What's On In Melbourne 15 Dec2011 to 15 March 2012

December 2011

1/12/1011 to 31/12/2012

Game On

A fully interactive gallery allowing the visitor to personally experience the thrill of participation in a diverse range of sporting environments and activities. Replicates the skills involved across many of the popular sports played in Australia.03 9657 8879 | nsm.org.au

01/12/2011 to 25/03/2012

Let's Talk Treaty by John Harding

A video installation documenting interviews with the general public. Off Flinders Lane between Swanston and Elizabeth streets melbourne.vic.gov.au/lanewaycommissions

01/12/2011 to 26/12/2011

Spirit of the Square

Get into the Christmas spirit with songs from the Salvos and community choirs, festive films and a forest of Christmas trees to explore. Federation Square 03 9655 1900, fedsquare.com/spirit

01/12/2011 to 25/12/2011

Scuba Santa @ melbourne aquarium

Melbourne Aquarium's very own ScubaSanta makes a special visit, spreading Christmas cheer to animals and visitors alike. Melbourne Aquarium King Street 03 9923 5999 melbourneaquarium.com.au

02/12/2011 to 03/01/2012

Christmas Square

Especially for families and children. Visitors can explore the maze-like atmosphere to discover nutcracker soldiers, giant presents, a traditional Nativity scene and an interactive story book, plus visit Santa in his house. City Square 44-86 Swanston Street 03 9658 9658

08/12/2011 to 11/12/2011

Charles Dickens performs A Christmas Carol

This production is a stunning recreation of the readings with which Charles Dickens toured the world, giving over 400 performances in the UK, Europe and USA. Athenaeum Theatre 0423 339 431 charlesdickensperforms.com

14/12/2011 to 31/01/2012

Summer thrills and chills

Chill out this summer at Medibank Icehouse.With free beginner lessons thereís something for everyone. Medibank Icehouse. Docklands. 1300 756 699 www.icehouse.com.au

to 15/12/2011

Galactic Nights

A music series exploring the outer realms of space in celebration of ACMIís Star Voyager exhibition. ACMI Federation Square. www.acmi.net.au

15/12/11

How to have a sustainable Festive Season

Hear how you can make the festive season more environmentally friendly. 247 Flinders Lane, www.greenrenters.org

15/12/2011 to 18/12/2011

Harbour Town Santa Breakfast

Enjoy a free breakfast at Wonderland Fun Park as Harbour Town Shopping Centre hosts a fun filled morning with Santa and friends! Docklands 03 9328 8600 www.harbourtownmelbourne.com.au

24/12/11

Christmas at the top of Eureka Tower

Celebrate Christmas Day at Melbournes highest vantage point. Enjoy an impressive 5 course feast, glass of Champagne on arrival, quality wines and premium beers while viewing the city from 300 metres above. Eureka Tower 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank 9693 888 www.eureka89.com.au

24/12/2011

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

Christmas Eve - The night promises to be vibrant and captivating with an array of top entertainers performing a mix ofcarols is sure to delight the whole family. Sidney Myer Music Bowl 1300 84 74 66www.visionaustralia.org/carols

26/12/2011 to 30/12/2011

Vodafone Boxing Day Test

The MCG is set to be a classic, as Australia takes on the might of India in the first match of the Vodafone Test Series. Melbourne Vricket Ground. www.cricketvictoria.com.au Bookings 132 849

31/12/2011

Salsa New Year's Eve

Salsa the night away with sets from a big Latin band and DJ. Convention Centre Place South Wharf 90272000 www.sotano.com.au

31/ 12 2011

New Years Eve Fireworks

Melbourne's official New Yearís Eve event offers two dazzling fireworks displays. At 9.30pm, fireworks will launch into the sky above Yarra Park surrounding the MCG. For the kids there will also be an early fireworks display in Victoria Harbour at Docklands. Midnight Fireworks will be launched from rooftops across the city centre to Docklands, as bursts of gold weave a spectacular path across the entire city. Projections The 2011 projections program features iconic buildings as canvases for a kaleidoscope of images to welcome a uniquely Melbourne Christmas and New Yearís Eve. From 9pm. St Paulís Cathedral, corner Flinders and Swanston streets. State Library of Victoria, corner La Trobe and Swanston streets National Gallery of Victoria, next to the Arts Centre on St Kilda Road (New Yearís Eve only)

January 2012

02/01/2012 to 15/01/2012

Big Screen Gaming

Challenge your friends and beat your high score with free gaming sessions on the big screen at Federation Square.fedsquare.com/gaming

08/01/2012

Docklands Bridal Expo

100 wedding industry specialists will beavailable to assist you with creating a dream wedding www.docklandsbridalexpo.com.au

19/01/2012

Pioneer Women's Australia Day Ceremony

Join the National Council of Women of Victoria as it holds its annual Australia Day service at the Pioneer Womenís Memorial Garden, situated in the KingÌs Domain, near the Botanic Gardens. Kings Domain Alexandra Avenue Melbourne 03 9658 8570

to 22/01/2012

Belonging: Reflections on Place

A video installation features interviews with diverse migrants and refugees and members of their families living in Australia who reflect on their experiences of place, migration and belonging. The Immigration Museum. 131 102 museumvictoria.com.au/ immigrationmuseum

24/01/2012

Australia Day luncheon

Begin your Australia Day celebrations with community, government and business leaders at this very special luncheon. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. australiaday.vic.gov.au

26/01/12

Australia Day Town Hall event & peopleís march

In 2012 this cultural icon will once again play a central role, and the Australian Unity Peopleís March will delight and entertain young and old alike. Melbourne Town Hall. www.australiaday.vic.gov.au

28/01/2012

Chinese New Year luncheon

Titled 'Riding the Water Dragon in 2012', enjoy a delicious banquet and listen to expert speakers outline the energies and influences for the coming year and prepare to make the most of the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead. www.intfsa.org.au

February 2012

01/02/2011 to 30/06/2012

Free Town Hall tours

Visitors have the chance to learn about the architectural, social and political significance of this impressive 19th century building. Melbourne Town Hall townhalltour@melbourne.vic.gov.au

to 02/02/2012

Board

Over 60 skateboards from skater Tony Hallam's collection + assorted ephemera including seminal magazines, posters, banners, stickers, patches and wheels. The collection spans from the 1960s to the early 1990s. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation square. ngv.vic.gov.au

10/02/2012 to 12/02/2012

Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival

The inaugural Arts Festival demonstrates the breadth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island contemporary and traditional artistic expression. Federation Square 03 9658 9658

to 11/02/2012

Poetry at Fed Square

Provides performance poets with the opportunity to read their work in a public location. Each month showcases two feature poets and includes up to ten open readings. Federation Square 03 9655 1900 www.fedsquare.com.au

18/02/2012 to 19/02/2012

Sustainable Living Festival

Bring your bikes and scooters along .The family friendly event makes educating kids about the importance of safety on their first set of wheels both fun and functional. Artplay, Birrarung Marr Batman Ave www.artplay.com.au

from 25/02/2011

Federation Square Guided Tour

Federation Square is possibly the worldísbiggest trampoline. How? Ask your guide as you experience a one-hour tour of the site before exploring it for yourself. Federation Square www.fedsquare.com

to 25/02/2012

Fed Square book market

The book market regularly features around 15 of Melbourneís most experienced book dealers along with monthly poetry sessions and free book clubs. www.fedsquare.com.au

from 27/02/2011

Car Club Showcase

On the last Sunday of every month car aficionados transform the Flinders Street frontage of Federation Square into the most glamorous carpark in town. Federation Square www.fedsquare.com

to 29/02/2012

Herbarium discovery walk at Royal Botanic Gardens

Signs and displays that highlight the fascinating work of scientists from the Royal Botanical Gardens and showcases the Herbarium collections. www.rbg.vic.gov.au/whats-on

March 2012

2/3/12 to 21/03/12

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

Food and wine lovers in their hundreds and thousands each year indulge in morethan 300 events that fill Melbourneíslabyrinthine network of restaurants, laneways, lights-turned-down basements and dizzying rooftops as well as spilling into spectacular regional Victoria. www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au

15/03/12 to 18/03/12

2012 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix

The worldís fastest cars, coolest celebrities and latest technologies converging on Melbourne for four days of breathtaking action. Location: ALBERT PARK Sunday tickets from $79 if purchased before March 1* 4 day Grandstand tickets from $310 www.grandprix.com.au call Foxtix on 1800 100 030.

25/03/2012

Melbourne City Romp 2012

the Melbourne City Romp is a charity fundraising event Armed with a map, clue sheet and mobile phone, teams oftwo to six attempt to solve challenges at checkpoints located at iconic venues and quirky locations across Melbourne. Treasury Gardens 2-18 Spring Street East Melbourne VIC 3002. 03 8414 8243 www.cityromp.com

to 25/03/2012

Melbourne: Two Worlds by Wurundjeri Council

A mural exploring the stories and cultureof the Wurundjeri community, depictingAboriginal peoples connection with their ancestral past within a contemporary Melbourne context. Pedestrian laneway 82 Collins Street melbourne.vic.gov.au/ lanewaycommissions

28/03/2012 to 22/04/2012

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

The Festival takes over the city with hundreds of shows every April. Thereísan enormous program of stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre street performance, film, television, radio and visual arts. Melbourne Town Hall 100 Swanston Street 1300 660 013 comedy.com.au

Regular Activities

City Cycle Tour

Guided Bicycle Tours informing participants about Melbourneís icons,history, culture, sport, and attractions Tel: 0411 354 118

Chinatown Heritage Walks

A guided tour of all the exhibits at the Chinese Museum show-casing the 150year history of the Chinese contribution to Australian history Tel: 9662 2888

Half Price Tickets To Theatre, Concerts,

Sporting Events & FestivalsThe Lucky Last website sells discountLucky Tickets to popular events. Our listings are for events that are coming close to the start date but as yet havenot completely sold out. The site is comprised of 4 Ticketing Divisions:Theatre, Concerts, Sporting Events & Festivals. www.luckylast.com.au

Eureka Skydeck

Created to reach for the sky, nothing youhave ever experienced will prepare youfor the awe inspiring view of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphereís highest viewing platform. Call 9693 8888 open 365 days of the year 10am until 10pm www.eurekaskydeck.com.au

Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Come and experience a rich and vibrantheritage of the Royal Botanic Gardens site through the eyes of your Aboriginal guide Tel: 9252 2300 Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour Be spooked on Melbourneís official ghost tour. Tel: 9670 2585

Indigenous Arts & Culture

Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre Hosts two exhibition spaces and a retailcentre promoting art and craft work of Aboriginal artists. 295 King St, 8622 2600

Bunjilaka -Meaning ëCreation PlaceíExplore the Aboriginal Centre at Melbourne Museum. Carlton Gardens, 13 11 02

Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Explore the ancestral lands of the Wurundjeri people on a tour at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Birdwood Avenue, bookings essential 9252 2300 Aboriginal Galleries of Australia Exhibitors of fine art from Central Australia and the Tiwi Islands. 35 Spring St, 9654 2516 Gallery Gabrielle Pizzi Exhibitors of contemporary Australian Aboriginal art. Level 3, 75-77 Flinders Lane, 9654 2944

Fishing

Mornington Peninsula. Cast a line into the productive fishing grounds around the Mornington Peninsula, either independently or with a fishing charter. Try your luck, day or night, on the dozens of piers dotting the shores of Port Phillip, Hobsons, Corio and Westernport bays. For surf fishing, cast a line at Rye Back Beach, Gunnamatta and Point Leo. Fish of the day. Port Phillip and Westernport bays are best for whiting, gummy and school shark, squid, salmon, garfish, rock cod, flathead and elephant fish. Nab a snapper year round, but the fishing really ëhots upí over the warmer months, when snapper up to 10 kilograms are running.

2012 FORMULA 1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 15-18 MARCH

2012 FORMULA 1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX

There’s is nothing as exciting as a Formula 1 race. It has the power to stop traffic in Asia, make America sit up and take notice and rouse Europe from its slumber. The 2012 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will be no exception, with the world’s fastest cars, coolest celebrities and latest technologies converging on Melbourne for four days of breathtaking action from 15-18 March.

This year will see the V8s compete over 3 races. Once again the action will be as hot off the track as it is on, The Crusty Demons are bringing their one of a kind show to Melbourne and are sure to excite and delight. Back for 2012 is the Australian Defence Force, all eyes will be on the sky when the F/A-18 and Roulettes buzz the crowd. With all this action taking place and a range of ticketing options available, now is the time to feel the power of Formula 1.

2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship Round 1

The atmosphere will be electric as Melbourne hosts the first race of the 2012 season. Watch Australian hero Mark Webber battle it out with teammate Sebastian Vettel, who will be coming off a record breaking season in 2011. There is no sport more electrifying than Formula 1 and no better location than Albert Park.

Crusty Demons

Watch the dirt fly when the world’s most famous and outrageous freestyle motorcross team hit Melbourne. With double back flips, 360s and a host of death defying antics there’s sure to be thrills and spills galore. Over four days, see your favourite riders fight for glory in the brand new competitive format. The action will culminate on Sunday night in a Grand Finale spectacular where the inaugural Crusty Cup winner will be announced.

Premium Upgrade

Upgrade your General Admission or Grand stand ticket for only $50 a day on Saturday or Sunday to access the exclusive premium zone. Soak up all the action from this brand new area offering a comfortable and relaxing experience with brilliant views of turn 15, superscreens, access to gourmet catering, exclusive bars and acoustic music entertainment. Premium Zone is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the Grand Prix in a more relaxed and social environment.

2012 FORMULA 1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX ALBERT PARK, MELBOURNE 15-18 MARCH THE POWER OF 1 TICKETS

Sunday tickets from $79 if purchased before March 1*

4 day Grandstand tickets from $310*

Purchase your tickets now at www.grandprix.com.au or call Foxtix on

1800 100 030.

Contact: 1800 100 030.

Website: http://www.grandprix.com.au

A Chorus Line

The Classical Broadway musical for a new generation

A Chorus Line is the winner of 9 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. An all-new Australian production of one of the most successful American Broadway musicals of all time, A Chorus Line is coming to MelbourneDirect from Broadway and a U.S Tour, this new Australian production is directed and re-staged by Baayork Lee, one of the original cast members and inspirations from the Tony Award® winning 1975 production. The producers are thrilled to announce the cast for this spectacular show will include Josh Horner (Billy Elliot on Broadway, Tivoli, Dirty Dancing, Dancing With the Stars) who will play formidable Broadway director, Zach.Starring as Cassie is Australian star of the West End, Anita Louise Combe who made her first professional appearance on stage as Sillabub in the Australian Premiere Production of Cats followed by Cosette in Les Miserables. A Chorus Line tells the tale of 17 dancers desperately auditioning for eight stage roles in a musical. In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of practice, every minute of every day of their lives. This is the chance to dance. Their personal human stories are told through captivating song, riveting drama and stunning choreography.A Chorus Line is a timeless Broadway masterpiece for a new generation that speaks to everyone who's ever had a dream and put everything on the line.'There's nothing better! The show thrills from the opening number to the glittering finale' - Now York Daily News. 'The chance to see Michael Bennett's masterpiece again, or for the first time shouldn't be missed' - The New York Observer.

35 PERFORMANCES ONLY

FROM FEB 4 |

HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE

facebook.com/AChorusLineAU twitter.com/AChorusLineAU

Website: http://achorusline.com.au

ACMI

Free admission! OPEN DAILY 10AM – 6PM ACMI, Federation Square

A kaleidoscope of colour,sound and movement Screen Hub Play classic and contemporary video games. Celebrate thelives of prominent personalities and see their treasures. Engage with stunning interactive exhibits. Screen Worlds is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Screen Worlds Orientation Tour Our free guided orientation tours are the perfect way to begin your Screen Worlds experience. Enquire at the Tickets & Information Desk for details.

Website: http://www.acmi.net.au

The Centenary of Federation

A Victorian Family - The Armytages of Como This permanent exhibition explores the lives & history of the Armytage family & the families who served them. It gives new millennium families an opportunity to experience almost a century of life on a large estate. 10am-5pm Como Historic House & Garden.

Contact: Tel: 9827 2500

Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour

Be spooked on Melbourne's official ghost tour.

Contact: Tel: 9670 2585

Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Come and experience a rich and vibrant heritage of the Royal Botanic Gardens site through the eyes of your Aboriginal guide

Contact: Tel: 9252 2300

Chinatown Heritage Walks

A guided tour of all the exhibits at the Chinese Museum show-casing the 150 year history of the Chinese contribution to Australian history

Contact: Tel: 9662 2888

City Cycle Tour

Guided Bicycle Tours informing participants about Melbourne's icons, history, culture, sport, and attractions

Contact: Tel: 0411 354 118

774 Melbourne PodTours

You’re invited to put on your walking shoes, turn on your mp3 player and discover Melbourne’s secrets with 774 PodTours. Pound the pavement with Red Symons, Myf Warhurst, Derek Guille, Stephanie Alexander and Jon Faine as they wander through Melbourne’s streets and alleyways to reveal both the wonderful and the sinister secrets of the city. There are three revealing PodTours available to download: Eat, Drink, Melbourne; Showbiz, Sexy Spectacles and Sideshows; and Dirt, Death and Disease. All PodTours begin at the Federation Square Tourist Information Centre and, depending on how quickly you walk and whether you’re tempted to linger, will take approximately one hour to complete. Simply go to the 774 ABC Melbourne site at abc.net.au/melbourne and download a tour to your mp3 player. Print out the relevant map – also available online - and you are ready to discover some of Melbourne’s hidden sites and stories.

Contact: 03 9626 1606

Website: http://abc.net.au/melbourne

A Lucky Last Half Price Tickets at the last minute

The Lucky Last website sells discount Lucky Tickets to popular events. Our listings are for events that are coming close to the start date but as yet have not completely sold out. The site is comprised of 4 Ticketing Divisions: Theatre, Concerts, Sporting Events & Festivals. You are able to register yourself and log on to the site to view current events and purchase tickets at a discounted rate.

Contact: 03 87722000

Website: http://www.luckylast.com.au

Hello Melbourne