Here's what I do..
Get the YMEN ATIS on 119.8 in plenty of time. Check it again and squawk 0100 just prior to contacting YMEN TWR on 125.1 (I do this about 1 mile SW of Albert Park, YMMV..) Contact YMEN TWR with position, altitude (1500') and request [preferred direction] Melbourne City orbit (usually RH, but again, YMMV..).
Don't be afraid to request 2000' if you're doing a LH orbit and someone else is doing a RH orbit (or vice versa)
Occasionally you might not get your preferred direction due traffic, or you may have to hold for a few minutes.
Get someone else to operate the camera!