Taxi - MEL to F1 Grand Prix

[straitman]

Current forecast for each of Fri, Sat and Sun is fine & hot with Max 35°C or more. ...

Bureau - Melbourne Forecast

But this is Melbourne we are talking about. I'd take the poncho.

 

[serfty]

But this is Melbourne we are talking about. I'd take the poncho.

yes, but make sure it's UV protective as well as watertight.

 

[straitman]

yes, but make sure it's UV protective as well as watertight.

... and any other weather extreme proof, that you can make it appropriate for.

 

[Chucksta]

Are you allowed to bring a camera to the GP?

The conditions of entry state something about unauthorised recording equipment.

 

[blue_ice]

Are you allowed to bring a camera to the GP?

The conditions of entry state something about unauthorised recording equipment.

We took a camera last year and took lots of pics and vids as well. No hassles

 

[Febs]

Often with major events like this they restrict "professional" equipment to media-only, but if you're taking a little point-and-shoot I'm sure you won't have a problem.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Harpoon]

Often with major events like this they restrict "professional" equipment to media-only, but if you're taking a little point-and-shoot I'm sure you won't have a problem.

Cheers,
- Febs.

Yeah it's to stop you taking you're tripod's and video camera's in and then screening the GP on your own unauthorized TV network not sure why anyone would want to but....anyhoo...

You can take a camera, and in fact you can take a large DSLR if you have one for some great photos if you don't mind the fencing. Just don't take anything that seems like you're going to make a profit from lol.

Some advice from personal experience - don't worry too much about photo's of cars. Unless you have a very high grandstand seat and can view over the fencing with mega zoom. Just take a camera for snapping yourselves at the bar

 

[Flashback]

I shall be doing the same this year, from the Docklands Apartments Grand Mercure for some of these days.

Would the same access routes apply?

Also, I arrive into MEL at 23:40 (assuming an on time flight); according to http://www.skybus.com.au/docs/AirportT1_Timetable240808.pdf I should be fine to catch the Skybus? If I am delayed, and miss the 00:30 bus, then I'll need to catch a taxi, is that right?

Is it much of a walk (at that time of night, is it safe? :shock from the terminus to the Docklands Apartments Grand Mercure?

 

[MAX_1]

2 years ago, as I walked through the gates , I found people selling packs that contained sunscreen,ear plugs and ponchos. Probably dearer than buying them outside. But in case you forget, they will be there again, I am sure.

 

[Flashback]

I shall be doing the same this year, from the Docklands Apartments Grand Mercure for some of these days.

Would the same access routes apply?

Also, I arrive into MEL at 23:40 (assuming an on time flight); according to http://www.skybus.com.au/docs/AirportT1_Timetable240808.pdf I should be fine to catch the Skybus? If I am delayed, and miss the 00:30 bus, then I'll need to catch a taxi, is that right?

Is it much of a walk (at that time of night, is it safe? :shock from the terminus to the Docklands Apartments Grand Mercure?

It looks like the next bus would be 01:30, so I'd probably just wait for that if I need to. It's not like I have to be up early that morning

 

[tuapekastar]

It looks like the next bus would be 01:30, so I'd probably just wait for that if I need to. It's not like I have to be up early that morning

Yeah, they run all night, if only hourly!

You'd probably be fine on the walk (what night of the week?) but TBH wandering around any part of the CBD/Docklands at that time would not be option number one for me. The walk would probably take 20 mins or so.

I've caught a cab from the CBD (though several blocks East of Spencer St) to the same location you're going to, so they will do it if you wish, despite it being a short trip for them.

A cab from the airport should be ~$35 if you were to consider that option.

 

[Flashback]

Yeah, they run all night, if only hourly!

You'd probably be fine on the walk (what night of the week?) but TBH wandering around any part of the CBD/Docklands at that time would not be option number one for me. The walk would probably take 20 mins or so.

I've caught a cab from the CBD (though several blocks East of Spencer St) to the same location you're going to, so they will do it if you wish, despite it being a short trip for them.

A cab from the airport should be ~$35 if you were to consider that option.

Will be Wednesday night, but Thursday morning really by the time I get to the terminus next to Telstra Dome.

 

[docjames]

A cab from the airport should be ~$35 if you were to consider that option.

Recent MEL-City for me was $50.50 including tolls to the east end of the CBD so I'd be budgeting closer to $40 - $45 by the time tolls are factored.

Also be aware if catching a cab after 10pm, the drivers are encouraged to ask for a $50 "deposit" prior to commencing the journey, although this seems less commonly followed from airport pickups (lower risk of run-offs I guess).

 

[tuapekastar]

Spoke to a mate who lives in those Docklands apartments. He reckons 15 mins max for the walk, and would take the route through Southern Cross station and across the pedestrian bridge (opposite Bourke St) to Docklands stadium, then walk along Harbour Esplanade...says its better lit and less 'dodgy' than going via La Trobe St.

I took the cab estimate from the MEL airport website's fare estimater - maybe it needs updating!

And to expand on docjames' point, cabbies are now entitled, after 10PM, to ask for the fare up front - an estimate is made and then the difference - either way - is made up at the end of the trip. I don't know how they treat non-cash payments.