Whether you live in Melbourne, or you’re visiting in order to attend the Australian Open, these iPhone apps will enhance your experience.

You can find out more about them on the websites below, or download them straight from the App Store.

Got an iPhone? Give these apps a try!

1. Australian Open Tennis Championships – free iPhone App

Read more about the iPhone and Android Apps on the Australian Open website.

2. Tram Tracker

If you’re like me and you don’t like waiting around for public transport without knowing how long you’ll be waiting, get the Tram Tracker app. It gives you real time tram arrival information and also shows you what tram stops are close by and where trams go to from those stops.

Visit http://tramtracker.yarratrams.com.au/

There is also a Metlink App for train, tram and bus timetables. I haven’t tried it yet but think I will soon.

Flinders Street tram stop

3. Deck of Secrets

Some of the best bars and restaurants in Melbourne are the ones that are the hardest to find. If you’d rather persevere to find the fab local spots instead of settling in at the first place you see that looks OK, definitely check out the Deck of Secrets.

This originally started as pack of cards that show “52 of the finest bars in town” which are available to buy online, or you can pick up a copy at the Tourist Information place in Federation Square.

Or if you prefer an iPhone app, there is a free app that shows 6 bars and you can buy a version that covers 52 bars for $4.99.

There are also Decks of Secrets to help you find bars, restaurants, places to shop, weekend escapes and other cool stuff all around so be careful, you might get hooked!

4. The Age Good Food Guide

This guide started as a book (which is still available). It’s another great app for foodies who don’t want to waste time eating and drinking at the wrong places, especially if you’re only here for a short time.

From their website

The Age Good Food Guide is an independent publication produced annually by The Age. This is its 32nd edition. Each restaurant is visited anonymously by at least one of our experienced reviewers. Most hatted restaurants and award winners are visited several times by different reviewers. We pay for all meals in full. We do not reveal our identity as reviewers to restaurants before or during our visit.

There is a free version of the app that lets you see some reviews and a paid version gives you all the reviews and loads more info.

Find out more at The Age Good Food Guide 2013.

5. Melbourne Coffee Review

In Melbourne we take our coffee seriously and an incredible amount of business in done in local cafes. But again, if coffee is an important part of your day (as it is for me, very much so!), you don’t wan’t to risk bringing the day down with a bad cup of coffee.

The app shows you cafes that are nearby, or you can search by suburb and pick your preferred option based on their “3 bean rating system”.

Southgate is one of many areas in Melbourne full of restaurants and bars

Search for these essential iPhone apps using the names in the subheadings above. And if you of any other useful apps, please leave a comment and let us know.

Until next time

Grand Slam Gal

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