One twelfth of the way through 2016 already!

One twelfth of the way through 2016 already!

NewQuay Piazza was abuzz on Australia Day with perfect weather once again in Docklands. The spectacle was brought to Docklands by the City of Melbourne, Nova 100 and Channel 9 News.

Thousands of people came to see the spectacle and enjoyed the amazing fireworks display from Victoria Harbour.  Local bars and restaurants made the most of the crowd! The occasion presented another perfect opportunity for a free ferry service bringing visitors to Docklands. Thanks must go to the local vessels Grower, Yarra Duchess  and Yarra Explorer for helping out and to Destination Docklands for sponsoring the service.

For the first time the Chinese New Year celebrations will create a trail of illuminations taking in a number of key Chinese New Year Festival precincts around Melbourne – from Federation Square, along the Yarra River to Southgate, Eureka Skydeck plaza, Sandridge Bridge, Queensbridge Square, Docklands, back up to the Queen Victoria Market and across to the Hotel Windsor. The celebrations will span a fortnight from February 6-21.

Within Docklands’ part of this trail of illumination will see the Age Lunar Markets pop-up Asian food stalls. Visitors can enjoy the reflections on the water from the many local bars and restaurants located along Docklands’ waterfront. The celebrations will include red lanterns, boy and girl lanterns, a corridor of moons and stars, pandas, opera masks, and the giant Phoenix installation.

This is the year of the Monkey and, on Monday, February 8, Docklands takes its turn to celebrate with roving lion and dragon dances, children’s activities and face painting.  

During the fortnight of celebrations Collins Square is holding an intimate progressive dinner on Wednesday, February 10 hosted by the executive and head chefs from a number of local venues. The evening begins with canapés on the link bridge before moving to Chiara for entree, Bar Nacional for share style mains and finishing at the Long Shot “pop-up” for dessert.

Then along comes Valentine’s Day, and a great time to plan your special date in Docklands. The ongoing celebrations present an opportunity to treat your loved one to something really special. Select a romantic setting from one of Docklands’ unique water-side dining venues. There are a number of great venues at NewQuay Promenade, Victoria Harbour and Yarra’s Edge.

Perhaps you might prefer a Valentine’s Day cruise aboard one of Docklands’ passenger vessels and enjoy a romantic sunset cruise out into the bay.

February is going to be a great time in Docklands.

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