New Year's Eve cruises & dining options at Docklands - Book now!

As 2009 draws to a close, you may like to consider the following options for New Year's Eve. At Docklands, there are plenty of ways to celebrate New Year's Eve starting with the annual dinner cruise on board the grand vessel "Voyager".

The 3.5 hour cruise includes a three course meal, open bar with standard drinks (spirits, wine, beer, soft drink), live DJ with spacious dance floor, all with a prime view of the fireworks along the river.

Price: $249 per person.
Bookings: You can book your place online or phone (03) 9285 0000.
Web: http://www.rivers.net.au

There are also a range of special dining events taking place at a variety of Docklands restaurants. Each dinner includes canapes, a three-course meal, a glass of sparkling wine on arrival and a prime view of the waterfront fireworks. To check out which restaurants are hosting events and to book your table, click here.


At Waterfront City, the fun continues with free activities for the whole family. Live entertainment kicks off at 6pm all the way until 1am with DJ Mark Anthony who will be playing everything from funk and soul to commercial top 40, house and retro '80s. The programme also includes the Gee Whiz Kids band for the youngsters, and performances from 10-piece band Alchemy and Australia's leading funk act, Nudist Funk Orchestra.

For more information on what's happening at Waterfront City, visit: http://www.waterfrontcity.com.au

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle to volunteer at Salvos Christmas Brunch, Mecca Bah

This year, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has been confirmed as a volunteer at the Salvation Army Christmas Day Brunch.

Held at Mecca Bah Melbourne, those attending are frequent users of the Salvation Army’s services throughout the year. Volunteers for this annual event contribute their time by driving guests from the Salvation Army on Bourke Street to Mecca Bah, and spending time speaking with those in need of a listening ear. Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has been a regular supporter the Salvos Christmas. This is the 5th year that Mecca Bah has participated in this event.

Salvos Christmas Day Brunch 25th Dec 2009, 10:30am – 12.30pm Mecca Bah will afterwards open to the general public for Christmas Day Lunch from 1.30pm - www.salvos.org.au

This weekend: Finish your shopping at Harbour Town or Sunday Market & have a cheap bite at Bellissimo

Finish your Christmas shopping at Harbour Town this weekend. There is a wide range of stores to choose from and throughout next week there is extended trading hours - click here to read more.

Meanwhile you might just pick yourself up a bargain at the Docklands Sunday Market at 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.

For more information visit: www.docklandsundaymarket.com.au

You can also enjoy a yummy lunch without breaking the bank at Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria. On Sunday it's their weekly $15 Pizza and Pasta Day. Choose a main size pizza, pasta or risotti and pay just $15 *

Visit: www.bellissimo.net.au

*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

Summer Serve dining promotion: 11 Jan - 28 Feb 2010

The Australian Open is heading to town and many of the city’s eclectic restaurants, bars and cafés are set to offer you a grander slam for your buck.

Get ready for a greater taste of Melbourne with Summer Serve’s special offers on city dining. There’s no better time to savour all that Melbourne has to offer, including a myriad of quality food establishments and diverse cuisines prepared from the freshest of produce. Mention "Summer Serve" at any of the participating venues from 11 January to 28 February 2010, and receive two entrées for the price of one. Conditions apply.

Participating venues:

Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria
- Experience warm hospitality along with traditional Italian cuisine at Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria.

BlueFire Churrascaria Grill
- With absolute river frontage, stunning views and an impressive range of menu choices, BlueFire Churrascaria will excite, invigorate and surprise.

Butchers Grill, Meat & Wine Room
- “Sharing Your Passion for Quality Meat and Wine” Butchers Grill boasts a Mediterranean style menu full of quality Victorian meat.

Butchers Grill, Meat & Wine Cellar

Nearly everything on the menu is cooked over an open grill, which means a healthier meal for diners.

Fish Seafood Grill
- Fish Seafood Grill is bound to impress lovers of fresh seafood in a smart casual venue with floor to ceiling views of the harbour.

Livebait
- With panoramic views of the CBD and Victoria Harbour, Livebait sets the tone for contemporary seafood restaurants.

Mecca Bah
- Enter Mecca Bah and you will feel like you have stepped into a Moroccan eating house albeit with a uniquely Melbourne twist.

Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill
- Saganaki offers modern Greek cuisine right on the water at NewQuay Docklands.

Steakhouse
- As the name suggests – Steakhouse is all about the steak.

Yum Cha Dragon Chinese BBQ & Restaurant
- Yum Cha Dragon is located along the waterfront and specialises in the lively and social "yum cha" style dining.

Terms and conditions:
Patrons must quote ‘Summer Serve’ when ordering to redeem two entrees for the price of one. Summer Serve offers are valid from 11 January to 28 February 2010 only. Additional conditions may apply at individual events. Please check thatsmelbourne.com.au or contact participating venues directly for full redemption details. Summer Serves are for entrée sizes only, and are not available in conjunction with any other offer, discount, deal or promotion. Bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment. While every effort has been made to present accurate information at the time of going to print, City of Melbourne takes no responsibility for errors or changes made to the promotion by individual participating partners, including their withdrawal from this promotion.

It'll be Super Tuesday every day when you sign up for Rivers Platinum Club - for free!

It's super news for all you Super Tuesday fans out there. The popular dining offer has been extended to next year with a fantastic bonus - every day can be Super Tuesday when you sign up to become a Rivers Platinum Club member.

That's right, simply apply to be a member (for free!) and you can save 50% off lunch EVERY DAY and dinner every Tuesday. Yes, really!

To sign up online visit: http://www.rivers.net.au/platinumclub.htm

Participating “Super Tuesday Every Day” restaurants:
Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria
BlueFire Churrascaria Grill
Butchers Grill Docklands & CBD
Fish Seafood Grill
Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill
Steakhouse Docklands & Port Melbourne
Yum Cha Dragon
Windows on the Bay

Begins 2nd January 2010 - apply now!

Conditions: Regular Super Tuesday terms & conditions apply. To receive discount, customer must present their Rivers Platinum Club Card or sign up to receive a membership at the restaurant. Excludes public holidays. Not valid during December. Offer also applies to existing Rivers Platinum Club members.

NOTE: The "Super Tuesday Every Day" offer will start from 2nd January 2010 and will continue until further notice. Updates will be made available online.

Super Tuesday reminder: Save 50% off your lunch or dinner bill

Reminder: Tomorrow is Super Tuesday at Docklands and another chance for you to save while you dine at a variety of 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 Mecca Bah for some some tasty Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes.

Other yummy options include Chinese, Italian 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: Designers' House fashion show, Christmas lights, market & $15 pizzas

This weekend, get a jump on this summer’s hottest looks with a FREE fashion show from the stylish folks at Designers’ House. They are hosting two fashion parades on Sunday 13th December at Harbour Town Shopping Centre. Come on down at 1pm to catch all the bikini action. There will be music, models and all the latest summer styles for men, women and children from labels such as JETS, ML Denim, Rosemin, Little Joe and Modern Lovers.

Where: Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Ground Level (opposite The Coffee Club)
When: Sunday, 13th December 2009 from 1pm
What: Designer’s House Summer Fashion Parade – two presentations
Cost: FREE

For more information on Designers’ House, visit: http://www.thedesignershouse.com.au or phone (03) 9670 8118

Lighting up Docklands with a mesmerising show of Christmas lights will be the 'Follow the lights to the Harbour' display. As part of the City of Melbourne Christmas campaign, the display can be seen on boats and yachts as they light up Victoria Harbour. A definite sight to behold, you can catch the display from this Sunday 13th until 20th December.

While you're at Docklands, check out the bargains on offer at Docklands Market at 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.

For more information visit: www.docklandsundaymarket.com.au

You can also enjoy a delicious lunch without breaking the bank at Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria. On Sunday it's their weekly $15 Pizza and Pasta Day. Choose a main size pizza, pasta or risotti and pay just $15 *

Visit: www.bellissimo.net.au

Enjoy your weekend!

*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

Celebrate the festive season with a Christmas cocktail at Docklands!

You know what they say, Christmas is the season of drinking giving. So give yourself some festive cheer this month with a specially-themed Christmas cocktail.

Celebrate the season with a drink after work or indulge in one of the deliciously-themed cocktails over dinner. Available for the special Christmas price of $14 each* at a range of Docklands restaurants (see list below). Come and try one today!

Available at each restaurant below:
Prancer: Cointreau, chambord with a squeeze of lemon and a splash of cranberry Juice over ice
The Santa Rock: Frangelico, strawberry liqueur, baileys with a splash of milk and a strawberry kiss
Mistletoe: Midori, strawberry liqueur, mango liqueur, passionfruit pulp with a splash of lemonade over ice

Bellissimo:

Bella Xmas: Campari with fresh lime, fine sugar topped with lemonade and a lime wedge, over ice
Buon Natale: Aperol with a splash of apple juice, fresh lime and mint aroma over ice

Butchers Grill: (Also available at Butchers Grill, CBD)

Jingle Bell Rock: Jose cuervo tequila, chambord with a squeeze of lemon juice over ice
Silent Night: Vodka, frangelico mixed with fresh lime and fine sugar over ice

Fish Seafood Grill:

Xmas Stocking: Midori topped with bubbles and a strawberry kiss
Snow Globe: Midori, mango liqueur, strawberry liqueur with a splash of tropical juices and a citrus wheel over ice

Yum Cha Dragon:

Oriental Sled: Vanilla vodka, vanilla liqueur splash of apple juice and a lemon wedge over ice
Muthi Santa: Frangelico with fresh lime, fine sugar and mint aroma over ice

BlueFire:

Xmas Present: Jose cuervo tequila, chambord, a squeeze of lemon juice with a lemon wheel over ice
Three Wise Men: Mango liqueur, passionfruit Liqueur, chambord and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over ice

Steak House NewQuay: (Also available at Steak House, Pier 35)

White Snow: Frangelico, cointreau, fresh lime & lemon, fine sugar and mint aroma over ice
Fat Santa: Cuervo tequila, cointreau, fine sugar and fresh lime over ice

Saganaki:

Greek Xmas: Zuess Classico, blue curaco, topped with lemonade and a lemon wheel over ice
Xmas Love: Metaxa five star, cointreau fresh lime wedges topped with ginger ale over ice

Mecca Bah:

Xmas Joy: Mango liqueur, passionfruit liqueur, chambord, squeeze fresh lemon juice over ice
Xmas Passion: Frangelico accompanied with muddled fresh lime and fine sugar

Live Bait:

Xmas Spirit: Remy brandy, cointreau accompanied by muddled fresh lime and fine sugar, topped with ginger ale over ice
Father Xmas: Campari accompanied by muddled fresh lime and fine sugar, topped with lemonade and mint aroma over ice

*Please note: All the regular 'Happy Hour' cocktails are still priced at $9 each (normally $18).

Docklands Twilight Market, Thurs 17th Dec

The Docklands Sunday Market will hold their 'Christmas Twilight Market' on Thursday 17th December 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Enjoy the special treats on offer from stallholders in the warm summer air. Bring along the family and take advantage of some great dining options after you peruse the stalls. Stall holders also welcome.

Competition:
A FREE Children’s Art Competition will also be held. Kids can design their own Christmas cards and win some great prizes! Toy World, Pumpkin Patch, Monkey Mania, Action Zone, Black Light Mini golf, Market Fairy stall, Cheeky Face, Personalised Kids Art on canvas.

Enter in your category - boys/girls under 6 years & under 10 years old.
Enter on the 6th, 13th & 17th December. Winners chosen at Christmas Twilight Market at 7.30pm.

How to get there: Catch the FREE City Circle Tram, 70 via Flinders St or Tram 86 via Bourke Street. Parking is free for the first hour and then $5. Melways reference 2E, D4

More info: Ph. 0412 910 496 / www.docklandsundaymarket.com.au

[via WFC website]

Event: Carols at Victoria Harbour, Thursday 10th December

Not doing anything this Thursday night? Then grab the family, a picnic and a rug and come along to the Docklands Carols at Victoria Harbour.

You will be treated to performances by Contemporary Gospel band “Gospel Sunday”. There will also be activities for the kids, a sausage sizzle, and a Christmas-themed outdoor movie on the big screen, which will be screened as the sun sets.

Entry: Free
Where: Victoria Green, 823 Bourke Street, Docklands
When: 6pm to 10pm
How to get there: Take Tram 48 and alight at the final stop in Merchant Street, Victoria Harbour.
Info: Ph. 03 8622 4822

Super Tuesday: Book now for lunch or 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 Bellissimo for some some fantastic Italian dishes.

Other yummy options include Chinese, 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: $15 pizzas, market, Thomas the Tank & Santa come to Harbour Town

There is lots happening at Docklands this weekend. Kicking off the Christmas festivities, Santa's Breakfast at Harbour Town on Sunday will be a real treat for the kids.

100 kids will be entertained with a fun Christmas show and breakfast. Spaces are limited, so ring the Tourism Lounge on 03 9328 8600 to register your child.

Meanwhile on Saturday, the Thomas & Friends Surprise Show will begin with three shows per day (excluding Mondays) and run until 20th Dec. The free sing-a-long show is an interactive experience and includes a dynamic a mix of performers, music and theatrical magic.

While you're at Docklands, check out the bargains on offer at Docklands Market at 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.

For more information visit: www.docklandsundaymarket.com.au

You can also enjoy a yummy lunch without breaking the bank at Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria. On Sunday it's their weekly $15 Pizza and Pasta Day. Choose a main size pizza, pasta or risotti and pay just $15 *

Visit: www.bellissimo.net.au

Have a happy weekend!

*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

You're invited to Urban Reforestation's Christmas Party, 11th December

Come and enjoy a Christmas tipple in the surroundings of the very green Urban Reforestation garden.

The Docklands community is invited to check out the new garden while they sip on a few drinks and get stuck into some yummy BBQ.

When: Friday, 11th December 4pm to 8pm
Where: The Promenade, North Wharf - near the end of Merchant Street at Docklands.

Win 1 of 4 $20 jewellery vouchers to The Maharani Collection at Designers' House

With Christmas the season of gift-giving, give yourself a treat by winning a jewellery voucher to spend on The Maharani Collection.

The Maharani Collection boasts a vast array of sterling silver jewellery and accessories for men and women including rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, anklets, cufflinks, ties and an array of gorgeous silk scarves and hair accessories. Custom designing your own jewellery piece is also a possibility - just come in store to discuss.

We have four $20 jewellery vouchers up for grabs, thanks to the generous people at Designers' House, Harbour Town.

To enter, simply tell us what piece of jewellery you'd love to treat yourself with by emailing discoverdocklands@gmail.com - don't forget to include your name and address too!

The Maharani Collection is located in Designers’ House, upstairs on Level 1 at Harbour Town Shopping Centre Ph: 9670 8118 www.thedesignershouse.com.au

Terms & Conditions
Vouchers are only redeemable until 31st December 2009. They cannot be exchanged for cash. By entering this competition your email address will automatically be added to our mailing list. Please advise us if you do not wish to be added.

Get your dancing shoes on at Docklands: Movie Moves & Sunday Salsa

There is no better time to throw on those dancing shoes and get active than over the summer months. At Docklands there are a few ways to get that booty shaking, whether it's for fitness or fun, or both!

Movie Moves:
6th & 13th Feb, 5 - 7.30pm at Waterfront City Piazza

Learn some dance moves inspired by your favourite movies. Turn it on like John Travolta, help Muriel face her Waterloo, do the Bollywood thing with Jai Ho, or just try and put your Baby in the corner! Make a night of it and have a night out at one the many waterfront restaurants at Docklands.

Saturday, 6th Feb: Dirty Dancing, Michael Jackson's Thriller and Slumdog Millionaire
Saturday, 13th Feb: Muriel's Wedding, Saturday Night Fever, Slumdog Millionaire.

Info: www.waterfrontcity.com.au

Sunday Salsa:
Every Sunday from 5th Dec to 28th Feb, 5-10pm at Yarras Edge Bar & Cafe

DANCE 101 is hosting this free dance event each Sunday from 5pm to 10pm. Learn the steps to all the popular ballroom favourites including Salsa, Cha Cha and Merengue. Open to all ages, levels and experiences from beginners to advanced. You are also welcome to sit and watch.

Info: www.dance101.com.au