Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for January 26 - February 1, 2009.
This week.. it all kicks off with a bang (or banger if you're one for BBQs) as Australia Day (or 'Shtrayla Day if you're one for BBQs and also plenty of beer) is celebrated this Monday with plenty of free events including the Voyages Concert in Federation Square, the Share the Spirit festival and also an entertaining Open Day at Government House.
The St Kilda Festival kicks off this week, while the St Jerome's Laneway Festival also returns, with each festival growing bigger and better each year. Meanwhile, the ball's still in Melbourne's court as the world's finest continue to dazzle in the Australian Tennis Open. Skandia Geelong Week also continues this week, along with the Murray River International Music Festival and much more.
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
What's On this Week is an overview of the (too many to mention) events happening this week in Melbourne. To see everything that is happening on any given day this week, view our What's On MELBOURNE Calendar
Australia Day is this Monday, beginning the week with a wide range of special events held to celebrate the day. Our guide can help you find something to do with more free events and activities that you'll find in Melbourne and throughout the suburbs with many local councils offering events such as BBQ days, Ceremonies and more.
The Australia Day Voyages Concert will this year celebrate not just Australia Day but also the Chinese New Year. The annual Voyages Concert, held at Federation Square on Monday, presents a two hour extravaganza titled Luna Niu or Moon Cow. The entertaining concert showcases Australia's cultural diversity with a mythical journey of art and culture, followed by fireworks. Share the Spirit is a free festival concert that takes place on Australia Day, also marking Survival Day, which recognises the original occupants of this country by celebrating Indigenous culture. Held in Treasury Gardens from 1pm to 7pm this Monday, the concert includes performances by Bart Willoughby, Archie Roach, and Deadly award-winner, Ruby Hunter.
Port Fairy Moyneyana Festival - Celebrate Australia Day in the beautiful town of Port Fairy, a perfect way to spend a long weekend. There'll be a range of free events held on Australia Day as part of the festival, including a free breakfast, ceremony and guest speakers on the Village Green, games and performances, and a free screening of Phar Lap in the evening. Great Australia Day Duck Race - It will be all ducks for themselves this Monday, when thousands of eager rubber ducks will race along a section of the Yarra River in Melbourne's Great Australia Day Duck Race! Watch a flotilla of numbered rubber ducks (with Lifesaver caps!) race in the middle of the Yarra River, located between the Engineers Lawn and the boatsheds.
Major Events Guide
St Kilda Festival, now a nine day event, opens this Saturday with the Yalukit Wilam Ngargee celebration at St Kilda's O'Donnell Gardens. A stand alone Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander cultural festival, the event features music, performances, visual arts, market stalls and a range of free children's activities, roving entertainers and workshops. The St Jerome's Laneway Festival returns this Sunday with the popular street party offering a program this year that includes live music, cinema, art installations and even ten pin bowling along with boutique fashion markets. With this year's event bigger and bolder, the Laneway Festival will be extended to Little Lonsdale Street and inside the QV building.
New Gold Mountain is a special festival event, presented by The Arts Centre and Australia Day Victoria. Continuing this Monday, the free event is a celebration of Chinese Australian heritage, arts and culture with attractions that include performances, a mini-hawkers market, a Chinese tea house, acrobats, noodle making demonstrations and more.
Skandia Geelong Week, Australia's largest sailing event, ends this week with special events taking place in Geelong to celebrate Australia Day this Monday. First held in 1844, Skandia Geelong Week features entertainment for the entire family, with shoreside activities, art and craft markets, street theatre and talented musical acts across two stages. The Murray River International Music Festival continues this week with a range of special concerts held in various venues in Mildura and along the Murray in Victoria. Running until Sunday, the festival program includes performances by players such as Zephyr, Freshwater Trio, Anthony Halliday, Sergio de Pieri and many other artists. Midsumma Festival continues this week, celebrating 21 years as Melbourne's premier Gay and Lesbian festival. With queer centric and queer friendly performances and entertainment, the festival offers includes special performances, cabaret, art exhibitions, community events and much more with an extensive program that runs until February 18.
The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival has special events and artist demonstrations taking place each weekend until April 13th. Held at the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in Toorak, which is accessible by boat with a punt service, there will be five groups exhibiting throughout the festival with special events held on Australia Day.
Upcoming Events
Grape Grazing in the Yarra Valley - This Valentines Day on February 14th, the Fun, Food and Friendship team of Melbourne Social Club invite you to come and join in one of Victoria's biggest celebrations, Grape Grazing. With a day package that includes a visit to three wineries, including Yering Farm, there will be live bands playing at each winery.
NEW LIVE CALENDAR
To find out about future events in Melbourne, have a look at our new calendar, with details about many more events that lie ahead, including Exhibitions, Gigs, Markets, Expos and more.. View Future Events on any day of the week
(Stupidly balmy nights notwithstanding!)
Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
Minuscule/Massive/En Masse is a new exhibition at Hand Held, a gallery in Bourke Street that specialises in artist made books and items. Beginning Tuesday, the exhibition is a playful display based around the experimental text 'Alley Cat Nomad', an unpublished novel by Adrian Lawson, using different formats, sizes and techniques to present the one book.
Lily Mae Martin will present her self-titled exhibition, opening this Sunday, at the Fitzroy gallery, Unpretentiously Underground. Running through February, her exhibition explores the tension of personal relationships between families, friends and partners with portraits that draw inspiration from everything from cartoons and contemporary comics to pre-renaissance fine art.
A Brief Encounter, an art exhibition of the latest collection by Jeff Rowland, features work that displays the cinematic style of work he's know for, while also showing a natural progression from both his style and subject matter with work that's inspired by the universal theme of romance and the bond that love can bring. It's now showing South Yarra's Artiq Galleries. Problematic Translators, now showing at Northcote's Immersion Therapy, is an exhibition by Sydney artist, Clara Chow. In what's her first show in Melbourne, Clara Chow uses Karaoke style videos, pseudo polling booths, and even Peking Operas to explore notions of identity by translating the original content from English to Cantonese and back to English again.
Max Dupain on Assignment is an exhibition that features many never seen before works by the late and legendary Australian photographer, Max Dupain, whose government work from the National Archives and Noel Butlin Archives Centre collections will be showcased with over 60 examples of Dupain's work. It runs until May at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne. Slight, the first solo exhibition by Corinne Bates, is a photographic installation that is currently showing at Brunswick Street Gallery. Comprised of images that capture transient light projected onto interior architecture, the images recede to the point where they verge upon non-existence, evoking quiet contemplation. The exhibition will run until this Thursday.
Affinity, showing at 69 Smith Street in Fitzroy as part of Midsumma Festival's art program, is a provocative photographic exhibition by Victorian photographer Rick Connors. The exhibition features a series of eleven untitled photographs that explore intimacy and the human form. Running until February 9, his work appears with four other artists at the gallery. Kisuguchi and Trouble in Toyland are two exhibitions that are now running at the Counihan Gallery in Brunswick. Kizuguchi, a Japanese word meaning 'wound or cut to the body', is explored by Keiko Murakami's exhibition of paintings featuring haunting doll-like figures, while Trouble in Toyland offers some bizarre and surreal takes on toys. The exhibitions end next Sunday. The Cunningham Dax Collection is currently showcasing two exhibitions, Beyond the Three Trees and Healing Childhood Trauma. With over 12,000 works by people who've experienced mental illness or psychological trauma, the Collection in Parkville is dedicated to the ethical exhibition of these works, using art to raise awareness of public mental health education.
Speaking for the Ordinary Man, now showing at St Kilda's Jewish Museum of Australia, is an exhibition of sculptures by Charles Aisen, a tinsmith whose sculptures trace not only his own life journey but that of many Jews who settled in Australia. His touching works evoke the traditional world of pre-war Poland and the immigrant experience in Carlton. The Water Hole is an exhibition by Swiss artists Gerda Steiner and J�rg Lenzlinger, who have created a stunning ecological fantasy-world in the main gallery of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Bringing together made and found objects to create extravagant, magical installations that are full of allegory and beauty, the exhibition will run until March 1st.
Hocus Pocus - Science and physics become mere playthings as the world of magic, with all its baroque, buoyant charm, comes to City Museum. Proving that magic is in Melbourne's blood, the exhibition shows how our city has radiated with wonder and possibility since its streets were first paved with gold, featuring souvenirs, tools, artworks and more dating back to the 1850s.
Expos & Open Days
Government House Open Day - To celebrate Australia Day this Monday, all citizens of Victoria and visitors are invited to visit Government House, one of Australia's finest buildings. With many rooms open to the public, activities include a tour of the house and picnic grounds and children's entertainment in the grounds. Open from 10am to 3pm, admission is free.
The Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show begins this Friday, offering something for everyone with displays, giveaways and fun for all the family with interactive entertainment, live music and much more. Running until Sunday at Docklands' Waterfront City Precincts, the expo features more than 80 exhibitors that include gourmet food, wine and fashion.
The Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living, beginning this Friday and running until Sunday at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, is the peak showcase attracting displays from the widest range of leading pool and spa manufacturers. This year's expo will also feature free seminars and workshops for a range of landscaping, outdoor living and entertaining products for your home.
Reed Gift Fairs, known as the major gift product expo, are one of the most anticipated events on the Gift industry calendar. The largest trade fair brand in Australia, Reed Gift Fairs will be exhibiting gift products including kitchenware, homewares, jewellery, fashion and more at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre beginning Saturday. The 44th Victorian Hot Rod Show continues this Monday, offering something for all motoring enthusiasts with a show that includes displays of classical and converted automobiles. Held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, the show features the finest hot rods, customs, street machines and classic vehicles from all over Australia.
Living Legends, a Historic Homestead in Greenvale that houses retired racehorses, will be holding a family picnic day to celebrate Australia Day. With a sausage sizzle on Monday, there'll also be kids' crafts, competitions, a treasure hunt and produce stalls. During the day there will also be tours of the historic homestead. Children under 14 are admitted free on the day.
Performances & Theatre
Zanna, Don't! is the award-winning Off-Broadway musical set in a topsy-turvy world where everyone grows up gay. Dancing to a score full of catchy tunes, the show by Quirky Productions offers hearty dollops of humour and a dab of magic amidst a message of embracing diversity set to challenge the way you view love. It begins Friday at Chapel Off Chapel.
Happy Chaps, presented by Devanesen Productions, is a humorous, haughty and heartfelt delve into the musical theatre closet that pays homage to musical theatre's 'Happy Chaps', celebrating the characters, composers and show themes that critique and commend the gay lifestyle of men and women. It plays Thursday to Saturday at Gasworks Theatre. Thy Will Be Done is part of a Double Bill, presented along with As You Do as part of the Midsumma Festival. Beginning at St Kilda's Theatre Works this Wednesday, Thy Will Be Done is the new play by Kevin McGreal, which explores the lives of a young Catholic Priest and a local musician who unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection when the priest is posted to Apollo Bay. Shakespeare in the Vines, presented by Essential Theatre, is a theatre series that sees Shakespeare's classic plays brought to the outdoors with performances held at various wineries and estates across Victoria. Their theatrical tour in 2009 will present the romantic comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream, with a performance held Saturday at Rowanston on the Track in Glenhope. Poor Boy, currently playing at Melbourne Theatre Company's Sumner Theatre in Southbank, is a play that features songs by Matt Cameron and Tim Finn. With an impressive cast that includes Guy Pearce, the thoughtful play tells the story of Jeremy Glass, a boy who on his seventh birthday announces that he is really a deceased man called Danny. I Can't Believe It's Not Countdown, It's A Musical Comedy is a show that takes us back to a time when the hair was big and the pants were tight. A hilarious send-up of Countdown, featuring the hits of the '70s and '80s, Michael Veitch plays the iconic Molly, while the voice of Countdown, Gavin Wood plays, well, Gavin Wood. It's now playing at the Palms at Crown.
The 39 Steps, now playing at the Arts Centre's Playhouse, is a theatrical comedy based on Alfred Hitchcock's classic spy thriller that has been brilliantly recreated for the stage. A smash hit on the West End and Broadway, The 39 Steps features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.
The Dream Children tells the story of a couple who've been trying to adopt a baby through legitimate means, but meet with no success until a chance post on the internet leads them to a pregnant street girl who is more than able to help them, or so they think. Held as part of 2009's Midsumma Festival, it's now showing at the Carlton Courthouse Theatre. This Is Our Youth, currently playing at Fortyfivedownstairs in the city, is a play by Inside Job Productions that tells the story of three kids approaching adulthood who find themselves in a world where they have no moral centre. Set in America during 1982 and the beginning of Reagan's era, it features Nicole da Silva of All Saints.
Grace, a collaboration between philosopher AC Grayling and theatre director Mick Gordon. Combining a powerful debate about faith with heartrending drama, the play sees scientist Grace Friedman become the country's most vocal advocate for atheism, while her own son becomes an Anglican priest. Performances are held at the Arts Centre.
The Taming of the Shrew is a fun night of Shakespeare Under The Stars with Glenn Elston's wildly entertaining production of the Bard's classic play. A story of a relationship that starts with fire and brimstone but leads to deep love and admiration, performances are being held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, with shows running from Tuesday to Sunday.
Billy Elliot the Musical is now playing at Her Majesty's Theatre. Based on the cult film, the stage production features music by Elton John and follows the journey of a young boy in a small mining town who stumbles across a ballet class while on his way to a boxing lesson, and realises that his future lies not in the boxing ring, as his father hoped, but on stage as a dancer.
Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, is the hit musical that tells the untold story of the legendary witches from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. When Dorothy famously triumphed in Oz, we only ever heard one side of the story. Now playing at the Regent Theatre, the creative team that brings the story to life includes many of Broadway's most celebrated talent.
Classical Performances
Dawn Upshaw, the internationally renowned Soprano, will be performing with the Australian Chamber Orchestra this Sunday and next Monday at The Arts Centre's Hamer Hall. Performing a repertoire that includes Mozart's 29th symphony, Upshaw will demonstrate the warmth, range and dramatic flair which has earned her numerous awards.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Twelve Foot Ninja will be playing this Friday at Melbourne's Ding Dong Lounge, supported by Tread and Midnight in April. A Melbourne based band, Twelve Foot Ninja describe themselves as a hyrid of genres as diverse as metal, dub, funk and world music, embracing the ethos of an iPod Shuffle by expressing themselves with varying musical styles. Cold Snap, a band that plays Chicago Blues, will be performing at Nighthawk Blues in Mentone this Friday night. The first gig of the year, beiginning their residency at the club, Cold Snap will be offering a dose of House Rockin' Chicago Blues as they rip into their tunes with a passion that's earning them a reputation as one of the hottest live blues acts in Victoria. Jazz at Canterbury Gardens - The City of Boroondara will present a free performance at Canterbury Gardens this Sunday with live jazz provided by The New Melbourne Jazz Band playing Swing and Dixieland, and The City Circle Jazz Band, a part of the Melbourne Tramways Band. Beginning at 2pm, the special concert will include a dance floor set up in the heritage gardens. Tall People United, a volunteer fundraising organisation, will hold their first event this Thursday at the Loft nightclub, raising money for Kids Helpline and Kampuchea House. With Tracy Bartram as MC for the night, the special event includes a silent auction, L'Oreal gift bags, fun competitions and the Guinness World Record attempt for "Largest Group of Tall People". Summer in the Vines is a great day of entertainment for the entire family, held at the Morning Star Estate in Mount Eliza this Monday. Rasing funds for OzChild, the day is a chance to experience the very best of food, wine and entertainment with performances by live musicians along with children's activities including a Jumping Castle, Face Painting, animals and more. Melbourne Zoo Twilights is a chance to enjoy music performed live at Melbourne Zoo. With performances held each Saturday and Sunday evening, the program runs until March 15, with this year's season boasting one of their best musical line-ups ever. Held on the zoo's concert lawn areas, each evening also includes selected species on display until 7.30pm.
Comedy
Happily Ever After, playing from Thursday to Sunday at South Melbourne's Butterfly Club, is a sassy and satirical cabaret featuring Princess FiFi herself advising on how to attain a royal title. Singing from the scriptures of Disney, FiFi will show her subjects how to become a Princess and how, by following her simple rules, to have a Happily Ever After of their own. Attack of the B-Grade Movie, by improv performance group The Baby Seals, features as part of the St Kilda Festival's Laughs Fest. The comedy features terrifying monsters, swooning heroes, the obligatory 5 foot femme fatale and more as the audience helps screenwriter Donald Mayer churn out his latest B-grade movie script. It begins Thursday at Pure Pop Records. Mz Josephine is Into The Pink is a gender romp of a cabaret that sees the bold Mz Josephine using the theme of Pink to revel in luscious, iconic ballads and surreal stories told through rose coloured glasses. Directed by Jacq Tamlyn and featuring Dave Evans on accordion, the playful cabaret will run for this week only from Thursday to Sunday at Chapel Off Chapel.
Cinema
The St Kilda Openair Cinema, beginning this Thursday, offers an eclectic mix of live music and entertainment provided by local and national artists. Running until February 19, the cinema is held on the rooftop of St Kilda Sea Baths and features a diverse program that includes retro classics, family films, and even documentaries and shorts from film festivals.
The Rooftop Cinema flickers into action with film screenings held each week from Tuesday to Sunday. Screening everything from cult favourites to new releases and documentaries, it's the height of entertainment with screenings held on the rooftop of Curtin House, located in Swanston Street, offering night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar.
Moonlight Cinema is back, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens. With screenings running until March 15th, the open air cinema features a program that includes latest releases, contemporary films and cult classic movies. A great way to spend a night out with friends and family, you can bring your own picnic or purchase dinner and drinks at the cinema.
DinoStory | Sand Sculpting Exhibition - Sand Sculpting Australia will again present a special display at the Frankston Waterfront with their newest theme, DinoStory. Featuring the work of sculptors from Australia and overseas, the sand carvings will take the form of dinosaurs in stunning detail. The exhibition runs throughout the holidays.
Amazing Antarctica - Melbourne Aquarium's amazing new Antarctica exhibit is open during the summer school holidays, offering a completely unique experience as Australia's only venue to feature sub-Antarctic penguins. Don't miss the daily penguin feeds where the keepers will help you discover more about the daily life of the Aquarium's newest residents!
Circus Shows
The Horseman From Snowy River is a show that brings Australia's love of horses to life with live performances held in Burnley Oval. A production of international horse master, Rene Gasser, his new show features some of the most beautiful horses in the world offering a stunning showcase of animal talent that also includes sheep and dogs. Shows are held Friday to Sunday.
Circus Sunrise Holiday Spectacular is an action-packed show for all the family, currently showing at Water Front City, located under the Southern Star Ferris Wheel. With special holiday shows held throughout the School Holidays, the circus will be presenting their Holiday Spectacular until Sunday. Circus Sunrise is a true family circus with lineage going back to 1648!
Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of one of the sculptures found at William Ricketts Sanctuary in Dandenong... See if you can spot them! Sign up for answers revealed in Next Week's Newsletter
Last week's answers are further down with Melbourne Trivia
Artz Blitz, held by Kingston Arts Centre is a 24-hour competition where entrants get the opportunity to create an artwork to a specific theme, exhibit in a dynamic exhibition and go into the running for over $3000 worth of prizes. With 180 places available for artists to pre-register, registrations close February 6 with the theme announced on 3RRR on later in February.
Community
The Gay & Lesbian Pride March, now in its 14th year, will be held this Sunday as the annual festivity takes over St Kilda's Fitzroy Street in a blaze of colour, noise and movement. The March will be preceded by a foot race held at 3:30pm before the punters set forth at 5pm with the March leading to Catani Gardens where the evening celebrations will be held. Sing your Soul, held this Saturday at the National Theatre in St Kilda, is a full-day workshop that can help you learn how to release your true voice. With a team of three specialists teaching their respective fields - two opera singers and a Reiki master - the day offers remarkably simple, fun exercises to explore the potential of your voice. Booking is essential.
Yoga at the Park is an initiative of The Health and Yoga Council of Australia, presenting Yoga classes in some of Victoria's most beautiful parks and gardens. Set in a relaxed environment, classes are designed to suit many age groups and levels of experience with lessons held each Sunday morning at 10am in various public parks around Melbourne.
Speakers Forum | Soapbox Oratory - Every Sunday afternoon, soapbox orators (that means you if you have something to say) take turns speaking on various topics from differing viewpoints on the State Library Lawns. Questions, comments, heckling and interjections are welcome from all, simply turn up on the day to participate or hear what others have to say.
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 or to benefit others. This week we ask you to consider the following..
The Great Australian Sunny Sizzle, presented by Interchange and held at Federation Square on 27th March, is a celebration to raise awareness of the needs of young people with a disability and their families. You can also hold a Sunny Sizzle BBQ at your workplace, school, sports club, or anywhere else, and help Interchange raise awareness of volunteering opportunities.
The Suzuki Night Market has returned to Queen Victoria Market, held weekly and running Wednesday nights through to February. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere. The Suzuki Night Market offers a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even two stages showcasing the best live music!
NEW LIVE CALENDAR
View MARKETS on any day of the week to make the most of the rare sunny days (it's a coin toss lately, isn't it!) and head to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs for a bargain!
A growing number of food, produce and even wine markets are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
Each week we highlight some of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community. Switchwise.com.au is a free and impartial service that compares electricity and gas prices and plans offered by all energy suppliers. By visiting their website you can find cheaper electricity and gas for your home and learn how to easily switch your supplier online in a few simple steps, effectively saving you hundreds of dollars every year.
Around Melbourne | Business & Cultural Guide - Around Melbourne is an online Information and Community guide to Melbourne and regional Victoria. Discover your city and its people today with information on Accommodation, Bars, Clubs, Local Restaurants, Free Business Listings, Forums, Bloggers, Melbourne Chat, AroundME TV and much more.
To find out how you can join Melbourne's largest online community Visit Here!
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Sporting Events
Golf
The Subaru Victorian Open Golf Championship begins this Thursday, offering the chance to witness some of Australia's top class golfers in action. Running until Sunday, the Vic Open will be played at Spring Valley Golf Club, located in Clayton South, with season tickets available from the Victorian Golf Association. Juniors under 16 years are admitted free of charge.
Tennis
The Australian Open continues this week, with Melbourne Park playing host to the hottest event on the Australian Tennis calendar. Running throughout the week until this Sunday, the Australian Open sees the world's finest tennis pros hitting the courts with matches held at Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and the Margaret Court Arena.
National Basketball League
Melbourne Tigers Home Game - Melbourne's own two teams go head to head this week, competing in the NBL Championships.
Melbourne Tigers vs. South Dragons
Monday 26 January
Game starts at 7:30pm
State Netball & Hockey Centre, Parkville
Dining & Drink
Barney's Bistro in Northcote is a great venue with a family friendly environment and fabulous food at very reasonable prices, open for lunch and dinner every day. Barney and the team present a menu to suit every taste plus there are nightly specials and kids meals, all in air-conditioned comfort so you can cool down after a hot day with a great meal!
Wining
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.
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Sun Wah in Mordialloc. Sun Wah will be offering an 8 Course Menu with Succulent Seafood, Specially Created New Year Dishes, Deakin Estate Champagne and much more. Held on January 30th and 31st, each night includes live entertainment, Karaoke, Traditional Lion Dance, Games, Prizes and Horoscopes, all for just $48.80 Per Head!
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
Melbourne Tours
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Melbourne, known for the Melbourne Cup, of course, is also the proud home of Australia's only museum dedicated to horseracing..
The Australian Racing Museum, located in Federation Square, features the first film footage ever taken in Australia of the 1896 Melbourne Cup, state of the art animations and even the skeleton of a famous racehorse.
Curiously, Australia's most famous racehorse, the great Phar Lap is not displayed here, but still located at the Museum of Victoria.
Speaking of what's on, our new calendar allows you to select any day of the year to view everything (everything!!!) on that day in an easy to read, printable display.
-:- View What's On Calendar
-:- View Markets Only Calendar
Melbourne On The Phone
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Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for January 26 - February 1, 2009.
This week.. it all kicks off with a bang (or banger if you're one for BBQs) as Australia Day (or 'Shtrayla Day if you're one for BBQs and also plenty of beer) is celebrated this Monday with plenty of free events including the Voyages Concert in Federation Square, the Share the Spirit festival and also an entertaining Open Day at Government House.
The St Kilda Festival kicks off this week, while the St Jerome's Laneway Festival also returns, with each festival growing bigger and better each year. Meanwhile, the ball's still in Melbourne's court as the world's finest continue to dazzle in the Australian Tennis Open. Skandia Geelong Week also continues this week, along with the Murray River International Music Festival and much more.
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
What's On this Week is an overview of the (too many to mention) events happening this week in Melbourne. To see everything that is happening on any given day this week, view our What's On MELBOURNE Calendar
Australia Day is this Monday, beginning the week with a wide range of special events held to celebrate the day. Our guide can help you find something to do with more free events and activities that you'll find in Melbourne and throughout the suburbs with many local councils offering events such as BBQ days, Ceremonies and more.
The Australia Day Voyages Concert will this year celebrate not just Australia Day but also the Chinese New Year. The annual Voyages Concert, held at Federation Square on Monday, presents a two hour extravaganza titled Luna Niu or Moon Cow. The entertaining concert showcases Australia's cultural diversity with a mythical journey of art and culture, followed by fireworks. Share the Spirit is a free festival concert that takes place on Australia Day, also marking Survival Day, which recognises the original occupants of this country by celebrating Indigenous culture. Held in Treasury Gardens from 1pm to 7pm this Monday, the concert includes performances by Bart Willoughby, Archie Roach, and Deadly award-winner, Ruby Hunter.
Port Fairy Moyneyana Festival - Celebrate Australia Day in the beautiful town of Port Fairy, a perfect way to spend a long weekend. There'll be a range of free events held on Australia Day as part of the festival, including a free breakfast, ceremony and guest speakers on the Village Green, games and performances, and a free screening of Phar Lap in the evening. Great Australia Day Duck Race - It will be all ducks for themselves this Monday, when thousands of eager rubber ducks will race along a section of the Yarra River in Melbourne's Great Australia Day Duck Race! Watch a flotilla of numbered rubber ducks (with Lifesaver caps!) race in the middle of the Yarra River, located between the Engineers Lawn and the boatsheds.
Major Events Guide
St Kilda Festival, now a nine day event, opens this Saturday with the Yalukit Wilam Ngargee celebration at St Kilda's O'Donnell Gardens. A stand alone Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander cultural festival, the event features music, performances, visual arts, market stalls and a range of free children's activities, roving entertainers and workshops. The St Jerome's Laneway Festival returns this Sunday with the popular street party offering a program this year that includes live music, cinema, art installations and even ten pin bowling along with boutique fashion markets. With this year's event bigger and bolder, the Laneway Festival will be extended to Little Lonsdale Street and inside the QV building.
New Gold Mountain is a special festival event, presented by The Arts Centre and Australia Day Victoria. Continuing this Monday, the free event is a celebration of Chinese Australian heritage, arts and culture with attractions that include performances, a mini-hawkers market, a Chinese tea house, acrobats, noodle making demonstrations and more.
Skandia Geelong Week, Australia's largest sailing event, ends this week with special events taking place in Geelong to celebrate Australia Day this Monday. First held in 1844, Skandia Geelong Week features entertainment for the entire family, with shoreside activities, art and craft markets, street theatre and talented musical acts across two stages. The Murray River International Music Festival continues this week with a range of special concerts held in various venues in Mildura and along the Murray in Victoria. Running until Sunday, the festival program includes performances by players such as Zephyr, Freshwater Trio, Anthony Halliday, Sergio de Pieri and many other artists. Midsumma Festival continues this week, celebrating 21 years as Melbourne's premier Gay and Lesbian festival. With queer centric and queer friendly performances and entertainment, the festival offers includes special performances, cabaret, art exhibitions, community events and much more with an extensive program that runs until February 18.
The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival has special events and artist demonstrations taking place each weekend until April 13th. Held at the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in Toorak, which is accessible by boat with a punt service, there will be five groups exhibiting throughout the festival with special events held on Australia Day.
Upcoming Events
Grape Grazing in the Yarra Valley - This Valentines Day on February 14th, the Fun, Food and Friendship team of Melbourne Social Club invite you to come and join in one of Victoria's biggest celebrations, Grape Grazing. With a day package that includes a visit to three wineries, including Yering Farm, there will be live bands playing at each winery.
NEW LIVE CALENDAR
To find out about future events in Melbourne, have a look at our new calendar, with details about many more events that lie ahead, including Exhibitions, Gigs, Markets, Expos and more.. View Future Events on any day of the week
(Stupidly balmy nights notwithstanding!)
Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
Minuscule/Massive/En Masse is a new exhibition at Hand Held, a gallery in Bourke Street that specialises in artist made books and items. Beginning Tuesday, the exhibition is a playful display based around the experimental text 'Alley Cat Nomad', an unpublished novel by Adrian Lawson, using different formats, sizes and techniques to present the one book.
Lily Mae Martin will present her self-titled exhibition, opening this Sunday, at the Fitzroy gallery, Unpretentiously Underground. Running through February, her exhibition explores the tension of personal relationships between families, friends and partners with portraits that draw inspiration from everything from cartoons and contemporary comics to pre-renaissance fine art.
A Brief Encounter, an art exhibition of the latest collection by Jeff Rowland, features work that displays the cinematic style of work he's know for, while also showing a natural progression from both his style and subject matter with work that's inspired by the universal theme of romance and the bond that love can bring. It's now showing South Yarra's Artiq Galleries. Problematic Translators, now showing at Northcote's Immersion Therapy, is an exhibition by Sydney artist, Clara Chow. In what's her first show in Melbourne, Clara Chow uses Karaoke style videos, pseudo polling booths, and even Peking Operas to explore notions of identity by translating the original content from English to Cantonese and back to English again.
Max Dupain on Assignment is an exhibition that features many never seen before works by the late and legendary Australian photographer, Max Dupain, whose government work from the National Archives and Noel Butlin Archives Centre collections will be showcased with over 60 examples of Dupain's work. It runs until May at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne. Slight, the first solo exhibition by Corinne Bates, is a photographic installation that is currently showing at Brunswick Street Gallery. Comprised of images that capture transient light projected onto interior architecture, the images recede to the point where they verge upon non-existence, evoking quiet contemplation. The exhibition will run until this Thursday.
Affinity, showing at 69 Smith Street in Fitzroy as part of Midsumma Festival's art program, is a provocative photographic exhibition by Victorian photographer Rick Connors. The exhibition features a series of eleven untitled photographs that explore intimacy and the human form. Running until February 9, his work appears with four other artists at the gallery. Kisuguchi and Trouble in Toyland are two exhibitions that are now running at the Counihan Gallery in Brunswick. Kizuguchi, a Japanese word meaning 'wound or cut to the body', is explored by Keiko Murakami's exhibition of paintings featuring haunting doll-like figures, while Trouble in Toyland offers some bizarre and surreal takes on toys. The exhibitions end next Sunday. The Cunningham Dax Collection is currently showcasing two exhibitions, Beyond the Three Trees and Healing Childhood Trauma. With over 12,000 works by people who've experienced mental illness or psychological trauma, the Collection in Parkville is dedicated to the ethical exhibition of these works, using art to raise awareness of public mental health education.
Speaking for the Ordinary Man, now showing at St Kilda's Jewish Museum of Australia, is an exhibition of sculptures by Charles Aisen, a tinsmith whose sculptures trace not only his own life journey but that of many Jews who settled in Australia. His touching works evoke the traditional world of pre-war Poland and the immigrant experience in Carlton. The Water Hole is an exhibition by Swiss artists Gerda Steiner and J�rg Lenzlinger, who have created a stunning ecological fantasy-world in the main gallery of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Bringing together made and found objects to create extravagant, magical installations that are full of allegory and beauty, the exhibition will run until March 1st.
Hocus Pocus - Science and physics become mere playthings as the world of magic, with all its baroque, buoyant charm, comes to City Museum. Proving that magic is in Melbourne's blood, the exhibition shows how our city has radiated with wonder and possibility since its streets were first paved with gold, featuring souvenirs, tools, artworks and more dating back to the 1850s.
Expos & Open Days
Government House Open Day - To celebrate Australia Day this Monday, all citizens of Victoria and visitors are invited to visit Government House, one of Australia's finest buildings. With many rooms open to the public, activities include a tour of the house and picnic grounds and children's entertainment in the grounds. Open from 10am to 3pm, admission is free.
The Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show begins this Friday, offering something for everyone with displays, giveaways and fun for all the family with interactive entertainment, live music and much more. Running until Sunday at Docklands' Waterfront City Precincts, the expo features more than 80 exhibitors that include gourmet food, wine and fashion.
The Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living, beginning this Friday and running until Sunday at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, is the peak showcase attracting displays from the widest range of leading pool and spa manufacturers. This year's expo will also feature free seminars and workshops for a range of landscaping, outdoor living and entertaining products for your home.
Reed Gift Fairs, known as the major gift product expo, are one of the most anticipated events on the Gift industry calendar. The largest trade fair brand in Australia, Reed Gift Fairs will be exhibiting gift products including kitchenware, homewares, jewellery, fashion and more at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre beginning Saturday. The 44th Victorian Hot Rod Show continues this Monday, offering something for all motoring enthusiasts with a show that includes displays of classical and converted automobiles. Held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, the show features the finest hot rods, customs, street machines and classic vehicles from all over Australia.
Living Legends, a Historic Homestead in Greenvale that houses retired racehorses, will be holding a family picnic day to celebrate Australia Day. With a sausage sizzle on Monday, there'll also be kids' crafts, competitions, a treasure hunt and produce stalls. During the day there will also be tours of the historic homestead. Children under 14 are admitted free on the day.
Performances & Theatre
Zanna, Don't! is the award-winning Off-Broadway musical set in a topsy-turvy world where everyone grows up gay. Dancing to a score full of catchy tunes, the show by Quirky Productions offers hearty dollops of humour and a dab of magic amidst a message of embracing diversity set to challenge the way you view love. It begins Friday at Chapel Off Chapel.
Happy Chaps, presented by Devanesen Productions, is a humorous, haughty and heartfelt delve into the musical theatre closet that pays homage to musical theatre's 'Happy Chaps', celebrating the characters, composers and show themes that critique and commend the gay lifestyle of men and women. It plays Thursday to Saturday at Gasworks Theatre. Thy Will Be Done is part of a Double Bill, presented along with As You Do as part of the Midsumma Festival. Beginning at St Kilda's Theatre Works this Wednesday, Thy Will Be Done is the new play by Kevin McGreal, which explores the lives of a young Catholic Priest and a local musician who unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection when the priest is posted to Apollo Bay. Shakespeare in the Vines, presented by Essential Theatre, is a theatre series that sees Shakespeare's classic plays brought to the outdoors with performances held at various wineries and estates across Victoria. Their theatrical tour in 2009 will present the romantic comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream, with a performance held Saturday at Rowanston on the Track in Glenhope. Poor Boy, currently playing at Melbourne Theatre Company's Sumner Theatre in Southbank, is a play that features songs by Matt Cameron and Tim Finn. With an impressive cast that includes Guy Pearce, the thoughtful play tells the story of Jeremy Glass, a boy who on his seventh birthday announces that he is really a deceased man called Danny. I Can't Believe It's Not Countdown, It's A Musical Comedy is a show that takes us back to a time when the hair was big and the pants were tight. A hilarious send-up of Countdown, featuring the hits of the '70s and '80s, Michael Veitch plays the iconic Molly, while the voice of Countdown, Gavin Wood plays, well, Gavin Wood. It's now playing at the Palms at Crown.
The 39 Steps, now playing at the Arts Centre's Playhouse, is a theatrical comedy based on Alfred Hitchcock's classic spy thriller that has been brilliantly recreated for the stage. A smash hit on the West End and Broadway, The 39 Steps features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.
The Dream Children tells the story of a couple who've been trying to adopt a baby through legitimate means, but meet with no success until a chance post on the internet leads them to a pregnant street girl who is more than able to help them, or so they think. Held as part of 2009's Midsumma Festival, it's now showing at the Carlton Courthouse Theatre. This Is Our Youth, currently playing at Fortyfivedownstairs in the city, is a play by Inside Job Productions that tells the story of three kids approaching adulthood who find themselves in a world where they have no moral centre. Set in America during 1982 and the beginning of Reagan's era, it features Nicole da Silva of All Saints.
Grace, a collaboration between philosopher AC Grayling and theatre director Mick Gordon. Combining a powerful debate about faith with heartrending drama, the play sees scientist Grace Friedman become the country's most vocal advocate for atheism, while her own son becomes an Anglican priest. Performances are held at the Arts Centre.
The Taming of the Shrew is a fun night of Shakespeare Under The Stars with Glenn Elston's wildly entertaining production of the Bard's classic play. A story of a relationship that starts with fire and brimstone but leads to deep love and admiration, performances are being held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, with shows running from Tuesday to Sunday.
Billy Elliot the Musical is now playing at Her Majesty's Theatre. Based on the cult film, the stage production features music by Elton John and follows the journey of a young boy in a small mining town who stumbles across a ballet class while on his way to a boxing lesson, and realises that his future lies not in the boxing ring, as his father hoped, but on stage as a dancer.
Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, is the hit musical that tells the untold story of the legendary witches from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. When Dorothy famously triumphed in Oz, we only ever heard one side of the story. Now playing at the Regent Theatre, the creative team that brings the story to life includes many of Broadway's most celebrated talent.
Classical Performances
Dawn Upshaw, the internationally renowned Soprano, will be performing with the Australian Chamber Orchestra this Sunday and next Monday at The Arts Centre's Hamer Hall. Performing a repertoire that includes Mozart's 29th symphony, Upshaw will demonstrate the warmth, range and dramatic flair which has earned her numerous awards.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Twelve Foot Ninja will be playing this Friday at Melbourne's Ding Dong Lounge, supported by Tread and Midnight in April. A Melbourne based band, Twelve Foot Ninja describe themselves as a hyrid of genres as diverse as metal, dub, funk and world music, embracing the ethos of an iPod Shuffle by expressing themselves with varying musical styles. Cold Snap, a band that plays Chicago Blues, will be performing at Nighthawk Blues in Mentone this Friday night. The first gig of the year, beiginning their residency at the club, Cold Snap will be offering a dose of House Rockin' Chicago Blues as they rip into their tunes with a passion that's earning them a reputation as one of the hottest live blues acts in Victoria. Jazz at Canterbury Gardens - The City of Boroondara will present a free performance at Canterbury Gardens this Sunday with live jazz provided by The New Melbourne Jazz Band playing Swing and Dixieland, and The City Circle Jazz Band, a part of the Melbourne Tramways Band. Beginning at 2pm, the special concert will include a dance floor set up in the heritage gardens. Tall People United, a volunteer fundraising organisation, will hold their first event this Thursday at the Loft nightclub, raising money for Kids Helpline and Kampuchea House. With Tracy Bartram as MC for the night, the special event includes a silent auction, L'Oreal gift bags, fun competitions and the Guinness World Record attempt for "Largest Group of Tall People". Summer in the Vines is a great day of entertainment for the entire family, held at the Morning Star Estate in Mount Eliza this Monday. Rasing funds for OzChild, the day is a chance to experience the very best of food, wine and entertainment with performances by live musicians along with children's activities including a Jumping Castle, Face Painting, animals and more. Melbourne Zoo Twilights is a chance to enjoy music performed live at Melbourne Zoo. With performances held each Saturday and Sunday evening, the program runs until March 15, with this year's season boasting one of their best musical line-ups ever. Held on the zoo's concert lawn areas, each evening also includes selected species on display until 7.30pm.
Comedy
Happily Ever After, playing from Thursday to Sunday at South Melbourne's Butterfly Club, is a sassy and satirical cabaret featuring Princess FiFi herself advising on how to attain a royal title. Singing from the scriptures of Disney, FiFi will show her subjects how to become a Princess and how, by following her simple rules, to have a Happily Ever After of their own. Attack of the B-Grade Movie, by improv performance group The Baby Seals, features as part of the St Kilda Festival's Laughs Fest. The comedy features terrifying monsters, swooning heroes, the obligatory 5 foot femme fatale and more as the audience helps screenwriter Donald Mayer churn out his latest B-grade movie script. It begins Thursday at Pure Pop Records. Mz Josephine is Into The Pink is a gender romp of a cabaret that sees the bold Mz Josephine using the theme of Pink to revel in luscious, iconic ballads and surreal stories told through rose coloured glasses. Directed by Jacq Tamlyn and featuring Dave Evans on accordion, the playful cabaret will run for this week only from Thursday to Sunday at Chapel Off Chapel.
Cinema
The St Kilda Openair Cinema, beginning this Thursday, offers an eclectic mix of live music and entertainment provided by local and national artists. Running until February 19, the cinema is held on the rooftop of St Kilda Sea Baths and features a diverse program that includes retro classics, family films, and even documentaries and shorts from film festivals.
The Rooftop Cinema flickers into action with film screenings held each week from Tuesday to Sunday. Screening everything from cult favourites to new releases and documentaries, it's the height of entertainment with screenings held on the rooftop of Curtin House, located in Swanston Street, offering night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar.
Moonlight Cinema is back, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens. With screenings running until March 15th, the open air cinema features a program that includes latest releases, contemporary films and cult classic movies. A great way to spend a night out with friends and family, you can bring your own picnic or purchase dinner and drinks at the cinema.
DinoStory | Sand Sculpting Exhibition - Sand Sculpting Australia will again present a special display at the Frankston Waterfront with their newest theme, DinoStory. Featuring the work of sculptors from Australia and overseas, the sand carvings will take the form of dinosaurs in stunning detail. The exhibition runs throughout the holidays.
Amazing Antarctica - Melbourne Aquarium's amazing new Antarctica exhibit is open during the summer school holidays, offering a completely unique experience as Australia's only venue to feature sub-Antarctic penguins. Don't miss the daily penguin feeds where the keepers will help you discover more about the daily life of the Aquarium's newest residents!
Circus Shows
The Horseman From Snowy River is a show that brings Australia's love of horses to life with live performances held in Burnley Oval. A production of international horse master, Rene Gasser, his new show features some of the most beautiful horses in the world offering a stunning showcase of animal talent that also includes sheep and dogs. Shows are held Friday to Sunday.
Circus Sunrise Holiday Spectacular is an action-packed show for all the family, currently showing at Water Front City, located under the Southern Star Ferris Wheel. With special holiday shows held throughout the School Holidays, the circus will be presenting their Holiday Spectacular until Sunday. Circus Sunrise is a true family circus with lineage going back to 1648!
Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of one of the sculptures found at William Ricketts Sanctuary in Dandenong... See if you can spot them! Sign up for answers revealed in Next Week's Newsletter
Last week's answers are further down with Melbourne Trivia
Artz Blitz, held by Kingston Arts Centre is a 24-hour competition where entrants get the opportunity to create an artwork to a specific theme, exhibit in a dynamic exhibition and go into the running for over $3000 worth of prizes. With 180 places available for artists to pre-register, registrations close February 6 with the theme announced on 3RRR on later in February.
Community
The Gay & Lesbian Pride March, now in its 14th year, will be held this Sunday as the annual festivity takes over St Kilda's Fitzroy Street in a blaze of colour, noise and movement. The March will be preceded by a foot race held at 3:30pm before the punters set forth at 5pm with the March leading to Catani Gardens where the evening celebrations will be held. Sing your Soul, held this Saturday at the National Theatre in St Kilda, is a full-day workshop that can help you learn how to release your true voice. With a team of three specialists teaching their respective fields - two opera singers and a Reiki master - the day offers remarkably simple, fun exercises to explore the potential of your voice. Booking is essential.
Yoga at the Park is an initiative of The Health and Yoga Council of Australia, presenting Yoga classes in some of Victoria's most beautiful parks and gardens. Set in a relaxed environment, classes are designed to suit many age groups and levels of experience with lessons held each Sunday morning at 10am in various public parks around Melbourne.
Speakers Forum | Soapbox Oratory - Every Sunday afternoon, soapbox orators (that means you if you have something to say) take turns speaking on various topics from differing viewpoints on the State Library Lawns. Questions, comments, heckling and interjections are welcome from all, simply turn up on the day to participate or hear what others have to say.
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 or to benefit others. This week we ask you to consider the following..
The Great Australian Sunny Sizzle, presented by Interchange and held at Federation Square on 27th March, is a celebration to raise awareness of the needs of young people with a disability and their families. You can also hold a Sunny Sizzle BBQ at your workplace, school, sports club, or anywhere else, and help Interchange raise awareness of volunteering opportunities.
The Suzuki Night Market has returned to Queen Victoria Market, held weekly and running Wednesday nights through to February. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere. The Suzuki Night Market offers a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even two stages showcasing the best live music!
NEW LIVE CALENDAR
View MARKETS on any day of the week to make the most of the rare sunny days (it's a coin toss lately, isn't it!) and head to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs for a bargain!
A growing number of food, produce and even wine markets are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
Each week we highlight some of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community. Switchwise.com.au is a free and impartial service that compares electricity and gas prices and plans offered by all energy suppliers. By visiting their website you can find cheaper electricity and gas for your home and learn how to easily switch your supplier online in a few simple steps, effectively saving you hundreds of dollars every year.
Around Melbourne | Business & Cultural Guide - Around Melbourne is an online Information and Community guide to Melbourne and regional Victoria. Discover your city and its people today with information on Accommodation, Bars, Clubs, Local Restaurants, Free Business Listings, Forums, Bloggers, Melbourne Chat, AroundME TV and much more.
To find out how you can join Melbourne's largest online community Visit Here!
This week we suggest the following:
Z Web Design - Competitively priced web design & more...
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!
Sporting Events
Golf
The Subaru Victorian Open Golf Championship begins this Thursday, offering the chance to witness some of Australia's top class golfers in action. Running until Sunday, the Vic Open will be played at Spring Valley Golf Club, located in Clayton South, with season tickets available from the Victorian Golf Association. Juniors under 16 years are admitted free of charge.
Tennis
The Australian Open continues this week, with Melbourne Park playing host to the hottest event on the Australian Tennis calendar. Running throughout the week until this Sunday, the Australian Open sees the world's finest tennis pros hitting the courts with matches held at Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and the Margaret Court Arena.
National Basketball League
Melbourne Tigers Home Game - Melbourne's own two teams go head to head this week, competing in the NBL Championships.
Melbourne Tigers vs. South Dragons
Monday 26 January
Game starts at 7:30pm
State Netball & Hockey Centre, Parkville
Dining & Drink
Barney's Bistro in Northcote is a great venue with a family friendly environment and fabulous food at very reasonable prices, open for lunch and dinner every day. Barney and the team present a menu to suit every taste plus there are nightly specials and kids meals, all in air-conditioned comfort so you can cool down after a hot day with a great meal!
Wining
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.
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Sun Wah in Mordialloc. Sun Wah will be offering an 8 Course Menu with Succulent Seafood, Specially Created New Year Dishes, Deakin Estate Champagne and much more. Held on January 30th and 31st, each night includes live entertainment, Karaoke, Traditional Lion Dance, Games, Prizes and Horoscopes, all for just $48.80 Per Head!
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
Melbourne Tours
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!
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Melbourne, known for the Melbourne Cup, of course, is also the proud home of Australia's only museum dedicated to horseracing..
The Australian Racing Museum, located in Federation Square, features the first film footage ever taken in Australia of the 1896 Melbourne Cup, state of the art animations and even the skeleton of a famous racehorse.
Curiously, Australia's most famous racehorse, the great Phar Lap is not displayed here, but still located at the Museum of Victoria.
Speaking of what's on, our new calendar allows you to select any day of the year to view everything (everything!!!) on that day in an easy to read, printable display.
-:- View What's On Calendar
-:- View Markets Only Calendar
Melbourne On The Phone
OnlyMelbourne is now mobile phone compatible. Yes, our pages are formatted to be viewed on the small screen. To view our mobile phone website, go directly to our home page with your web compatible mobile phone and you will automatically be redirected to the mobile compatible version of OnlyMelbourne.
NEW LIVE CALENDAR 
Hocus Pocus - Science and physics become mere playthings as the world of magic, with all its baroque, buoyant charm, comes to City Museum. Proving that magic is in Melbourne's blood, the exhibition shows how our city has radiated with wonder and possibility since its streets were first paved with gold, featuring souvenirs, tools, artworks and more dating back to the 1850s.
The Taming of the Shrew is a fun night of Shakespeare Under The Stars with Glenn Elston's wildly entertaining production of the Bard's classic play. A story of a relationship that starts with fire and brimstone but leads to deep love and admiration, performances are being held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, with shows running from Tuesday to Sunday.
Billy Elliot the Musical is now playing at Her Majesty's Theatre. Based on the cult film, the stage production features music by Elton John and follows the journey of a young boy in a small mining town who stumbles across a ballet class while on his way to a boxing lesson, and realises that his future lies not in the boxing ring, as his father hoped, but on stage as a dancer.
Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, is the hit musical that tells the untold story of the legendary witches from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. When Dorothy famously triumphed in Oz, we only ever heard one side of the story. Now playing at the Regent Theatre, the creative team that brings the story to life includes many of Broadway's most celebrated talent.
The Rooftop Cinema flickers into action with film screenings held each week from Tuesday to Sunday. Screening everything from cult favourites to new releases and documentaries, it's the height of entertainment with screenings held on the rooftop of Curtin House, located in Swanston Street, offering night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar.
Moonlight Cinema is back, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens. With screenings running until March 15th, the open air cinema features a program that includes latest releases, contemporary films and cult classic movies. A great way to spend a night out with friends and family, you can bring your own picnic or purchase dinner and drinks at the cinema.
DinoStory | Sand Sculpting Exhibition - Sand Sculpting Australia will again present a special display at the Frankston Waterfront with their newest theme, DinoStory. Featuring the work of sculptors from Australia and overseas, the sand carvings will take the form of dinosaurs in stunning detail. The exhibition runs throughout the holidays.
Amazing Antarctica - Melbourne Aquarium's amazing new Antarctica exhibit is open during the summer school holidays, offering a completely unique experience as Australia's only venue to feature sub-Antarctic penguins. Don't miss the daily penguin feeds where the keepers will help you discover more about the daily life of the Aquarium's newest residents!
The Horseman From Snowy River is a show that brings Australia's love of horses to life with live performances held in Burnley Oval. A production of international horse master, Rene Gasser, his new show features some of the most beautiful horses in the world offering a stunning showcase of animal talent that also includes sheep and dogs. Shows are held Friday to Sunday.
Circus Sunrise Holiday Spectacular is an action-packed show for all the family, currently showing at Water Front City, located under the Southern Star Ferris Wheel. With special holiday shows held throughout the School Holidays, the circus will be presenting their Holiday Spectacular until Sunday. Circus Sunrise is a true family circus with lineage going back to 1648!
Artz Blitz, held by Kingston Arts Centre is a 24-hour competition where entrants get the opportunity to create an artwork to a specific theme, exhibit in a dynamic exhibition and go into the running for over $3000 worth of prizes. With 180 places available for artists to pre-register, registrations close February 6 with the theme announced on 3RRR on later in February.
Speakers Forum | Soapbox Oratory - Every Sunday afternoon, soapbox orators (that means you if you have something to say) take turns speaking on various topics from differing viewpoints on the State Library Lawns. Questions, comments, heckling and interjections are welcome from all, simply turn up on the day to participate or hear what others have to say.
The Suzuki Night Market has returned to Queen Victoria Market, held weekly and running Wednesday nights through to February. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere. The Suzuki Night Market offers a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even two stages showcasing the best live music!
A growing number of food, produce and even wine markets are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
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.
OnlyMelbourne is now mobile phone compatible. Yes, our pages are formatted to be viewed on the small screen. To view our mobile phone website, go directly to our home page with your web compatible mobile phone and you will automatically be redirected to the mobile compatible version of OnlyMelbourne.
