Easter at Docklands: Good Friday Appeal, sport & activities for the kids

Can you believe it's almost Easter already? Where has the year gone? Whether you're planning to get out and about this long weekend, or just relax with the family, there is plenty to see and do at Docklands.

Good Friday, 2nd April 2010:

Eat some fresh seafood at Fish Seafood Grill:
This Good Friday gives you the perfect reason to indulge is some fresh seafood. At Docklands, Fish Seafood Grill has become famous for its live lobster and Barramundi tanks. It also features a state-of-the-art rotisserie oven that cooks your seafood to perfection while still retaining its flavour.

Fish Seafood Grill is open on Good Friday and throughout the rest of the weekend, except on Easter Monday. To book for lunch or dinner phone (03) 9640 0686 or visit: www.fishrestaurant.com.au

Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal, Etihad Stadium
Dockland's Etihad Stadium will once again play host to this year's Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. It is the eighth consecutive year that the stadium has held the annual event, and this year it hopes to raise even more much needed funds for the hospital. Free activities and games will be held for the kids throughout the day, with a special appearances by Dora the Explorer from 10am - 4pm.

Gates open at 9am. Free entry, gold coin donations greatly appreciated. For more information visit: www.goodfridayappeal.com.au

Easter Saturday, 3rd April 2010

AFL - St Kilda versus North Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
St Kilda will take on North Melbourne as part of Round 2 at Etihad Stadium on Saturday 3 April at 7.10pm. Gates open two hours prior to the match starting time.

Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster - click here to book online.

Easter Sunday, 4th April 2010

Easter in the City
Celebrate a New Day this Easter Sunday with a free day of activities and entertainment for the whole family. Or you can join the Awakening Easter Sunday March from the State Library steps, down Latrobe Street to the festival at Waterfront City Piazza.

When: 12.30-4pm
Where: Waterfront City Piazza, Docklands Drive, Docklands

Huey to cook up a storm on Voyager, Docklands - Thursday 18th March, 8am

Now that he calls Docklands home, Chef Iain "Huey" Hewitson will soon be cooking up a storm out on the water.

The celebrity chef will be filming a segment for his brand new TV show, Huey's Kitchen, on the bow of the vessel Voyager.

He will perform a live cooking demonstration at 8am tomorrow (Thursday, 18th March) on the boat at Waterfront City Marina (opposite big TV screens), Docklands.

If you're in the area, keep your eyes peeled - you may get a special glimpse of his upcoming show!

L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival - Central Pier, Docklands

From 14th to 21st March 2010 catch all the fabulous fashion action at the L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival. A majority of the events, such as the L'Oréal Paris Runway shows, will be held at Central Pier in Docklands.

Some of the designers showing at Docklands include Sass & Bide, Collette Dinnigan, Dion Lee, and Karen Walker, plus many more.

For a full schedule of events (PDF download) visit: http://www.lmff.com.au/2010/uploads//2010program/MFF1378-Planner.pdf

While you're in Docklands for the shows, have a bite or drink at any of the surrounding restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Huey's Cooking Adventures finds a new home at Docklands

Guess who is now calling Docklands home? Yes it's Chef Iain "Huey" Hewitson and the team behind his popular Huey's Cooking Adventures television show. In a brand new two-year deal, Huey will cook up a storm at Docklands thanks to a custom-built studio which is currently under construction.

In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for the celebrity chef as he shoots his cooking show on location around Waterfront City, Docklands. You may even get a handy cooking tip or two!

For more information, visit: http://www.hueyscookingadventures.com.au

Docklands restaurants to switch off for Earth Hour, 27th March 2010

A number of Docklands restaurants are getting behind Earth Hour by switching off all unnecessary lights on Saturday 27th March at 8.30pm.

Earth Hour is a global event which involves nearly 100 iconic landmarks in 1,000 cities and towns around the world switching off their lights as a show of their commitment to the environment.

Show your support of Earth hour by dining at one of these participating Earth Hour restaurants at Docklands:
• Butchers Grill
• Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria
• BlueFire Churrascaria Grill
• Fish Seafood Grill
• Livebait
• Mecca Bah
• Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill
• Steakhouse
• Yum Cha Dragon

More information at www.earthhour.org.au

Super Tuesday at Docklands PLUS kids eat for free!

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.

BONUS: The popular dining offer has improved. Now 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

BONUS: Kids up to 12 years old can now eat for free at participating restaurants. Valid Monday to Thursday for lunch and dinner - 1 free kids meal is available per paying adult. Additional children are 50% off regular price kids menu.

Conditions: 1 free kids meal per paying adult. Additional children at 50% off regular price kids menu price. Kids are aged up to 12 years. Not valid on public holidays or special event days (such as Christmas Day, Mothers / Fathers Day, NYE, Valentine's Day) Valid with other offers.

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.

Valentine's Day weekend: Book a romantic cruise or restaurant dinner

Valentine's Day is coming up on Sunday 14th February 2010. Whether you are after a quiet intimate dinner for two, or a group booking with a little more of a party atmosphere, Rivers has the perfect option for you. Book a cruise for your loved one, or a table at any one of the many Melbourne restaurants offering Valentine's Day specials.

Valentine's Weekend Cruises:

Friday, 12th February 2010
Pre Valentines Dinner Cruise
Price: $89 pp
Includes: 3 1/2 hr cruise, special Valentine's 3 course menu, Entertainment
Bookings: Online or Ph 9285 0000

Saturday, 13th February 2010
Tom Jones Cabaret Cruise
Price: $129 pp
Includes: 3 1/2 cruise, special Valentine's 3 course menu, Tom Jones tribute show
Bookings: Online or Ph 9285 0000

Sunday, 14th February 2010
Valentine's Day Dinner Cruise
4 Different Decks to choose from: Silver, Gold, Alfresco, Titanic
Price from $89pp - $289pp
Includes: 3 1/2 cruise, special Valentine's 3 course menu incl. seafood and meat platters, Entertainment, and a complimentary silk rose for every couple.
Bookings: Online or Ph 9285 0000

Packages: Silver Deck - $89 per person
Gold Deck - $129 per person
Alfresco Deck - $169 per person
Titanic Deck - $289 per person

If you are not sure which option will best suit your requirements, please call 9285 0000. Please note: All bookings are at a set price and must be pre-paid. Valentines Day dinner is a sell out event - so get in early to avoid disappointment.

Restaurants offering Valentine's Day specials:

Valentine's Day Dinner at Fish Seafood Grill

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Address: Waterfront City Docklands, Vic 3008
Fish Seafood Grill's full a la carte menu will be available plus Valentine's Day specials and a complimentary silk rose for every couple
Bookings: 9640 0686 / online
www.fishrestaurant.com.au

Butchers Grill - 2 Locations

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Price: $89.00 per person
Includes: Entree, Main & Dessert
Bonus: A complimentary silk rose for every couple
Locations: Waterfront City, Docklands, Ph 9640 0696 AND Bourke Street, Melbourne 9639 1222.
www.butchersgrill.com.au

Valentine's Day dinner at Steakhouse

Date: Sunday, 14th February 2010
Cost: $79.00 per person
Address: Pier 35, Port Melbourne / Docklands
Includes: 3 courses + side salad
Bonus: A complimentary silk rose for every couple.
http://www.steakhouse.net.au/pier35marina/valentines_day_dinner.htm http://www.steakhouse.net.au/newquay/valentines_day_dinner.htm

Valentine's Day Dinner at Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Address: 62 NewQuay Docklands, Vic 3008
Saganaki will be offering a special Valentine's Day menu. Plus every couple will receive a complimentary silk rose.
www.saganaki.com.au

Valentine's Day Dinner at BlueFire Churrascaria Grill

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Cost: $59.00 per person
Address: Waterfront City, Docklands
Includes: Tasting Plate, Churrascaria, Dessert
Bonus: A complimentary silk rose for every couple.
www.bluefiregrill.com.au

Valentine's Day Dinner at Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Address: Waterfront City Docklands, Vic 3008
Bellissimo will be offering a special Valentine's Day menu. Plus every couple will receive a complimentary silk rose.
www.bellissimo.net.au

Valentine's Day Dinner at Yum Cha Dragon

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Address: Waterfront City Docklands, Vic 3008
Yum Cha Dragon will be offering Premium Yum Cha on Valentines Day. Plus every couple receive a complimentary silk rose
Bookings: 9329 6868 or online
www.yumcha.net.au

Valentine's Day Dinner at Livebait

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Address: NewQuay Docklands, Vic 3008
Livebait's full a la carte menu will be available plus Valentine's Day specials and a complimentary silk rose for every couple.
www.livebait.com.au

Valentine's Day Dinner at Mecca Bah

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Address: 55a NewQuay Prom, Docklands
Mecca Bah's full a la carte menu will be available plus Valentine's Day cocktails and a complimentary silk rose for every couple.
www.meccabah.com.au

Pick yourself up an Australian Open tennis "stress" ball today for free!

To celebrate the start of the Australian Open 2010, which kicks off on 18th January you can get your mitts on a free Australian Open tennis "stress" ball.

You can pick up one of these nifty stress balls for free at select Melbourne restaurants. While you're there why not cool off with a glass of Jacob's Creek wine and be in the running to win tickets to the tennis. Stress balls are available from the following restaurant locations:

BlueFire, Docklands - http://www.bluefiregrill.com.au
Tel: 9670 8008
G17-18, 427 Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Docklands 3008

Fish Seafood Grill, Docklands - http://www.fishrestaurant.com.au
Tel: 9640 0686
G09-12, 439 Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Docklands 3008

Steakhouse, Port Melbourne - http://www.steakhouse.net.au
Tel: 9646 0606
Pier 35 Marina, 263-329 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne 3207

Please note: There is a limited stock available at each restaurant. First in best dressed!

It is in conjunction with the Australian Open ticket giveaway, whereby if you purchase a glass or bottle of Jacob's Creek wine at any of the above restaurants (plus others) you will go into the draw to win tickets to Hisense Arena.

For more details on how to enter and for participating restaurants - click here.

Don't forget tomorrow is $15 Pizza & Pasta Day at Bellissimo!

Don't forget Bellissimo's weekly $15 Pizza & Pasta Day continues this Sunday.

You can enjoy a yummy lunch without breaking the bank at Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria. 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

Kids eat free at Docklands restaurants

Just launched is this fantastic new dining offer! Kids up to 12 years old can now eat for free at participating restaurants.

Valid Monday to Thursday for lunch and dinner - 1 free kids meal is available per paying adult. Additional children are 50% off regular price kids menu.

Conditions: 1 free kids meal per paying adult. Additional children at 50% off regular price kids menu price. Kids are aged up to 12 years. Not valid on public holidays or special event days (such as Christmas Day, Mothers / Fathers Day, NYE, Valentine's Day) Valid with other offers.

Participating 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
Livebait
Mecca Bah

For more information visit: http://www.rivers.net.au

CLOSED: Win tickets to Australian Open 2010 - extended!

** This competition has now closed. **

As one of the major sponsors of the Australian Open 2010, Jacob’s Creek is offering you two chances to win tickets to Melbourne’s hottest sporting event.

Two Ways to Win:

Hisense Arena Tickets: Simply purchase a glass or bottle of Jacob’s Creek wine the next time that you dine at any of participating restaurants (see below), and place a business card into the specially marked container located at each venue. Limit of one entry per person per day.

Prize: Individuals named on the first business card drawn at each venue will win two tickets to the Australian Open 2010 at Hisense arena. We have extended this draw - winners will now be drawn after lunch service on 16/1/10. Tickets may be used for either the 20th or 21st January 2010. Click here for full terms & conditions.

Men’s Final Tickets: Win tickets to the Men’s final of the Australian open, valued at $1,000. SMS the codeword and your details to 1991 TRUE (1991 8783) You can find the codeword and competition details at the participating restaurants below. Entries close11.59pm AEDST on 28/1/10. Click here for full terms & conditions.

Participating restaurants:

• BlueFire, Docklands
• Bellissimo, Docklands
• Windows on the Bay, Mordialloc
• Livebait, Docklands
• Mecca Bah, Docklands
• Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill, Docklands
• Fish Seafood Grill, Docklands
• Yum Cha Dragon, Docklands
• Butchers Grill - Melbourne CBD & Docklands
• Steakhouse - Melbourne CBD & Docklands

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.

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.

Urban Reforestation's December workshop program

After their official launch party a few weeks ago, the guys at Urban Reforestation are raring to go with their December workshop program. There is something for everyone next month, from learning how to make your own sustainable Christmas gifts to garden fairy adventures for the kids.

December workshop program:

Sunday, 6th December, 2-5pm: Pickles, Ferments & Sprouts (residents) $69 per person.
Monday, 7th December, 3-5pm: Pickles, Ferments & Sprouts (business team building) $59 per person.
An introduction to the science and art of traditional culturing and making your own sauerkraut, kimchis, sourdoughs and sprouts. Learn how to create delicious homemade foods.

Friday, 11th December 11am-12pm: Name the garden celebration (kindergarten) $15 per person.
Docklands community garden would like to celebrate the naming of our garden with our kindergarten community. Let your kids explore the world of gardening with Faerie Melody and Faerie Tiku. There will be dancing, story-telling and making crafts.

Sunday, 13th December, 3-5pm: Sustainable Gardening Gifts (residents) $59 per person.
Learn how to grow food and herbs in containers and create beautiful and practical Christmas gifts for people who need some green.

To book a workshop, or for more information phone: 0403 937 195 or email programs@urbanreforestation.com

Website: http://www.urbanreforestation.com

New Year's Eve: Carnivale at Alumbra

If the "white party" (a.k.a. Sensation) across the way at Etihad Stadium doesn't appeal to you this New Year's Eve, then the folks at Alumbra might have just what you're looking for.

They are throwing a Carnivale extravaganza, and you are invited to celebrate in South American style. It will feature a Brazillian floorshow with costumed dancers, live percussionists, fire twirlers. It will also offer a fantastic view of the midnight fireworks along the Docklands, as well as Victoria Harbour and Port Philip Bay.

Included is a gourmet BBQ between 7pm-9pm and a complimentary cocktail on arrival.

Tickets: 1st release limited early bird tickets - $55 + booking fee (until sold out) / General tickets - $70 + booking fee. For group bookings and table packages phone 0439 848 828. Tickets also available through Ticketmaster: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au
Where: Alumbra - Shed 9, Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands.
When: Thursday, 31st December 2009 / Doors open from 7pm

For more information visit: http://www.disconotdisco.com.au

Docklands businesses invited to Urban Reforestation welcome drinks soiree

The Docklands business community is invited to check out the new co-design garden by Urban Reforestation tomorrow evening.

Between 5pm and 7pm you can admire the green skills of this creative global campaign all while sipping on a green tea or sparkling ale. It will also be an opportunity for you to share your thoughts on the design, governance and activities of the project.

What: Urban Reforestation Welcome Drinks Soiree
When: Wednesday 18th November 2009, 5pm to 7pm
Where: The Promenade, North Wharf Docklands (near the end of Merchant Street)

For more information, check out the flyer online.

Or visit: http://www.urbanreforestation.com