This weekend: Halloween Spooktacular, Amazing Bodies Exhibition, A-League Soccer & Ditch the Desk

Halloween Spooktacular:
Sunday 31st October, from 11am.
Get into the spirit of Halloween at Wonderland Fun Park's Spooktacular event. There's a bunch of spooky fun for the kids including Trick or Treating and face painting. And don't forget those scary costumes. The best dressed little monster will win a years supply of unlimited ride passes. The Unlimited ride pass includes all Spooktacular activities.

Visit www.wonderlandfunpark.com.au for more details

Hyundai A-League:
Friday, 29 October
Get your football fix at Etihad Stadium tonight. Watch as Melbourne's own Victory take on arch rivals Adelaide United. Gates open from 6:30pm, kick off 8pm. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com.au or Ph 136 100.

You can't support your team on an empty stomach. Head to one of Docklands nearby restaurants for a bite to eat and quick drink before the game.

Visit www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au for a full list of restaurants, cafes and bars.

Ditch the Desk:
Monday, 1st November, 12:30pm
Get out of the office and enjoy the sunshine. The 6 week lunchtime walking program, run by Melbourne City Sports, begins Monday. Each session runs for approximately 30 minutes to ensure enough time to arrive and return to the office within your lunch hour. The group is guided by a professional and friendly fitness expert, who will give tips on how to improve your health and wellness and achieve fitness goals. Docklands will have two starting points on alternative days. One meeting point will be near Harbour Town Shopping Center and the other near the ANZ building.

Click here for more information & to register.

Amazing Bodies Exhibition:
Ends 31 Oct
This is your last chance to see plastinated human and animal organs and whole body specimens. You can even hold a heart in your hand (or grab a stomach, knee joint or lungs if that’s more your style). Find this fascinating exhibition at Waterfront City Piazza.

More information at www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au

Happy Hour:
In the mood for a cheeky cocktail? Get into a selected Docklands venue and score half price happy hour cocktails. Venues such as Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria, Mecca Bah & BlueFire Grill are serving up half price cocktails all day, every day. Normally priced at around $18, now just $9.

Find participating restaurants at www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au

At Docklands: Finders Keepers Market, Kids Craft Playhouse, Herald Sun Competition, Amazing Bodies Exhibition & James Squire News

There are so many exciting things to see & do this weekend at Docklands.

Finders Keepers Spring / Summer Market:
Sat 9th October & Sun 10th October
Shed 4 Docklands, North Wharf Rd
The first ever Melbourne Finders Keepers market comes to Docklands this weekend. Finder Keepers brings together some of Melbourne's best independent artists & designers. Browse over 150 unique stalls featuring everything from art & design, stationary, home wares, textiles, fashion and jewellery. Plus there's live entertainment performed by local musicians. Entry into the market is free.

Click here for more information

Herald Sun Docklands Competition:
Sun 10th October
Get the Sunday Herald Sun this weekend for your chance to win a great Docklands prize. One lucky Escape reader will get to dine at 5 different Docklands restaurants & taste the world without leaving Melbourne. Includes Mediterranean at Butchers Grill, Italian at Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria, Brazilian at BlueFire Churrascaria Grill, Greek at Saganaki and seafood at Fish Seafood Grill. Competition details in Sundays paper. Prize value $500.

Kids Craft Playhouse:
Until 17 October
Spring Carnivale at Harbour Town present Kids Craft Playhouse. Kids can paint their own spring magnet to take home! Free with a valid $10 receipt from any Harbour Town retailer. Open everyday until 17 Oct, 11am - 4pm.

Plus spend $20 at any Harbour Town or Waterfront City retailer & you could WIN a holiday to Queensland including tickets to Dreamworld, White Water World & QDECK.

More information at www.harbourtownmelbourne.com.au

Alfresco Dining:
Why waste the beautiful weather by staying inside? Embrace the warmth and enjoy a meal outdoors this weekend at one of the many waterfront restaurants around the harbour. Fish Seafood Grill's seafood focused menu is perfect for a sunny day by the water. Indulge in a glass of bubbly and a chilled platter full of seafood delights.

For more alfresco dining options visit www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au

A facelift for James:
Your favourite local, James Squire Brewhouse, is undergoing a facelift and will re-open by the end of the month. Keep updated through their new Facebook page, follow on Twitter (@JamesSuirePub) or visit the website www.jamessquire.net.au

Amazing Bodies Exhibition:
Until 31 October
Enjoy the last weeks of this amazing exhibition for less. Download the coupon and receive two tickets for the price of one! This offer is available until 31st October. Purchase a full price adult or family ticket and receive another entry of equal or lesser value for FREE. To redeem your second FREE ticket, simply surrender the coupon to ticket scanners at the venue entrance. Conditions apply. Offer valid weekdays.

Download your 2 for 1 coupon

What's on: Battle of the Steaks, Herald Sun Home Show Giveaway, Costco Savings, Recipes & Slow Sundays

This weekend is shaping up to be another good one packed with fun, food and great bargains.

Battle of the Steaks:
Pledge allegiance to your favourite Docklands steak restaurant and you could win a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Steakhouse & Butchers Grill are battling for the title of National Steak Champion in Pepperjack's month long competition. Pick up a steak & a glass of Pepperjack wine for your chance to enter the draw. Simply SMS your vote for the best steak restaurant to be in the running.

Go to www.battleofthesteaks.com.au for more

Costco's 1st Birthday:
It seems like only yesterday, but amazingly it's been one year since Australia's first Costco supermarket opened it's doors in Docklands. To celebrate their first birthday, Costco are offering over $780 in savings this weekend. Download the anniversary coupons and save on everything from food to cleaning products, electrical goods and even new tyres.

Download the anniversary coupons from www.costco.com.au

Herald Sun Home Show & Garden Expo:
Thursday 19th August - Sunday 22nd August
The iconic Herald Sun Home Show & Garden Expo begins next week at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. It's your chance to meet more than 350 suppliers with all the very best products to help you renovate or extend your home and outdoor space.
Be inspired by the latest trends in outdoor living, gardening, renovations, building and home improvements.

Score a double pass to the Home Show & Garden Expo this weekend at selected Docklands venues. Dine at Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill or Fish Seafood Grill for lunch on Saturday and receive a FREE double pass per table. Limited number, while stocks last.

For more on the Herald Sun Home Show & Garden Expo visit www.melbournehomeshow.com.au

Snow Works Tube Run:
Until 22nd August
Bring the kids for some winter fun on the snow covered Tube Run. The four lane giant tube run is open from 4pm - 9pm daily in Waterfront City Piazza. Tickets cost $15 for 4 rides, or $10 with a receipt from any Waterfront City or Harbour Town retailer.

Visit www.snowworks.com.au for more details

Free Recipes:
Foodies take note; now you can get a taste of Docklands at home. Chef's at a variety of Docklands restaurants are offering their favourite recipes online for free.
These easy to follow recipes are sure to be a winner with the family:
Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria | Prawn risotto
BlueFire | Carne Picadinha
Butchers Grill | Lamb Raznjici
Fish Seafood Grill | Crispy skin Tasmanian salmon
Livebait | Classic Bomb Alaska
Mecca Bah | Moroccan potato cakes
Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill | Greek dips
Steakhouse | Lamb noisette with goats cheese
Yum Cha Dragon | Stir fried chicken with Szechuan sauce

Slow Sundays:
From 2pm - 6pm
Save on Sundays with this brilliant dining offer. Pick up a meal and a glass of wine or beer for just $15. This week's top pick is available at BlueFire Churrascaria Grill.
• Churrascaria sample plate of marinated chicken with five spices, Brazilian spiced calamari and classic chorizo sausage with tomato relish
• BlueFire spiced beef empanada served on a pineapple and sweet corn salsa
Matched with your choice of wine "2008 Crittenden Estate 'Cut Cain' Cabernet, Mornington Peninsula VIC" or Crown Lager

Go to www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au for more dining offers.

What's on: Kids Activities, Friday Fireworks, Live music at Saganaki, Fox FM on Slow Sunday, World Cup Grand Final

Last Minute School Holiday Fun:
Give the kids some amazing stories to tell on Monday when they return to school. See snow in the city, explore the workings of the human body and meet baby animals all in one weekend.
• Animal Farm at Waterfront City. This unique event is open everyday in the school holidays from 11am - 2pm, providing free entertainment for the kids.
• Snow Works in Harbour Town. Spend $15 or more at any Harbour Town store and show your receipt to gain free entry. Everyday - 11am to 4pm weekdays, weekends until 5pm. Until 25th July.
• Amazing Bodies Exhibition. Full of weird and wonderful exhibits that will really get their minds moving. Open from 10am - 5pm daily.

Go to www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au for more events

Friday Fireworks:
The skyline above Docklands will be ablaze with colour on Friday's through out July. Beginning at 7pm, the display is synchronised with music & lights around the precinct to create a spectacular show for the senses. Presented by the City of Melbourne.

WIN: Upload your pictures & videos of the fireworks to the Discover Docklands Facebook Page and the best will win a dining voucher.

Visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au for more information

Fox FM Live Cross from Docklands:
Get to Waterfront City on Sunday when the Fox FM Street Team cross live for Slow Sundays. There will be awesome free giveaways including dining vouchers as well as free food. On the menu - carved assorted meats from the grill on toasted crostinis from BlueFire Churrascaria Grill AND Chef's selection of steamed dumplings with dipping sauces from Yum Cha Dragon.

Get Docklands updates on twitter. Follow us @DocklandsMelb

Saganaki Live Entertainment:
Saturday nights, 7pm - 10pm
The promenade will be filled with the sounds of Greece on Saturday nights. From this weekend Melbourne's only waterfront Greek restaurant, Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill, will be entertaining diners with traditional Greek music performed live. And yes, that includes the famous Greek Bouzouki.

Check out their talents. Make a booking at www.saganaki.com.au

World Cup Grand Final:
Netherlands vs. Spain, Monday 3:30am
Who will be the best team in the world? We'll find out in the early hours of Monday morning. Screening live at Waterfront City Piazza, watch the Netherlands and Spain battle it out to be the World Cup champions.

World cup info at www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au

Amazing Docklands Competition

In celebration of the Amazing Bodies Exhibition opening in Docklands, we are giving away 10 Amazing Docklands Experiences. Each prize pack includes a Double Pass to the Amazing Bodies Exhibition, a Docklands dining voucher and a Harbour Town Shopping Centre voucher. Total value $115.

To Enter:
Tell us in 30 word or less why you want to see the Amazing Bodies Exhibition.
Tweet your answer to @DocklandsMelb OR
Email your answer & details to discoverdocklands@gmail.com OR
Post your answer on the Discover Docklands Facebook page

For terms & conditions visit www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au

Mother's Day Weekend @ Docklands: Dining offers, Shopping & family fun

It's time to spoil your Mum this weekend and the best place to do it is at Docklands.

Mothers Day dining offers:

Docklands restaurants are offering some great deals this Sunday.

Every Mum receives a complimentary glass of sparkling wine at selected Docklands restaurants.

PLUS Free Family Portrait giveaways. The gift voucher includes a fantastic portrait experience based on your lifestyle, wardrobe assistance, a fun photo session and viewing of your images and a complimentary 8x10" desk portrait. Valued at $350, from Port Melbourne Photography. (limited stock avail)

Participating restaurants:
Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria
BlueFire Churrascaria Grill
Butchers Grill
Fish Seafood Grill
Livebait
Mecca Bah
Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill
Steakhouse
Yum Cha Dragon

Visit www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au for a full list of Mothers Day Lunch options

Girls Day out Shopping:
Harbour Town & Sunday Market

After lunch, treat Mum to a shopping spree. She can shop til she drops at Harbour Town, the home of discount brands & labels. Mum can also pick up a fantastic bargain at the Docklands Sunday Market. There's hand made arts & crafts, jewellery, furniture, antiques and more.

For info visit www.waterfrontcity.com.au

Glow Golf
The day would not be complete without a round of glow-in-the-dark mini golf with the kids. Glow Golf has a great Mothers Day special running Sunday - All Mum's play free with a paying child. Glow Golf is located at Level 1, 35 Star Crescent, Harbour Town.

Go to www.glowgolf.com.au for more information

Ice Skating at Icehouse:
5:30pm - 7:30pm
After the long day, relax to a soundtrack of laid-back Rhythm & Blues music while cruising the ice at your own pace. With a gourmet café and bar overlooking the ice, the Icehouse is the perfect place to make the most of your Sunday night.

Visit www.icehouse.com.au for more details

Butchers Grill Banquet Dinner - Chilean earthquake fundraiser, Thurs 29th April

In the aftermath of the terrible earthquake in Chile, Butchers Grill have decided to try and do their bit to support the victims of this tragic disaster.

Butchers Grill at Docklands will be holding a special banquet dinner in aid of those affected by the devastating earthquake in Chile.

Banquets: Butchers Grill will donate $5 from each person who orders a banquet on the night. Banquet menus start range from $49 to $69 per person (min 2 people).
Date: Thursday 29th April 2010
Wines: Chilean wine will be featured on the night.
Raffle: With tickets sales being donated, you have the chance to win great prizes including a dinner cruise for 2 people, dining vouchers and wine.
Music: Entertaining live music on the night.
Info: www.butchersgrill.net.au/specials_events.html
Bookings: 9640 0696.

Meanwhile, Butchers Grill's sister restaurant in Bourke Street is also hosting a special Degustation Dinner to raise money for the earthquake relief effort.

Date: Thursday 29th April 2010
Venue: Butchers Grill, 141 Bourke St, Melbourne
Time: from 6.30pm
Includes: Cocktail on arrival, 7 courses with matching wine, guest speakers including Sommelier Daniel Fellhandler (Santa Rita Wines)
Raffle: Sale of all raffle tickets will be donated to Chilean Earthquake Fund. Prizes include a dinner cruise for 2 people, dining vouchers and wine.
Price: $98 per person (full payment required in advance to secure your booking)
Bookings: 9639 1222
Info: http://www.butchersgrill.net.au/degustation-dinner-29-April-2010.html

Note: Funds will be donated to The Chilean Consul-General who have established a fund to help those affected by the earthquake in Chile.

Docklands Flathead Festival : 15th - 21st March 2010

Melbourne's fish and chip enthusiasts will love the Flathead Festival, in conjunction with the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, at Docklands. Docklands presents a tempting selection of waterfront restaurants, cafes and bars offering a range of cuisines including Japanese, Indian, Italian and Greek, to mention just a few.

Visit the restaurants to discover their individual variation on traditional fish and chips fitting with their custom cuisine. Or be tempted by the deliciously familiar fish and chips we all love, available at a number of eateries.

Participating restaurants:
Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria - Baramundi fritto served on panzanella salad with parsnip chips and gremolata aioli $29.00
BlueFire Churrascaria Grill - BlueFire spiced whole flounder on a sweet corn chili salsa with battered plantain chips $28.00
Butchers Grill - Roasted blue eye fillet with a charred pepper, artichoke & feta salad and toasted pita chips $30.00
Fish Seafood Grill - Grilled barramundi fillet on a Mediterranean salad with herb polenta chips and a garlic aioli $29.00
Livebait - Chili & coriander crusted rockling fillet with wakame seaweed salad, tempura vegetable chips and wasabi lime mayonnaise $34.00
Mecca Bah - Char-grilled swordfish fillet with Moroccan spices served on minted couscous salad with egg plant chips $24.00
Rivers Restaurant Cruises & Boat Charters - Pan fried rockling fillets over tomato & olive risotto with a chive veloute and sweet potato chips
Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill - Semolina crusted baby snapper fillets on crisp potato wedges with feta and a fennel, olive & caper salsa $28.00
Steakhouse - Poppy seed battered red emperor fillets served with a barbeque garlic tartar, sweet pickle and baked potato chips $30.00
Yum Cha Dragon - Lightly battered salt & pepper rockling fillets on fried noodles, vegetables and oyster sauce with onion chips $28.00

For a day out on the weekend, visit Docklands on Saturday 20th or Sunday 21st to take advantage of the free music and family entertainment that will bring the waterfront to life - including cooking demonstrations, jumping castles, face painting and more.

For more information visit: http://www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au/promos/flathead-festival.html - Or click here to download the brochure.