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The best of MSFW (on a budget)

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week is almost here! If you want to enjoy the glitz and glamour without spending your whole paycheck then we’ve found the five events for you. Book your heels into these stylish events and get inspired without blowing your budget:

Makers and Shakers Emerging Design Market

Be inspired by some of Melbourne’s most exciting emerging designers at Makers and Shakers Emerging Design Market. The market will have for sale, the designers’ latest ready-to-wear collections, jewellery, accessories and more for this curated shopping experience. Entry is free, just bring those extra pennies for any purchases.

Fresh Floral Crown Masterclass

Ever since Lana Del Rey brought back the floral crowns, the fashionable headwear is a must for adding that extra special touch to your stylish outfit. This masterclass will teach you super and easy quick techniques to create a wearable floral crown with one to take home. Entry is free with registration.

Emporium Melbourne’s Opening Runway

See the very best Emporium fashion on the runway at this opening night event. Transforming Little Bourke Street transforms into a runway like no other, the cityscape will become a spectacular backdrop to the latest Spring/Summer looks from Emporium Melbourne designers. Free entry.

Hair and Makeup Workshop

Look like a million bucks without spending a cent. This workshop will be led by KEVIN.MURPHY and Mecca and you’ll discover the secrets behind this season’s signature looks and watch the masters of the trade as they present this unique, informative workshop on how to look your best.

Melbourne Conversations: The future for designers and the next generation

Are you an upcoming designer? Want to know what lies ahead for you? This Melbourne Spring Fashion Week panel conversation will focus on the current state of the fashion industry, where things are heading, the role of education and where the opportunities are. Speakers include Lisa Barron, Director, Lisa Barron Fashion Design; Mark Daynes, CEO, Jeans West; Professor Robyn Healy, Head of the School of Fashion and Textiles, RMIT University; and Cassandra Wheat, Co-Director, Chorus. Entry is free with registration.

Cake Bake & Sweets Show

Published by We Know Melbourne

Indulge, experience and be inspired by the greatest baking, dessert and entertaining show on Earth this October at the Cake Bake & Sweets Show. The show will take place over 3 days and will be filled with hundreds of demonstrations, hands-on classes and interactive workshops catering to all skill levels. Learn new techniques, get top tips and baking advice, shop for the latest supplies.

Leave the diets at home, this show will be filled with everything from cakes, pastries and chocolate, to breads, savouries and other delicious temptations, so whether you’re a home baker, cake decorator, home cook, baking professional or simply a foodie with an appreciation for deliciously tasty food, your eyes (and your bellies) will be in for a treat at the Cake Bake & Sweets Show. A great day out with family and friends!

When: 10am – 5pm, 21-23 October 2016

Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf

Visit the Cake Bake & Sweets Show website.

Local Charity Event @ Novotel Geelong

Published by We Know Melbourne

Novotel Geelong, through the Eva and Les Erdi Humanitarian Charitable Foundation, support Give Where you Live – a community foundation which aims to solve one of the most complex and entrenched social issues in the Geelong community – disadvantage.

Partnering with Kylie Audlist, the voice of European smash summer hit ‘The Girl’ by Kungs vs Cookin’, Novotel Geelong is hosting a fabulous cocktail event with canapés, live cooking stations, four hours of beverages and live entertainment in their beautiful bayside location. All proceeds go to the Give Where You Live Foundation.

Sip some wine, enjoy the beautiful water views and the jazzy vibes of Kylie Audlist, whilst making a difference to the location Geelong community.

It’s legitimate guilt-free fun. Be quick, places filling quickly.

Where: Novotel Geelong, 10-14 Eastern Beach Road
When: Friday 2 September, 7PM-11PM
Cost: Tickets are $98 each
Book: 03 5273 5460 or dining@novotelgeelong.com.au
More info: Check their website

Take a ride on the Gin Bus

Published by We Know Melbourne

If you’re a lover of Gin like us here at We Know Melbourne, you’ll want to sign yourself up for the Gin Queen on Tour 2016. With all Victorian gin distilleries based out of the city, the Gin Queen is making it easy to avoid the “Who’s driving” conversation when your friends suggest a day out to visit said distilleries.

Since launching The Gin Queen in 2013, Caroline Childerley has actively promoted Australian gins through her tastings and masterclasses, she says; “I’m so proud of our hardworking Australian distillers and am constantly telling people to get out and see the distilleries first hand, but it isn’t always that easy as not all of them are accessible via public transport, so I decided to launch Gin Queen on Tour!”

As part of the Gin Queen experience, you’ll be whisked away on a private bus to one of Victoria’s leading distilleries where you’ll get to meet the distiller have a G&T, learn about their fantastic gin(s), and enjoy a light lunch before the gin bus departs back to the city. To round of the tour, there’ll be a final stop at one of Melbourne’s best bars, Gin Palace where Manager, Trish, and her capable team will serve a mini martini made with the gin of the day.

The tours will visit three different distilleries on 3 different dates and include Four Pillars Gin Distillery ( Saturday 27th August), Loch Brewery & Distillery (Saturday 10th September) and the Melbourne Gin Company (Saturday 15th October) – which is currently not open to the public.

Book yourself in for a gin-tastic time!

When: August 27, September 10, October 15

Where: Various gin distilleries

Visit the Gin Queen website here.

Get Your Game On at PAX

Published by We Know Melbourne

PAX 2016 is just around the corner.

Twelve years ago in Washington a team of gamers from Penny Arcade came up with the concept for a convention exclusively dedicated to gaming to fill a niche that was overlooked by comics, anime and, in their words not ours, other cool nerd hobbies – and thus PAX was born – attracting 4,500 people in its first year, and doubling every year after that until it had to move to Seattle and Boston.

PAX is now proudly the largest gaming event in North America. In 2013, PAX hit the golden shores of Oz (and by that we mean Australia) where it’s now an annual event, and goes from strength to strength. This year, PAX Australia runs from 4-6 November, 2016 at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre.

This mega-convention offers something for every, single type of gaming you can imagine including a Consol Freeplay area, where PAX attendees can hit up literally hundreds of the latest gen, classic and lesser known games during their time. More a fan of the handheld device, never fear, just pull up a beanbag, pull out your 3DS, PSP or Vita and play away in the Handheld Lounge.

Like your games totally PC? The organisers have that covered too, with a large-scale, high-end PC Area for your personal computer gaming pleasure. Finally for those who like their gaming old-school, hit the Tabletop area for a spectacular range of board and traditional games which you can play with friends (play nice guys) and even check out like you would in a library.

PAX doesn’t stop there, they also run what is called an Omegathon. What’s that you ask?Omegathon is a bracket style tournament, pitting 20 randomly selected competitors (or Omeganauts) against one another over the three days, in games from all categories.

On the final day of PAX, the finalists fight it out on the big stage, closing the event with their gaming prowess awesomeness. Yep. Sounds epic alright.

Just when you thought that was it, PAX also offer a range of panel sessions from experts in anything to do with gaming, PLUS cool-as ‘nerd-core’ music concerts.

If you are heading to PAX this year, why not book some accommodation close by so you can enjoy every, single minute of it. Ibis Melbourne, Little Bourke Street offers a super-affordable, comfortable option within 20 minutes’ walk, or a quick tram ride on the number 96 from the venue. Check out the best available rates here.

When: November 4- 6, 2016

Where: MCEC, 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf

When: 4-6 November 2016

Visit the PAX Australia website here.

The Best of Melbourne Docklands

Published by We Know Melbourne

One of the areas of inner Melbourne that is still relatively unknown by visitors and even locals, the Docklands Precinct has grown from a disused wharf network in the 90’s, to a waterfront featuring an expansive array of restaurants, bars, shopping, attractions and modern residential buildings.

In order to help you experience the best of this Melbourne suburb, we have listed some the best activities and attractions on offer.

Harbour Town Shopping (440 Docklands Drive Docklands)

A great location to spend the day browsing the various outlet stores, featuring all the latest brands and fashion including designer clothing, jewellery and homewares. Quench your hunger at Burger Monster or enjoy a long island iced tea at the Harbour Town Hotel.

Etihad Stadium (740 Bourke Street Docklands)

One of Melbourne’s premier sporting arenas, it’s a prime host of Aussie Rules matches throughout the winter months, with soccer and 20/20 cricket throughout the summer, along as holding concerts from some of the biggest music acts in the world. Its retractable roof will make your visit a pleasant one regardless of the weather.

GlowGolf Docklands (35 Star Crescent Harbour Town)

A family favourite for all ages, the simple round of mini golf gets a funky make over as you test your skills across famous Australian landmarks, glow in the dark style. With no connection to mini golf whatsoever, they also have a Real Coffin Ride, a simulator that allows you to experience the sensation of being buried alive.

Docklands Park (1-91 Harbour Esplanade Docklands)

The perfect location to take the family or a couple of mates for a relaxing outdoor BBQ. A mini green haven amongst the urban sprawl, Docklands Park features a modern playground for all kids and a fascinating display of sculpture art such as the ever moving Blowhole or the famous Cow in a Tree, just around the corner.

Fox Classics Car Collection (749-755 Collins Street Docklands)

Featuring the extensive collection of vintage cars (worth $15 million), compiled over a 20-year period by trucking businessman Lindsay Fox. Browse through classic models from Bentley, Rolls Royce, Ferrari and more, with some cars made even more prestigious by their past history and celebrity owners.

Watermark Docklands (9/800 Bourke Street Docklands)

A stylish modern venue with superb views of the Dockland waterfront, Watermark is the perfect location to spend an afternoon or evening dining session with a group of friends or a loved one. Enjoy the variety of beers on tap and the mouth-watering menu with all your favourites at a generous price.
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel (101 Waterfront Way Docklands)

A truly amazing ride for any new visitor to the city who wants to see the Melbourne skyline and surrounds in a different perspective. Pick out each famous building from the Rialto Tower and MCG, to distant natural landmarks such as Mt Macedon and the Dandenongs. Make sure you get a photo of the Star at night with its beautiful light display.

Enjoy the Docklands by booking your stay in Melbourne at Ibis Little Bourke Street. Book your stay with Ibis Melbourne Little Bourke and enjoy a free breakfast plus $25 off each night.* Book the Winter Offer here.

A Day at the Hot Chocolate Festival

Published by We Know Melbourne

Over the weekend the We Know Melbourne team took a day trip out to the Yarra Valley, but this time it wasn’t for our usual wine, gin and cheese adventure. Instead our destination was the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie for the Hot Chocolate Festival.

The Hot Chocolate Festival is an annual event that is now in it’s third year and throughout the month long festival, tasters (or should we say indulgers) can try over 31 different hot chocolates over 31 days! We booked ourselves in for the tasting session at 11am (as it was the only time available – book well in advance if you’re planning on going!) and the biggest mistake was sampling the chocolates around the chocolaterie beforehand – With over 250 products to try, we couldn’t resist! Drinking 8 different hot chocolates over the course of 45 minutes, it was easy to say that thanks to walking in on a full stomach and wanting to drink every last drop of hot chocolate (they were just so delicious not to), we put ourselves into a chocolate induced coma.

Some of the flavours we got to try included the french toast, red velvet, cookies and cream dream and the theatrical flavours, frog in a pond and red velvet. But our favourite was the caramel honeycomb crumble! Rachel, our tastings master explained that they make their own salted caramel chocolate for the honeycomb and the honey flavours run through the milk giving it that added sweetness and unique flavour. The richness of the honeycomb could be smelt before drinking and had us craving more!

After the tastings, we got to meet Leanne, one of the owners of the husband-wife team who started Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, and we found out that the chocolaterie is only 3 years old! Started because Leanne and her husband saw a gap in the market, the chocolaterie is now expecting over 11000 visitors at this Hot Chocolate Festival and they’re about to open a sister chocolaterie on the Great Ocean Road in late September. The chocolaterie is made up of 7 dedicated chocolatiers from France and Belgium (purely because Australia had no dedicated chocolate training school yet) and they work with local businesses (butcher, farmer, dairy) for supplies. So it’s not only good for the taste buds but also the local community too!

If you’re chocolate obsessed or just have a sweet tooth, we recommend doing a day trip out to the Hot Chocolate Festival! There’s plenty of new flavours to try each week including some very unique ones that we’re intrigued by – someone tell us what the white vegemite twist tastes like – we’re dying to know!

When: Until August 31, 2016

Where: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Icecreamery

Visit the website here.

Tribute Mania Giveaway

Published by We Know Melbourne

Tribute Mania will explode onto the Palais Theatre’s iconic rock ‘n roll stage with simply the best sounding, best looking and most technically accurate tributes anywhere in the world! The formula is simple. Sound like the artist, perform like the artist and look like the artist …then have a hell of a lot of fun doing it!

Paying tribute to 5 of the world’s biggest bands, the night will take you on a journey through the 1960s to the 2000s! Playing on the night will be:

Bjorn Again – The World’s No.1 ABBA Show
The Australian Queen Tribute Show – The Closest You Will Ever Get to a 1980’s Queen Concert
Elton Jack Show– The World’s Most Loved Elton John Show
The Beatnix – The World’s First Beatles Tribute Show and Still Going Strong
and introducing The Spicy Girls – Australia’s First Spice Girls Tribute Show

Get your dancing shoes on, Tribute Mania will set your toes tapping.

When: 6:30pm, Saturday, 3 September

Where: Palais Theatre, St Kilda

Visit the website here

Exclusive: Tell us your favourite song from one of the bands to win 1 of 2 double passes to Tribute Mania!

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Avoid the hassle of getting there and back, and stay at Rydges St Kilda (a 5 minute walk from the festival) with our HOT Winter deal – stay 1 night, and get the next night FREE on weekends. Book / stay by 29 September 2016. T&C’s apply, so call the hotel directly for details or to book 1300 884 373.

A Chocolate Roadtrip

Published by We Know Melbourne

All Melbournians know, a road trip to the Yarra Valley is nowhere near complete without a cheeky little stop on the way home to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie (& Ice Creamery) to stock up on edible Christmas presents, random gifts or even just something fabulous to eat on the drive home.

There is even SIMPLY GINORMOUS bowls of chocolate drops at the front entrance, so you can go a little ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and have good old taste of the wares for FREE.

Now, Victoria’s other world-renowned road trip, The Great Ocean Road is about to get its very own chocolate stop, when the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery opens its sweet, sweet doors on September 17.

In a similar (yet bigger and better) set up to its sister site in the Yarra, the Chocolaterie sits on 15 acres of landscaped grounds kitted out with an orchard, kitchen garden, scent-sational (see what we did there…) lavender maze and a play area for the kids.

The promise of ‘abundant’ free tastings, over 250 chocolate products to choose from, and a glorious cabinet boating 7000 truffles, you get get lost and accidentally spend a week in this cocoa-heaven.

For those looking for something a little different, the Chocolaterie will also offer hosted chocolate and truffle tastings and chocolate-making classes. Bookings are essential.

What: Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
Where: 1200 Great Ocean Road, Bellbrae (cnr Elkington Road), Victoria
Open: Open every day 9am-5pm except Christmas Day. Free entry, free tastings.
More info: Check out their website

Dance your heart out at Listen Out Festival

Published by We Know Melbourne

Australia’s favourite boutique music festival returns to St Kilda for it’s fourth year and the line up is massive! Presented by Fuzzy – the Aussie promoters behind Field Day and Parklike, the festival will feature a bevvy of local and international electronic and hip-hop artists. Headliners for the festival this year include Baauer, A$AP Ferg and local legends, RÜFÜS.

To get your booty shaking harder, Listen Out will be upping the noise levels this year and the sound on the dance floor set to be over TWICE as loud as last year, thanks to the tick of approval from the good folk at St Kilda Council.

Tickets are on sale now, but get in quick, it will sell out soon.

Planning a big weekend for Listen Out Festival? Avoid the hassle of getting there and back, and stay at Rydges St Kilda (a 5 minute walk from the festival) with our HOT Winter deal – stay 1 night, and get the next night FREE on weekends. Book / stay by 29 September 2016. T&C’s apply, so call the hotel directly for details or to book 1300 884 373.

When: September 24

Where: Catani Gardens, St Kilda

Visit the Listen Out website.