Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for March 17 - March 23, 2008.
This week, Melbourne's crown jewel of entertainment, the International Comedy Festival, begins! The Easter long weekend sees plenty of fun with the Bendigo Easter Festival and the Point Nepean Music Festival, and there's action at the beach with the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival! The Brunswick Music Festival also continues, and don't miss Children's Week at Mount Dandenong's SkyHigh along with many other activities in our School Holidays Guide!
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
Not receiving our newsletter? Get your copy of What's On this Week!
Good Friday Appeal
Good Friday Appeal - raises money for the Royal Children's Hospital, and to ensure that all children with life threatening illnesses receive the best possible medical and clinical care.
Bendigo Easter Festival, running from 21 to 24 March, the festival's a time to relax and celebrate with family and friends - Bendigo Easter Festival has something for everyone to enjoy! Celebrating its 138th year in 2008, the festival is steeped in history, culture and more than a dash of contemporary entertainment, offering a weekend of special performances, displays, exhibitions and Bendigo's unique attractions!
Point Nepean Music Festival, running across this Easter weekend, is held on the exclusive site of the Point Nepean Quarantine Station.
With a huge line up of performers that includes John Fogerty, Keith Urban, Sinead O'Connor and more, the venue offers spectacular views while the festival showcases some of the world's best performers.
Brunswick Music Festival continues this week, celebrating its 20th year with three weeks of music and entertainment featuring some of the finest performers from around the world. One of Victoria's most celebrated multicultural events, the Brunswick Music Festival highlights the diversity of the City of Moreland, one of the most culturally rich communities in Australia with 35% of its residents born overseas.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs from March 19 to April 13 with a huge program of performances from every corner of Australia and from overseas. Every Year the Festival entertains people of all ages, with special shows for family and kids included as part of the huge program. The Comedy Festival Program has something for people of all walks of life with comedy, circus, theatre and more!
Late Nite Impro, a Comedy Festival favourite for many years, returns this year with performances held on Friday and Saturday nights at the Cloak Room, Town Hall. With improvisers pitching concepts for scenes, the audience chooses who flies or falls on the stage!
Nelly Thomas is not a Yummy Mummy - Melbourne comedian and 1st time mum Nelly Thomas premieres her show at Trades Hall, tackling the pressures of modern parenting and the big issues, such as a future for Incy Wincy on a planet with no water!
Stuff - Energetic UK comedian, Nik Coppin returns to Melbourne this year for his third successive solo show at Melbourne's The Elephant & Wheelbarrow, covering everything from superheroes to spiders, sharks to serial killers, and much more in between!
School Holiday Guide
Check out our School Holiday Guide for a head start on things to do with the kids during the school holidays Easter and Autumn, between March 21 and April 6.
Updated Weekly with all the Latest Events!!
The guide is updated weekly to highlight the best things to do over the holiday period for the young and young at heart, to help you find perfect ways to enjoy the holidays with events, tours and holiday care programs.. all in marvellous Melbourne!
Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
Generation Next is an exhibition currently held at Karstens at CQ, featuring eclectic, brave new works by artists, Laureen Lansdown, Bonny Hut, Simon Norfolk and Jamie Brown, who boast successful careers by working in many diverse mediums.
NEW08 | Emerging Artists Exhibition - Held at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, NEW reveals the latest in artistic practice from the freshest crop of young Australian artists. Showcasing works of surprise and invention, the exhibition runs until May 11th.
The Fitzgibbons Dynasty is an exhibition that honours the Fitzgibbons, one of Australia's most prominent families in entertainment. On show at the Victorian Jazz Archive, the exhibition features three generations including late jazz icon, Graham "Smacka"Fitzgibbon.
Passaggi Scritti is an exhibition of work by Angela Cavalieri, who explores the art of both writing and storytelling visually with a series of hand-rolled linocuts on canvas. The exhibition runs until March 22 at Gallery 101, located on Collins Street.
Justice & Hope is a photographic exhibition of Jenn Dobson's visual documentation of children throughout India and South East Asia. Profits from photograph sales will go to Jacob's Well, providing fresh water wells and other assistance for impoverished villages.
All of Us is Australia's largest ever photographic portrait show, displayed across the outer walls of Federation Square's Crossbar Building. The photos by Michel Lawrence, celebrate Australia's diverse culture with over 200 residents from different backgrounds.
Arts & Theatre
The Winterling, written by Jez Butterworth and directed by Andrew Gray, is a darkly humorous play set in a farmhouse where West waits for Wally, an old associate in a particularly disturbing business. When Wally arrives, it's with an unexpected accomplice.
Enchantment - The Australian String Quartet will perform this Monday evening, ending their national tour with guest violinist Ilya Konovalov and pianist Kristian Chong, performing works by Mozart, Scuthorpe and Chausson at Collins Street Baptist Church.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Abby Dobson, formerly the lead singer of Leonardo's Bride, will be performing live this Thursday night at New Capers in Hawthorn. With performances running till Sunday, Abby Dobson will also be appearing at East Brunswick Club, Ruby's Lounge and The Palais.
Me and the Grownups will be launching their first, self-produced video clip on a big screen at Manchester Lane this Wednesday night. With the band performing on the night, they will be supported by upcoming band Dear Dawn and the live stylings of a Video Jockie.
Most | Free Screening - ACMI and East Wind Films will be hosting free screenings of the film, Most from Friday to Sunday this week. The award winning film tells the story of a close relationship between a bridge operator and his young son, trying to avert a rail disaster.
The Rooftop Cinema at Curtin House flickers into action all Summer, with films screening Tuesday to Sunday. Enjoy the night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar! This Thursday... Kubrick's cold war satire, Dr Strangelove, featuring Peter Sellers.
Scheduled for completion in late 2008, the winners will also receive two guided tours throughout 2008 to see the construction progress, a commemorative gift and invitations to the official VIP launch!
Competition Ends 30th of June 2008
$12,000 Cash Bonanza! Here's your chance to share in a $12,000 CASH BONANZA, courtesy of Financial Services Online! Apply free online for any comparative quote & you automatically qualify for free entry into their monthly prize draw of $1,000!
Cleanskins.com sell premium Australian wines direct to the public at up to 50% off retail prices, offering Free Home Delivery and a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Perfect for all lovers of wine, their impressive range of wines and service were recommended on Channel 7's Today Tonight and Channel 9's A Current Affair.
Bistro 1 is one of Melbourne's most desirable dining destinations. With superb French and Italian cuisine and a national award winning wine list, the warm lamp lighting and attentive service create a special feeling for couples in the mood for romance.
Menulog Home Delivery is a great chance to eat fine cuisine at home! With over 300 of the best restaurants on offer, you're sure to find something to suit any taste or occasion. To find fast and easy delivery in your area, Visit Here.
Sporting Events
Surfing
Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival, running from March 18 to 29, will see the world's best male and female surfers converge on Australia's world famous Bells Beach for the 36th showing of the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival. The surfers will share the spotlight with some of Australia's hottest musical talent over the Easter Long Weekend, with bands and solo artists including Wolf and Cub, Acca/Dacca and more!
AFL - Round 1
It's baaaaaack! Round 1 kicks off this week with footy fever thick in the air for 2008 and 5 games playing in our own backyard!
Thursday at The MCG Carlton v Richmond at 6.10 pm
Saturday at The MCG Collingwood v Fremantle at 2.10pm
Saturday at Telstra Dome St Kilda v Sydney at 7.10 pm
Sunday at Telstra Dome Western Bulldogs v Adelaide at 1.10pm
Sunday at The MCG Hawthorn v Melbourne at 4.40 pm
Aussie Rules Football - Live with a Local Host! Experience the unique Australian game of football with a local host to explain the rules, bumps and brawls. Your package includes meeting your host near the ground before the match, for a welcome drink.
Your host will explain the rules and involve you in the game using competitions and awarding prizes. You will also receive a show bag of Aussie Rules goodies!
Tour Includes:
Reserved Undercover Seating
Souvenir Program
Footy Record & Club Song Sheets
Meat Pie & Sauce - with beer or soft drink!
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
Opera in the Market returns this year for its 9th season, with two performances held this week on Monday and Wednesday. Held at Queen Victoria Market's K Shed, the performance begin at 8pm, offering a chance to hear Australia's leading artists.
Nunawading Market - Come to Nunawading Market, where you'll find almost 100 stalls of high quality craft & produce! Held this Sunday from 9am, proceeds support the cultural, performing and visual arts throughout the City of Whitehorse.
Slow Food Farmers' Market, held this Saturday at Abbotsford Convent, offers farm fresh and organic food, flowers, herbs, juices, breads, olive oil, eggs, meat and more... Entry is $2 entry for adults, with proceeds going to Abbotsford Convent's restoration.
Melbourne Market Guide 3rd Week & 4th Weekend of Month
(It'll make more sense soon - promise!)
Make the most of the sunny days and head to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs for a bargain! An increasing number of food and produce markets including wine are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
Game On, a special exhibition held at ACMI, almost literally features the A-Z of video and computer gaming history with an extensive collection of artwork, playable games, footage and more! With gaming consoles on display from the earliest era of arcade games through to modern consoles like the Playstation 3 and WII, the exhibition also shows the future of games and where the next adrenaline rush lies!
Children's Week runs from March 23rd to 28th, at Skyhigh, located at Mount Dandenong, children can visit the secret garden, make their way through the maze, hunt for treasure with Igor the Giant or Easter eggs with the Easter Bunny and more!
Dorothy the Dinosaur @ Melbourne Aquarium
Dive into Melbourne Aquarium these school holidays for exciting adventure with FREE live shows and appearances by superstars Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword and Henry the Octopus.
Masks of China at the Immigration Museum features handmade masks from China, some which are over 200 years old. With free entry for children the exhibition includes fun kids activity trail with the chance to sketch and colour-in their own mask!
Sand Sculpting Australia - In 2008, after seven years on the Rye foreshore, Sand Sculpting Australia will be relocating to an exciting new venue - the 'Frankston Waterfront'! The area will be transformed as 3,500 tonnes of sand are meticulously carved into scenes from your favourite childhood 'Fairytales and Fables'. Integrated with the sand sculptures will be regular activities to keep the whole family entertained!
Smartvisit Card is the best way to see the sights of Melbourne, whether you're visiting Melbourne for business, a vacation, or even if you're a local wanting to find Melbourne's hidden treasures!
The Smartvisit Card includes entry to attractions such as Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Old Melbourne Gaol, Telstra Dome, Cook's Cottage, Melbourne River Cruises, and many more of Melbourne's TOP venues!
Free entry to over 60 top attractions..
Visit great venues like Zoos, museums & more across Melbourne & Victoria!
Over $800 of entry fees for ONE low price..
Plus special offers & discounts!
Visit just 2 Attractions a day & you'll save!
FREE 128 page guidebook..
Tailored to local knowledge on what to see & do!
Cash free entry..
Show your card & you're in, no need for cash!
All year-round Attractions..
Whatever time of year you visit - rain or shine!
Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!
Learn to Knit at Prahran Library - Every Wednesday at Prahran Library there is a free one-hour knitting class for people of all ages and experience. A great way to make friends and be creative, the classes begin at 1:30pm - needles and wool can be provided.
You Can Help
There are many social causes that are relevant to people from all walks of life, many of which rely on public support to better the community or assist those who are less fortunate. This week we ask you to consider the following..
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt & Family Picnic - With the Easter weekend fast approaching, annual Cadbury Easter Egg hunt will take place at Werribee Park on Good Friday, March 21st. With the Cadbury Great Bunny leading the hunt, the day is enormous fun for the whole family! All ticket profits and proceeds from the day are donated to Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Advertising your Business or Event at OnlyMelbourne is not only easy, but best of all it's FREE!! - Get Listed.. - don't forget to tell your friends!
Each week we highlight five of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.
The Royal Melbourne Show began as a humble ploughing competition in 1848. Initially featuring seventeen farmers who competed to find who could plough the straightest furrow, it was the earliest agricultural show in Melbourne.
By the 1870s, all sorts of aspects of agricultural life from horses and cows to produce such as bacon and milk were part of the show and in 1890, the title 'Royal' was added to its name.
In 1882 the show had grown so much in popularity that it was moved to its present location after complaints that it was too far from town.
Long before the American catch-cry of "Car 54, where are you?" the Victorian Police created a world first in 1923 as they were the first force to use two-way radio communication in their patrol vehicles.
Hardly surprising, as Melbourne has more than its fair-share of World Firsts...
❊ Address ❊
℅ Naarm ⊜ Newsletter | #063 | What's On this Week Melbourne 3000 View Map
Newsletter | #063 | What's On this WeekMelbourneVictoria
Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for March 17 - March 23, 2008.
This week, Melbourne's crown jewel of entertainment, the International Comedy Festival, begins! The Easter long weekend sees plenty of fun with the Bendigo Easter Festival and the Point Nepean Music Festival, and there's action at the beach with the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival! The Brunswick Music Festival also continues, and don't miss Children's Week at Mount Dandenong's SkyHigh along with many other activities in our School Holidays Guide!
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
Not receiving our newsletter? Get your copy of What's On this Week!
Good Friday Appeal
Good Friday Appeal - raises money for the Royal Children's Hospital, and to ensure that all children with life threatening illnesses receive the best possible medical and clinical care.
Bendigo Easter Festival, running from 21 to 24 March, the festival's a time to relax and celebrate with family and friends - Bendigo Easter Festival has something for everyone to enjoy! Celebrating its 138th year in 2008, the festival is steeped in history, culture and more than a dash of contemporary entertainment, offering a weekend of special performances, displays, exhibitions and Bendigo's unique attractions!
Point Nepean Music Festival, running across this Easter weekend, is held on the exclusive site of the Point Nepean Quarantine Station.
With a huge line up of performers that includes John Fogerty, Keith Urban, Sinead O'Connor and more, the venue offers spectacular views while the festival showcases some of the world's best performers.
Brunswick Music Festival continues this week, celebrating its 20th year with three weeks of music and entertainment featuring some of the finest performers from around the world. One of Victoria's most celebrated multicultural events, the Brunswick Music Festival highlights the diversity of the City of Moreland, one of the most culturally rich communities in Australia with 35% of its residents born overseas.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs from March 19 to April 13 with a huge program of performances from every corner of Australia and from overseas. Every Year the Festival entertains people of all ages, with special shows for family and kids included as part of the huge program. The Comedy Festival Program has something for people of all walks of life with comedy, circus, theatre and more!
Late Nite Impro, a Comedy Festival favourite for many years, returns this year with performances held on Friday and Saturday nights at the Cloak Room, Town Hall. With improvisers pitching concepts for scenes, the audience chooses who flies or falls on the stage!
Nelly Thomas is not a Yummy Mummy - Melbourne comedian and 1st time mum Nelly Thomas premieres her show at Trades Hall, tackling the pressures of modern parenting and the big issues, such as a future for Incy Wincy on a planet with no water!
Stuff - Energetic UK comedian, Nik Coppin returns to Melbourne this year for his third successive solo show at Melbourne's The Elephant & Wheelbarrow, covering everything from superheroes to spiders, sharks to serial killers, and much more in between!
School Holiday Guide
Check out our School Holiday Guide for a head start on things to do with the kids during the school holidays Easter and Autumn, between March 21 and April 6.
Updated Weekly with all the Latest Events!!
The guide is updated weekly to highlight the best things to do over the holiday period for the young and young at heart, to help you find perfect ways to enjoy the holidays with events, tours and holiday care programs.. all in marvellous Melbourne!
Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
Generation Next is an exhibition currently held at Karstens at CQ, featuring eclectic, brave new works by artists, Laureen Lansdown, Bonny Hut, Simon Norfolk and Jamie Brown, who boast successful careers by working in many diverse mediums.
NEW08 | Emerging Artists Exhibition - Held at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, NEW reveals the latest in artistic practice from the freshest crop of young Australian artists. Showcasing works of surprise and invention, the exhibition runs until May 11th.
The Fitzgibbons Dynasty is an exhibition that honours the Fitzgibbons, one of Australia's most prominent families in entertainment. On show at the Victorian Jazz Archive, the exhibition features three generations including late jazz icon, Graham "Smacka"Fitzgibbon.
Passaggi Scritti is an exhibition of work by Angela Cavalieri, who explores the art of both writing and storytelling visually with a series of hand-rolled linocuts on canvas. The exhibition runs until March 22 at Gallery 101, located on Collins Street.
Justice & Hope is a photographic exhibition of Jenn Dobson's visual documentation of children throughout India and South East Asia. Profits from photograph sales will go to Jacob's Well, providing fresh water wells and other assistance for impoverished villages.
All of Us is Australia's largest ever photographic portrait show, displayed across the outer walls of Federation Square's Crossbar Building. The photos by Michel Lawrence, celebrate Australia's diverse culture with over 200 residents from different backgrounds.
Arts & Theatre
The Winterling, written by Jez Butterworth and directed by Andrew Gray, is a darkly humorous play set in a farmhouse where West waits for Wally, an old associate in a particularly disturbing business. When Wally arrives, it's with an unexpected accomplice.
Enchantment - The Australian String Quartet will perform this Monday evening, ending their national tour with guest violinist Ilya Konovalov and pianist Kristian Chong, performing works by Mozart, Scuthorpe and Chausson at Collins Street Baptist Church.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Abby Dobson, formerly the lead singer of Leonardo's Bride, will be performing live this Thursday night at New Capers in Hawthorn. With performances running till Sunday, Abby Dobson will also be appearing at East Brunswick Club, Ruby's Lounge and The Palais.
Me and the Grownups will be launching their first, self-produced video clip on a big screen at Manchester Lane this Wednesday night. With the band performing on the night, they will be supported by upcoming band Dear Dawn and the live stylings of a Video Jockie.
Most | Free Screening - ACMI and East Wind Films will be hosting free screenings of the film, Most from Friday to Sunday this week. The award winning film tells the story of a close relationship between a bridge operator and his young son, trying to avert a rail disaster.
The Rooftop Cinema at Curtin House flickers into action all Summer, with films screening Tuesday to Sunday. Enjoy the night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar! This Thursday... Kubrick's cold war satire, Dr Strangelove, featuring Peter Sellers.
Scheduled for completion in late 2008, the winners will also receive two guided tours throughout 2008 to see the construction progress, a commemorative gift and invitations to the official VIP launch!
Competition Ends 30th of June 2008
$12,000 Cash Bonanza! Here's your chance to share in a $12,000 CASH BONANZA, courtesy of Financial Services Online! Apply free online for any comparative quote & you automatically qualify for free entry into their monthly prize draw of $1,000!
Cleanskins.com sell premium Australian wines direct to the public at up to 50% off retail prices, offering Free Home Delivery and a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Perfect for all lovers of wine, their impressive range of wines and service were recommended on Channel 7's Today Tonight and Channel 9's A Current Affair.
Bistro 1 is one of Melbourne's most desirable dining destinations. With superb French and Italian cuisine and a national award winning wine list, the warm lamp lighting and attentive service create a special feeling for couples in the mood for romance.
Menulog Home Delivery is a great chance to eat fine cuisine at home! With over 300 of the best restaurants on offer, you're sure to find something to suit any taste or occasion. To find fast and easy delivery in your area, Visit Here.
Sporting Events
Surfing
Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival, running from March 18 to 29, will see the world's best male and female surfers converge on Australia's world famous Bells Beach for the 36th showing of the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival. The surfers will share the spotlight with some of Australia's hottest musical talent over the Easter Long Weekend, with bands and solo artists including Wolf and Cub, Acca/Dacca and more!
AFL - Round 1
It's baaaaaack! Round 1 kicks off this week with footy fever thick in the air for 2008 and 5 games playing in our own backyard!
Thursday at The MCG Carlton v Richmond at 6.10 pm
Saturday at The MCG Collingwood v Fremantle at 2.10pm
Saturday at Telstra Dome St Kilda v Sydney at 7.10 pm
Sunday at Telstra Dome Western Bulldogs v Adelaide at 1.10pm
Sunday at The MCG Hawthorn v Melbourne at 4.40 pm
Aussie Rules Football - Live with a Local Host! Experience the unique Australian game of football with a local host to explain the rules, bumps and brawls. Your package includes meeting your host near the ground before the match, for a welcome drink.
Your host will explain the rules and involve you in the game using competitions and awarding prizes. You will also receive a show bag of Aussie Rules goodies!
Tour Includes:
Reserved Undercover Seating
Souvenir Program
Footy Record & Club Song Sheets
Meat Pie & Sauce - with beer or soft drink!
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
Opera in the Market returns this year for its 9th season, with two performances held this week on Monday and Wednesday. Held at Queen Victoria Market's K Shed, the performance begin at 8pm, offering a chance to hear Australia's leading artists.
Nunawading Market - Come to Nunawading Market, where you'll find almost 100 stalls of high quality craft & produce! Held this Sunday from 9am, proceeds support the cultural, performing and visual arts throughout the City of Whitehorse.
Slow Food Farmers' Market, held this Saturday at Abbotsford Convent, offers farm fresh and organic food, flowers, herbs, juices, breads, olive oil, eggs, meat and more... Entry is $2 entry for adults, with proceeds going to Abbotsford Convent's restoration.
Melbourne Market Guide 3rd Week & 4th Weekend of Month
(It'll make more sense soon - promise!)
Make the most of the sunny days and head to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs for a bargain! An increasing number of food and produce markets including wine are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
Game On, a special exhibition held at ACMI, almost literally features the A-Z of video and computer gaming history with an extensive collection of artwork, playable games, footage and more! With gaming consoles on display from the earliest era of arcade games through to modern consoles like the Playstation 3 and WII, the exhibition also shows the future of games and where the next adrenaline rush lies!
Children's Week runs from March 23rd to 28th, at Skyhigh, located at Mount Dandenong, children can visit the secret garden, make their way through the maze, hunt for treasure with Igor the Giant or Easter eggs with the Easter Bunny and more!
Dorothy the Dinosaur @ Melbourne Aquarium
Dive into Melbourne Aquarium these school holidays for exciting adventure with FREE live shows and appearances by superstars Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword and Henry the Octopus.
Masks of China at the Immigration Museum features handmade masks from China, some which are over 200 years old. With free entry for children the exhibition includes fun kids activity trail with the chance to sketch and colour-in their own mask!
Sand Sculpting Australia - In 2008, after seven years on the Rye foreshore, Sand Sculpting Australia will be relocating to an exciting new venue - the 'Frankston Waterfront'! The area will be transformed as 3,500 tonnes of sand are meticulously carved into scenes from your favourite childhood 'Fairytales and Fables'. Integrated with the sand sculptures will be regular activities to keep the whole family entertained!
Smartvisit Card is the best way to see the sights of Melbourne, whether you're visiting Melbourne for business, a vacation, or even if you're a local wanting to find Melbourne's hidden treasures!
The Smartvisit Card includes entry to attractions such as Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Old Melbourne Gaol, Telstra Dome, Cook's Cottage, Melbourne River Cruises, and many more of Melbourne's TOP venues!
Free entry to over 60 top attractions..
Visit great venues like Zoos, museums & more across Melbourne & Victoria!
Over $800 of entry fees for ONE low price..
Plus special offers & discounts!
Visit just 2 Attractions a day & you'll save!
FREE 128 page guidebook..
Tailored to local knowledge on what to see & do!
Cash free entry..
Show your card & you're in, no need for cash!
All year-round Attractions..
Whatever time of year you visit - rain or shine!
Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!
Learn to Knit at Prahran Library - Every Wednesday at Prahran Library there is a free one-hour knitting class for people of all ages and experience. A great way to make friends and be creative, the classes begin at 1:30pm - needles and wool can be provided.
You Can Help
There are many social causes that are relevant to people from all walks of life, many of which rely on public support to better the community or assist those who are less fortunate. This week we ask you to consider the following..
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt & Family Picnic - With the Easter weekend fast approaching, annual Cadbury Easter Egg hunt will take place at Werribee Park on Good Friday, March 21st. With the Cadbury Great Bunny leading the hunt, the day is enormous fun for the whole family! All ticket profits and proceeds from the day are donated to Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Advertising your Business or Event at OnlyMelbourne is not only easy, but best of all it's FREE!! - Get Listed.. - don't forget to tell your friends!
Each week we highlight five of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.
The Royal Melbourne Show began as a humble ploughing competition in 1848. Initially featuring seventeen farmers who competed to find who could plough the straightest furrow, it was the earliest agricultural show in Melbourne.
By the 1870s, all sorts of aspects of agricultural life from horses and cows to produce such as bacon and milk were part of the show and in 1890, the title 'Royal' was added to its name.
In 1882 the show had grown so much in popularity that it was moved to its present location after complaints that it was too far from town.
Long before the American catch-cry of "Car 54, where are you?" the Victorian Police created a world first in 1923 as they were the first force to use two-way radio communication in their patrol vehicles.
Hardly surprising, as Melbourne has more than its fair-share of World Firsts...
Good Friday Appeal - raises money for the Royal Children's Hospital, and to ensure that all children with life threatening illnesses receive the best possible medical and clinical care.
Bendigo Easter Festival, running from 21 to 24 March, the festival's a time to relax and celebrate with family and friends - Bendigo Easter Festival has something for everyone to enjoy! Celebrating its 138th year in 2008, the festival is steeped in history, culture and more than a dash of contemporary entertainment, offering a weekend of special performances, displays, exhibitions and Bendigo's unique attractions!
Check out our School Holiday Guide for a head start on things to do with the kids during the school holidays Easter and Autumn, between March 21 and April 6.
All of Us is Australia's largest ever photographic portrait show, displayed across the outer walls of Federation Square's Crossbar Building. The photos by Michel Lawrence, celebrate Australia's diverse culture with over 200 residents from different backgrounds.
Enchantment - The Australian String Quartet will perform this Monday evening, ending their national tour with guest violinist Ilya Konovalov and pianist Kristian Chong, performing works by Mozart, Scuthorpe and Chausson at Collins Street Baptist Church.
The Rooftop Cinema at Curtin House flickers into action all Summer, with films screening Tuesday to Sunday. Enjoy the night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar! This Thursday... Kubrick's cold war satire, Dr Strangelove, featuring Peter Sellers.
Be the first to ride the Wheel - a ride to remember!
$12,000 Cash Bonanza! Here's your chance to share in a $12,000 CASH BONANZA, courtesy of Financial Services Online! Apply free online for any comparative quote & you automatically qualify for free entry into their monthly prize draw of $1,000!
Cleanskins.com sell premium Australian wines direct to the public at up to 50% off retail prices, offering Free Home Delivery and a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Bistro 1 is one of Melbourne's most desirable dining destinations. With superb French and Italian cuisine and a national award winning wine list, the warm lamp lighting and attentive service create a special feeling for couples in the mood for romance. 
Saturday at The MCG
Aussie Rules Football - Live with a Local Host! Experience the unique Australian game of football with a local host to explain the rules, bumps and brawls. Your package includes meeting your host near the ground before the match, for a welcome drink. 
Nunawading Market - Come to Nunawading Market, where you'll find almost 100 stalls of high quality craft & produce! Held this Sunday from 9am, proceeds support the cultural, performing and visual arts throughout the City of Whitehorse.
Melbourne Market Guide
Masks of China at the Immigration Museum features handmade masks from China, some which are over 200 years old. With free entry for children the exhibition includes fun kids activity trail with the chance to sketch and colour-in their own mask!
Sand Sculpting Australia - In 2008, after seven years on the Rye foreshore, Sand Sculpting Australia will be relocating to an exciting new venue - the 'Frankston Waterfront'! The area will be transformed as 3,500 tonnes of sand are meticulously carved into scenes from your favourite childhood 'Fairytales and Fables'. Integrated with the sand sculptures will be regular activities to keep the whole family entertained!
Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!
Learn to Knit at Prahran Library - Every Wednesday at Prahran Library there is a free one-hour knitting class for people of all ages and experience. A great way to make friends and be creative, the classes begin at 1:30pm - needles and wool can be provided.
