Oh Westfield... you do get around.. the world, that is!…read more Super deceivingly large mall.... it's not upper crust mall findings, but I did find a stellar cafe! And, being a tourist, it's nice to walk the whole length (and many levels), as a purveyor of culture =) The cinema here would be a lot of fun to patronize... I enjoyed seeing the food offerings outside of the court.. Man alive...food ain't cheap in this country! shocking, although i've been warned many times. The clothing boutiques were pricey, and the styles were not commensurate to their tags. My nephew gloats over the EB Games store for his many systems of squandered, wasted hours of life with eyeballs glued to a telly. I fancied a nice cafe for a large strong, flat white after the miles of walking. Too, the meat pies at some of the more gourmet end shoppes (the ones near the butcher shoppe and the Italian gourmet store!!) caused me to salivate. Think this place spans a block...easily. Simple and straightforward.. think somewhere in nondescript middle of Kmart-land and Nordies/Sak's world.

I used to love Southland when I was younger (18) but when I was in Melbourne recently and went…read moreback, I can barely remember what the appeal was. It is a massive shopping centre, spanning two sections on either side of the road and a walkway over the highway. The walkway and section on the west section of the road was added about 15 years ago so that part is a bit nicer than the "old" section. Wiki tells me there's over 400 shops in Southland and it has a pretty good range for whatever you're looking for. But I would recommend knowing why you're going there because there's nothing worse than realising you need to go to David Jones when you're on the Kmart side. Probably the best section is the walkway as that's where there's the more upmarket clothing brands like Country Road, Witchery etc as well as Mimco and Kikki K. I'm not really a fan of the eating options at Southland - there's a food court and more restaurant-type options near the cinema. There's lots of parking for a shopping centre this size and you probably won't have too much problem getting a spot - undercover parking is the most sought-after in the summer. And it's free parking, so that's good. All up, Southland is ok - definitely wasn't the highlight of my holiday, more of a needs-must place to visit but for the selection of shops, I can't really complain. Note: we had trouble finding a centre directory and had to ask at the assistance counters. I think they have a few touch screens around the place with maps on them.

Having been a 'gym junkie' and instructor for more years than I'm prepared to admit; I have seen a…read morelot of gyms. Re-Creation is a fairly large facility with three studios, spin room, stretch room, cardio area, weights area and creche. The equipment and layout is updated regularly. It can get fairly busy at peak times but there seems to be plenty of equipment to go round. There are lots of steppers and treadmills - which have a view out the window. Staff are friendly and not 'meat heads' like some places. Recently converted to 24/7 operation with members able to access the facilities outside of staffed times using a keyfob (available at additional cost).

The South Melbourne branch of Re-Creation Health Clubs is a moderately sized gym catering to both…read moremen and woman of all ages. Complete with three separate studio rooms used mainly for classes as well as a dedicated weights area and cardio centre the health club has some good equipment and great group classes. The layout of he gym seems to be a poor use of the space. The weights area is right in the middle of the club and is quite large, with the cardio machines being up the stairs and off to the side making them all a little too squashed together. They do however offer a very large range of classes and with three studio rooms there is always something on from beginners pilates to advanced spin cycle classes. Re-Creation also have personal training available, both male and female trainers at varying packages depending on session length and frequency.

Donatellas, Bronuts, Cronuts, Cruffins and Duffins; all kinds of culinary genius in this city is…read moregonna go straight to my waistline. So while walking along the river I spotted the sign advertising "casual drop ins" and knew that I should try and torch some extra calories to justify my next indulgence. Can't remember whether it was $10 or $12 a session? For an hour we rotated between boxing drills and various exercises (push ups/sit ups/burpees/mountainclimbers). Whew! Defintely felt like I took a beating! Its still very "dungeonesque" but that only helps to channel your "inner Rocky" One suggestion is for the gym to invest in some Lysol for the "guest gloves" or suggest that patrons purchase handwraps as the gloves I borrowed were rank

Melbournes number 1 hardcore gym exact words from bodybuilder greats like Arnold Schwarzenegger,…read moreRonnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, Kai Greene the list goes on :D!! Its 4 long bunkers under the railway line, 1 is a boxing bunker, 1 is cardio, reception, mens & womens change/restrooms & the last 2 is for weights :). Majority of the equipment is fairly up to date apart from some dumbells & the boxing section :). While your training if your not wearing your head phones you'll hear people walking by & the train from time to time passing over you :). Interior of the gym like mirrors walls & layout are pretty basic & equipment is lined up and not in a jumble like most gyms :)!! They got a huge apparel range from shirts & shorts, to caps & belts & to many other accesories to list. I'm not a member myself but when i do train here i just pay the casual visit fee which is only $10 which is super cheap for what the majority of gyms would charge for a casual visit!! Upon the Entry they have a hair dresser to the left & a healthy cafe to your right for all your smoothies, coffees & meals. Also have a variety of Frozen meals for sale at Dohertys reception. Also the 2 best parts about this place is that it's practically in the heart of the city & its open 24/7 no excuses :)!!!

What a great gym. Although it is not as big as fitness first, this gym is WAY better than fitness…read morefirst. The weights are always put away, everything is in order and in great condition. The music isn't blasting around the clock and with music videos all over the walls. Nah, you're here to work out in a good, clean, peaceful environment. No attitude from the patrons or staff. The members help keep this gym stay clean by putting stuff away and being courteous. The staff aren't running up and down, stopping you in between workouts to sell you "________." They are there when you need them, they make sure the place is running smoothly, make recommendations when asked. This is a very good gym.

I'm a relatively recent member of Anytime Fitness & whilst the equipment at the Moonee Ponds gym…read moremight not be the newest/flashiest it all works & there is enough to satisfy both your cardio and/or weights enthusiasts. Even during peak times the gym does not seem to be over subscribed with ample space for all users & no waiting for equipment. Always a nice & clean workout environment & thankfully no PTs walking around trying to pressure you into buying sessions with them. The other beauty is that it really is anytime access, there are safety alarm pendants if you feel vulnerable working out on your own during the unstaffed hours. So far I'm very happy with this place & now with over a months membership to my name I'm able to use other branches of Anytime Fitness if I find myself needing to workout in another suburb!!!

Fitness Firsts' dare I say one and only asset aside from its convenient locations has to be Les…read moreMills instructor Brandon Po. These guys are most definitely a chain in every sense of the word and in more cases than not, they are more likely to slap you with a rate increase rather than a health program.They take every opportunity to up sell you at reception and charge you through the noise for basic products like towels that should be include in your membership. Personally speaking I've experience some first class health club action and these guys don't measure up and they are also all overseas. In my past life I have worked across many Fitness Firsts such as Victoria Gardens, Richmond, Chadstone QV Platinum and now frequently alternate between Richmond, Melbourne Central, Doncaster Platinum, Collins St & Bourke Street as a paid member. To be honest it's not the 'friendly' receptionist service or its convenient locations, yes they all part and parcel of an average health club but its instructors like Brandon and his dedication to the cause. Brandon offers that 'no bullshit' approach to group fitness classes and it works, the guy pulls up to 90 members consistently every Sunday for one specific Body Attack Class at the Richmond Club location. It's like a scene from Glee, minus the wheel chair. His massive numbers are a true testament to his work style enthusiasm and member rapport. No customer care manager aided in building his profile, this guy knows how to instruct and always gives it 100% so you may get 100% out of your work out. Brandon conducts about 20 classes a week that includes classes at other well-known gyms & his repertoire doesn't focus solely on Body Attack. Despite how run down or tired he may get you can always expect consistent results from Brandon every time.

This is my morning hang out and you would find me here 5 mornings a week…read more I know a lot of people complain about the cost of Fitness First memberships but I feel like it's worth it. This club is an example of why I am a Fitness First member. Friendly greeting from reception every morning. Big spaceous area and heaps of equipment to choose from. There is a gymnastics area, weights, stretch, group fitness, hot yoga, cardio machines, spin class. In my eyes if it also have a pole for me to practice pole dancing, then it is the perfect but other than that, it's pretty close. Oh the steam room is also really good.

Boutique gyms,there are a lot springing up around the suburbs…read more My partner recently joined a new 24-hour gym just up the road and after raving about how fantastic it is, he convinced me to come with him and have a look around. I have to admit, it is really nice. Brand new cardio and weight machines, including a fair few cross trainers and treadmills; beautiful and clean bathrooms with hairdryers, and a high tech security system are just some of the features that Anytime Fitness boasts. We had a chat to one of the personal trainers about the benefits and limitations of joining a 24-hour gym and he managed to convince me that it was a really useful and practical way to get in your exercise if you are strapped for time. One particular example he gave us was about a new mother who woke up every morning at 3am because her baby was crying. Instead of lying around in bed or getting frustrated, she would come to the gym with her daughter and do a workout instead. The other benefit I thought worth mentioning was the security system. People training can wear a sort of necklace with a button that once pushed sends out an emergency call to the police and a private security firm.

Moved to a new location to a larger premise finally. Old place was a bit tight but new space is…read moreawesome and spacious... if you can find it. Still the same friendly crew focused on cleanliness. Best strength training facility across neighbouring suburbs. It's a hidden gem!

Great mix of attentive coaching, friendly community and genuinely good music - think AC/DC and…read moreanything 90s. A 'no techno' policy is strictly enforced. Highly recommend for a drop-in session or a regular box in Northcote.

The smaller sibling of the Fitness First gyms in the Melbourne CBD, the Bourke street facility is…read moresmall and popular. Located just off the main Bourke street shopping mall FF Bourke St is good for a quick workout but i find it sometimes to be quite crowded. A few times during peak period i will have to wait to use a treadmill, machine or bench press. A tad frustrating but as expected the popular facility doesn't hold that much equipment. On the main entrance floor you will find cardio equipment and some weights machines, upstairs some free-stretch area and free weights. The staff are friendly enough and are always happy to help you out with whatever you need.

I think the FF in Bourke St is grand !!!…read more I use this gym weekdays, and find it to be terrifically convenient, with tram access to 97 and 86 right at the bottom of the stairs (if using the side entrance). The staff are great, they know their stuff and are very approachable and friendly. I find the floor size is huge, and I have never had to wait for a machine, ever! (even at peak times). They have loads of gear, and really good airflow (good for us runners). absolutely no complaints, and also the gym is augmented by the Melbourne Central gym for weekends (free parking for gym members too)..........................