things to do4

What Are Things To Do Visiting Docklands Melbourne?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    The menu has something for everyone, from local favourites to international favourites. There are a lot of cool restaurants in the region, and they all use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in their dishes.

    Docklands' proximity to Melbourne's CBD makes it convenient to travel to the CBD by vehicle, public transit, or even on foot.

    Yacht cruises, jet ski rentals, and speed boat tours are just a few of the many water-based activities that bring visitors to the Docklands during the warmer months. Other common activities include jogging, shopping, and kite surfing.

    The O'Brien Group Arena is a wonderful and exciting location to go with people of all ages since you can hire skates and go ice skating.

    In the District, you may find some of the best shopping in the country.

    At this picture-perfect spot, you'll find both local and foreign boutiques, in addition to modest booths. You may save a lot of money while having a good time shopping at this waterfront mall. Sculptures and high-rise buildings dot the landscape of Docklands, a contemporary waterfront neighbourhood filled with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and entertainment events.

    Explore the public sculptures and light shows as you stroll the pedestrian plazas. Visit The District Docklands thereafter, an open-air shopping centre housing upscale labels in apparel, accessories, and furnishings. Indulge in a drink at one of the numerous upscale establishments while watching the sun set over the shimmering sea, or use it as a pit break on the route to a performance at Marvel Stadium. ​​​​​​​​

    things to do6

    Visiting Docklands Melbourne

    There is a vast range of thrilling outdoor activities available in Victoria, making it a great destination for everyone from thrill seekers to families in search of a quick escape.

    In Warrnambool, you may ride horses on the beach, and in the nearby Grampians, you can take a hot-air balloon flight. Skiing in Victoria and rafting the huge Murray River in one weekend is an exciting and adventurous experience.

    O'Brien Icehouse

    The O'Brien Icehouse in Docklands is a multi-purpose recreation and entertainment facility. It has the largest ice rink in Australia, with two rinks that are Olympic-sized. It hosts public skating sessions and other ice sports competitions. Figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating, and curling are all available, as are lessons and activities.

    Skating competitions at the national and international levels are also held at this state-of-the-art arena. In addition, the Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs of the Australian Ice Hockey League, as well as the Melbourne Ice Women's team, all call this arena home.

    ArtVo

    ArtVo is the first "trick art" gallery in Australia to feature fully immersive artworks.

    Visitors are not just welcome, but actively encouraged, to become an intrinsic part of the artwork by touching, interacting with, and photographing themselves within it.

    More than eleven zones include large, interactive 3D artworks painted directly onto the walls and floors. Thanks to the use of sculpture, viewers of iconic paintings are transported into the paintings' narrative settings.

    Spending an afternoon at ArtVo, with its innovative approach to presenting the work of different artists, is a fantastic way to spend some time in the Docklands. The museum's trick art collection is a big hit with visitors. The objective of this visual technique is to make the observer believe they are gazing at a three-dimensional object.

    The specific techniques used in this form of painting create an optical illusion. The coolest aspect is that viewers can fool around and take pictures inside the installation as if they were a real part of it.Enchanted Garden,

    Enchanted Garden, Pharaoh's Treasures, Dimensional Dreams,  Fantasia, Imagine,  World Tour, Aussie Pride,  Australiana, Aquatic Adventure, Jungle Safari, and Classic Crescent are just a few examples of the many diverse gallery regions that make up ArtVo.

    The whole point of being here is to get out and do stuff, so bring a group of friends and a camera. Shoes are typically requested to be removed at the door in art museums to protect the priceless pieces.

    The average time spent in the interactive gallery is around 2 hours, while this time can be substantially reduced or increased depending on the visitor's level of engagement. The on-premises cafe provides a convenient option for a quick snack or drink. People of all abilities are welcome to enjoy ArtVo's fully immersive art gallery experience.

    Cargo

    Located on the waterfront in Docklands, Cargo is a laid-back yet exciting restaurant.

    Many different kinds of pizza, a few different kinds of burgers, several different kinds of paella, and a large sharing menu for those who want to order a bunch of small dishes to share with friends are just a few of the items on the menu, which features global influences presented in a contemporary Australian style. Savor your meal while taking in the picturesque waterfront setting.

    Wonderland Fun Park

    Family favourites including the Dodgem Cars,  the Pirate Ship, the Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, the Grand Carousel, the Crazy Wave, the Dragon Flyer, and many more can be found at Wonderland Fun Park any time of the year.

    Santa's Christmas Spectacular, running from November 14 through December 24, is the holiday season's must-see event. This holiday season, bring the family to Wonderland Fun Park and witness the park's transformation into Santa's Magical Wonderland. Enjoy the one and only Talking Christmas Tree, Santa's Mailbox for sending your personal letters, and daily snowfalls at this Christmas Spectacular. Santa Claus and his elves will be making surprise appearances throughout the day, so be on the lookout.

    The District Docklands

    Cultural life in Docklands revolves around the District. Explore Imaginaria, a playground from the future, or check out ArtVo, Australia's first completely immersive "trick art" exhibition, filled with optical illusions and larger-than-life murals.

    Experience the latest Hollywood films in the lap of luxury at the most cutting-edge Hoyts cinema complex ever built, where every seat is a motorized recliner and the latest and greatest technology is available. After that, you can have a bite to eat, have some fun at Archie Brother's Cirque Electriq (bowling, dodgem cars, arcade games), or go for a skate at O'Brien Icehouse (ice skating).

    If you become hungry, you have your pick of more than 30 establishments, including the likes of KFC ,China Bar, Alley Brewery, Urban , Dohtonbori Okonomiyaki, and Subway.

    You may practise your putting abilities at GlowGolf Docklands, and you can take the kids to Chipmunks Playland and Café for a fun time or a birthday party.

    Do you need more humour in your life? See the latest Hollywood blockbuster at Australia's most state-of-the-art movie theatre. All of the seats in this state-of-the-art HOYTS multiplex are powered recliners, and the theatre employs cutting-edge technologies like Christie Laser Projection and Dolby Atmos Sound. Two Xtremescreen theatres, each measuring 24 metres in width, provide an immersive filmgoing experience like no other.

    Grab a drink, skate around the ice at the O'Brien Group Arena, go bowling, ride the dodgems, or play arcade games at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Do you have a pizza craving right now? Noodles? Dumplings? Burgers? You'll be spoiled for choice in The District, as it is home to more than thirty restaurants and food establishments, such as the Yassas Greek, Urban Alley Brewery,, Dohtonbori Okonomiyaki, Carl's Jr., 8 Street Docklands, China Bar, The Pancake Parlour, and Fukutontei Ramen.

    H&M, Cotton On, Kathmandu, Hype DC, UNIQLO, Skechers, Bonds, Miniso, and many other popular Australian and worldwide brands can be found at The District.

    Shop for groceries at Woolworths, Dan Murphy's, The Butcher Club Epicurean, MarketPlace Fresh, or Docklands City Pharmacy in The District's Market Lane. Just steps away from Southern Cross Station and the public tram zone, the District is easily accessible from CityLink, Footscray Road, Empire Asian Supermarket, and Wurundjeri Way. Visit The District and spend the day wandering its vast streets and winding lanes.

    Glow Golf

    Through the use of UV illumination, the traditional game of mini golf at Docklands has been transformed into a futuristic, glow-in-the-dark experience.

    The first of its type in Australia, Glow Golf is a peaceful indoor minigolf course with 18 fun holes. It works well in homes, schools, youth groups, workplaces, and for charitable causes.

    Glow-in-the-dark murals and mood lighting allow for year-round golfing, no matter the weather. Always be on the lookout for the Kingswood ute hole. Glow Golf is home to Le Bar European, the world's tiniest bar.

    Mini-golf is something you've probably experienced at least once in your life. However, it's probable that the Black Light Glow Golf course is unique in all of Australia. There is no light on any of the 18 holes of the indoor course. The almost psychedelic display of fluorescent lighting will keep you thoroughly bewildered as you putt your way around this insane course.

    The layout of the course, which is based on famous Australian sites, accomplishes two goals: educating participants and providing an exciting sporting challenge. This crazy golf course is perfect for children aged 5 and older, and the air conditioning is a nice relief during the hot summer months.

    Library At The Dock

    Contemporary public library and social centre, Library at The Dock is situated on Docklands' waterfront. Moreover, the library has its own set of research facilities and exhibition halls.

    The structure is three stories tall and has a recording studio, creative editing suites, community meeting rooms, study places, and multipurpose rooms available for rent, as well as traditional and digital catalogues.

    A gallery space, a green terrace with ventilation for yoga, tai chi, and movie screenings, and a performance hall for over 120 people are all available to community groups, musicians, and visitors.

    The library is surrounded by water on one side and parkland on the other, and it has a playground and green areas where people may relax and play for the kids. The Green Building Council of Australia gave the Library at The Dock the highest possible Green Star rating, six stars.

    Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

    archie brothers cirque electriq

    Make your way to Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq for the pinnacle of arcade fun. After a round of bowling, bumper cars, or virtual reality, you must have their circus sour. Serve this fruity take on the classic drink atop a tower of overly sweet fairy floss.

    There are 67 different arcade games at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, as well as bowling, dodgem cars, and an interactive XD motion theatre. When there is a break in the action, stop by the bar for a snack and a drink.

    Dohtonbori

    All you can eat deals are available in a variety of Japanese restaurants, including those that specialise in okonomiyaki, teppanyaki, and the casual dining experience known as izakaya. Japanese savoury pancake called okonomiyaki is typically cooked with cabbage and various meats or fish. It'll be prepared just how you like it right in front of your eyes. Dohtonbori is the place to try a wide variety of okonomiyaki from all across Japan.

    You can select from three different unlimited food and drink bundles, or make your own custom meal.

    The decor inside is a mix of classic and contemporary styles. The semi-private booths have paper screen panels called shoji separating them from the rest of the restaurant, and paper fan-like decorations dangle from the ceiling. In addition to the backlit panelling, soft leather furniture, and modern geometric light fixtures, the space also features a unique lighting design.

    Dohtonbori Okonomiyaki was first served in Japan, but it has now spread to hundreds of other countries. First for the brand outside of Asia is The District Docklands.

    Tunzafun

    The Docklands area of Melbourne has a great place to take the kids called Tunzafun. In this ultimate fun zone, you and your kids can enjoy a wide variety of carnival-themed games, 3D motion rides, and other great games.

    Tunzafun is a family entertainment centre with a vast selection of coin-operated arcade games and other attractions. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to enjoy the area's exciting attractions and activities. The amusement park also features a section dedicated to skill-testing games, where visitors can try their hand and possibly win prizes at a variety of challenging and rewarding activities.

    The quest for the perfect way to celebrate a birthday is done. There is enough to do in this area for you and your young party attendees. A variety of kid-friendly party packages are available from Tunzafun.

    If you're driving to Docklands to check out TunzaFun, you'll want to leave your vehicle at The District Docklands (previously Harbour Town). After a day of exciting experiences, relax with a supper at one of the waterfront restaurants in Docklands before heading home.

    Docklands Park

    Melbourne's waterfront promenades are among the city's longest and liveliest attractions. Melbourne's waterfront district of retail, dining, and entertainment can be found in Docklands Park. This stunning spot is found in the well-known Victoria Harbour neighbourhood. This beautifully planted city park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, read, and enjoy a picnic or barbeque.

    In addition to its many trails for walking and cycling, Docklands Park also features free grilling facilities. Beautiful grassy places for picnicking and lounging are also available to visitors.

    This seaside location is also home to a considerably big wetland area, where you’ll find a diversity of native trees, shrubs and small plants. All kinds of great restaurants and laid-back cafes may be found in Docklands Marina. If you're hungry seafood, visit one of these fine dining establishments. The Docklands are ideal whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a romantic meal by the sea.

    Urban Alley Brewery

    Its Docklands location allows the Urban Alley Brewery to produce one million litres of beer annually, making it a sustainable microbrewery and pub. They also have lager, a dark ale, and an American pale ale in addition to their flagship Urban Ale.

    Urban Alley's distinctive eco-model is the result of their production adhering to stringent quality and environmental norms and their partnerships with other businesses in Victoria. The Urban Alley brew-pub is open every day of the week and features a working brewery. The 25 hectoliter brewhouse is adjacent to the tavern, so the beers are served at peak freshness.

    Berth

    At Docklands, the dock is housed in a modern glass building that juts out into the water.

    Dishes like chicken parm, fish and chips, lamb shanks,  and mushroom burgers are among the more relaxed options available. If you're in the mood for something different, try the harissa-spiced chicken or the supercharged salmon salad.

    You can pair your meal with one of the available wines by the glass or one of the regional staple beers.

    Alma Doepel

    The three-masted sailing yacht Alma Doepel has a rich history spanning over a century. It was constructed and is still sailed by Australians. The ship, which set sail in 1903, has undergone a number of restoration processes to keep it in pristine shape and provide a window into Australia's maritime history for modern audiences.

    At order to make it ready for commercial use, the ship is currently in Docklands, Melbourne, undergoing a number of modifications. To preserve the beauty of the building for future generations, some alterations are necessary.

    Shed 2 on North Wharf Road in Docklands is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for visitors who want to learn more about the ship's history as a result of these processes. Volunteer work is needed to restore Alma Doepel, and tourists with extra time can help out with the process.

    Visitors who are interested in having their names included on Alma's Honour Board after restoration is complete can purchase planks on the open days. The official website of Alma Doepel has a contribution option you can use to give a plank. Fortunately, these contributions are non taxable, so tourists from all over the world can participate in the generosity of the community without worrying about their tax returns.

    Alma's presence at Docklands as a tourist destination and significant historical centre demands that you pay a visit, and Alma Doepel is the place to do so.

    things to do5

    Saluministi

    When you eat at Saluministi, you'll feel like you're in Italy. Each dish is prepared to order with ingredients that are in season and prepared with classic seasonings. The inspiration for Saluministi came in childhood: time spent amongst fresh vegetables, at the dinner table enjoying moments with family, and in the kitchen watching delicacies created with hands and hearts.

    Take pleasure in grilled sandwich paninis like the porchetta, which features artichoke paste , free-range, slow-roasted pork, , Pecorino Romano (hard, salty cheese), and rocket.

    Conclusion

    Docklands' proximity to Melbourne's CBD makes it convenient to travel to the CBD by vehicle, public transit, or even on foot. Yacht cruises, jet ski rentals, and speed boat tours are just a few of the many water-based activities that bring visitors to the Docklands. Other common activities include jogging, shopping, and kite surfing. The O'Brien Icehouse in Docklands has the largest ice rink in Australia, with two rinks that are Olympic-sized. ArtVo is the first "trick art" gallery in Australia to feature fully immersive artworks. Visitors can interact with 3D artworks by touching, interacting with, and photographing them.

    Content Summary:

    • The menu has something for everyone, from local favourites to international favourites.
    • There are a lot of cool restaurants in the region, and they all use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in their dishes.
    • Docklands' proximity to Melbourne's CBD makes it convenient to travel to the CBD by vehicle, public transit, or even on foot.
    • Yacht cruises, jet ski rentals, and speed boat tours are just a few of the many water-based activities that bring visitors to the Docklands during the warmer months.
    • Other common activities include jogging, shopping, and kite surfing.
    • The O'Brien Group Arena is a wonderful and exciting location to go with people of all ages since you can hire skates and go ice skating.
    • In the District, you may find some of the best shopping in the country.
    • At this picture-perfect spot, you'll find both local and foreign boutiques, in addition to modest booths.
    • You may save a lot of money while having a good time shopping at this waterfront mall.
    • Sculptures and high-rise buildings dot the landscape of Docklands, a contemporary waterfront neighbourhood filled with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and entertainment events.
    • Explore the public sculptures and light shows as you stroll the pedestrian plazas.
    • Visit The District Docklands thereafter, an open-air shopping centre housing upscale labels in apparel, accessories, and furnishings.
    • Indulge in a drink at one of the numerous upscale establishments while watching the sun set over the shimmering sea, or use it as a pit break on the route to a performance at Marvel Stadium.
    • There is a vast range of thrilling outdoor activities available in Victoria, making it a great destination for everyone from thrill seekers to families in search of a quick escape.
    • In Warrnambool, you may ride horses on the beach, and in the nearby Grampians, you can take a hot-air balloon flight.
    • Skiing in Victoria and rafting the huge Murray River in one weekend is an exciting and adventurous experience.
    • The O'Brien Icehouse in Docklands is a multi-purpose recreation and entertainment facility.
    • It has the largest ice rink in Australia, with two rinks that are Olympic-sized.
    • It hosts public skating sessions and other ice sports competitions.
    • Figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating, and curling are all available, as are lessons and activities.
    • Skating competitions at the national and international levels are also held at this state-of-the-art arena.
    • In addition, the Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs of the Australian Ice Hockey League, as well as the Melbourne Ice Women's team, all call this arena home.
    • ArtVo is the first "trick art" gallery in Australia to feature fully immersive artworks.
    • Visitors are not just welcome, but actively encouraged, to become an intrinsic part of the artwork by touching, interacting with, and photographing themselves within it.
    • More than eleven zones include large, interactive 3D artworks painted directly onto the walls and floors.
    • Thanks to the use of sculpture, viewers of iconic paintings are transported into the paintings' narrative settings.
    • Spending an afternoon at ArtVo, with its innovative approach to presenting the work of different artists, is a fantastic way to spend some time in the Docklands.
    • The museum's trick art collection is a big hit with visitors.
    • The objective of this visual technique is to make the observer believe they are gazing at a three-dimensional object.
    • The specific techniques used in this form of painting create an optical illusion.
    • The coolest aspect is that viewers can fool around and take pictures inside the installation as if they were a real part of it.

    FAQs About Visiting Docklands Melbourne

    The Docklands becomes a family fun destination in summer as visitors often come here to enjoy activities, such as yacht tours, jet skiing, and speed boat tours. Other leisurely activities include kite surfing, jogging, and shopping, are quite well enjoyed in the area.

    Docklands is the waterfront suburb of Melbourne. Once known as the West Melbourne Swamp, it soon developed into a harbour and today is a technology park and business centre. Home to Melbourne's many business headquarters and main attractions, the city would be incomplete without its Docklands.

    The District (formerly Harbour Town Shopping Centre) is the home of Melbourne’s top attractions and entertainment, and it is the experiential heart of the Docklands. Ride the iconic Melbourne Star, which is the Southern.

    Adorned with art sculptures and apartment buildings, Docklands is a contemporary waterfront dining, retail and entertainment hub. Wander through the pedestrian plazas to admire public murals and light displays.

     

    Docklands, also known as Melbourne Docklands, is an inner-city suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 2 km (1.2 mi) west of Melbourne's Central Business District, located within the City of Melbourne local government area. Docklands recorded a population of 15,495 at the 2021 census.

     

    Scroll to Top