Coming soon to Docklands: Icehouse

Something very exciting is coming soon to Docklands...

Icehouse - Australia's first ice sports and entertainment venue, including two Olympic ice rinks, will open at Waterfront City in early 2010. The centre will also feature winter sports gym, stadium seating, cafe and bar, plus much, much more.

Open to the public, it will be available to skaters of all ages and experience levels from professional to beginner. Ice-skating will be on offer every day of the week, allowing you to take lessons from qualified instructors or join one of the many skate schools or sporting clubs, including curling or ice hockey.

Check out the new website, and sign up to receive the latest updates: www.icehouse.com.au

This weekend: Watch Derby Day live, visit Docklands market & get $15 pasta dish at Bellissimo

This weekend don't be put off the crowds that are attending Victoria Derby Day at Flemington, instead watch it in peace and place a bet at Docklands tomorrow!

We'll be screening all the major races LIVE on the big screens at Waterfront City Piazza, throughout October and November. Placing those bets will also be hassle-free thanks to a mobile TAB which will be located on-site at Waterfront City from October 3rd - November 7th. So you don't even need to leave the comfort of the Docklands surroundings - very handy!

While you're at Docklands why not enjoy dinner or a drink at any one of the many great waterfront restaurants, cafes and bars. Or why not have a browse around the shops at Harbour Town Shopping Centre? It's open until 9pm. Catch the free City Circle tram which stops right outside, or pay $5 flat rate (first hour free) for car parking.

Finally, don't forget that the Docklands Market is on again this Sunday. Mosey on down to the Waterfront City Piazza, located just off of Docklands Rd, near the corner of Doepel Way. You can find everything from arts to antiques, books to beauty. It opens from 10am to 5pm. Visit: www.docklandsundaymarket.com.au

While you're there, grab yourself a $15 pizza or pasta meal from Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria. Choose a main size Pizza, Pasta or Risotti for $14.00

Valid: All day Sunday
Includes all Pizza, Pasta & Risotti dishes (except Pasta Mista)
Not valid with any other, event or discount
Not valid on take-away menu

Have a great weekend!

Last chance to win the Ultimate Girls Day Out at The Designers' House

Today is your last chance to win at The Designers' House...

Win the Ultimate Girls Day Out at Oaks Day for you and 3 friends valued at over $3,000! Pamper yourself and 3 friends with endota spa and Botanic Hair vouchers. Then get dressed up and ready for Oaks Day in your new outfit with a $1,000 Designers’ House shopping spree to spend at ANY of the designer labels in store now. Arrive in style at the races with limousine transfers to and from Oaks Day for you and 3 friends along with 4 Oaks Day passes into the newly created Inner Circuit.

How to enter?

Firstly you need to be a Designers' House VIP to enter. This is easy, just register your details online or in store. Then simply make a purchase over $50 at Designers’ House between 9th -29th October 2009 and complete an entry form upon purchase to immediately be placed into the draw! Winner will be announced October 30th. Full terms and conditions available in store

Good luck and happy punting!

Oyster Tastings at Fish Seafood Grill tonight - last one!

Come on down to Fish Seafood Grill tonight for the last Oyster Tasting evening for the year!

Yes, that's right a professional oyster shucker will be on hand to answer any of your questions. They will also prepare complimentary oyster dishes right before your very eyes.

Sample freshly shucked oysters sourced from up to five different regions across Australia.

When: Thursday 29th October - 6.00pm to 9.00pm

*Oysters are complimentary with every main meal purchase.

For more, visit: http://www.fishrestaurant.com.au

Win $100 Yum Cha Dragon dining voucher and Glow Golf pass on Twitter

This week we have a $100 restaurant voucher to Yum Cha Dragon, Docklands up for grabs.

Not only that, you can also score a family pass to Glow Golf. It allows free entry for two adults and up to four children to play miniature glow-in-the-dark golf at the new Family Fun Centre located at Harbour Town, Docklands.

To enter all you simply must do is follow Discover Docklands on Twitter and re-tweet the following message: http://twitter.com/DocklandsMelb/status/5194831238

We will draw the winner this Friday, 30th October. Good luck!

Check out Windows on the Bay, Mordialloc

Our friends down the coast at Mordialloc have just launched a brand new blog and Twitter page for Windows on the Bay.

Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Windows on the bay offers superb beachfront dining, fantastic views and quality Modern Australian cuisine.

This Friday 30th October, they will also host Oyster and Sparkling Tastings from 6pm to 9pm. An oyster shucker will be on hand to answer any questions. You can sample freshly shucked oysters from five different regions. Premium bubbles will also be available to taste.*

*Oysters and sparkling wine tastings complimentary with every main meal purchased.

For more info, visit: www.windowsonthebay.net.au

>> Don't forget to also become a fan of the Windows on the Bay Facebook page!

Super Tuesday Alert: Get 50% off lunch and dinner tomorrow

Tomorrow is Super Tuesday at Docklands which means you can save big on either lunch or dinner (or both!) at a selection of Docklands restaurants.

How does it work? Simple, all you have to do is order a minimum of main + dessert, you will automatically receive 50% off your food bill.

Available for lunch and dinner every Tuesday, why not try out this deal at Livebait for some some delicious seafood.

Other yummy options include Italian, Moroccan and Greek. Or alternatively, click here for a full list of participating restaurants.




Terms & Conditions
Super Tuesday not valid for groups over 15 people or with any other offer, event or discount. Excludes ‘Pasta Mista’. Not valid on take away menu.

This weekend: Watch Cox Plate, visit Docklands Market & grab a $15 pizza

This weekend don't be put off the crowds that are attending the Cox Plate at Mooney Valley, instead watch it in peace and place a bet at Docklands tomorrow!

We'll be screening all the major races LIVE on the big screens at Waterfront City Piazza, throughout October and November. Placing those bets will also be hassle-free thanks to a mobile TAB which will be located on-site at Waterfront City from October 3rd - November 7th. So you don't even need to leave the comfort of the Docklands surroundings - very handy!

October race dates:

October 17th - Caulfield Cup Day
October 18th - Seymour Cup
October 21st - Geelong Cup
October 24th - Cox Plate Day
October 28th - Bendigo Cup
October 21st - Victoria Derby Day

While you're at Docklands why not enjoy dinner or a drink at any one of the many great waterfront restaurants, cafes and bars. Or why not have a browse around the shops at Harbour Town Shopping Centre? It's open until 9pm. Catch the free City Circle tram which stops right outside, or pay $5 flat rate (first hour free) for car parking.

Finally, don't forget that the Docklands Market is on again this Sunday. Mosey on down to the Waterfront City Piazza, located just off of Docklands Rd, near the corner of Doepel Way. You can find everything from arts to antiques, books to beauty.

It opens from 10am to 5pm. Visit: www.docklandsundaymarket.com.au

While you're there, grab yourself a $15 pizza or pasta meal from Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria. Choose a main size Pizza, Pasta or Risotti for $14.00

Valid: All day Sunday
Includes all Pizza, Pasta & Risotti dishes (except Pasta Mista)
Not valid with any other, event or discount
Not valid on take-away menu

Have a great weekend!

Event: Docklands Community Safety Day, Sunday 25th Oct 2009

The popular Docklands Community Safety Day is back again this year on Sunday, 25th October 2009.

Bring the kids down to Harbour Esplanade and let them watch Victoria's emergency and safety services as they demonstrate their special skills and impressive equipment. Helicopters, boats, fire trucks and other rescue vehicles will be on display. Plus, there’s the chance to meet those who work and volunteer to protect us and keep us safe, including the brave men and women from the Country Fire Authority, Victorian State Emergency who battled the Black Saturday bushfires.

Families and kids who ride their bikes down to visit the City of Melbourne stall go into the draw to win a fantastic bike kit. Kit includes bike, helmet and safety accessories, valued at over $500.

Free bike engraving and servicing, as well as showbags including a free bell and installation on the day. Bike parking is available.

For more information, visit: www.communitysafetymonth.com.au

The Car Fair, open every Sunday

Looking for something to do this Sunday besides, or in addition to the Docklands Community Safety Day? Why not check out The Car Fair?

It's a new concept to Melbourne – they have combined the convenience of having hundreds of vehicles in one place at one time with the value of buying/selling direct. Buying and selling direct can save thousands of dollars in dealer commission. The Car Fair will be held every Sunday morning at 453- 507 Docklands Drive (the site where Cirque du Soleil was located).

Sellers need to arrive between 9am and 10am on Sunday to park their vehicles. Gates are open for buyers to view cars between 10am and 2pm each Sunday. Vehicle inspection, vehicle finance and other services will be available onsite to assist with purchases.

Phone: 1300 523 229
Web: www.thecarfair.com.au

Event: Docklands Community Weekend, 31st Oct - 1st Nov 2009

To celebrate their second birthday, Docklands Church are throwing a party - and everyone is invited. There's plenty of activities on for everyone. Check out the Docklands Church website for more details:

Saturday 31 October:

Docklands Fun Run - 8am Waterfront City Piazza, free entry
Piazza spectacular - 1pm onwards, Waterfront City piazza

Sunday 1st November:

Celebration service - 10.30am & 6pm at James Squire Brewhouse

Community Market Stall - giveaways, food and children's activities at the Docklands Church market stall.

Sunday Funday - An afternoon of fun activities including kids rides and music.

To find out more information email info@docklandschurch.org or visit http://www.docklandschurch.org.

Web: http://www.waterfrontcity.com.au

Win a chance to "Dine around Docklands" on Facebook

It's a bumper competition that we have to offer you this week!

Here is your chance to win a "Dine Around Docklands" pack - the perfect opportunity to taste test eight different Docklands restaurants. From seafood to steak, Chinese to Italian you can experience it all with this fabulous giveaway!

The prize includes:
1 x $30 voucher for: Butchers Grill
1 x $30 voucher for: Saganaki Greek Cuisine
1 x $30 voucher for: Fish Seafood Grill
1 x $30 voucher for: Yum Cha Dragon
1 x $30 voucher for: Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria
1 x $30 voucher for: Livebait
1 x $30 voucher for: Steakhouse
1 x $30 voucher for: BlueFire Churrascaria Grill

Total prize value: $240

How to enter: All you have to do is follow the Discover Docklands Facebook page and tell us which Docklands restaurant you want to discover the most. You can do this by leaving your comments.

Competition closes Friday, 23rd October 2009. Winner drawn at random and contacted via Facebook. Good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Treat this voucher as cash. It cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. This voucher cannot be exchanged for cash. Valid for one use only. No change given if full amount is not used.

Super Tuesday reminder! Get half price lunch and dinner today at Docklands

Today is Super Tuesday! And we all know what that means...

Take advantage of this great deal by heading down to the Docklands today for lunch or dinner. Why? Because if you order a minimum of main + dessert, you will automatically receive 50% off your food bill.

Available for lunch and dinner every Tuesday, why not try out this deal at Steakhouse for some great steak dishes.

Other yummy options include Italian, Moroccan and Greek. Or alternatively, click here for a full list of participating restaurants.




Terms & Conditions
Super Tuesday not valid for groups over 15 people or with any other offer, event or discount. Excludes ‘Pasta Mista’. Not valid on take away menu.

Tell us your favourite mushroom recipe and win Janelle Bloom's cookbook on Facebook!

There are more giveaways to be had this week on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

For starters, we have a copy of Janelle Bloom's new cookbook "Mushrooms: The Great All-Rounder" to give to one lucky person.

Bloom, from Network Ten's Ready Steady Cook, has compiled over 110 beautifully photographed mushroom recipes for you to try and enjoy.

To be in with a chance to win this gorgeous book, all you have to do is become a fan of the Discover Docklands Facebook page and tell us your favourite all-time mushroom recipe. You can do this by either leaving your comments on our page, or simply emailing discoverdocklands@gmail.com

Good luck!

DFO South Wharf (next door to Docklands!) now open

As if we needed another excuse to shop, DFO (Direct Factory Outlets) has just arrived at South Wharf - just a hop, skip and a jump away from Docklands!

We thought we were spoilt for choice when nearby Harbour Town Shopping Centre opened, but now it's double the bargain-hunting fun with DFO's brand new South Wharf location. With over 100 brands at up to 70% off, it offers fashion, footwear, handbags, accessories, jewellery, manchester and sporting goods.

DFO South Wharf is open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm and until 9pm on Fridays.

Visit: http://www.dfo.com.au/southwharf/

Watch the Caulfield Cup on the big screens and place your bets at Waterfront City piazza

Are you looking for somewhere to sit back and watch the Caulfield Cup, place bets and not be overwhelmed by the crowds? Then get yourself down to the Docklands tomorrow!

We'll be screening all the major races LIVE on the big screens at Waterfront City Piazza, throughout October and November. Placing those bets will also be hassle-free thanks to a mobile TAB which will be located on-site at Waterfront City from October 3rd - November 7th. So you don't even need to leave the comfort of the Docklands surroundings - very handy!

October race dates:

October 17th - Caulfield Cup Day
October 18th - Seymour Cup
October 21st - Geelong Cup
October 24th - Cox Plate Day
October 28th - Bendigo Cup
October 21st - Victoria Derby Day

While you're at Docklands why not enjoy dinner or a drink at any one of the many great waterfront restaurants, cafes and bars. Or why not have a browse around the shops at Harbour Town Shopping Centre? It's open until 9pm. Catch the free City Circle tram which stops right outside, or pay $5 flat rate (first hour free) for car parking.

Tonight: Oyster tastings at Fish Seafood Grill

Another Thursday, another opportunity to try out some delicious oysters at Docklands.

Every Thursday, Fish Seafood Grill holds weekly Oyster tastings. Sample freshly shucked oysters sourced from up to five different regions across Australia.

To ensure it is a knowledgeable experience for you, a professional Oyster Shucker will be on hand to answer any of your questions. They will also prepare complimentary oyster dishes right before your very eyes.

When: 6.00pm to 9.00pm, every Thursday until the end of October.

*Oysters are complimentary with every main meal purchase.

For more, visit: http://www.fishrestaurant.com.au

Event: Socceroos vs. Omar tonight at 7.30pm, Etihad Stadium

There is more sporting action going on at Etihad Stadium, Docklands tonight when the Socceroos take on Oman in an AFC Asian Cup qualifying match at 7.30pm.

Gates will open from 5.30pm onwards so you have plenty of time to arrive and find your seats.

Tickets are still available to purchase through Ticketmaster by phoning 136 100 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.au for more information.

While you're at Docklands why not enjoy dinner or a drink at any one of the many great waterfront restaurants, cafes and bars. Or why not have a browse around the shops at Harbour Town Shopping Centre? It's open until 9pm. Catch the free City Circle tram which stops right outside, or pay $5 flat rate (first hour free) for car parking.

[via Etihad Stadium]

Coming soon.... Orient Express - the world's first hot and cold sushi train!

Get ready... because the world's first hot and cold sushi train is coming soon to Docklands!

That's right, Orient Express brings a world first exclusively to Melbourne with the very first Sushi Train which will serve both HOT and COLD dishes. Along with the traditional sushi, this train will serve hot dishes including yum cha, Teppanyaki & Thai noodles.

Two restaurants are set to open at Harbour Town, Docklands and Crown Casino, Southbank Melbourne.

To keep up-to-date with all the latest news join the Orient Express Facebook page.

Website: http://www.orientexpress.net.au

Super Tuesday Alert: Split your lunch or dinner bill in half!

Today is Super Tuesday! And we all know what that means...

Take advantage of this great deal by heading down to the Docklands today for lunch or dinner. Why? Because if you order a minimum of main + dessert, you will automatically receive 50% off your food bill.

Available for lunch and dinner every Tuesday, why not try out this deal at Steakhouse for some great steak dishes.

Other yummy options include Italian, Moroccan and Greek. Or alternatively, click here for a full list of participating restaurants.




Terms & Conditions
Super Tuesday not valid for groups over 15 people or with any other offer, event or discount. Excludes ‘Pasta Mista’. Not valid on take away menu.

This weekend: Watch Caulfield Guineas live, win a prize with Gold 104 Roadies and visit Docklands Market

There is so much happening this weekend at the Docklands I don't know where to begin!

First off, get yourself down to Docklands Drive tomorrow morning and you could win yourself a prize. How? From the Gold 104 Roadies, who will be on location from 11.45am to do a live cross and give away $20 restaurant vouchers, plus more!

Then pop on over to Harbour Town Shopping Centre, to the opening of the brand new Typo stationery store. There will be more fun giveaways this time from the Typo crew. Also the Nova Cassanovas will be on hand from 12.30pm and the Typo paparazzi will be taking loads of photos. We'd love to see what funky stationery you picked up - upload your pics to our Facebook page!

After that you can place a few bets on this weekend's Caulfield Guineas and Cranbourne Cup courtesy of the mobile TAB outlet we have set-up at Waterfront City.

From there you can sit back and relax as you watch the races LIVE on the big screens.

Finally, don't forget that the Docklands Market is on again this Sunday. Mosey on down to the Waterfront City Piazza, located just off of Docklands Rd, near the corner of Doepel Way. You can find everything from arts to antiques, books to beauty.

It opens from 10am to 5pm. Visit: www.docklandsundaymarket.com.au

While you're there, grab yourself a $14 pizza or pasta meal from Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria. Choose a main size Pizza, Pasta or Risotti for $14.00

Valid: All day Sunday
Includes all Pizza, Pasta & Risotti dishes (except Pasta Mista)
Not valid with any other, event or discount
Not valid on take-away menu

Happy weekend everyone!

Event: Melbourve Victory vs. Sydney FC at Etihad Stadium,

The football and rugby seasons might now be behind us, but there is still plenty of soccer action to scope out.

At Etihad Stadium tomorrow night, watch Melbourne Victory take on Sydney FC at 7.30pm. Gates will be open from 6.30pm.

Tickets are available to purchase through Ticketmaster by phoning 136 100 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.au for more information.

While you're at Docklands why not enjoy dinner or a drink at any one of the many great waterfront restaurants, cafes and bars. Or why not have a browse around the shops at Harbour Town Shopping Centre? It's open until 9pm. Catch the free City Circle tram which stops right outside, or pay $5 flat rate (first hour free) for car parking.

[via Etihad Stadium]

Early New Year's Eve fireworks reinstated at Docklands

It is great news for the New Year's Eve fireworks at Docklands, with the early 9.15pm display officially reinstated.

Melbourne City councillors voted unanimously to keep the early fireworks display, after concerns were raised over families mixing with 40,000 revellers heading to the Sensation dance party at Etihad Stadium.

“We will retain the 9.15pm fireworks at Docklands this year and review this decision in future years as we develop and progress our new event format," said councillor Kevin Louey.

This is sure to make the kids happy, read the official media release by clicking here.

Super Tuesdays at Docklands - split your lunch or dinner bill in half!

Today is Super Tuesday! And we all know what that means...

Take advantage of this great deal by heading down to the Docklands today for lunch or dinner. Why? Because if you order a minimum of main + dessert, you will automatically receive 50% off your food bill.

Available for lunch and dinner every Tuesday, why not try out this deal at Steakhouse for some great steak dishes.

Other yummy options include Italian, Moroccan and Greek. Or alternatively, click here for a full list of participating restaurants.




Terms & Conditions
Super Tuesday not valid for groups over 15 people or with any other offer, event or discount. Excludes ‘Pasta Mista’. Not valid on take away menu.

New 'Typo' concept store launches at Harbour Town, 10th October

The latest retail outlet to embrace too-trendy-for-words stationery is about to hit Harbour Town.

Developed by The Cotton On Group, Typo is inspired by the recent wave of stationery product stores. It looks at current trends in the fashion industry and applies them to notebooks, decal wall art, gift wrap and much, much more!

Typo's brand new concept store will launch this Saturday, 10th October at Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Docklands. Head on down and be one of the first to check out the new product range.

Web: http://www.typoshop.com.au

Win the ultimate Spring Racing experience at Harbour Town

Here is your chance to win the ultimate Spring Racing experience thanks to Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Docklands.*

What's up for grabs? A whole lot, that's what! The winner will score themselves:
- A corporate box at Oaks Day.
- Three nights accommodation.
- Limousine transfers for them and five friends.
- A $1000 shopping voucher for Harbour Town.

All you have to do to enter is simply spend $10 or more in one transaction at Harbour Town. Then take your valid receipt and entry form to the Tourism Lounge on the Ground Level, Studio Lane to be in with a chance!

Competition starts 10am on 1st October 2009 and closes 6pm on 22nd October 2009. For more information, visit: www.harbourtownmelbourne.com.au

Also don't bypass your chance to enter another great spring racing comp at The Designers' House...

Win the Ultimate Girls Day Out at Oaks Day for you and 3 friends valued at over $3,000! Pamper yourself and 3 friends with endota spa and Botanic Hair vouchers. Then get dressed up and ready for Oaks Day in your new outfit with a $1,000 Designers’ House shopping spree to spend at ANY of the designer labels in store now. Arrive in style at the races with limousine transfers to and from Oaks Day for you and 3 friends along with 4 Oaks Day passes into the newly created Inner Circuit.

How to enter?

Firstly you need to be a Designers' House VIP to enter. This is easy, just register your details online or in store. Then simply make a purchase over $50 at Designers’ House between 9th -29th October 2009 and complete an entry form upon purchase to immediately be placed into the draw! Winner will be announced October 30th. Full terms and conditions available in store

Good luck and happy punting!

* Full terms and conditions available at the Tourism Lounge, Harbour Town Melbourne. Authorised under Vic Permit 09/3060.

NRL Grand Final: Cheer on the Melbourne Storm at Etihad Stadium, Sunday 4th October

In addition to all the car action that is taking place at Waterfront City, Docklands this Sunday - there is also plenty happening at nearby Etihad Stadium.

The 2009 NRL Grand Final will be celebrated via a Live Site which has been set-up exclusively for rugby fans. Supporters of the Melbourne Storm, who take on the Parramatta Eels this weekend, can come on down and cheer on their team.

Fans can access the Locker Room or Legends Bar via the Gate 2 LiveWire precinct where the game will be shown live. And the best bit is - entry is free! Families are welcome in the Legends Bar and food and beverages will be available throughout the afternoon. Please note patrons in the Locker Room must be 18 years and over.

The Under 20s match between Melbourne Storm Thunderbolts and Wests Tigers will be shown from 2pm in the Locker Room, with the Storm v Eels match televised live on the big screens from 5pm (venue open at 4.30pm) in both the Legends Bar and Locker Room. [via Etihad Stadium]

Where: Gate 2 LiveWire precinct, Etihad Stadium, Docklands
When: Sunday, 4th October 2009 from 2pm onwards
Price: FREE!

For more information, visit the Etihad Stadium website.