The LooknBook Blog

Riverside Opening of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in the Docklands

2012-02-28T21:53:00.000-08:00

It's all over the papers, the internet and twitter! So unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival starts this week. The festival is actually celebrating its 20 years of existence in 2012 with "20 days of eating and drinking".

Riverside Opening Weekend, 3-4 March

Here at LooknBook, we have been raving about it to everyone as this is a chance for our beloved Docklands to be in the forefront. A wonderful program has been developed for this occasion.

Jazz Festival at Yarra's Edge
The festivities start with a Jazz Festival at Yarra's Edge this Saturday 3rd of March featuring 8 of the best bands from Melbourne Secondary Schools to perform at Yarra’s Edge in Docklands over the 2 days. I've heard we have some good acts so make sure you don't miss it!

Travel on the Yarra in the FREE River Shuttle

Another interesting initiative - you will be able to travel up and down the Yarra River in water taxis during the Riverside Opening weekend. How much does it cost? Well, how about zero dollars? To access the FREE river shuttle, all you have to do is print this passport and make sure you have it on you on the day.

You can also read more about the river shuttle here.

For those who don't know the Docklands very well, this is your chance to try something new. There are many culinary delights to be discovered and we guarantee you will love what you will see and taste.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival coming to the Docklands this March 2012

2012-02-19T16:31:00.000-08:00

Looknbook Accommodation would like to share the following with you. I have been involved in pulling together two first time events for the:

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Riverside Opening Weekend Mar 3-4

With the support of leading Melbourne Secondary schools, we have created a Jazz festival featuring 8 of the best bands from Melbourne Secondary Schools to perform at Yarra’s Edge in Docklands over the 2 days. I understand this may be a first for Melbourne school musicians as I have no evidence there has been a public performance like this in Melbourne.

The second thing we created was to put on a Free River Shuttle. I realised when putting on the Yarra’s Edge gig that getting people to it, without access via the water, was going to be hard. The nearest parking for Lorimer St, Docklands is South Wharf. This is not only expensive, it is a bit of a walk across Wurundjeri Way/Montague St to get there. There are trams down Flinders St to Docklands, but there is still a walk from World Trade Centre or ANZ building in Docklands.

So I approached all the major stakeholders participating in the MFWF Mar3-4 weekend and I managed to get enough sponsorship to pay Melbourne River Cruises to put on 3 high capacity ferries to run a 40 minute interval shuttle servicing 7 pick up and drop off points along the way. This service will only be operational Mar 3-4.

This will be a free service to the public.

Please know that you must have your River Promenading Passport that is free in today’s Age – to be assured of boarding.

At this time, this is all the information there is on the internet:

http://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/event/3179

I am promoting this message hard through social media and via press releases. If anyone has influence and can help with my messaging that would be fantastic. Please contact me for press releases and further info.

I am inviting you and your friends to come to this event and enjoy a unique experience of arriving by water. Only 2 weeks to go!

Check out the Yarra's Edge Facebook Event

A special mention to the generous sponsors of the Free River Shuttle. This was made possible by the generous support of: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival; Crown Riverside; World Trade Centre; South Wharf Promenade; Mirvac; ING Real Estate; and NewQuay Precinct.

Bill Reid

0416 153 116

Vote for your favourite Docklands restaurant for a chance to win$10,000 cash

2012-02-17T21:44:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about the I Love Food Awards 2012?
This is your chance to vote for your favourite Docklands restaurants. Let the world know where you think the best food is found in our beautiful Docklands, and help create some awareness of local restaurants.

You can vote until March 22nd, so head to www.lifestylefood.com.au/vote and nominate your favourite place to eat in the Docklands. Each voter also has a chance to go into a draw to win $10,000 cash.

Restaurants you can vote for are located here.

FREE Salsa classes in the Docklands

2012-01-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

Until March 25 2012, there will be FREE dance classes in the Docklands every week. Classes will take place in the open air at the Waterfront City Piazza. The event is organised by DANCE101 and is supported by the City of Melbourne.

For more information please visit www.dance101.com.au or watch the video!

Dragons in the Docklands!

2012-01-29T19:16:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year dear readers! Last year was very eventful at LooknBook and we are looking forward to what 2012 will bring with excitement. For those who were in the Docklands for the New Year Eve fireworks, I hope you enjoyed the show as it was splendid!

Speaking of splendid, there is some beautiful artwork to be seen in Docklands at the moment. It is a beautiful chalk drawing of a dragon, ready just in time for the Chinese New Year and Australia Day. If you want to see it, you better hurry! The Docklands dragon can be seen on the promenade, next to the Cow in a Tree (yes, we have those too).

To give you an idea of what you are missing, take a look at the picture below. Enjoy!

Must be an Australian dragon, it even has a flag ;)

New Year's Eve Fireworks in the Docklands

2011-12-18T14:55:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-12-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-12-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-21T16:24:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-17T20:21:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-03T23:10:00.000-07:00

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

2011-11-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

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!

Classic Motor Show in Melbourne: 21-23 October 2011

2011-10-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

About the show

RACV Motorclassica - the Australian International Concours d’Elegance & Classic Motor Show is presented and managed by one of Australia’s leading event and exhibition companies, Exhibitions & Trade Fairs Pty Ltd.

A one-of-a-kind event for Australasia, the Australian International Concours d'Elegance will attract the most beautiful and prestigious classic cars from collections around the world, in a display the likes of which has never been seen in Australia.

Exhibitions & Trade Fairs, the managers of the Australian International Motor Show and Melbourne Motor Show, the National 4x4 Shows and the Motorcycle Expos are the most experienced exhibition management company in the industry.

To read more about this event, visit www.motorclassica.com.au

Details

Venue: Royal Exhibition Building, Nicholson Street, Carlton, Victoria, Australia (Melways ref: 2B/J10)
Dates: Friday 21 - Sunday 23 October 2011
Opening Times: Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 9pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm
Ticket prices: Adults $30
Children (5-15 years) $20

Docklands is Beautiful!

2011-10-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

New campaign to promote the Docklands

The campaign is called Docklands is Beautiful. An initiative of Docklands News, it aims to generate some positive vibes for the Docklands and counteract the bad press received by the area in the past.

Businesses and individuals from the Docklands community are encouraged to send their positive comments or pictures taken around the precinct to be posted on the Docklands is Beautiful website, to show the world what the area has to offer.

Join the campaign today!

1. Visit http://www.docklandsisbeautiful.com.au/

2. Email a positive comment about the Docklands to beautiful@docklandsnews.com.au.

3. You can become a member of the Docklands is Beautiful website and post your comments directly - it's free to join and everyone is welcome.

4. Visit the Docklands is Beautiful Facebook page and click 'Like'. Even better, drop us a line.

5. Follow Docklands is Beautiful on twitter @Beautiful_DLand

6. Tell your friends about the campaign and come down to the Docklands. While you're here, take some pictures and send them in to be posted on the Docklands is Beautiful website.

Federation Square Wine Showcase starting this Wednesday

2011-10-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

The 2011/2012 series of the Fed Square Wine Showcase begins this Wednesday with exciting new drops to tantilize your senses.

Relish in the bold flavours of Geelong, Henty, Western Victoria, the Grampians and the Pyrenees - guaranteed to please even the most discerning of palates.

New to the series is the 'Best in Show' program, where the wine deemed the best for the showcase, will be featured in a number of partnering restaurants and retailers.

The official judging will be held live on Wednesday night and guests will be able to compare notes with the judges and learn exactly what to look for when tasting and purchasing wine.

Your night will also include bites from participating Fed Square restaurants and smooth sounds from local jazz band, Peter Baylor Trio.

When: Wednesday 6 October & Thursday 7 October
Time: 4.30pm - 8.30pm
Where: The Atrium, Fed Square
Price: $25 + booking fee from Ticketmaster
More Info: Please visit fedsquare.com/wine

Good News Bill - October 2011

2011-09-27T23:51:00.000-07:00

It is October already, and the good news this month is surely Cadel Evans.

October will see preparations for the Suit Up and Ride day that is scheduled for Friday, November 25. This starts and finishes at the Waterfront City Piazza and runs up and down the NewQuay Promenade.

The great Cadel Evans, who participated last year, will be here again in November! Make sure you come down to NewQuay Promenade and enjoy that Friday afternoon. This great event is for teams of cycling enthusiasts to Suit Up and Ride on one of the many blue Melbourne share bikes to raise money for Orygen Youth Health. Orygen do magnificent work raising funds for youth mental illness.

So why not organise a team and get your company behind this great event. The bars and restaurants will be making you very welcome with some great deals and entertainment to be had. More information on how you can join in can be found at http://www.suitupandride.com.au.

For your further entertainment, Claire Bowditch will be performing on the day. You might like to watch this space for further announcements – the Docklands community is gearing up to make this a great event in Docklands. Don’t miss it!

And speaking of the Waterfront City Piazza - have you been wondering what is going on inside the tent that is located there? You may have noticed water trickling out into the street from inside. I asked to have a sneak peak and what a surprise met my eyes! City Snow Park has built a giant ski slope complete with man-made snow. Derek Nicholson is the inspiration behind this operation and he believes he has come up with the perfect park design. He tells me they have their very own snow making facilities located on site. This means they make as much snow as they like. It is open to the public now, so for more information check out their Facebook page.

For tourists coming to Docklands there was some really great news last month. There has been much conjecture that the free tourist shuttle bus service would either be cancelled or a fare structure put in place for each journey. Thankfully councillors of the City of Melbourne listened to the people of Docklands and voted in favour of keeping the bus as a free service. This means that this vital transport link to ferry tourists to Harbour Town is maintained.

Other good news items include the network evening put on by the Docklands Chamber of Commerce. This was held at the Medibank Icehouse on Tuesday, September 20. The invitation was open to everyone and those that were fortunate to attend heard a great speech from guest speaker Chris Buckingham – CEO of Destination Melbourne. He told us how we can work together positively for a greater Docklands. Chris was inspirational as he talked about some of his real life experiences as he dealt with challenges outside of his control. A remarkable speaker, and a man who is willing to share his enthusiasm to succeed. On my travels, I have met a number of business owners who would have benefited from hearing what Chris had to say.

The team at the Medibank Icehouse made us all very welcome as we enjoyed a few drinks and finger food in the upstairs bar offering great vantage points to the ice hockey action and skating rinks below. Guests were all invited to have a try out on the ice. About a dozen or so brave souls ventured out on to the ice and after some sound instruction from friendly staff members were soon skating confidently unassisted!

If you have never tried ice skating, Medibank Icehouse is a great place to start. Have a look at its website for more information – http://www.icehouse.com.au. If you are a Facebook fan, have a look at the Medibank Icehouse page – it is full of great information.

Consider joining the Docklands Chamber of Commerce if you run a business in Docklands. Membership is inexpensive and you will have a voice! Join today.

Last month I told you all about the great walking experience if you crossed over the Webb Bridge to Yarra’s Edge and explored that part of Docklands. Ok, so who has taken advantage of the glorious September weather and gone out there and had a look?

To see the original article, visit the Docklands News website.

AFL Grand Final - Melbourne Docklands

2011-09-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

Image from triplem.com.au

It's finally here!
After weeks of faithfully following AFL matches on TV, you finally have a chance to watch the best teams play at Etihad Stadium. Geelong and Collingwood are bound to give us a spectacular game.

AFL Grand Final Week Activities. From Wednesday 28th September, several events will take place as Grand Final Day edges closer.

HARBOUR TOWN, DOCKLANDS

Wednesday 28th September
- Handball Competition 12pm - 4pm
- Face Painting 12pm - 4pm
- AFL Mascots 1pm - 3pm

Thursday 29th September
- Handball Competition 12pm - 4pm
- Face Painting 12pm - 4pm
- Roving Entertainment 1pm - 3pm

ALL AROUND MELBOURNE
Thursday 29th September 2011
- 12.30pm - AFL Premiership Cup on display at Federation Square.
- Noon - 9pm - Grand Final experience at Crown Riverside.

Friday - 30 September 2011
- Footy on Parade
Noon - AFL Grand Final Parade as it makes it way through the city from Victorian Arts Centre (St Kilda Road) travelling along Swanston and Collins Streets before finishing at the Old Treasury Building (Spring and Collins)!

GRAND FINAL DAY

Saturday 1st October 2011
- 2.30pm - Grand Final at the M.C.G. Meat Loaf will headline the entertainment before the big game.
Federation Square

- 2.30pm - Join in the excitement of the 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final live on the big screen at Federation Square.

Win a $2000 Phillip Island Family Getaway & a $5000 Harbour Town Shopping Experience!

2011-09-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

Sign up to be a VIP member online or in the Harbour Town Tourism Lounge and receive a FREE Child 3 Parks Pass to Phillip Island Nature Parks!

A Child 3 Parks Pass includes entry to:

• Penguin Parade

• Koala Conservation Centre

• Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Also go into the running for a chance to win a $2000 family getaway to Phillip Island.

Hurry! Valid from 24 September – 9 October 2011 and there are only 2000 Child Passes to giveaway.
Join VIP Program to enter

Plus, buy a 3 Parks Pass and you could WIN one of five daily $50 gift vouchers and or the major prize of a $5000 shopping experience in any store at Harbour Town Docklands!

Also, enter the draw to WIN a fabulous family getaway to Phillip Island valued at $2000.

Hurry! This offer valid from 24 September – 9 October 2011 and only 2000 Child Passes to giveaway
Buy 3 Parks Pass to enter

For information about Harbour Town and this competition, please visit www.harbourtownmelbourne.com.au

For more information about Phillip Island Nature Parks visit www.penguins.org.au

Royal Melbourne Show

2011-09-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

Melbourne Show Logo

The Royal Melbourne Show is a great start to the school holidays if you ask us!

Take the kids to the Melbourne Showgrounds between Sat 24th Sept - Tues 4th Oct for a fun day of carnival rides, discovery of animals, exhibitions, live music and more.

What's at the show:

1. Showbags

Who doesn't like them? 370 showbags to choose from this year, full of confectionery, food products, wine, magazines, vouchers and many other goodies!

2. Rides

Carnival rides

Carnival rides for the whole family can be enjoyed at the show. This year the carnival areas have been sponsored by Quit and are all smoke-free zones - what a great initiative!

3. Animals

The kids can discover all sorts of farm animals and more. Cattle, sheep, alpacas, a FREE dog show and FREE access to the animal nursery! Visit the Animal Nursery daily at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm to feed lambs, calves or kids either from bottles or from hand.

Dog show: 24 September – 2 October
Horses show jumping: 1 October to Tuesday 4 October

4. Fireworks
As the day comes to a close and the sun sets, the Show will continue to be a hive of activity with a dazzling fireworks display. The fireworks show will start on each night of the Show at 8.15pm, and will depend on weather conditions.

5. FREE activities for the kids

- Milk a cow at the Milking Barn
- Meet and Greet Angelina Ballerina
- Fifi and the Flowertots™ - Rock with the Tots Live Show
- Disney/Pixar Cars Trucks Tour
- Rio Dance Party Live Show

The Melbourne Show is taking place at the Melbourne Showgrounds

Date: Sat 24th September - Tuesday 4th October
For more information about the Melbourne Show 2011, please visit the Melbourne Show website.

Marine biologists baffled by unusual whale behaviour

2011-09-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

Dear readers, today we are reblogging an article from ABC News about the odd behaviour of our whale friends this year.

The article was published on September 09, 20112 and is by Melissa Brown.

Marine biologists are baffled by a change in the behaviour of whales visiting Victorian bays this year.

The Dolphin Research Institute says a number of humpback whales remained in Western Port and Port Phillip bays throughout the migration season instead of travelling north.

Institute spokesman Jeff Weir says scientists are unsure what has caused the change in their migration pattern.

He says they also saw the animals competing for the first time off Mount Martha and Mornington.

"These are big animals, the size of tourist buses, playing demolition derby under the water and then sometimes reaching the surface banging into each other jostling for position in the pod," he said.

Mr Weir says it is the kind of behaviour normally seen when the animals are mating in northern Australia.

"I mean, it possibly is simply numbers of whales are picking up again and the populations are increasing," he said.

"Maybe they're just spreading themselves more evenly around our coast. The critical thing will be to monitor it in the years to come."

The Spring Graze

2011-09-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

From the makers of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival comes the Spring Graze. This culinary festival takes place across Victoria and is comprised of 60 events that will take place this September.

The event is part of the Put Victoria on Your Table initiative which tries to encourage Victorians to buy local produce and explore restaurants and wineries throughout the state.

The Spring Graze finishes at the end of September 2011, so head to the website and browse through the list of restaurants and wineries which will open their doors to the public for this festival. To see a list of all events, visit the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival website.

We, at LooknBook, think this is a great initiative! There are so many wonderful restaurants, wineries and farmer's markets to visit around the state. The Docklands and Phillip Island are great examples of those places which need to be explored by food lovers.

Learn more about restaurants in the Docklands. We promise you will not be disappointed! You can also read about good food and wine in Phillip Island. Tempting, isn't it?

2011 Suit Up and Ride

2011-09-01T22:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

We bring you some more info on the 2011 Suit Up and Ride. Please find the event description below (we spruiced it up with some pictures)!

The LooknBook Team

Tour de France Winner Cadel Evans joins Orygen Youth Health’s Suit Up and Ride Again in 2011

Cadel Evans, winner of the 2011 Tour de France, has confirmed he will be attending Orygen Youth Health’s corporate team cycling event Suit Up & Ride again this year on Friday 25th November 2011.

Cadel will join FOX FM’s Matt Tilley in a challenge the whole community can get behind, more details will be posted on our website in coming weeks: www.suitupandride.com.au

And it gets just as exciting off the bike.

The wonderful ARIA award-winning Australian singer songwriter Clare Bowditch will be performing! And participants, supporters and spectators will be able to enjoy culinary delights from our Maggie Beer Gourmet BBQ.

Suit Up and Ride is Melbourne’s quirkiest cycling event. Teams of five compete in a time trial on Melbourne Bike Share bikes, around a short course at Waterfront City in the Docklands, the catch is they must wear their suit, or regular office attire. Last year we had miners, fire fighters, a Melbourne Storm team decked out in purple, and someone in a gorilla suit!

Last year's gorilla participant

Thanks to the wonderful support of last year’s participants, Orygen Youth Health, led by 2010 Australian of the Year and Suit Up and Ride Patron, Professor Patrick McGorry AO, raised over $47,000 allowing us to directly support approximately 700 Year 10 students to go though the Headsmart program in three schools in the North and West of Melbourne.

Places are limited and expected to sell out quickly, so if you are planning to register a team, get on your bikes and visit our website: www.suitupandride.com.au

We look forward to seeing you at Suit Up and Ride on Friday, November 25th 2011.