Where in Australia? Your country rocks.
What kind of budget are you working for and how long will you be in town?
I'm from Melbourne mate.
No budget... Seeing a Miami home game has been number one on my bucket list for years and I'm not really worried about the expense. I'll be in the country for a couple of weeks and the girlfriend wants to go to Mexico but the trip is for my 30th so it's pretty much just to see a home game and get down to see a high school game as well.
That's my kind of party!
Go watch Lingered if you can! I wish I could.
As I said this is been THE trip I've wanted to take for years so gotta make it count. Ideas on best seats for atmosphere/best viewing? Best place for pre game drinking?
Best pre game drinking will be at the stadium. Rent an suv and fly an Aussie flag along with a hurricane flag. Someone will strike up conversation for sure. Be there like 3 to 4 hours early, unless it's a noon game. Those are terrible for tailgating.
Would definetly stay in
Brickell like another poster said. While there, you can take the metro rail (train) to the campus for a tour. You won't regret it! Stop by the bookstore for some canes gear for the game. Visit Biscaya gardens (your girlfriend will thank you) not too far from Brickell, almost walking distance. Coconut grove is also very near and a good place to walk around (the royal pea**** is a good spot for brunch). All these places are south of Brickell and not far.
Wynwood is north of Brickell and highly recommended. Really good restaurants, street art and a few local breweries. Coyo taco (casual) is one of my favorite spots along with wood tavern. Midtown is a few blocks away and probably worth the short trip.
Locals don't really venture to south beach too much, but I'm assuming it's a must see for visitors like you. Ocean drive is nice to walk around but the restaurants aren't the best (tourist trap) IMO. Stay south of 5th street for better food options like prime 112, Smith and Wollensky (really nice view) and Joes Stone crab as previously mentioned. These are all very expensive but there are other options around though
North of 21 street has a couple of good spots too but I'm not too familiar with that side of the beach.
A trip to the Everglades is worth it if you have a day to kill and want to see a different side of south Florida.
Hope that helps you a bit. Some of the suggestions I gave you should make your girlfriend very happy also. cheers