental Melbourne, The Westin, and The Grand Hyatt are highly recommended for their proximity to shops, restaurants, and transportation. The Rydges is also praised for its comfortable rooms and excellent location close to Chinatown and Carlton.

Some travelers have suggested serviced apartments like those offered by Quest and Adina for longer stays, as they are furnished and often come with amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities. The Mantra and Quest have a good range of apartments in and around the Melbourne CBD, which are convenient for families or longer stays.

For budget-conscious travelers, forum posts have recommended looking at Airbnb for options like private rooms or apartments. Some users have pointed out that accommodations like the Space Hotel offer budget-friendly private rooms and are located close to the CBD, making them a viable alternative to traditional hotels.

For unique stays, websites like trustedhousesitters.com have been mentioned, where users can stay for free in exchange for pet sitting, which can be a cost-effective option for longer visits.

Some travelers recommend splitting the Great Ocean Road (GOR) trip over three days to include two overnight stays, suggesting Apollo Bay for the first night and either Port Campbell or Warrnambool for the second. This allows for a comfortable journey back to the city via the inland route on the third day.

According to forum posts, a common approach is to drive from Melbourne to the GOR, beginning at Torquay and progressing westward to Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. This east-to-west direction is preferred because scenic spots and carparks are more accessible from this side of the road.

Travelers have called out specific attractions along the GOR, including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and various scenic lookouts. Some users suggest dedicating time to explore beaches and rainforests along the route. A recommended stop is the Otway Fly area for a different experience on the return journey.

It's suggested to plan for a sunset view at the 12 Apostles to capture the stunning scenery in the evening light, enhancing the experience of the visit.

According to forum posts, Melbourne's public transportation system primarily uses the Myki card, which can be topped up at stations, convenience stores, and online. Travelers have noted that while debit or credit cards cannot be directly used for tapping on and off on public transport, Android users can add a Myki card to Google Wallet for convenience.

Some travelers mentioned that most stalls at Melbourne's markets, including the Victoria Market, accept card payments. However, it has been suggested that carrying some cash might be advantageous for smaller purchases or where minimum card payments apply.

For accommodation and other services like taxis or car rentals, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Forum users have shared that taxis in Melbourne accept EFTPOS, and most hotels and rental services prefer payment through credit or debit cards, though a surcharge may apply in taxis.

Some travelers mentioned that affordable parking can be found at shopping centers like Melbourne Central and South Wharf DFO, which offer reduced fees on Sundays and additional discounts if you purchase items. Another option discussed was the Golden Square parking near Quality Apartments Melbourne Central, offering a discounted rate of $30 per 24-hour period with a single exit.

According to forum posts, street parking in Melbourne CBD is limited on weekends between 8 am and 5 pm, with a 2-hour parking limit during these hours. It was mentioned that outside of these times, parking on many streets is free, which could be a cost-effective option if timed correctly.

Travelers have called out that prebooking a parking spot through companies like Kings or Secure Parking might provide cheaper options. Additionally, some users suggested considering locations just outside the CBD, where parking might be cheaper, though this could mean a slightly longer commute to the city center.

According to forum posts, Melbourne offers several child-friendly attractions including the Melbourne Zoo, Collingwood Children's Farm, and the Melbourne Museum, which features a dedicated area for kids under 5. Sea Life Aquarium and various playgrounds across the city, such as those in Fitzroy Gardens and along the Yarra River, are also popular among young visitors.

Some travelers have highlighted specific sites for interactive and educational experiences for children. These include the Children’s Gallery at the museum, the Children’s Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Scienceworks, which provides engaging scientific displays and activities.

For outdoor lovers, posts suggest visiting Healesville Sanctuary for animal watching or enjoying the beaches from St Kilda to Brighton. Additionally, unique experiences like miniature train rides available on Sundays and visiting Phillip Island for penguin watching are recommended for families.

During specific times, Melbourne hosts child-friendly events such as White Night with its free activities, and various seasonal festivities that can be particularly magical for children, adding a special element to their visit.

According to forum posts, Myki cards can be purchased at various locations in Melbourne, including the airport, Southern Cross Station, and convenience stores. The card costs $6, and it can be topped up at Myki machines, convenience stores, or online. Travelers mentioned that the minimum top-up amount at machines is generally $1, but using Google Pay with a Myki requires a minimum of $10.

Travelers have called out that the Myki card is required for all public transport in Melbourne, including trams, buses, and trains. It operates on a pay-as-you-go basis with fare capping. Daily fare caps are mentioned, with a typical cap being $10.60 for full fare, which can be lower on weekends and public holidays.

For many users, an important feature of the Myki system is the Free Tram Zone in Melbourne’s CBD. Within this zone, passengers do not need to tap their Myki card, allowing free travel on trams in the central area. This is particularly beneficial for tourists exploring the city center.

Some travelers noted that unused balances on Myki cards can be refunded, but this typically requires the card to be registered, which can also help protect the balance if the card is lost. However, the initial $6 cost of the card is non-refundable.