I'm new to Melbourne & don't know anyone!

[susieadders]

hi - my husband and I live in the UK and are going to be living in Carlton, Melbourne for 8 months from January 2005 (Andrew will be working on diabetes research at university). We have 2 kids, Matthew is 3 and Katie will be 1. Can anyone recommend any playgroups, childcare, children's activities, swimming lessons etc. in or near Carlton (we won't have a car). We haven't found a house yet - is Carlton an okay place to live with young children?
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Suzanne

[Jasmine's mum]

Hi suzanne !
I am new to Melbourne too, actually I am not even there yet until next month ;) Generally the eastern suburbs are better than the western ones from what I read, and carlton should be one of the much sought after areas . or try this link www.realestate.com.au You can find loads of useful info there. Good luck !

[josh/libby'smum]

Hi I am moving to Melbourne from England arriving in Novemeber we are hopeing to find somewhere to stay in Carrum/Patterson's Lakes have heard these are quite nice areas??? Would love to hear from other mum's.

[susieadders]

Hello Jasmine's mum and josh/libby's mum - It is really nice to hear I am not alone! If you would like to exchange email addresses it would be nice to stay in touch once we are all there - us newies should stick together! I don't know how to send my email address without posting it on the site - do you?

[susieadders]

I've been told by a friend that 'local early childhood centres' are good places to contact for information on Mother & Toddler groups etc., but I've done internet searches and can't find any in Melbourne. Does anyone know if there is one and where?

[Jasmine's mum]

I haven't even heard of the early childhood center yet :) but I was told that the community center usually provides all types of information, there is a good chance you will find the info there.

[Sharon]

You can try the Maternal Child Health Nurse in your local area. They have info on playgroups, occasional care etc. I moved to melb in feb and have found the MCHN a great source of information. Just a warning, I have also found Melb very cold.

You could also try the Play Group Association (not sure if play group is one word or two?). Google will give you an answer, I'm sure.

We live in Hawthorn which is I think in the Eastern Suburbs. There are lots of parks and great walking tracks for prams along the river. I bought the Melbourne for Kids book when we moved here and it has been a great reference for things to do and even includes some restaurants to take the littlies to.

[babydolphin]

Hi Suzanne,

My mum lives in Carlton. Im always there, nearly everyday!! Carlton is fine to live in, everything is close by, you have trams to get on to go to the city, there is childcare centers very close by, and schools. If you want to keep in contact as it would be good to make new friends you can e-mail me or add me to msn messenger: dolphin_848@hotmail.com

Take Care and i hope to hear from any of yous that are new to melbourne and need some new friends!!

Cindy

[jugeorge]

Hi! I am from the UK also (Southport) and I have been in Melbourne over two years now. My daughter, Daniella is 15 months old. I am keen to meet new mothers. I live in the Wheelers Hill area which is about 25kms from the city on the Monash freeway. I love the area as there are lots of playgroups, shopping centres, schools and parks and it is not really too far from anywhere. We just stumbled on the area by accident when we were driving around looking for somewhere to live! Please feel free to ask any questions about moving here as I went through the same process not too long ago! My email address is julie_georgie@bigpond.com.