Melbourne Day

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We are well and truly in the midst of Melbourne’s coldest months, but that is no reason to stay at home! Over the next few months, Melbourne will transform from cold and grey into a bright and fresh city coming alive with the newness of spring. What better reason to get out and experience it?

On August 30, Melbourne will celebrate its 180th birthday with a range of activities, including the Melbourne Regatta.

The Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat will cruise in the Melbourne Regatta, while you can win your way onto the MV Melburnian for an all inclusive three hour luncheon cruise! Just visit our facebook page to enter before August 14.

Start your Melbourne Day by the Yarra at Enterprize Park on Flinders St where councillors, the 2015 Junior Lord Mayor competition winner, Melbourne Day chairman Campbell Walker and committee, VIPs, dignitaries and others will hoist the city's flag at 9am.

  • Meet the Enterprize's "first settlers" in period costume — including Gilbert, the Tassie tabby, Melbourne's first cat.
  • Sing along to sea shanties.
  • See and hear roving town crier Brad Croft in full voice.
  • Experience a rifle volley by the Colonial Re-Enactment Society and the 40th Regiment of Foot.

This is a free public event, and families are most welcome.

Enterprize Park, on the north bank of the Yarra River at the bottom of William St, is where the first Europeans landed on 30 August 1835 to start the first permanent settlement of Melbourne.

A free concert will run noon til 5pm at Docklands Park, featuring Melbourne-born music legends Daryl Braithwaite and Russell Morris. The concert also features the Pierce Brothers, Jack and Pat, who return home for their first appearance after a world tour.

And Soli Tesema will perform Halo, her signature cover of Beyonce's pop ballard that wowed the judges on The Voice Australia last season.

View more events at the official Melbourne Day website: melbourneday.com.au


Go Cruising

The Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat has a number of cruises to entice almost anyone to the city of an evening. Join them on Friday 14 August for the AB-FAB Friday Fireworks Cruise (featuring the free Docklands fireworks from the water!) or the Burlesque cruise on Friday 28 August, with a ‘Great Gatsby’ theme.

The Champagne and Seafood brunches continue through the year, with upcoming dates including 13 Sept, 4 Oct and 1 Nov.

One of our favourite events on the P.J. O'Briens calendar is the annual OysterFeast! From 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 27 August, you will experience Oysters, Beer, Haha Red & White Wine and Redbank Prosecco, Live Music, Prizes & Giveaways, plus Expert Shuckers and Oyster Experts in the House! $75 per person.

Opera Night at La Camera Southgate features The Three Sopranos – Kristen Bray, Laura Slavin and Samantha du Rennes. Monday August 31, $60 for 3 course set menu. Bookings Essential.