I flew into Essendon from Canberra yesterday via Albury and Eildon Weir. Put onto a right base for Rwy 35.
Melbourne city highrise out the left window makes that one of the most spectacular rt bases around (I haven't flown into NY).
Essendon seems like a top spot (if a little rundown). Tied down in front of the tower, refuelled, into a cab parked outside and in the city centre about 40 min after landing.
Dr