New Year's Eve Fireworks in the Docklands

Every year, hundreds of people come to the Docklands to celebrate New Year's Eve.

Many decide to stay at one of the serviced/self-catered apartments in the area and watch the fireworks from their apartment windows.

Others will make reservations at one of the restaurants by the harbour and enjoy the festivities with some bubbly and nibbles.

Younger folk may decide that a night of partying at one of the pubs or nightclubs in the best option for their NYE celebration.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you don't miss the fireworks at midnight.

Fireworks in the Docklands

Pyramid Rock Festival 2011 - Dec 29 to Jan 1st

Another countdown to a new year with the Pyramid Rock festival on Phillip Island.  Only 14 days to go until you can see some of your favourite artists!

This year you can listen to Scissor Sisters, Gotye (we love Gotye!) and many others. Tickets are on sale now at selected retail stores, but grab yours quickly as they are sure to disappear fast!

The Venue

Pyramid Rock is an impressive feature of PhillipIsland

The festival venue is located close to Pyramid Rock located on beautiful Phillip Island. Pyramid Rock is a fascinating feature of the island, so make sure you take pictures. To read more about the venue click here.

To get an idea of what to expect, watch this video about Pyramid Rock 2010.



Visit the Pyramid Rock Festival website.
For ticketing information, please click here.
To see a list of performers, click here.

What's cooking for Christmas?

Only 2 weeks to Christmas and I bet some of you are already thinking about what you will make for Christmas dinner and lunch.

In a previous post, we suggested you give yourself a break and go out for a succulent Christmas lunch or dinner - a great idea for those who don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen!

However, for those of you who enjoy the fine art of meal making and entertaining, we would like to suggest a few ideas for your Christmas menu.

1. Go spanish with the tapas!

Tapas is great for Christmas party gatherings, especially if all your guests don't know each other. Create a nice atmosphere, get some good wine and some interesting finger foods which will get your guests talking. Try some cured meats, olives, cheeses and the tortilla de patatas (Spanish Omelette).

For a recipe of the Spanish Omelette, click here. Trust me, it will be one of the best things you have ever eaten!

2. The Bûche de Noël, most commnoly known as The Yule Log

Yummy Yule Log

Eaten mostly in Great Britain and French Speaking Europe, the Yule Log is a delicacy you will love and which will delight your family and your guests. We found a terrific recipe on the Junior MasterChef website which you may want to try. Note: you can even try it after Christmas as a treat for the family.

3. Roast Turkey for a traditional Christmas menu

Who could forget the roast, a traditional Christmas main in Anglo-saxon countries, the roast turkey is not hard to make. If you're not into turkey that much, try roast chicken instead, and be adventurous with the stuffing. Surf the net for recipes, each more tempting that the other! We would like to share one which looks particularly tantalising, the lemon roast turkey with hazelnut and fig stuffing....yummy!!


4. Christmas BBQ 

Neil Perry's BBQ Freshwater Prawns in a Herb & Spice Paste

It is well known that Australian love their BBQs. As Christmas is in the hot summer months, a BBQ outdoors is perfect for a relaxed family gathering. Try some seafood this Christmas - we found you a recipe from Neil Perry here. Accompany the dish with some chilled white wine et voila!

5. Gingerbread house

A favourite in European countries like France, Germany and Sweden. If you like the gingerbread man then you will love the gingerbread house. It isn't as complicated as it looks, and is a great way to keep the kids occupied while you go about preparing the other items on your menu. Try it this Christmas!

For more recipes, try my favorite site - just looking at the images will make you hungry!
Unending list of Christmas desserts
Christmas menu plans

So tell us, what will you be cooking this Christmas?

Christmas in Phillip Island

If you go to Phillip Island this December, there won’t be a lack of things to do and see. Phillip Island is truly perfect for family holidays – close to the beach, nature parks and great food.

Listen to Christmas Carols

Between the 15-20th of December 2011, you can go listen to (and even sing) some Christmas carols with the kids in various location. Christmas Carols will be in San Remo, Wothaggi, Cowes and several other location. We personally like the idea of Carols by the Bay.

Go to the beach

Cowes Beach - one of many beauties located on Phillip Isand

We've been told it's going to be a hot summer so why not spend Christmas by the beach? There are several places on the island where you can rent a beach house for a few days and organise a perfect summer Christmas. Our recommendation would be The Burrow, located in Ventnor and a short stroll away from a safe sandy beach!

Wish the wildlife a Merry Christmas

A favourite with the kids for sure! This Christmas, take your family to one of the wildlife parks on Phillip Island. Koalas, kangaroos, dingos, parrots and many more beautiful animals are waiting for you. On Phillip Island, you can visit the Phillip Island Wildlife Park and learn about all sorts of animals. At Maru animal park, you can even pat a koala - how cool is that?

How about dinner?

There are plenty of cafes and restaurant where you can go for Christmas lunch and dinner on the island - all you have to do is explore! 

Of course, if you decide to rent a house for the duration of your stay, ask the owner if there is a BBQ area in the property. A family BBQ always makes a great Christmas.

What are you doing this Christmas?

We never tire of telling you how wonderful Docklands is! Today we round up what Docklands can offer you and your family for the coming Christmas holidays.

Let's talk about Christmas shopping

Did you know that Harbour Town Docklands has some of the best bargains in Melbourne? You can something for everyone, whether they like jewelry, great shoes, sports, homewares or toys!

I went shopping at Harbour Town during lunch time yesterday and I intend on going back this weekend. Maybe I'll get mum a nice bracelet, or get dad some new leather shoes....and then get myself that dress I have been eyeing for a week....

And if the choice is too hard, you can always get them a Harbour Town gift card. For details about the card and a list of stores that accept them click here.

Eat at Docklands

We love Docklands and so should you!

On a sunny day, you can take a stroll along the New Quay precinct where fabulous restaurants await you. We have tried several and we can tell you that the food is great!

If you are a large group, try something like the New Quay International Buffet and Bar. With an immense variety of dishes (excellent seafood by the way), delicious deserts, friendly staff  and beautiful setting this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

You could also try a little Middle Eastern cuisine with Meccah Bah, or be adventurous and go for some spicy indian food at Bhoj.

Lunch at Bhoj

Walk down New Quay and explore the possibilities, or make your choice online by visiting the New Quay precinct website.

You could also stroll down to Central Pier and try the food at Va Bene restaurant. The pizzas are scrumptious! Stop by for lunch and try the grazing platter, or maybe take your friends out for dinner before having some drinks at the pubs nearby.

Va Bene grazing platter..yumm!!

Meet Santa at Wonderland Fun Park

From December 8th to 24th, Wonderland Fun Park will be holding Santa's Christmas Spectacular 2011. The kids can visit Santa's stable, send a letter to the North Pole, meet Santa's elves and meet Santa himself! Click here to view Santa's Christmas Spectacular 2011 flyer.

Buy your ticket on site or online. Tickets include:

• Entry to Santa's wonderland
• Unlimited rides
• A gift for each child
• A photo with Santa

Sounds pretty good if you ask me. You can learn more on the Wonderland Fun Park website.

Catch up for nibbles and drinks with your mates

Try something different at Docked tapas bar

There are several places in Docklands where you can relax with your mates for a few drinks.

The Woolshed Pub at Central Pier is a very popular venue which is always crowded on a Saturday night.

If you like beer, James Squire Brewhouse is located towards the end of Docklands Drive - sip on a beer while admiring the water view!

Or you could try something different with Docked, a  tapas bar which offers wonderful Spanish food and a view to die for!