Australian Open travel from US *******

[pasta]

I am fortunate enough to have "Final Five" ticket package for 2018 AO.

Traveling from ORD (Chicago) and would just like to know if any of you have any experience/advice regarding place/neighborhood to stay... Walking , assuming it is safe to do it.

What are the prices at local restaurants, beer ... ?

Qantas or Air New Zealand or United ? how bad it is doing this in Economy ?

 

[jaggy]

I am very jealous. Have a blast.

 

[WillisAU]

Don't know if you've left already, however -

place/neighborhood to stay... Walking , assuming it is safe to do it.

Anywhere in the city is totally safe to stay, but to have a nicer time, avoid king st/spencer st near the southern end (flinders st end) as the strip joints and backpacker hostels that are focused around there attract a rowdy and boozed up type of crowd. Literally anywhere else is fine. If you stay closer to the east side of the city you'll have an easier time walking over to the tennis arenas at Melbourne Park. The nicest part of the city is arguably around the east end of Collins st and flinders lane. Flinders lane has an abundance of amazing restaurants. Southbank is the tourist hot spot for good reason (there’s plenty to do and it’s nice to walk along the river) but the prices reflect that.

What are the prices at local restaurants, beer ... ?

Generally expensive. There are bargains to be had - food is fairly cheap in chinatown, but yourcuisine choices are limited. Beer is cheap over in the backpackers area Or fairly well priced at any general pub type establishment throughout the city. Southbank is expensive everywhere.

Qantas or Air New Zealand or United ? how bad it is doing this in Economy ?

I like qantas, and if you can get an a380 and pick your seats in thr small 30 seat economy section upstairs then the trip is much more manageable. Downstairs is cattle class but better on a 380. It’s always going to be a slog at 15 hours though.