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!

Adopt a Penguin in Phillip Island

Yes, you read right. You can now adopt a penguin through the Penguin Foundation in Phillip Island.

The organisation is looking for individuals and businesses who want to help preserve the habitat of the little penguins of Phillip Island. The little penguins or 'Fairy Penguins' are the smallest penguins on Earth. They generally live in colonies and are great little swimmers.

Little Penguins find their habitat and lives being threatened not only by predators, but also by human caused pollution. The Penguin Foundation wants to invest in the preservation of the little penguins' habitats, as well as a Penguin Hospital and other activities which may help preserve wildlife on Phillip Island.

To read more about the Penguin Foundation, click here.

Variety Santa Fun Run - November 27th 2011, Waterfront City

Things are happening this November in the Docklands. After we receive Cadel Evans, Docklanders will have a chance to watch or participate in the Variety Santa Fun Run.

What is the Variety Santa Fun Run?
Variety Santa Fun Run is an event which wants to raise awareness about the plight of disadvantaged children. Signing up for the event of showing your support can change a child's life this year.

Watch the video to get a gist of what that event is about.



Show your support
This is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit this November. It's fun and you get a Santa suit if you participate.

To read more about Variety Santa Fun Run, please go to the official website.

Cadel Evans comes to Docklands next week

For those who have not heard the news, Tour de France winner Cadel Evans will be in the Docklands next week for the charity event Suit Up and Ride.

Matt Tilley from Fox FM will be promoting it on his morning show. They will be doing a live cross from Docklands on the Friday and Matt and Cadel will have a race off. Make sure you listen to Fox Fm in the morning for full details...

For those who wish to learn more about Suit Up and Ride, visit the Suit Up & Ride website for event details and news.

Big Kids' Night Out

Relive your childhood memories or visit for the first time - strictly 18+ only.

For adults who are young at heart, Scienceworks will be holding its inaugural Big Kids' Night Out.
Big Kids’ Night Out is a special event designed to encourage adults who may not normally come to Scienceworks to experience the science museum in an after-dark environment.

Enjoy interactive exhibitions such as Explore-a-saurus and Sportsworks, take part in science demonstrations, learn about the science of wine and experience a celestial mind trip through our galaxy in the Melbourne Planetarium, hosted by Astronomer Dr Tanya Hill.

Beer, wine and food are available for purchase on the night.

Big Kids' Night Out is a new initiative that forms part of a growing suite of adult programs presented at Scienceworks, with the Melbourne Planetarium running a number of evening lectures and screenings throughout February, March and August each year.


Event Type: Special Event

Saturday 5 Nov 2011
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Scienceworks

Adults $18, Concession $14 (includes one complimentary glass of beer, wine or soft drink). 

Bookings recommended. 
Phone 9392 4800 or purchase tickets online - please click on the Evening Events category. 

Online tickets

More information: http://museumvictoria.com.au

Things to do on a warm weekend in the Docklands

This weekend, the sun will be shining in Melbourne and hopefully hinting at the summer to come! The weather forecasts tell us that the temperature will soar to 30 degrees on Saturday and higher on Sunday. So why not take advantage of the good weather and get out this weekend? Here's what you can do:

1. Mitchell Callaway Live at Harbour Town


Now there's something you won't see everyday! This Saturday, head to HarbourTown Docklands and catch a glimpse of  Mitchell Callaway from the X-Factor. He will be performing live at the corner of Studio Lane and Star Crescent.
Visit the Harbour Town website for more.


2. Visit the Docklands Sunday Market


On a warm Sunday morning, take a stroll down New Quay in the Docklands and visit the Docklands Sunday Market. Every purchase you make gets you a free entry to a $500 Christmas Hamper draw. The market is open every Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Learn more about the Docklands Sunday Market.

3. Visit Medibank Icehouse


Keep the heart at bay at the Medibank Icehouse. At the Icehouse you can learn to skate, play ice hockey or enjoy some figure skating. There is something for everyone!
Go to the Medibank Icehouse website for more information.

4. Have a scrumptious desert


The Docklands has some great restaurants which will blow your taste buds away. Some of those places make marvelous desserts that you will love. Be adventurous and explore the restaurants in New Quay, Victoria Harbour and Yarra's Edge - you might find something incredible!