Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for March 24 - March 30, 2008.
This week, show the world you care by switching off for Earth Hour! Melbourne's International Comedy Festival continues, and there's plenty of excitement with CERES Harvest Festival, experimental music with MIBEM, and family fun with Frankston Children's Day, Supanova Pop Culture Expo and Baywaster Truck Centre's Open Day! There's also action at the beach with the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival, and 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 Holiday 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!
Earth Hour
Earth Hour - This week, on Saturday 29 March, take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, simply by turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming. Earth Hour has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world and at 8pm this Saturday, millions of people in some of the world's major capital cities will unite and switch off!
Major Events Guide
CERES Harvest Festival, taking place on March 30 is a timeless and boundary-less celebration, where our multicultural community comes together, shares food and recipes, song and dance at CERES Community Environment Park in East Brunswick. Taste the gastronomical delights and traditional dishes from Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Africa, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Sri Lanka, Italy, Vietnam and Australia!
MIBEM - Melbourne International Biennale of Exploratory Music - is a six-day exploration of new music, running from March 28th to April 2nd. Taking place in various Melbourne music venues the line-up of the inaugural MIBEM features an expansive variety of contemporary music forms including improvisation, audio-visual works, composition, electronica, free jazz, noise rock and contemporary classical music.
Frankston Children's Day, held on Wednesday March 26 at Frankston's George Pentland Botanic Gardens, offers fun and entertainment for people of all ages with performances by Paul Jamieson the Music Man. Kids can also learn how to hoola hoop and fly a kite, take part in craft workshops, enjoy performances from Leo and Valanga's Kids Show and Hoops a Daisy, and be enthralled by storytelling with Linda Da Silva!
Supanova Pop Culture Expo, taking place between March 29 and 30 at the Melbourne Showgrounds' Exhibition Hall, is all about people having fun whether young or old! With special guests from classic and recent Sci-Fi shows and films, Supanova features exclusive film and anime screenings and trailers, gaming competitions, displays and more! The Expo is all about fun for young and old!
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!
This is not a shoe! - The Caravan of Love return for their third Comedy Festival, digging in their heels once more with a cabaret that takes a probing and comical look at the cultural significance of the humble shoe. The show runs until April 12 at Cherry Bar.
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
The Melbourne Story lets you explore Melbourne's history, learning about the unique evolvement in this latest exhibition at Melbourne Museum. With evocative stories, icons and personalities that have shaped Melbourne, the exhibition features over 1200 objects.
Trash This City, taking place Sunday at Fitzroy's All of the Above Gallery, is an interactive installation based around the game SIM CITY. Visitors will be able to move buildings and graffiti the streets, and also destroy the piece at night's end - just like in the game!
Birthday @ 696 - The Brunswick gallery, 696, celebrates its 1st birthday this Sunday with a special group show featuring many of 696's regular artists. The night features live performances, DJs, body painted models, raffles, give aways and more!
MF2 Midnight Fashion - Midnight Fashion returns on Friday with a fresh batch of Melbourne's young and prominent designers, showcasing their talent at the Royal Melbourne Hotel. Midnight Fashion offers the excitement of a catwalk amidst a nightclub feel.
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.
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.
Arts & Theatre
Melba Conservatorium will be holding a special performance on Wednesday with Sylvie Leprohon and Sarah Denholm playing Baroque and Romantic Flute and Piano works. Held as part of the Lunchtime Concert series in Richmond, admission is free.
Dimboola, A Wedding Reception Play - is the latest performance by Fly-On-The-Wall Theatre. One of Australia's most performed plays, Dimboola returns home to La Mama to celebrate it's premiere 39 years ago. It begins Wednesday and runs until April 13.
The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde's hilarious comedy, will play at Chapel Off Chapel for a strictly limited season with The Complete Bunbury Experience - croquet, waltzing, etiquette lessons, and cucumber sandwiches all before the show even begins!
The Merry Widow - The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Victoria will be performing Franz Lehar's operetta at the Alexander Theatre, beginning Saturday. Gorgeous and lavish, this wonderful favourite of opera finally returns to the stage in a stunning performance!
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.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Olodum, a Brazilian band known for powerful Samba-reggae rhythms, will perform on Tuesday at Hamer Hall in a sensational Australian music gig featuring 18 musicians, drums and percussion, vocals, melodic instruments, and dancers live on stage all at one time!
The Substitutes, Melbourne's most authentic '60s band, will be performing at the Williamstown RSL this Saturday. Performing songs that span the Beatles, Kinks, Small Faces, Yardbirds and more, The Substitutes deliver a classic '60s feel with real spirit!
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!
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 Wednesday... Brilliant Geek-Chic with the adaptation of Dan Clowes' comic, Ghostworld.
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
Motor Sport
Crusty Demons Night of World Records - This Saturday at Calder Park Raceway, Australian daredevil Robbie Maddison goes up against US riders Seth Enslow and Ryan Capes with all three fighting for the longest jump record, already held by Maddison.
Surfing
Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival, running until Saturday March 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 & 2
Round 1 continues with a match on Monday this week, with 4 more home games seeing out Round 2!
Monday at Telstra Dome Kangaroos v Essendon at 2.10pm
Saturday at The MCG Melbourne v Western Bulldogs at 2.10pm
Saturday at Telstra Dome St Kilda v Carlton at 7.10pm
Sunday at Telstra Dome Geelong v Essendon at 2.10pm
Sunday at The MCG Richmond v Kangaroos at 4.40pm
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
Bayswater Truck Centre OPEN Day - Bring the whole family to the annual Bayswater Truck Centre Open Day March 29th and support Convoy For Kids charity for Special Kids! With free showbags and drinks for the kids, there'll also be Face Painters and more!
King's Carnival, held Sunday at Armadale's King David School, is a family fete for the community to celebrate and enjoy! The day features food, rides, craft activities and more! Entry is free and this year includes roving performers and the ever-popular white elephant stall.
The Paperific Expo, held this week at Caulfield Racecourse, attracts exhibitors and visitors from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond, offering products, classes and free demonstrations in a range of paper crafts, scrapbooking and stamping.
Melbourne Market Guide 4th Week & 5th Weekend of Month
(Last week of this nonsense, thankfully!)
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, running until March 28th, is held at Skyhigh, located at Mount Dandenong. Kids 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.
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!
Mosque Open Day - On Sunday, Interfaith will be hosting an opportunity for members of the community to dispel misunderstandings about Australian Muslims with a tour of Sunshine's mosque. Entry is FREE and Turkish finger food will be served.
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..
Neighbour Day - Say G'Day On Sunday!
This Sunday is Neighbour Day, an annual event held on the last Sunday in March each year. Founded in Melbourne in 2003, Neighbour Day has become a global event, promoting a sense of community.
OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..
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.
This week we suggest the following:
Wine Market - Real Wine Brands and Real Deals Online...
One of Melbourne's most infamous and mysterious crimes was the theft of a $7 million painting by Picasso from the National Gallery of Victoria - now known as NGV International.
Stolen in 1986, one of Picasso's most well-known paintings, Weeping Woman, was taken from its display in the National Gallery of Victoria by a group calling itself the Australian Cultural Terrorists who demanded a ten per cent increase in arts funding and an annual prize for painting "open to artists under thirty'.
The painting was recovered several weeks later from a luggage locker at Spencer Street railway station - now known as Southern Cross Station.
Although never caught, it's assumed that unlike the NGV or Southern Cross Station, the Australian Cultural Terrorists were happy with their moniker as it was.
Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for March 24 - March 30, 2008.
This week, show the world you care by switching off for Earth Hour! Melbourne's International Comedy Festival continues, and there's plenty of excitement with CERES Harvest Festival, experimental music with MIBEM, and family fun with Frankston Children's Day, Supanova Pop Culture Expo and Baywaster Truck Centre's Open Day! There's also action at the beach with the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival, and 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 Holiday 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!
Earth Hour
Earth Hour - This week, on Saturday 29 March, take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, simply by turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming. Earth Hour has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world and at 8pm this Saturday, millions of people in some of the world's major capital cities will unite and switch off!
Major Events Guide
CERES Harvest Festival, taking place on March 30 is a timeless and boundary-less celebration, where our multicultural community comes together, shares food and recipes, song and dance at CERES Community Environment Park in East Brunswick. Taste the gastronomical delights and traditional dishes from Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Africa, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Sri Lanka, Italy, Vietnam and Australia!
MIBEM - Melbourne International Biennale of Exploratory Music - is a six-day exploration of new music, running from March 28th to April 2nd. Taking place in various Melbourne music venues the line-up of the inaugural MIBEM features an expansive variety of contemporary music forms including improvisation, audio-visual works, composition, electronica, free jazz, noise rock and contemporary classical music.
Frankston Children's Day, held on Wednesday March 26 at Frankston's George Pentland Botanic Gardens, offers fun and entertainment for people of all ages with performances by Paul Jamieson the Music Man. Kids can also learn how to hoola hoop and fly a kite, take part in craft workshops, enjoy performances from Leo and Valanga's Kids Show and Hoops a Daisy, and be enthralled by storytelling with Linda Da Silva!
Supanova Pop Culture Expo, taking place between March 29 and 30 at the Melbourne Showgrounds' Exhibition Hall, is all about people having fun whether young or old! With special guests from classic and recent Sci-Fi shows and films, Supanova features exclusive film and anime screenings and trailers, gaming competitions, displays and more! The Expo is all about fun for young and old!
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!
This is not a shoe! - The Caravan of Love return for their third Comedy Festival, digging in their heels once more with a cabaret that takes a probing and comical look at the cultural significance of the humble shoe. The show runs until April 12 at Cherry Bar.
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
The Melbourne Story lets you explore Melbourne's history, learning about the unique evolvement in this latest exhibition at Melbourne Museum. With evocative stories, icons and personalities that have shaped Melbourne, the exhibition features over 1200 objects.
Trash This City, taking place Sunday at Fitzroy's All of the Above Gallery, is an interactive installation based around the game SIM CITY. Visitors will be able to move buildings and graffiti the streets, and also destroy the piece at night's end - just like in the game!
Birthday @ 696 - The Brunswick gallery, 696, celebrates its 1st birthday this Sunday with a special group show featuring many of 696's regular artists. The night features live performances, DJs, body painted models, raffles, give aways and more!
MF2 Midnight Fashion - Midnight Fashion returns on Friday with a fresh batch of Melbourne's young and prominent designers, showcasing their talent at the Royal Melbourne Hotel. Midnight Fashion offers the excitement of a catwalk amidst a nightclub feel.
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.
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.
Arts & Theatre
Melba Conservatorium will be holding a special performance on Wednesday with Sylvie Leprohon and Sarah Denholm playing Baroque and Romantic Flute and Piano works. Held as part of the Lunchtime Concert series in Richmond, admission is free.
Dimboola, A Wedding Reception Play - is the latest performance by Fly-On-The-Wall Theatre. One of Australia's most performed plays, Dimboola returns home to La Mama to celebrate it's premiere 39 years ago. It begins Wednesday and runs until April 13.
The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde's hilarious comedy, will play at Chapel Off Chapel for a strictly limited season with The Complete Bunbury Experience - croquet, waltzing, etiquette lessons, and cucumber sandwiches all before the show even begins!
The Merry Widow - The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Victoria will be performing Franz Lehar's operetta at the Alexander Theatre, beginning Saturday. Gorgeous and lavish, this wonderful favourite of opera finally returns to the stage in a stunning performance!
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.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Olodum, a Brazilian band known for powerful Samba-reggae rhythms, will perform on Tuesday at Hamer Hall in a sensational Australian music gig featuring 18 musicians, drums and percussion, vocals, melodic instruments, and dancers live on stage all at one time!
The Substitutes, Melbourne's most authentic '60s band, will be performing at the Williamstown RSL this Saturday. Performing songs that span the Beatles, Kinks, Small Faces, Yardbirds and more, The Substitutes deliver a classic '60s feel with real spirit!
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!
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 Wednesday... Brilliant Geek-Chic with the adaptation of Dan Clowes' comic, Ghostworld.
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
Motor Sport
Crusty Demons Night of World Records - This Saturday at Calder Park Raceway, Australian daredevil Robbie Maddison goes up against US riders Seth Enslow and Ryan Capes with all three fighting for the longest jump record, already held by Maddison.
Surfing
Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival, running until Saturday March 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 & 2
Round 1 continues with a match on Monday this week, with 4 more home games seeing out Round 2!
Monday at Telstra Dome Kangaroos v Essendon at 2.10pm
Saturday at The MCG Melbourne v Western Bulldogs at 2.10pm
Saturday at Telstra Dome St Kilda v Carlton at 7.10pm
Sunday at Telstra Dome Geelong v Essendon at 2.10pm
Sunday at The MCG Richmond v Kangaroos at 4.40pm
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
Bayswater Truck Centre OPEN Day - Bring the whole family to the annual Bayswater Truck Centre Open Day March 29th and support Convoy For Kids charity for Special Kids! With free showbags and drinks for the kids, there'll also be Face Painters and more!
King's Carnival, held Sunday at Armadale's King David School, is a family fete for the community to celebrate and enjoy! The day features food, rides, craft activities and more! Entry is free and this year includes roving performers and the ever-popular white elephant stall.
The Paperific Expo, held this week at Caulfield Racecourse, attracts exhibitors and visitors from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond, offering products, classes and free demonstrations in a range of paper crafts, scrapbooking and stamping.
Melbourne Market Guide 4th Week & 5th Weekend of Month
(Last week of this nonsense, thankfully!)
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, running until March 28th, is held at Skyhigh, located at Mount Dandenong. Kids 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.
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!
Mosque Open Day - On Sunday, Interfaith will be hosting an opportunity for members of the community to dispel misunderstandings about Australian Muslims with a tour of Sunshine's mosque. Entry is FREE and Turkish finger food will be served.
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..
Neighbour Day - Say G'Day On Sunday!
This Sunday is Neighbour Day, an annual event held on the last Sunday in March each year. Founded in Melbourne in 2003, Neighbour Day has become a global event, promoting a sense of community.
OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..
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.
This week we suggest the following:
Wine Market - Real Wine Brands and Real Deals Online...
One of Melbourne's most infamous and mysterious crimes was the theft of a $7 million painting by Picasso from the National Gallery of Victoria - now known as NGV International.
Stolen in 1986, one of Picasso's most well-known paintings, Weeping Woman, was taken from its display in the National Gallery of Victoria by a group calling itself the Australian Cultural Terrorists who demanded a ten per cent increase in arts funding and an annual prize for painting "open to artists under thirty'.
The painting was recovered several weeks later from a luggage locker at Spencer Street railway station - now known as Southern Cross Station.
Although never caught, it's assumed that unlike the NGV or Southern Cross Station, the Australian Cultural Terrorists were happy with their moniker as it was.
Earth Hour - This week, on Saturday 29 March, take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, simply by turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming. Earth Hour has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world and at 8pm this Saturday, millions of people in some of the world's major capital cities will unite and switch off!
Frankston Children's Day, held on Wednesday March 26 at Frankston's George Pentland Botanic Gardens, offers fun and entertainment for people of all ages with performances by Paul Jamieson the Music Man. Kids can also learn how to hoola hoop and fly a kite, take part in craft workshops, enjoy performances from Leo and Valanga's Kids Show and Hoops a Daisy, and be enthralled by storytelling with Linda Da Silva!
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.
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 Wednesday... Brilliant Geek-Chic with the adaptation of Dan Clowes' comic, Ghostworld.
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. 
Bayswater Truck Centre OPEN Day - Bring the whole family to the annual Bayswater Truck Centre Open Day March 29th and support Convoy For Kids charity for Special Kids! With free showbags and drinks for the kids, there'll also be Face Painters and more!
Melbourne Market Guide
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.
