What's on at Docklands: Australia Day, I Love Food Awards, Docklands Salsa and Summer Specials

Australia Day at Docklands
Australia Day at Docklands promises to be great with art installations from Jenny McCracken, Children's Chalk drawing workshops and Fishing lessons for all.

Chalk Art
Join in the fun of pavement chalk art. Australia's champion pavement artist Jenny McCracken will create a 3D chalk art installation at Harbour Esplanade, Docklands in the lead up to Australia Day.
Enjoy the finished product on Thursday, have your photo taken on the artwork and create your own masterpiece as part of the free chalk art workshops. Specialist chalk artists will provide guidance on developing your unique Australia Day art. Proudly supported by the City of Melbourne.

Docklands Fishing Experience on Australia Day
Ever wanted to learn to fish? Jump on this free opportunity at Docklands on Australia. Receive advice on how to fish, successful techniques, sustainable fishing practices and the types of fish you are likely to catch in the Docklands area. Displays, information and entertainment will provide an enjoyable fishing experience in the heart of the Melbourne.
Proudly supported by the City of Melbourne and the Department of Primary Industries.

When: Australia Day, Thursday, 26th January 2012 11am-4pm
Where: Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Cost: Free
For more info, head to: www.australiaday.vic.gov.au/whats-on

I Love Food Awards
The I Love FOOD Awards are Australia's largest people's choice restaurant awards. Voting in the 2012 I Love FOOD Awards closes on March 22nd so make sure you nominate your favourite Docklands eatery and go into the draw to win $10,000 cash!

Here is a list of great Docklands restaurants you can choose from and their recommended categories:

• BlueFire Churrascaria Grill (Restaurant Code: 06737) | Category: Latin American
• James Squire Hotel (Restaurant Code: 13819) | Category: Bistro/Pub, Modern Australian
• Livebait (Restaurant Code: 05735) | Category: Seafood, Fine dining
• Mecca Bah (Restaurant Code: 00849) | Category: Middle Eastern, Flavours of the World, Cheap Eats
• Grill 66 Steakhouse (Restaurant Code: 25070) | Category: Steak
• Mischa's Pizza, Pasta & Salad | Category: Pizza, Family, Cheap Eats
• Orient Express | Category: Japanese, Flavours of the World, Cheap eats

Click here for more Docklands Restaurants

To vote, or find out more about the awards, head to: lifestylefood.com.au/vote

Docklands Salsa
Enjoy the hypnotic sounds of Latin music at Waterfront City during Melbourne's summer months. Each Sunday until March 25, 2012, Waterfront City Piazza plays home to one of Australia's finest open-air dance events. This free event is open to everyone including first timers, families, kids and dancers from everywhere.

The Piazza makes a perfect setting for dancing in the shade of afternoon and evening sun. World class views of Docklands combined with restaurants, cafes and fantastic shopping make this even an all round winner. Don’t just come down once, come every week and enjoy this precious opportunity while it lasts!

Where: Waterfront City Piazza, Docklands Drive (in front of the white pavilion tent)
When: Sundays until March 25 2012. Dance class 4pm, Dancing 5pm till 9pm
For more info, head to: www.dance101.com.au

Summer Specials
Mecca Bah Summer Tempters Plate
Looking for a tasty lunch? Sample a little of the Middle East this Summer with Mecca Bah's Summer Tempters Plate.

For just $35 you can sample chef's selection of Mezze for 2, such as the following:
-Kataifi wrapped Middle Eastern cheeses, eucalyptus honey
-Spicy lamb & pine nut boureks
-Moroccan spiced calamari, Lebanese cucumber and mint

Available for weekday lunch until 28th February

For terms and conditions, head to: www.meccabah.com.au/specials

Mischa’s Ice Cream Bonanza
Cool down at Mischa's Pizza, Pasta & Salad this summer with a free ice-cream!

Simply spend $25 or more and you’ll receive a free Frozen Chosen dessert! Bring the whole family down for a day by the water complete with ice-cream galore.

The special is available until 28th Feb.

For terms and conditions, head to: www.mischas.com.au/specials-events

Australia Day Weekend at Docklands: Music Festival, Kids Entertainment & Docklands Summer Competition

Kick off your Australia Day celebrations this weekend at Docklands.

Know Your Product Festival:
22th January - 26th January
Head to Waterfront City Piazza tomorrow for the beginning of the Know Your Product music festival. Taking place across 5 days, this free event showcases some of Australia's best unsigned and independent music talent. The festival kicks off at 5:00pm and features everything from pop and rock to electro, dance and funk.

Special Event: Australia Day Eve Comedy Debate
Tuesday, 25th January
Join Dave O'Neil, Hannah Gadsby, Des Dowling, Monica Dullard, Hung Le and Rod Quantock as they share their comedy gold in the annual Comedy Debate. The 2011 topic - That we are what we eat, which explains a lot about Australians - should test them all.

View the full line up at www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au

Family Fun:
Keep the kids entertained over the holiday at Harbour Town. Meet your favourite farmyard creatures including guinea pigs, rabbits, piglets, lambs & more in the Harbour Town Animal Farm. Cuddle up to Australian native animals in the Bush Babies pen. And don't forget the pony rides and free face painting on level one.

For dates and times visit www.harbourtownmelbourne.com.au

Ben 10 Live:
Don't miss your last opportunity to see Ben 10 live on stage at Waterfront City. Follow Ben, Gwen & Four Arms as they bring their adventures to life on the piazza stage. Shows at 11am and 1pm daily. Stick around after the show for a special meet and greet with the stars. Next week see Angelina Ballerina live.

For more information visit www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au

Docklands Summer Competition:
17 January - 11 February
Visit Docklands and you could win the holiday of a lifetime! Docklands Melbourne are giving away an exciting trip for 4 to London. Dine, Shop & Play at Docklands to be in the running. Spend $10 at any Waterfront City or NewQuay restaurant for your chance to win. Visit www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au for a list of participating venues.

1st Prize: Trip for 4 people to London worth $13,000.
2nd Prize: 1 nights accommodation for four at the Grand Mecure Docklands, Dinner at James Squire Hotel and a family pass to Wonderland Fun Park.
3rd Prize: Dinner for four at James Squire Hotel and a family pass to Wonderland Fun Park.

Visit www.docklands.com for competition details

Australia Day at Docklands: What's on

Australia Day is fast approaching and there is lots to see and do at Docklands. It's a jam-packed schedule of musical performances, children's entertainment and comedy sketches all in celebration of this great nation.

While you're in the vicinity, why not stop for a bite or drink at any of the waterside restaurants. Click here for a list of Docklands restaurants.

Dates: 24 -26 January 2010

Location: Waterfront City piazza, Docklands Mel Ref 2E D4

Cost: All events are FREE

PROGRAM OF EVENTS:

Sunday 24 January 2010

Mr Sandman Sand Sculpture - All Day:
Award winning international artists have sculpted 20 tonnes of golden sand into an extraordinary and eye-catching sand installation in the heart of Docklands. Presented by the City of Melbourne as part of the Summer Fun in the City program.

Know Your Product - Emerging Young Artists:
Curated by Hanna Silver - 10.30am - 8.30pm
Australia’s up and coming talent takes to the waterfront at Docklands with
a range of music to suit all tastes, curated for 2010 by Hanna Silver.

The day starts with Docklands regulars Ticklish Allsorts performing for the discerning five year old (10.30 and 1pm). From 3pm, Hanna's program kicks off with The Twoks, one of those bands you have to see before they get famous and start charging too much... At 5pm Hanna's own rocky groove combo R! will hit the stage, and at 7pm, the gracious modern pop of Francolin will feature. Throughout the day, roaming performers The Mechanical Variety Hour and DJ Moose will add to the artistry.

Monday 25 January

Mr Sandman Sand Sculpture - All Day

Know Your Product - Emerging Young Artists:
Curated by Hanna Silver - 1pm - 8.30pm

Starting with the best songs for the discerning five year old, with the popular Ticklish Allsorts (12pm and 2pm), followed by psycho gypsies Rapskallion at 3pm. At 6pm, The Robbie Williams Experience /Louie and The Party Boys take to the stage with a great repertoire and some amazing antics, their show must be seen to be believed.

2010 Australia Day Eve Comedy Debate:
At 8.30pm, the Australia Day Eve Comedy Debate Captains Dave O’Neill and Cal Wilson will take to the stage armed with comedy, gags and a bit of old fashioned irreverence for the 2010 Comedy Debate, ably supported by Corinne Grant, Hung Le, Hannah Gadsby and Tom Gleeson, and warm-up from Mrs. Ida Noe, an eccentric grandmother with an accordion.

For the cherry on top, Hanna has selected pop sensations Ponzu Island to play the comedy after-show set.

Tuesday 26 January

Mr Sandman Sand Sculpture - All Day

Know Your Product - Emerging Australian Artists
Curated by Hanna Silver - 1pm - 8.30pm

Roaming performers Four Average Pirates and DJ Moose will entertain throughout the day. Hanna's selection for Australia Day will start at 12.30pm with Hanna herself playing a solo set. She will be followed by the beautiful and talented Kate Vigo & The Underground Orchestra at 2pm, Crackpot at 4pm, and the amazing Flap! at 6pm.

Visit www.australiday.vic.gov.au for full details and times. Proudly supported by Waterfront City and the City of Melbourne.

[via Waterfront City website]