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.