Melbourne tourism news & events

Apartments @ Docklands maintain a detailed news and events schedule. Melbourne is the home to over 300 major events and festivals each year. The below lists a number of the major events in and around Melbourne. If you require specific information about a particular event or festival, do not hesitate to contact our reception via phone or email and we will assist to answer any queries.

19th March 2008 to 13th April 2008
The 22nd Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Melbourne is the funniest place on earth when the Melbourne International Comedy Festival hits town.  Featuring over 200 different shows and over 2,200 performances, the Comedy Festival offers laugh after laugh to an audience of 480,000 each year. The festival features a high profile line up of stand-up, cabaret theatre, visual art exhibitions, a comedy film festival and free performances along with many other events that will tickle your funny bone!  For scheduling times, view the Melbourne International Comedy Festival website.

13th March 2008 to 16th March 2008
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2008

The FORMULA 1™ Australian Grand Prix is the country’s premier sporting event and offers an action-packed extravaganza of on-track and off-track activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Besides a stellar line-up of elite motor racing, a host of other offerings will keep you entertained throughout the weekend. Be sure to check out the GP Expo, F1 Experience, Historic Vehicles Paddock and Autograph Stage. And celebrity-spotters should keep an open eye as the event is renowned for the A-list crowd it attracts. Set in the stunning surrounds of picturesque Albert Park and offering striking views of Melbourne’s skyline, the FORMULA 1™ Australian Grand Prix is a feast for the senses. If you’ve never witnessed the sensation of the world’s fastest men racing before your very eyes at speeds of more than 300 km/h, make 2008 the year to do it. Nothing compares to the adrenalin-charged action of Formula One. *Date subject to FIA confirmation. For further information on shedules and events, view the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2008 website.

7th March 2008 to 10th March 2008
Moomba Waterfest 2008

Moomba Waterfest will return to the city stage with a splash in March 2008. Get set for the showdown of flying birdmen, water sport activities and celebrity challenges on the Yarra. All-time family favourites will be a feast for the senses as the carnival rides move into Birrarung Marr and the Moomba Parade transforms Swanston Street into a sea of colour and excitement. For information on how to get involved in Moomba Waterfest, visit the Moomba Waterfest website.

14th January 2008 to 27th January 2008
The Australian Open 2008

For two action packed weeks every year in January, Melbourne Park takes the world’s centre stage and plays host to the world’s best tennis players in the first Grand Slam event of the year. The Australian Open offers patrons an off-court carnival and a colourful and vibrant display of action and excitement that exemplify all that is best about Australia. Be part of the experience that is the Australian Open! For further information visit the Australian Open website.

31st December 2007 to1st January 2008

New Year’s Celebration 2007

Come to the city to celebrate the New Year at Melbourne’s largest free public celebration! There will be live entertainment at five city venues and two spectacular fireworks displays at 9.15pm and midnight. Venues include Alexandra Gardens, Birrarung Marr, Southgate, Federation Square and Docklands. This event operates Monday from 3pm to 2am. Strictly alcohol free event.

26th December 2007 to 30th December 2007
2007 Boxing Day Test - The 3 Mobile Ashes Series

The upcoming Summer of cricket is creating unprecedented levels of hype and interest amongst Australian and International cricket and sporting fans alike. Don't miss your chance to be part of the electric atmosphere at a packed MCG for what is one of Melbourne's true sporting traditions. Whether you view from your room, the big screen at Federation Square or are lucky enough to see the action live at the MCG, do not miss this exciting event that will set the city alight. Tickets on sale to the general public on 3 August via Ticketmaster. Call 136 100 or visit the Ticketmaster website. For all your 3 mobile Ashes Series information visit the Baggy Green website.

24th December 2007

Carol’s by Candlelight

Celebrate the magic of Christmas in song at the 2007 Carols by Candlelight. This year the spectacular event turns 70 and it is expected to be as vibrant and magical as ever. The night will feature an array of contemporary and traditional performers that are sure to delight and entertain the entire family. This event held at Sydney Myer Music Bowl will operate Monday from 9pm to 11pm. For bookings, please call Ticketmaster on 136100.

6th December 2007 - 9th December 2007

2007 Tattersall's Australian DanceSport Championship

The Australian DanceSport Championship is world renowned and the undisputed leading event of Dancesport in Australia. The event will start with the black tie gala dinner, 'A Night to Remember' held at the Hotel Sofitel, in aid of the Alfred Hospital. This will be followed by three days of dance competition including the Australian and IDSF Open Latin and Standard championships. Peter Stokkebroe & Kristina Stokkebroe-Juel, the reigning IDSF World, British Open, German Open, U.K and International Latin American champions will be this year’s special guests. For more information visit Dancesport Championship's website. For bookings, call Ticketek on 132 849.

1st December 2007 – 31st December 2007

Aboriginal Heritage Walk

The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne rest on a traditional camping and meeting place for the local custodians of the area – the Boonwurrung and Woiworung people. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk is a rich and vibrant cultural experience. Please visit Royal Botanical Gardens website for further information.

28th November 2007 to 27th February 2008 (Closed 26th Dec)
Suzuki Night Markets

An essential part of summer in Melbourne is the Suzuki Night Market and it just keeps getting better! Enjoyed by thousands every Wednesday night, it’s about quirky wares, world food, bars, bands and great fun! 30 food traders with an exciting range of street food from around the world to tempt everyone’s tastes. Plus 3 bars and 4 wineries to choose from where you can buy by the glass or bottle. It’s not just about food and drink, there’s also great shopping with over 150 traders stocking the unusual and unique. The Suzuki Night Market slant on great fashion also means fun browsing and eclectic buying. Visit the Health and Harmony section of the Suzuki Night Market. Relax with a massage or get your fortune told! Let’s not forget the entertainment. From world music to kooky rovers, the Suzuki Night Market presents an exciting line up of some of Melbourne’s best local performers plus up and coming artists. Held at the Queen Victoria Market, the Suzuki Night Markets is a short stroll or tram from Apartments @ Docklands.

25th November 2007

Olympic Dream Fun Run 2007

Run or walk alongside our Olympians and support the Australian Olympic Team as they prepare for Beijing. Since 1989 the Olympic Dream has brought together men, women and children who enjoy being active and want to support and/or be a part of the Olympic movement. Choose your distance - 5km or 10km as the event goes back on the road this year from Batman Avenue, along St Kilda and Domain Roads before running around the Botanical Gardens and finishing alongside the Yarra River. Run or walk with our Olympians to support the Australian Olympic Team, plus enter and receive your own Olympic medal! Visit Olympic Dream for more information.

6th November 2007
Emirates Melbourne Cup Carnival

The $5.1M Emirates Melbourne Cup is more than just a horse race - it is a 145 year old social and cultural tradition that 'stops the nation'. This spectacular event is the focal point of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The Emirates Melbourne Cup is Australia's richest and most famous horse race and is run at 3pm over 3200m. This spectacular event is held each year on the first Tuesday of November. It is the race which brings everything at the track (and in every corner of the nation) to a stop. In 2005, the Lee Freedman trained Makybe Diva ridden by Glen Boss wrote herself into the history books as the first horse to win three Melbourne Cups. It is the day to make your strongest fashion statement with an exotic or outrageous ensemble. Hats are essential!

11th October 2007 to 27th October 2007

Melbourne International Arts Festival

Melbourne International Arts Festival is one of Australia's leading international arts festivals and has an outstanding reputation for presenting unique international and Australian events in the fields of dance, theatre, music, visual arts, multimedia, free and outdoor events over 17 days each October. Kristy Edmunds’ third Melbourne International Arts Festival program will deliver an astonishing collection of work by some of the world’s finest contemporary artists. The 2007 Festival Program will be launched on July 17 and includes the likes of performance artist Laurie Anderson, legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham, renowned performer Daniel Kitson, the infamous Barrie Kosky and acclaimed director Peter Brook. Tickets on sale July 18. Visit www.melbournefestival.com.au to sign up to receive a program guide in the mail.
For bookings, call Ticketmaster on 136100.

1st October 2007 to 16th November 2007
Spring Racing Carnival

Whether for you it's the horses; the jockeys and trainers; the fashion, colour and glamour, or just a great day out, this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival will be bigger and better than ever before. Enjoy the best of racing, here in Melbourne, Australia, over 50 glorious spring days. For further information on events, costs, dates and venues, please view the Racing Victoria website.