Melbourne is renowned for its fun and entertainment. This is especially true of the inner north-west, which comes to life in spring. Whether you are a huge movie fan or a horse racing enthusiast, our vibrant neighbourhood has you covered.
Looking for something fun to do this spring? Hungry for some live culture, sport, or arthouse cinema, perhaps? Here is how to make the most out of the entertainment hubs around Moonee Ponds.
Start your day with morning music at the Clocktower Centre
Weekend mornings with kids can be pretty hectic. But the Clocktower Centre has everything you need to start the day right, from musicals, dramas, comedy, and other performing arts, to children’s workshops and morning music shows by Australia’s top performers. While you’re there, check out the Clocktower café for delicious pastries, sandwiches, and great coffee too.
This is one of Moonee Valley’s most popular performing arts venues. So, because popular can also mean busy, secure your spot in advance.
Getting to the venue is easy too. Being located right next to Moonee Ponds Junction, it’s convenient to take the tram if you don’t want to drive.
Add the Moonee Valley racing season to your calendar
You don’t have to be a horse racing fan to have fun at the Moonee Valley Racing Club, home to Australia’s Best Race – Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival. Besides being a horse-racing track, the MVRC is the site of many business events, varied entertainment shows, concerts, and markets, and it has its own catering.
The fact that the venue can attract up to 50,000 people over 2 days speaks volumes. Whether you want to attend a music festival, spend some money at a crafts market, or enjoy the Friday night racing from your own private suite, this place has you covered.
As with any entertainment hub in the Valley, the MVRC requires reservations, so make sure to secure your spot for the upcoming events this spring.
It’s almost Spring Racing Carnival (Melbourne Cup) time!
Spring in The Valley is all about racing events, fashion, culture, food markets, music festivals, and lots of entertainment, and no one does it better than the Victoria Racing Club.
Starting in September and continuing through November, racegoers, sports fans, and those new to sports will get the chance to enjoy the most significant social and racing event in Melbourne. The VRC is host to four race meetings at Flemington, including the “race that stops the nation.”
Want to be a part of something even more special? Try booking tickets for the VRC Spring Gala on September 1st, and start spring in style with world-class entertainment, elegance, prizes, all-inclusive beverage packages, cocktails, and canapes.
Ride the waves at URBNSURF
Everyone looking for some fun water activities this spring should head down to URBNSURF, just a stone’s throw from Melbourne Airport in Tullamarine. Whether you are a beginner or a pro surfer, you are sure to have a blast at Australia’s first surf park.
There’s a lot to do at the URBANSURF. Surfers get to ride ocean-like surfing waves and later enjoy beach-style cabanas and hot tubs. There’s a cafe and a restaurant serving delicious food all day long.
If you are new to surfing, URBNSURF features Academy with plenty of surf lessons and training activities that will have you up and ready for surfing in no time.
The place has on-site photographers who make sure to capture your perfect moment on the wave. And the lively surf park is always packed with parties, festivals, and events, so make sure to book your tickets in advance.
Join the Karting Madness at Braybrook
Adrenaline seekers, rejoice! Alright, maybe not quite the adrenaline rush, but go-karting is a fun way to spend the day with your friends and family. And Moonee Ponds has just the right place to gather every member of the family – the Karting Madness Braybrook.
Besides being one of Australia’s largest indoor go-karting venues, the Karting Madness Braybrook features a large arcade zone, laser tag, bowling alley, pool tables, and much more.
If you think you are up to the challenge, gear up and test your skills at one of the longest and fastest indoor kart tracks. Though a visit here with kids may not be easy on your wallet, the memories you’ll make will last a lifetime.
Awaken your taste buds at Grazeland
A trip to Grazeland is the best way to discover the best of Melbroune’s food scene. Located 5km from Melbourne’s CBD, Grazeland is a foodie’s haven with live entertainment, so you get two for the price of one. There are over 50 food vendors selling anything from street food and African treats to Asian desserts, and Italian, Indian, and American staples.
A permanent food market, Grazeland features three bars, two live performance stages, and kid zones, so all ages are welcome.
You get to enjoy your weekends here for as little as $4 for an entry fee without having to book in advance. Children under 12 are free, which is a great bonus if you are a large family.
New Cinema: Palace Penny Lane on Puckle Street
There are Palace Cinemas all over Melbourne, and they aren’t your average movie theatre. Sophisticated and licensed, you can pair your fine wine with an even finer film.
If you are a huge fan of the Palace Cinemas in Melbourne, it’s worth checking out the new Palace Penny Lane Cinema in Moonee Ponds when it opens in spring 2023. Why? Because it’s like nothing you’ve seen before.
The new stylish cinema will feature 11 traditional screens indoors, a rooftop cinema space, 4K laser projection, comfy leather recliners, curated wine lists, and an extensive food menu. The highlight of the new venue is the rooftop cinema, where you can watch movies under the stars surrounded by stunning views of the Moonee Valley.
An entertainment hub, the Palace Penny Lane Cinema will be the ultimate moviegoing experience you just can’t miss this spring. Don’t forget to sign up for the Palace Movie Club for exclusive offers, discounts, and complimentary birthday tickets.
Spring to life with the best entertainment in Melbourne
Upcoming entertainment in Melbourne has never looked better. And you can’t go wrong with a fun day out in any of these venues, so go ahead and book your tickets to take advantage of all that Moonee Ponds has to offer. While soaking all the fun in, a stay at The Sebel Melbourne Moonee Ponds will put you right in the heart of the fun and entertainment zone this spring.