MSO SIDNEY MYER FREE CONCERTS
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, February 15-22
For classical music lovers and novices alike, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) free concert series is a great way to enjoy beautiful music. MSO will perform three free concerts at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in February. In the first concert, Songs of Compassion, singer-songwriter Lior teams up with conductors Benjamin Northey and Nigel Westlake on February 15. Romantic Violin follows on February 19, and Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky on February 22. The concerts have a family-friendly atmosphere and are the ideal spot for a picnic on a warm night. Pre-concert entertainment begins at 5pm. For more information, see www.mso.com.au
RHYTHM OF AFRICA
Werribee Open Range Zoo, K Road, Werribee, January 4 – February 22
Melbourne’s very own African safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo will again host a summer concert series where visitors can enjoy African beats and music programs every Saturday. Rhythm of Africa has brought contemporary and traditional music to audiences for 14 years, and this year it will feature special 4.30 pm performances for kids as the support for the main act at 5.30 pm. Entry is included in general admission and children under 16 are free. Tickets
are available at the gate. For more information, visit www.zoo.org.au/werribee.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDENS
Southern Cross Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, December 21 – March 15
For t hose who like their theatre outdoors, the Australian Shakespeare Company is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Shakespeare in the Gardens series with a new production. The non-profit company will present a new adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was first performed in the Royal Botanic Gardens in 1988. Australian Shakespeare Company director Glenn Elston says the productions have become “treasured summer memories” for audiences. Ticket prices range from $25 to $45 and can be booked online at www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au or through Ticketmaster on 136 100.
DINOSAUR ADVENTURES
246 Samuel Amess Drive, Churchill Island, Newhaven
Taking a step back to the Jurassic period with the family is as easy as travelling to Phillip Island this summer. Life-sized animatronic dinosaurs will roam Churchill Island this month as part of a Dinosaurs Adventures program. The interactive program allows children to learn about prehistoric events and teaches them about fossils and palaeontology. Buy tickets at the gate for $5.95 for children and $11.90 for adults or purchase them in conjunction with entry to other attractions, including the Churchill Island Heritage Park or the three-park pass to Phillip Island Nature Parks. For more information, see www.penguins.org.au.
LUNAR DRIVE-IN
115 South Gippsland Highway, Dandenong
If you’re looking for an affordable and unique way to take the family to the cinema this summer, a trip to the old-fashioned drive-in might be just the thing. Open every
night of the year except December 25, Dandenong’s Lunar Drive-In is the largest drive-in theatre in Australia. With four screens showing new releases at two session times each night, and room to stretch out on a banana lounge, you really can’t go wrong. Tickets are available at the gate and cost $28 a car load (up to seven people), $13 for adults, $9 for children aged four to 16. Children under four are free. For more information, visit www.lunardrive-in.com.au.
