Here's some tips to make the most out of your Open House Melbourne experience.

- comfortable shoes and a powerbank to keep your phone charged are essential!
- Some tours (especially new to program ones) book out very fast so if there’s something you’re really keen on have your browser open ready to book the moment they’re available. Some bookings are free, some cost $7. There’s two ticket rounds and if you miss out at both you could try rocking up on the day and seeing if they let you join, I’ve heard that’s sometimes successful
-With meticulous planning and much speed walking I’ve made it to as many as 7 program buildings in a day but I really wouldn’t recommend trying this. Unless they’re clustered very close, 3 buildings/tours is probably good to aim for
- It’s worth having a few additional no booking buildings in mind in case any of your original plans don’t work out
- Early sunday afternoon trams tend to get disrupted by rallies so factor that into your plans for getting around if needed
- Make sure you check the Open House website for any building specific accessibility details, changes to opening times, photography restrictions, if you need to arrive early for the tour or other rules. For Parliament House this is especially important as they require ID and a security screening. Also important for tours involving boats as you don't want to miss the boat!

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These are some things on the Open House Melbourne program that are new (or I just haven’t made it to before) that look really interesting.

RONE AND CALLUM PRESTON ARTIST STUDIOS (Friday, Saturday and Sunday, bookings required)
https://openhousemelbourne.org/event/rone-callum-preston-artists-studios/
Rone is one of my favourite artists and Callum also does really cool work so I’m very excited for this. I suspect this will be in very high demand so one to book tickets for as soon as they’re available.

WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO EXPANSION (Friday, Saturday and Sunday, bookings required)
https://openhousemelbourne.org/event/werribee-open-range-zoo-expansion/
Learning about the new elephant enclosures looks pretty interesting and the usually expensive zoo entry is complimentary with your tour booking

AUSTRALIAN TAPESTRY WORKSHOP (Saturday, no booking required)
https://openhousemelbourne.org/event/australian-tapestry-workshop/
I’ve never managed to make it to this one but I want to. They create some incredible work so would be cool to see it in progress.

A FORREST FOR AUSTRALIA AND ALTONA TREATMENT PLANT (Saturday and Sunday, booking required)
https://openhousemelbourne.org/event/greater-western-water-a-forest-for-australia-and-altona-treatment-plant/
Not sure if waste water treatment is my kind of interest but for the right type of nerd this will be fascinating.

WHAT’S GOOD FOR THE BIRRARUNG IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE
https://openhousemelbourne.org/event/whats-good-for-the-birrarung-is-good-for-everyone/
Learning about the river from a kayak on the river is pretty cool. This is another one I suspect will book out fast so be ready!

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