New Years Eve at Docklands!

There’s no better way to finish the year than with great food, fantastic company and a spectacular fireworks display- perfect for families, couples and groups of friends after a night of fun and entertainment!

Entertainment
FREE performances at Waterfront City Pizza include the following:

7pm- Dora the Explorer
7.45pm- Stick Mareebo
8.15pm- Three's Company
8.55pm- Dora the Explorer
9.30pm- Family fireworks show
9.50pm- Man in the Mirror (Reflections of Michael Jackson)
10.50pm- Stick Mareebo
11.20pm- Three's Company
Midnight- Fireworks show
Stick Mareebo (during fireworks display)
12.25am-Three's Company

Fireworks
Celebrate with fireworks over the water, fired from barges on Victoria Harbour.
The family friendly fireworks display begins at 9:30pm
Another spectacular fireworks show begins at midnight to bring in the New Year with a bang.
Click here for a map of the best vantage points.

Dining
Many restaurants along the waterfront are opening their doors and offering a family friendly dinner sitting for those who want to get out in time to enjoy the kids entertainment and early fireworks. A late sitting is also open for those who wish to sit back and enjoy the midnight fireworks from the comfort of the restaurant. Other venues are offering a ‘no booking’ policy so you can drop by for a bite to eat at your own leisure.

Our pick of restaurants include:

Grill 66: Sensational steaks & stunning views!
Enjoy a sensational three course dinner before watching the fireworks display from one of the best vantage points in Melbourne. Includes an early & late sitting to suit everyone.
Address: 66 NewQuay Promenade, Docklands Vic, Australia 3008
Bookings: Ph 9640 0808 or online

Livebait: Be spoilt with seafood & spectacular views!
Positioned right over the water, Livebait is the spot to be for NYE dinner at NewQuay. Those lucky enough to secure a table for New Years Eve dinner will be totally spoilt with uninterrupted views of the spectacular fireworks display. Includes a 3 course dinner in both an early & late sitting.

Address: 55B NewQuay Promenade Docklands Vic 3008
Bookings: Ph 9642 1500 or online

Mischas: Party with pizza's & pasta's all night long!
Celebrate the last night of 2011 with the gang at Mischa's, located in a prime position to view the fireworks! No bookings are required, so come in for a pasta with the kids early on, or stop by with few friends for a late night pizza & beer!

Address: 62 NewQuay Promenade, Docklands Victoria 3008
Bookings: No Bookings required. Click here for more information.

Transport
Getting to and from Docklands:
Public transport is free from 6pm on New Years Eve.
Train: Catch the train to Southern Cross Station.
Tram: Catch the 30, 70 or 86 tram.

Celebrate Christmas in Docklands! Icehouse Christmas Showcase, Carols at Docklands, Festive Fun at Harbour Town and Christmas Lunch at Mischa's!

Christmas is almost upon us! Celebrate the festive season at the Docklands with these great events!

Medibank Icehouse Christmas Showcase
Enjoy a very special Christmas at the Medibank Icehouse where some of Victoria’s top figure skaters and stars of the future will showcase their talents in the end of year Christmas Showcase. Get up and dance with the ‘Ice Ice Babies’, marvel at the ‘Can Can’ dancers at the Moulin Rouge, and be welcomed to Burlesque.

You will also laugh at Scrooge’s antics and smile as Santa Claus, Rudolf, and Elfie make Christmas at Medibank Icehouse a very special place.

When: December 16th, 7.30pm, and December 18th, 4.30pm
Where: Medibank Icehouse, 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands
Cost: Child: $10, Adults: $20, Family (2 adults, 2 children): $50

Santa at Medibank Icehouse
Santa will also be paying a visit to Medibank Icehouse this weekend from 12pm to 4pm. Bring the kids down to the meet Santa, write a letter in Santa's hut and post in Santa's special Christmas mailbox!
For more information on any Medibank Icehouse events, visit www.icehouse.com.au

Carols at Docklands
Get into the Christmas spirit at Docklands- There's something for everyone at this free event.
The festivities kick off at 6.30pm with the Kids Carnival, including face painting, rides, characters, jumping castle, fairy floss and Santa. Christmas Carols will soon follow with special guest artists Evermore, Michael Paynter, hip hop group NOLIMITS and a 50 piece gospel choir. The night finishes off with a bang- a spectacular fireworks display! All ages welcome.

When: Friday 23 December, 6:30pm- Pre-entertainment & kids carnival, 8pm- main event
Where: Waterfront City Piazza Docklands.
Cost: FREE!

For more information visit www.planetshakers.com/carolsatdocklands

Christmas Lunch at Mischa's
Mischa's Pizza Pasta & Salad welcomes everyone on Christmas Day! Enjoy a relaxed day with family, friends, funky food & lots of fun! The full menu will be available for you to enjoy. No bookings are necessary- just drop by at your own leisure for a special midday meal!

An example of dishes include:
'Go Wild' Salad: Roasted pumpkin, wild rocket, torn mozzarella, pine nuts
'Oceans Eleven' Salad: Prawns, calamari, octopus, garlic, white wine and herbs
'The Perfect Pear' Pizza: Italian prosciutto, mozzarella, rocket and pear salad

For more information & to see Mischa's Pizza, Pasta & Salad's full menu available, visit www.mischas.com.au

Christmas at Harbour Town:
Harbour Town has sprung into life this silly season!
Enjoy late night shopping to grab those last minute gifts, say hi to the big man in red, and keep amused with the Roving Christmas Entertainment!

Santa visits Harbour Town:
1-24 December 2011, 11am-4pm daily.
Roving Christmas Entertainment:
From 19 December 2011, 12pm-4pm
Late night trading week:
From 19 December 2011

For more information about what's on these holidays at Harbour Town, visit www.harbourtownmelbourne.com.au

This Christmas Season at Docklands: Santas Christmas Spectacular, Lunch at Grill 66, Harbour Town Shopping & Mecca Bah Gift Cards

Santas Christmas Spectacular at Wonderland
Bring the family to a magical Christmas Wonderland you will never forget. Visit Santa's stable, post a letter to the North Pole and meet the hilarious Santa's Elves. Ride the Santa Express Wacky Coaster, the magical Dragon Flyer, the Bee Ride, Jurassic Inflatable, and for the thrill seekers, the wild Music Trip. Santa will be in his Wonderland, waiting to meet all the children and have his photo taken with the family. And once it gets dark, the park will light up with over 100,000 Christmas lights.

When: 8-24 December 2011 from 11am
Where: Wonderland Fun Park, Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Docklands
For more info or to book, visit wonderlandfunpark.com.au or phone 03 9603 1311.

A Joyful Christmas Lunch at Grill 66!
Why slave over a stove this Christmas when Grill 66 are offering to cook for you?! Bring the family down to enjoy a festive feast by the waterfront. Sit back, relax and let Grill 66 treat you to an unforgettable Christmas Day Lunch. For the duration of the lunch, you’ll be served your choice of Entree, Main, Dessert, Sides from the specially designed Christmas menu.

When: 25 December 2011, From 12pm
Where: Grill 66, 66 NewQuay Promenade, Docklands
For more info or to book, visit grill66.com.au or call 03 9640 0808

Harbour Town Christmas Shopping
The season to be jolly is here!
Harbour Town has a great line up of events and offers for the entire family. Finish off your Christmas shopping at the huge variety of shops, enjoy the roving Christmas entertainment, and don’t forget to see Santa!

Santa visiting Harbour Town: 1-24 Dec, 11am-4pm daily.
Roving Christmas Entertainment: Starting 19 Dec, 12pm-4pm
Late night trading week: Starting 19 Dec

Once you tire out from your shopping, stop by the brand new hot & cold sushi train at Orient Express. Along with the traditional sashimi and sushi, this train serves hot dishes inc. yum cha, tempura, Teppanyaki & Thai noodles and much more. Find out more about Orient Express here: www.orientexpress.net.au

Where: Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Docklands
For more information, visit harbourtownmelbourne.com.au

Merry Mecca Bah Gift Cards
Give someone a voucher this Christmas to enjoy a tantalizing feast of Middle Eastern food! Gift cards are a perfect idea for those hard to buy for friends or family. Cards can be for any value over $50 and free delivery is provided. To find out more visit www.meccabah.com.au/gift-vouchers

Coming up in Docklands- Santa Fun Run, Christmas Functions at James Squire, New Years on the Waterfront & Sunday Market

Variety Santa Fun Run
Celebrate Christmas, have fun and raise awareness and funds for Variety, the children’s charity. The 2011 Variety Santa Fun Run takes you around Docklands & consists of either a 5km or 10km distance. You can run it, walk it, skip it, hop it – finish it however you like, but just make sure you do it in your official five piece Variety Santa suit. The suit cost is included in your registration fee.

Where: Waterfront City in Docklands
When: Sunday, 27th November, 7am-11am
Click here for more information

James Squire Mixed Group Function
Organising a Christmas party for a small group? Want a spectacular space that will be sure to impress? Book now for James Squire's Mixed Group dinner!
Guaranteed to be a great night, the evening includes a delicious buffet dinner, live entertainment plus amazing views of the water for $65 per person

Click here for sample menu

When: Saturday, 17th December 2011, 7pm - 11pm
Where: James Squire Hotel, 16-17, 439 Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Docklands Vic 3008
Click here for more information or call Ph 9285 0000

New Years on the Waterfront
Celebrate New Years with a bang! Docklands Waterfront is playing host to a variety of great celebrations- think delicious feasts with unspoilt views of the Harbours spectacular fireworks display.

For seafood lovers, head to Livebait to enjoy a seafood feast and prime position to the fireworks show. For those steak fans, why not finish off the year with a big juicy steak at Grill 66, topped off with great water views.

Click below for more information or to book:
Livebait
Grill 66

Sunday Market
With just a month to go til Christmas, it’s time to start ticking off the present list! The Sunday Market is a perfect start- pick up something for all ages and tastes.
The market features all sorts of treasures, from arts and craft, jewelry, hand made gifts, books, plants and more.

Where: Waterfront city/New Quay promenade
When: 10am til 5pm every Sunday
Click here for more information

Just 50 Days until December fun in Docklands! Functions, Christmas Lunch & New Years Eve!

Only 50 days left until the busiest month of the year hits!

December is rapidly approaching- think work breakups, functions, presents, Christmas lunch and New years!

Beat the busy last minute rush and plan ahead for lots of festive fun in December at Docklands!

Functions
A variety of function rooms are available at Docklands for private events or intimate group bookings for over 20 people.
Join the Platinum Club and take advantage of 10% off the cost of your next function or event at participating venues- perfect for Christmas Parties and work break-ups!
Click here to sign up for free

Christmas Lunch
Looking for somewhere special to spend Christmas Day Lunch? Picture a sensational selection of quality restaurants and picturesque water views - you can't go wrong!
Here’s a few great options- Take a look at what’s available and be sure to find something to suit every family or group of friends, small or large!

- James Squire: Drop in for a brew and kick back on the lounges, or enjoy a leisurely meal with family & friends
- Livebait: Indulge in Melbourne’s best water & city views while enjoying a delicious three course seafood inspired menu.
- Mecca Bah: Enjoy the sensational flavours of the Middle East this Christmas
- BlueFire Churrascaria Grill: Flame grilled meat and seafood carved right at the table until you say “no more!”
- Grill 66: Located right on the water, enjoy some of Melbourne’s most unique waterfront views complete with a three course lunch.
Click here for more information

New Years Eve
Welcome the new year in style with sensational food, amazing entertainment and a front row seat to the waterfront fireworks displays!
Click here to find the venue perfect for you and friends!

Remember to visit docklandsmelbourne.com.au to stay up to date with all the latest events & specials at Docklands!

This Weekend at Docklands: Grand Final at James Squires, School Holiday Fun with Crayola Creative Hub, Starlight Skate & City Snow Park

AFL Grand Final at James Squire Hotel

Watch all the action of the 2011 AFL Grand Final live this weekend at James Squire Hotel! Check out all the excitement when the Cats take on the Pies on the huge plasma screens- be sure to calm the nerves with a James Squire beer! Kick off the celebrations with a famous pie and pot for $15.

Prizes are also up for grabs for guessing the winning margin, first goal & Norm Smith medalist.

Where: James Squire Hotel, 16-17, 439 Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Docklands
When: 1.30pm, be sure to get in early to secure a good seat!
Bookings: Ph 9606 0644

Click here for more information

Crayola Creative Hub

Unleash your creativity these school holidays with the Crayola Creative Hub at Harbour Town Shopping Centre Docklands from October 3!

For the first time ever in Melbourne, Crayola, Australia’s number one children’s art and craft brand comes to life in a fun and interactive live event! Check out Crayola’s incredible ‘Lights, Camera, Colour’ tool, road test the latest Crayola products and take home your completed works-of-art, FREE!

When: Monday 3rd-Sunday 9th October, 11am-3pm daily
Where: Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Level 1, next to Toyworld.

Click here for more information

Starlight Skate
These school holidays skate on a starlit rink, have your chance to meet and greet the real stars and become a star yourself. There will be celebrity appearances, competitions, giveaways and plenty of on ice activities.

Some of the stars appearing include:
- Ruby Rose, Guest DJ
- Dan Ewing, Home and Away
- Scott Tweedie, Prank Patrol
- Simon Colosimo and Fred, Melbourne Heart
- David Hussy and Alex Keath, Melbourne Stars
- Alan Fletcher, Neighbours
- Jimmy Giggle, Giggle and Hoot

Click here for a full timetable of stars.

When: Date: 24 September - 9 October 2011, Daily from 9am
Where: Medibank Icehouse
Click here for more information

City Snow Park
City Snow Park has just opened in Docklands, meaning you can hit the slopes all year round! This is Melbourne's first indoor snow park, and features rails, boxes,1/4 pipe and jumps all with real snow.

Designed and run by snowboard enthusiast Derek Nicolson, this place is a snow sports enthusiasts dream. Coaching and lessons will also soon be available to build your confidence or just to learn a few more tricks.

When: Mon-Wed 11am-8pm, Thurs-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11am-8pm.
Price: $25 per 1hr session with discounted rates for extended sessions. All riders also need a membership that can be purchased for $66.
Where: 1 A Docklands Drive, Harbour Town, Docklands

Click here to visit City Snow Park's Facebook site for more information.

School Holiday Fun at Docklands! Animal Farm, Ferry Unveiling, World Record Attempt on Ice & Wonderland Fun Park Childrens Festival!

Looking for some fun these school holidays?
Docklands has it all!

Here are some great events & ideas happening around the area these coming weeks:

Animal Farm

The animal farm is returning to Harbour Town Shopping Centre these school holidays. Many of your favourite furry little friends including piglets, calves, chickens, rabbits and lambs will be in the farmyard looking for a big cuddle and a pat. Don't forget to bring your camera along to get some great photos with the animals and best thing is it's FREE!!

When: Saturday 24th September - Saturday 8th October, 11.00am until 3.00pm daily.
Where: Harbour Town Shopping centre
Click here for more information.


Ice-skating World Record Attempt

Get behind the last man standing and help smash the current record for the Longest Conga Line. Head out on the ice with Australia's first Winter Olympic gold medalist Steven Bradbury who will be leading the conga line.

If you are a bit shakey on the ice, take advantage of the free beginners ice skating lessons every day of the school holidays, held four times a day!
Check the website for times and make sure you get there early as places are limited.

When: Saturday 24 September, on the ice at 12.30pm for a 1pm start.
Where: Medibank Icehouse, 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands, Rink 2
Click here for more information.

World Class Ferry Unveiling

Witness the unveiling of a new, world class ferry!
The much-loved MV Queenscliff, the pride of the Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry fleet, has undergone a multi million dollar facelift, and will for the first time travel to Melbourne to be officially unveiled at Waterfront City, Docklands.

Originally expected to arrive by Saturday, weather has pushed the event back to Sunday, meaning there will be even more activities pushed into one huge fun filled day for the family!

Some of the events include:
- An appearance by Thomas the Tank Engine
- Face painting
- Jumping castle
- Wine tasting
- Showbag giveaways
- Live performances
- Plus, so much more!

Where: Waterfront City, Docklands
When: 25 September, 10am-4pm
Click here for more information

Wonderland Fun Park Children's Festival

Wonderland Fun Park presents the amazing and hilarious Children’s Festival "LET'S PLAY" featuring The Incredibubble Show (as seen on Australia's Got Talent), Lindi Jane and Snap Crocodilous (from The Kakadu Club), magic shows, fairy and pirate stories, and special guests Shrek's Princess Fiona & Swap Fairy.

Ride the Dodgem Cars, Dragon Flyer, Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, Grand Carousel, Bee Ride, The Crazy Wave and the Bungee Jumping Trampolines.

Wonderland Fun Park is a fabulous way to spend a fun filled day with family and friends, and caters to children of all ages in a safe and enclosed area.

When: Saturday 24 September to Sunday 9 October, 11am, 1pm & 3pm daily
Where: Wonderland Fun Park, 120 Pearl River Road, Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Docklands
Open 11am daily on weekends, school and public holidays.
Click here for more information.

Kids Eat Free
Save your pennies these holidays with a great family friendly deal!
Kids up to age of 12 years receive a free kids meal with every paying adult!

Valid Monday to Thursday, lunch and dinner

Participating “Kids Eat Free” restaurants at Docklands include BlueFire Churrascaria Grill, plus Grill 66 Steakhouse & Wine Bar.
Click here for more information and for terms and conditions.

What's on at Docklands: Footy Finals at James Squire, Win a Home Cinema, City Snow Park, Spring Graze at Saganaki

Footy Finals at James Squire
James Squire Hotel has all you need for finals footy! Wash down a famous JS parma with a beer while enjoying every minute of the AFL finals on the plasma screens.

This coming weekend, watch the Hawks battle it out with Sydney, then see who comes out best between the West Coast Eagles as they take on Carlton.
Friday 16 Sep: HAW v SYD
Saturday 17 Sep: WCE v CARL

Grand Final Day celebrations will also make James Squires the place to be on October 1st. Watch all the action on screen and enjoy the Grand Final special, Pie + Pot for $15.

Bookings Ph 9606 0644
Click here for more information

Win a Home Cinema
Shop, Dine & Play at NewQuay this winter, and you could win the ultimate stay-at-home prize, the incredible Epson HD Digital Home Cinema Projector.

Simply spend $30 or more at participating NewQuay venues and you’re in the running to win. This is the final month to enter! The winner will be drawn at the end of this month.

Participating restaurants include the following:
Grill 66
Livebait
Mecca Bah
Saganaki

Click here for more information.

City Snow Park
City Snow Park has just opened in Docklands, meaning you can hit the slopes all year round! This is Melbourne's first indoor snow park, and features rails, boxes,1/4 pipe and jumps all with real snow.

Designed and run by snowboard enthusiast Derek Nicolson, this place is a snow sports enthusiasts dream. Coaching and lessons will also soon be available to build your confidence or just to learn a few more tricks.

Open: Mon-Wed 11am-8pm, Thurs-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11am-8pm.
Price: $25 per 1hr session with discounted rates for extended sessions. All riders also need a membership that can be purchased for $66.
Where: 1 A Docklands Drive, Harbour Town, Docklands

Click here to visit City Snow Park's Facebook site for more information.

Spring Graze
Spring has arrived at Greek Waterfront Restaurant Saganaki. Put a spring in your step with a tasty selection of Chef's delights matched with a glass of Victorian Wine for just $35.

The Saganaki grazing plate includes warm spiced kalamata olives, marinated feta, melitzanosalata, salt & pepper calamari, chicken gyros and Greek salad plus a glass of Victorian wine.

When: Monday - Friday, for lunch throughout September
Bookings Ph 9606 0008
Click here for more information

This weekend at Docklands: AIHL Grand Final, Fathers Day, Public Art Walk, Half Price Ice Skating

AIHL Grand Final
Australian Ice Hockey Leagues biggest weekend is here! The 2011 AIHL final series is coming to Docklands at Medibank Icehouse this Saturday and Sunday.

With the home advantage, see how Melbourne Ice go taking on Adelaide Adrenaline in the first semi final on Saturday at 4pm. Then at 7.30pm, the second semi final begins with the mighty clash between Newcastle North Stars and Sydney Ice Dogs. The Grand Final between the winner of both semi finals begins 4pm Sunday.

Finish off your weekend celebrations or drown your sorrows at nearby James Squire Hotel, open til late.

Click here to book yourself a ticket or find out more information on how to be right in the middle of the action. Tickets are limited and selling quickly so get in soon if you haven’t already!

Fathers Day
This weekend is Fathers Day! Show Dad your appreciation & treat him to some quality time at a quality waterfront restaurant.

There’s lots of different cuisines to choose from, so it means Dad can choose his favourite for his special day! Selected restaurants are also giving Dad a free beer on arrival!

Some great picks for Fathers Day this Sunday include:
BlueFire Churrascaria Grill- Flame grilled meat & seafood carved to you right at your table
Grill 66- Premium Aussie steaks cooked right in front of your eyes
Livebait- Fresh seafood cuisine with stunning water & city views
James Squire Hotel- Modern Australian menu with hand crafted beers to match
Mecca Bah- Moroccan & Middle Eastern style dishes
Saganaki- Traditional Greek menu, great to order & share
Book now through the restaurants.

Docklands Public Art Walk
Spring is now here, what better way to make the most of the new sunny season than with a stroll around Docklands on the Public Art Walk?

The self guided urban art tour takes you across many of the Docklands precincts to view over 30 public artworks. Melbournians love of culture and the arts are reflected in the pieces such as the ‘Cow Up a Tree’, ‘Silence’, & ‘Walk of Stars’.

The artworks bring colour & life to the Docklands, and reflect the themes of water, indigenous history, the industrial and maritime past and contemporary urban setting.

You can download the Docklands Public Art walk brochure here to see a map and background information on all the pieces.

Half Price Ice Skating for Bombers Fans
To keep Essendon fans amused whilst their team takes a bye this week, Medibank Icehouse is offering 50% off skating!

Warm up after hitting the ice at a nearby restaurant. Mecca Bah is a great choice for a casual bite to eat with great waterfront views. Choose a minced lamb and pinenut bourek or Lebanese sausages with spicy chickpeas, or perhaps decide from one of the freshly baked Turkish pizzas.

Print off the voucher here to take advantage of the half price skating offer for Bombers fans.

What's on at Docklands: Winter Warmers, Home Show, 10% off at Restaurants, LEGO Education Centre

Winter Warmers
With just a few weeks until spring sets in, be sure to take advantage of these great Winter Warming offers whilst you can!

Mecca Bah- 50% off Pizzas & Tagines
Warm up with lunch at this waterfront Middle Eastern Restaurant during the week and receive 50% off!
Enjoy a feast for the senses with a spit roasted lamb, rocket, yoghurt & sumac pizza right from the wood fire oven, or perhaps choose a tantalizing tagine such as the chicken with tomatoes, almond, sesame seeds & honey.

To take advantage of this offer, click here to download your free voucher here.

Livebait- 2 & 3 Course Special
If you're a seafood fan you'll love Livebait's weekday lunch deal!
Select any Main + Dessert from the lunch menu or 3 courses for a very special price: Main + Dessert for 39.0 or 3 courses for 45.0.
Why not start off with the fried baby calamari and whitebait served with smoked chipotle peppers mayonnaise, then try the pan seared king salmon fillet with sweet corn humita and tomato salsa. Finish off your waterfront lunch with the mouth watering passionfruit baked meringue served with mango ice cream and vanilla sauce.

Terms & Conditions apply for all winter lunch specials.

10% off at Docklands
Docklands has a great variety of quality restaurants offering many different cuisine styles. Rivers is offering a special Platinum Card to Docklands fans, entitling you to 10% off at selected restaurants every time you dine.

Try out James Squire’s modern Australian menu, or head to BlueFire, where meat & seafood is carved right to you at your table.
The Rivers loyalty club is completely free with no tricky terms and conditions.

Click here for more information or to join the club.

LEGO® Education Centre
Calling all parents, teachers & kids!
The new LEGO® Education Centre is located in Docklands & offers a fun hands-on learning environment for both students and teachers using a range of LEGO® Education resources.
Participate in a range of workshop themes covering mechanisms, construction and robotics. Workshops feature exploring machines that really work to ‘Robot Adventures’ where children from aged 8 and up can program a Roverbot to complete a space rescue mission.

Why not make a day of it and show the kids around Docklands Waterfront City and great sights & public artwork around.

Where: LEGO Educational Centre, Shop 5/439 Docklands Drive
Phone: 03 9602 1116
Click here for more information.

© 2011 The LEGO Group

Herald Sun Home Show
Melbourne’s biggest renovation & home building show is on this weekend! Be sure to avoid all those DIY disasters and head along for some great tips and ideas from the professionals.
Selected Docklands restaurants are handing out free tickets to the show just by dining with them.
Spend over $30 at steak lovers heaven Grill 66 or seafood sensation Livebait, or purchase a large dish at Greek favourite Saganaki to be eligible.

There is only a minimum number of tickets available so make sure you get in quick!

Click here to find out more about the Herald Sun Home Show.

This weekend at Docklands: Chocolate Rush Festival, AFL Weekend at Etihad, Split the Bill and Live Music at James Squire

Chocolate Rush Festival
Calling all chocoholics! The Chocolate Rush Festival is set to take place this weekend, Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th August 2011. The festival will provide a weekend of pure indulgence and includes a variety of hands on chocolate workshops, chocolate and wine matching classes, chocolate tasting classes, master classes, demonstrations, kid’s activities, a chocolate market and much more!

See Australia’s finest chocolatiers and pastry chefs all ready to share their secrets, skills and knowledge with the visiting chocoholics. See chef Dan Szwarc from Livebait create a Chocolate Pudding with Candied Orange & Griottines, watch Chef Gagan Singn from James Squire Hotel whip up a Chocolate & Mascarpone Roulade, or see how Gregory Spence from BlueFire Churrascaria Grill makes his classic Chocolate & Pistachio Nut Cheese Cake.

When: 10-5pm, Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th August 2011
Where: Shed 4 @ Open Channel, Victoria Harbour, North Wharf Road, Docklands 3008.
For more information visit www.chocolaterush.com.au

AFL Weekend at Etihad
Etihad Stadium will be screaming with fans all weekend with 3 action filled AFL matches in 3 days.
Tonight, the Grand Final replay comes to Etihad Stadium with St Kilda set to take on Premier Collingwood in a Friday night blockbuster at 7.40pm. In a Saturday showdown, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs will face-off at 7.10pm. Then to finish off the weekend, Melbourne and the West Coast Eagles will play in an early match at 1.10pm. With everything at stake as finals near, all teams will be playing hard and out to win!

Head out for a bite to eat nearby to give you all the energy you need to cheer on those teams. Greek restaurant Saganaki offers a variety of dishes from bite size to large plates to really hit the spot. Click here for a preview of their menu.

Click here for more information or to buy tickets.

Split the Bill
For more than 15 years, the Melbourne Herald Sun Split the Bill Restaurant promotion has provided Victoria’s local diners with exclusive opportunities to dine at some of Melbourne’s leading restaurants. Start collecting tokens now to experience some of Docklands best restaurants for half price!

Choose from a great variety of quality restaurants offering many different cuisine styles. Order a main & dessert to save 50% on your main meal such as a modern Greek dish from Saganaki, a flame grilled steak from the new Grill 66 Steakhouse, or fresh seafood cooked to perfection at Livebait.

Head to the Taste section on a Tuesday to view all the current participating venues until 31st October 2011. Terms & conditions apply for each restaurant. View more details about participating Docklands restaurants here.

Live Music at James Squire
Weekends at James Squire Hotel have been livened up, with live music now added to schedule of entertainment for Friday nights, Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons.
Gather your friends for dinner and a few casual Friday night drinks, stop by for a social Saturday night, or relax on the couches for a chilled Sunday arvo.

Live music can be enjoyed weekly at the following times:
Friday Nights from 8.30pm- 11.30pm
Saturday Nights from 9pm- Midnight
Sunday Afternoons from 2.30pm

Click here to see all specials & events happening everyday at James Squire Hotel.

What's on at Docklands: Urban Realities Design Challenge, Sunday Market, Home Show Giveaway & Glow Top 40 at Medibank Icehouse

Urban Realities Design Challenge
If you didn’t make it down last week to see the Urban Reality teams in action, be sure to come down and see the results this weekend before the structures are taken down. The 3 day live design challenge included 10 teams drawing on their creative and practical skills to build a modern site in just 72 hours.

The participants ate, slept and worked on site to get the job done all whilst interacting with the public and using social media to win votes. The winning team, Dirtybuoy, wanted to embrace Melbourne’s water in their design, and created a water wall installation. One wall was made of 1500 snap locked bags filled with water from different sections of the Yarra, resulting in a spectrum of different coloured water. The second were tubs filled with water pumped direct from the Yarra.

Click here to see the winning design as well as all pictures of the remaining teams design work.

This weekend is your very last chance to view the art before the structures are removed.
Click here for more info about the challenge and the site locations.

Sunday Market
The Sunday Market located at Docklands features something for everyone, and now is now conveniently located under cover for Winter. The market offers fashion, accessories, arts and crafts. You'll find Australian beauty products, Bonsai trees, handmade flowers, reclaimed wood furniture, second hand books, candles and much more from the talented craftspeople of Melbourne.

For a well deserved rest, stop for lunch at nearby Bluefire, featuring flame grilled meat & seafood carved right at your table until you say "no more"!

Where: The Docklands Sunday Market is located at 425 Docklands Drive, next to the Waterfront City Pavilion in Docklands
When: Sundays, 10am-5pm
For more information visit docklandsundaymarket.com.au

Herald Sun Home Show Ticket Giveaway
Australia’s biggest home building and renovation show is just around the corner! The Herald Sun Home show is returning this month to Melbourne. See the latest trends in renovations, building, home improvements and outdoor living, and get hundreds of new ideas, free expert advice, and free seminars.

We have a double pass to give away: Just send through your name & address to discoverdocklands@gmail.com with ‘Home Show Giveaway’ in the subject field to be in the draw to win!

Participating Docklands restaurants also have a limited number of tickets to give away.
Spend a minimum of $30 at Livebait or Grill 66, or purchase a large dish at Saganaki to be eligible. Get in quick to the restaurants, as the free passes are only available whilst stocks last!

When: The Herald Sun Home Show runs from Thu 18 August until Sun 21
Where: Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon Street, Southbank
For more information on the Home Show please visit melbournehomeshow.com.au

Glow Top 40 at Medibank Icehouse
Hit the dance floor of a different nature this Saturday night- on the ice rink! Skate along at Medibank Icehouse to a countdown of the week's top hits.

Get into the theme of the Glow Top 40 by wearing white to enhance your glow factor, or get some great glow products on the night. Each week you can enjoy DJs, fantastic lighting effects, on-ice dancing and loads of giveaways.

Where: Medibank Icehouse, 105 Pearl River Rd, Docklands
When: Saturdays 7pm- Midnight
For more information visit icehouse.com.au

What's on in Docklands: Urban Realities, James Squire Trivia Night, Fox Classic Car Collection & Fireworks Display

Urban Realities 3 Day Design Challenge
Docklands will be receiving a makeover when the much anticipated Urban Realities; Landscape Urbanism 3 Day Design Challenge begins next week!

In and around the Docklands, teams are given the challenge to design and construct a site in just 72 hours.

Docklands will become the workshop, the camp, the dining room and the party venue for the 10 chosen teams for three entire days with winning teams being awarded with prize money and the pleasure of having a realised project in Melbourne’s public realm.

More than 100 architecture and design practitioners, craftspeople and artists will race the clock in the reality architecture and design competition. The challenge brings together creative minds from all over the world to compete in the action packed, hands on, game plan competition that responds to this year’s state of design festival theme 'design that moves.'

When: Wednesday 27th-Saturday 30th July
Where: In and around Docklands. The actual locations of the each site will be revealed on commencement of the event.

For more information and live updates on the design sites visit their website here.

James Squire Trivia Night
Put those thinking caps on and get ready for some fun at James Squire Hotel!

Alan from Melbourne Trivia Company has put together a collection of creative and fun mind boggling questions to keep you on your toes every Wednesday night!

Grab your mates, grab a table and get ready to win the great prizes up for grabs! Why not head in early for a bite to eat. Have a browse of the menu here.

Book your table by calling 9606 0644

When: Wednesday nights, 7:30pm
Where: James Squire Hotel, 16-17, 439 Docklands Drive
Click here for more information or to see other James Squire specials & events.

Fox Classic Car Collection
View the Fox Classic Car Collection of prestige cars, collected over a 20 year period by trucking businessman Lindsay Fox.

The remarkable Australian $15million collection has up to 50 vehicles exhibited at any one time. It features the largest collection of Mercedes Benz in the southern hemisphere, the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Gallery (one of three in the world) and classic vehicles the like of which were owned by Elvis Presley, Pablo Picasso and James Dean.

After browsing the classy cars, treat yourself to a gourmet delight at Livebait. On Gourmet Tuesdays, you can enjoy a huge 50% discount on a 4 or 6 course menu with matching wines. The 4 course option, regularly $129, is just $64.50. For 6 courses, regularly $149, will only cost you $74.50. The special is valid all day Tuesdays.
Click here for more details and to view a sample menu.

When: Every Tuesday, 10am – 2pm
Where: The Fox Classic Car Collection is housed in the historic Queen’s Warehouse building, built in 1890 on the corner of Collins Street and Batman’s Hill Drive.
Click here for more information.

Fireworks at Docklands
Each Friday in July, the sky over the water at Docklands has been exploding with colour, light and sound to delight people of all ages.

With 3 weeks already passed, you have just two more opportunities to see the fireworks spectacular! The fabulous fireworks and sound spectacular is free to attend and is sure to warm your winter night.

Why not make a night of it and enjoy a meal before or after the show? Or perhaps choose a cosy waterfront restaurant such as Mecca Bah and enjoy the show while you dine from the comfort of your own table!

Pre-event fireworks entertainment include fire performers from 6.30pm. The fireworks display begins at 7pm.

When: Friday 22 July: Jazzing up the sky, Friday 29 July: Final countdown
Where: Docklands Waterfront City

Super Tuesday Returns to Livebait

Livebait dining at it's best... Super Tuesday has returned with a gourmet twist!
Simply select the Gourmet option you would prefer and order from the Super Tuesday menu to save 50%.

Located right on the water at Docklands, Livebait’s Gourmet Menu is designed weekly to ensure each Tuesday is a new and exciting dining experience for you. Matching wines are hand selected from our extensive wine list to compliment each dish.

Gourmet Option 1:
4 Courses with Matching wines
Valued at $129. Super Tuesday price $64.50!

Gourmet Option 2:
6 Courses with Matching wines
Valued at $149. Super Tuesday price $74.50!

Tomorrow's menu to start things off is nothing short of amazing, full of fresh seafood cooked to perfection. This is one deal sure to impress!


Super Tuesday Menu for 19th July:
Appetizer
Pan fried scallops, Jerusalem artichoke puree, jus gras
Crittenden Estate, Pinocchio, Arneis 2009

Entree
Please select:
Freshly shucked oysters with truffle scrambled eggs
Grant Burge, Benchmark, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Olive bread bruschetta, smoked ocean trout, capers and red onion
Swings & Roundabouts, Margaret River, Chenin Blanc 2009
Fried baby calamari and whitebait, smoked chipotle peppers mayonnaise
Leeuwin Estate Art Series, Riesling 2009

Main
Please select:
Barbecued swordfish steak, niçoise salad, olive tapenade dressing
Corte Giara, Pinot Grigio 2009
Hand made ricotta gnocchi, fricassee of Moreton Bay bugs, preserved lemon
Ninth Island, Tasmania, Pinot Noir 2010
Clare Valley scotch fillet, slow cooked parsnips, pepper sauce
Stella Bella, Margaret River Shiraz 2007

Pre dessert
Piña colada sorbet, coconut jelly

Dessert
Please select:
Vanilla bean crème brulée, cinnamon “churros”
Stella Bella Pink Muscat 2010
Passionfruit baked meringue, mango ice cream, vanilla sauce
Stella Bella Pink Muscat 2010

Cheese
Heidi Gruyere, lavosh and fig chutney
Little Fish, Botrytis Semillon 2004

The offer is available both lunch and dinner on Tuesdays.
For more information, please visit www.livebait.com.au.

Terms & Conditions apply.

This Weekend at Docklands: Winter Skate Festival, Postcards, AFL Pre-Match Entertainment & Wonderland Fun Park

Winter Skate Festival
Medibank Icehouse has been transformed into a glittering winter dreamscape, and this is your last weekend to get in quick and enjoy loads of fun festival activities for the whole family!

The Festival includes free beginners skate lessons, snow play, giant snowballs on the ice, demonstrations by world class skaters, on ice dancing, games and lots of giveaways.
Kids can skate alongside Skater Dude, Fairy Penguin, figure skaters and other helpful ice ambassadors. A dedicated snow play area for children is also set up from 10am-5pm until Sunday to play games and build snowmen. Giant inflatable snow balls in the skating rink also add to the fun!

After all that skating, rebuild some energy with a meal from nearby waterfront restaurant Grill 66. They feature premium steaks cooked to perfection, and scrumptious desserts for all those sweet tooth's, such as the lemon meringue pie with raspberry sauce. Click here to view their menu.

The Winter Skate Festival runs until Sunday 17th.
Medibank Icehouse is open 7 days a week at 105 Pearl River Rd, Docklands.

For more information, please visit Medibank Icehouse

Postcards
A special Docklands episode of Postcards will be airing this Sunday evening!

A number of hidden gems will be explored, showing things to do, places to go and great sights to see!
Amazing prizes will be up for grabs, including a nights accommodation at the Grand Mercure and $200 Harbour Town shopping gift card! Be sure to watch to find some great new ways to discover Docklands and for your chance to win.

Postcards airs on this Sunday 17 July at 5:30pm on Channel 9.

AFL Pre-Match Entertainment
Head to James Squire for a bit of live music before the catching North Melbourne take on the Western Bulldogs!

Solo act Gavin Liddell will be playing all your favourite pub classics from 1-4pm. Have a bite to eat and a few handcrafted James Squire pots to get you ready for all the game play action just a short stroll away at Etihad Stadium!
After last week’s disastrous 117 point loss to Collingwood, North Melbourne will be fighting hard against the Bulldogs to gain some sort of reputation back.
The twilight match will be beginning at 4.40pm. Gates will open two hours prior to the match start time.

Click here for more information about James Squires weekly events.
Click here for AFL tickets or for more information about this weekends match.

Wonderland Fun Park
With the holidays coming to an end, so is the Circus Spectacular Bubble Storm show at Wonderland Fun Park.

Finish off the kids last days before school goes back with a show full of circus stunts from Australia's top circus performer’s hula hooping, acrobatics, juggling and daring aerial delights.
Watch the show then ride the wacky worm roller coaster, the dragon flyer, bungee jump trampoline, tea cups, bee ride, the grand carousel, dodgem cars and their brand new ride, the Crazy Wave for those thrill riders!

The Circus Spectacular show is on 3 times a day until Sunday 17th at Wonderland Fun Park Harbour Town.

Click here for more information or to book.

Whats on in Docklands: Snow Works, Winter Warming Lunch Specials, Shocklands Skate Comp & Win a Home Cinema Package

Snow Works at Harbour Town
Rug up in your winter woollies and get ready for some fun! It’s snowing at Harbour Town Shopping Centre these school holidays!

Bring the family down and get the kids to experience all the fun of the snow. Why not build a snow man or make a snow angel. Fresh snow is made every day for the two week event. Entry is free with a valid receipt after spending $15 at any Harbour Town store on the day of entry.

Why not make the most the most of the day and grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant?
All new Grill 66 is offering a Kids Eat Free deal, where kids under 12 will receive a free kids meal with each paying adult. See terms & conditions here.

When: Snow Works is open from 11am daily until 17th July
Where: Harbour Town Shopping Centre
Find out more here.

Winter Warming Lunch Specials
Heading out for lunch? This winter the Docklands is offering warming lunch specials that won't break the bank.

From Monday to Friday enjoy the following specials at Waterfront locations:

Mecca Bah:
A piping hot Pizza or tantalizing Tagine will be sure to warm you up! Order a Pizza or Tagine for lunch during the week and receive 50% off. Download your free coupon here to take advantage of the offer.

Livebait:
Treat yourself to fresh seafood cuisine with Livebait's new Weekday Lunch Deal.
Select any Main + Dessert from our lunch menu or 3 courses for a very special price:
Main + Dessert for 39.0 or
3 courses for 45.0

Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill:
Warm up at lunchtime with Saganaki's Weekday Lunch Deal.
Order 2 or 3 courses from our lunch menu for less:
Main + Dessert for 34.0 or
3 courses for 39.0

Available Monday - Friday, lunch only. Terms & Conditions apply

See more about the special lunch deals here.

Shocklands Street Skate Contest
Come and see Australia's best street skateboarders on Saturday 9th July, showcasing Australia’s most ‘legit’ street skaters doing what they would do on the daily.

Located at Shed 4 at Docklands, Shocklands obstacles reflect the kinds found, and made, by skaters in our cities, industrial areas, schoolyards and abandoned warehouses.
The competition is the second stop on the Pro/Am Invitational Tour, with a massive $10,000 up for grabs.

Entry is free to the event

Date: Saturday 9th July
Time: 11am: Doors Open. Competitor Registration and Open Practice Session
12.30pm: Qualifying Heats
3.30pm: FINALS
4.30pm: Presentations
Where: Victoria Harbour Shed 4 North Wharf Road, Docklands Vic
Find out more at their website here.

Win a Home Cinema Package
Dine at NewQuay this winter and you could win the ultimate stay-at-home prize, the incredible Epson HD Digital Home Cinema Projector!

Simply spend $30 or more at participating NewQuay venues and you’re in the running to win. There’s one Epson HD Digital Home Cinema Projector to be won every month during July, August and September.

Some participating venues include:
Grill 66 Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Livebait
Mecca Bah
Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill

To find out more or to view all participating venues click here

Docklands School Holiday Fun! Fireworks Display, Animal Farm, Circus Spectacular & Kids Eat Free!

Fireworks Display
Watch the sky come alive every Friday night with a free fireworks display! Waterfront City will be one of the best vantage points to watch the spectacular display, so be sure to get there early to secure a front row spot! Programmed to music, the awe inspiring shows are the perfect start to a night out at Waterfront City.

Take your pick from all the restaurants in the area- a great choice is Livebait, located right on the waters edge. Livebait prides itself on its fresh seafood cuisine, with the menu full of Mediterranean flavours with a South American influence.

Tonight’s firework theme is ‘Docklands goes Gaga’.

Where: Waterfront City, Docklands
Dates: Friday July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
Times: 7pm
Cost: FREE
Visit That's Melbourne for more information.

Animal Farm
The farmyard is coming to Harbour Town these winter school holidays, with animals of all shapes and sizes taking up residence. All your favourite furry friends will be there looking for a cuddle, from piglets and calves, to rabbits and lambs.

Where: Harbour Town Shopping Centre
Dates: 4-17 July 2011
Times: 11am-4pm daily
Cost: FREE

For further details, please visit Harbourtown Melbourne

Circus Spectacular
Wonderland Fun Park presents the amazing and hilarious Circus Spectacular bubble storm show with acts of intrigue and wonder with Australia’s top circus performers!

Shop and Ride with your Unlimited Ride Pass which includes entry to the show. Ride the Dodgem Cars, Dragon Flyer, Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, Grand Carousel, Bee Ride, The Crazy Wave and the Bungee Jumping Trampolines.

Wonderland Fun Park is a fabulous way to spend a fun filled day with family and friends, and caters to children of all ages in a safe and enclosed area.

Date: Saturday 2 July to Sunday 17 July 2011
Time: Open 11am daily - weekends, school and public holidays. Show runs 1pm and 3pm daily, for 50 minutes.
Where: Wonderland Fun Park, 120 Pearl River Road, Harbour Town Shopping Centre

For pricing information or to book online, please visit Wonderland Fun Park

Kids Eat Free
With the kids tagging along, heading out for a meal can soon add up! Make the most of this Kids Eat Free offer to save yourself some much valued pennies. At participating restaurants in the Docklands, kids will get a free childrens meal with each paying adult, Monday- Friday. Terms and conditions apply.

Participating restaurants include:
BlueFire Churrascaria Grill
Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill
Grill 66

Plus, as a special offer, all kids will receive a free coupon for use at Wonderland Fun Park! When presented, the coupon can be used to receive 2 unlimited ride passes for the price of one, saving $29.50.

Visit Docklands Melbourne for more information on the kids eat free deal.

What's on at Docklands: Home Town Hockey Clash, Free Ice Skating Lessons, Livebait Lunch & Platinum Club Savings

Home Town Hockey Clash
The biggest AIHL home town clash is on this weekend at Medibank Icehouse! This Saturday afternoon, come along to see Melbourne Ice take on the Groove Train Mustangs.
Melbourne Ice pride themselves as being the 2010 national champions, whilst the Mustangs are out to prove themselves, newcomers to the league this year.
Being the home ground for both Melbourne teams, the match is sure to be fierce as both teams strive for victory!

Finish off the night with some good tucker & a few beers at nearby James Squire Hotel.

When: Sat 25 June 5.45pm
Where: Medibank Icehouse, next to Harbour Town shopping centre

Book or find out more about the Mustangs vs Melbourne Ice showdown here.

Free Ice Skating Lessons
Learn how to skate this winter! Never been ice skating before or just looking to improve your skills? Medibank Icehouse invites you to join a free 20 minute lesson to learn the basics of ice skating before you glide off to join the Public Skate session and show off your new talent.
You can join as many free lessons as you like to work on your skills this winter. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, get your skates on!

Regular admission and skate hire apply.

When: Sunday 26 June – 10am
Wednesday 29 June – 7pm
Thursday 30 June 7pm
Where: Medibank Icehouse, next to Harbour Town shopping centre

Click here for more dates & details

Livebait Lunch
Docklands Waterfront restaurant Livebait is now dishing up a winter lunch special to keep you warm and your bank balance happy! The Livebait Lunch means every week Mon-Fri you can enjoy a main & dessert for $39, or a 3 course meal for $45.

Pick from delicious seafood dishes such as the Roasted salt-water barramundi, carrot and ginger puree with fennel salad, or head for a tasty non-seafood option such as their Wild mushroom, baby spinach and goat’s cheese “shepherd’s pie”.
Conditions apply to the deal, find out more here

Head to Livebait’s Facebook page to keep up to date with daily specials & offers, and follow them on Twitter- a new Livebait Twitter competition is starting next Monday!

Where: 55B NewQuay Promenade, Docklands

Platinum Club 10% Savings
Save some much loved cash any day of the week with this Docklands dining discount card. Sign up online to the Rivers Platinum Club & you will receive 10% off your total bill when you dine at one of the participating restaurants. Enjoy a good catch up with friends- the discount is for the whole table!

A great place for an informal get together is Mecca Bah, located on the waterfront with stunning views. A Middle Eastern influenced restaurant, Mecca Bah is well known for its tasty tangines, flavoursome pizzas and spicy mezze dishes. See their menu here.