Docklands is Beautiful

November saw the launch of our campaign to tell the world that Docklands IS Beautiful.

What we have in Docklands is the utilisation of the water for the benefit of Melbourne urbanites. Melbourne CBD has historically had its back to its greatest asset – the water.  With the development of Southbank, the demolition of the Gas and Fuel building and the arrival of Federation Square, Melbourne began to turn and face the water. If you go to these places now you will see the transformation is complete. The Docklands is Beautiful campaign recognises that Docklands is just beginning her major transformation.

The Melbourne waterfront journey starts at Federation Square and Southbank.  Follow the course of the Yarra as it sweeps on down past the casino, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Polly Woodside.  Here the Melbourne Waterfront transformation is largely complete.

The Yarra continues its age-old journey to the sea as it passes by South Wharf, the World Trade Centre and Yarra’s Edge. Whilst the transformation here is still in progress you can already enjoy the facilities, the tranquillity and the beauty of the waterfront.  If you were on a boat, the next stop would be ANZ Wharf (Collins Landing). Melbourne’s waterways really get exciting here as Docklands opens up to reveal Victoria Harbour, Central Pier and Waterfront City. If you look really closely you will find the Moonee Ponds Creek tributary nestled neatly under the Bolte Bridge. Incidentally, this is the site where there are plans to develop more gardens and open space.  

The opportunity to open up the waterways is just crying out to happen. It will happen as Docklands emerges from its “work in progress” status to “transformation complete”. Melbourne will finally turn her head and see her greatest asset, the waterways.

Docklands in November

November was a month when we had a number of famous faces visiting Docklands.

Prince Frederik and Princess Mary came to Melbourne and visited Docklands to enjoy some fine dining, followed by a second visit to launch a boat. Once again the weather came to the party and showed that Docklands is Beautiful!

Cadel Evans, Matt Goss and Matt Tilley came to raise money for Orygen Youth Health. The day was another beautiful day in Docklands. The Fox FM Matt and Jo Show came to Docklands in the morning and we watched the Cadel Evans versus Matt Tilley challenge that raised in excess of $115,000 for Orygen. Matt Tilley came out the winner! Later that day the Suit Up and Ride Challenge got under way with Bike Force eventual winners against a determined Grocon. The day was hugely successful with a good mix of over 5000 visitors and Docklanders turning out.

There followed a day of torrential rain when everywhere was pretty well under water! Just as it looked like the run of sunny days was over, the good weather returned on Sunday to welcome a multitude of people dressed in red suits and white beards who showed up for the Santa Fun Run, turning Docklands into a sea of Santas. It was like Christmas Island during crab season! (Is that why they call it Christmas Island I wonder?)

All in all a very successful series of events in Docklands for November!

Docklands in December

Last month I issued a challenge to you all to identify five venues that cater for kids. I had a number of responses and each will receive a family fun pass worth $100 for the Wonderland Fun Park.

The respondents identified Medibank Icehouse, Black Light Mini Golf and the Lego Educational Centre. Also mentioned were Monkey Mania, and Tunzafun. I had already mentioned the Wonderland Fun Park and the Docklands Snow Park.

There will be plenty more activities for all the family over the school holidays. Wonderland Fun Park will have its Santa’s Christmas Spectacular. Harbour Town will be abuzz with festive entertainment, giveaways and bargains galore.

And that leads me to my next challenge for you. I discovered a secret in Harbour Town and if you can tell me more about this secret and where it can be found, you will receive a voucher  that you can redeem in Harbour Town. The clue is elephants, lots of them. You will find elephants galore somewhere in Harbour Town. Email me your answers at [email protected]

Have a great Christmas and a safe and happy new year.