Giant Sky Wheel
Open 7 days and public holidays. Hours: Monday to Thursday 12 midday to 11pm, Friday 12 midday to 12 midnight, Saturday 10am to 12 midnight and Sunday 10am to 11pm.
Birrarung Marr (adjacent to Federation Square), Princes Walk, Melbourne.
Adult / Child - $7.00 Per Person (NO BOOKING REQUIRED)
Group Concession - $25.00 4 Persons (NO BOOKING REQUIRED)
Group 20 - 50 persons - $5.00 per person (BOOKING REQUIRED)
Group 50 + - $4:00 per person (BOOKING REQUIRED)
With 36 carriages, a height of 50 metres and the largest travelling ferris wheel in the southern hemisphere, the Big Sky Wheel is a must see! Experience the panoramic views of the Melbourne city skyline, the spectacular light show and various performers and street buskers on show.

For more information call 0439 043 975.

Spring into Shape Series 08
Sunday 14 September – From 9am.
Alexandra Gardens, Boathouse Drive, Melbourne.
Adults from $30, Children from $17, Concession from $25.
Spring into Shape Series 08 is the opportunity for the whole family to get together and participate in a 4km or 8km run and walk. There are free giveaways and prizes to be won, with trophies and medals awarded to place getters and winners of all age categories.

For more information go to www.starttofinish.com.au

UNIFEM Melbourne Spring Walk
Sunday 21 September – International Day of Peace.
See website for organised walk locations within Melbourne and Australia-wide.
Help raise awareness, empower young women and support UNIFEM Australia by organising or participating in walks with your family this Spring. UNIFEM seeks to provide opportunities for foreign young women to study at Australian Universities who have contributed to peace and gender equality in their own country. All money raised goes towards UNIFEM’s Peace Scholarship Programme.

For more information call (02) 6285 8254 or go to www.unifem.org.au

The Royal Melbourne Show
Thursday 18 September - 9:30am - 6:00pm, Friday 19 September – Saturday 27 September - 9:30am - 10:00pm and Sunday 28 September - 9:30am - 8:30pm.
Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale, Melbourne.
Prices start at $27 for adults, $17 for concession, and $13 for children 5-14 years. Family packages are also available. Special discount opening day prices are available on the website.
Jam-packed with rides, entertainment, showbags, live shows, activities for the kids, pavilions, star attractions, food & wine, and loads of animals, the Royal Melbourne Show is here again for the whole family to enjoy!

For more information call the ticket sales hotline on 13 28 49, show info hotline on 1300 656 547 or go to www.royalshow.com.au

Melbourne City Baths – School Holiday Program
September 22 - October 3.
Docklands Hub, 17 Waterview Walk, Docklands.
Please see website for costs and excursion prices.
Offering entertainment, excursions, special events, games and a wide range of activities for children duiring these school holidays.

For more information call (03) 9663 5888 or go to www.melbournecitybaths.com.au

Queen Victoria Markets – School Holiday Programs and Activities
Tuesday 23 & 30 September, 9-1pm.
‘L’ Shed, Queen Street, Melbourne.
This event is free of charge. (Some activities incur a small cost and some bookings are required – See website for more details.)
At the Queen Victoria Markets these coming school holidays, the whole family can be entertained with a juggling school, jumping castle, painting, arts & crafts, cupcake cooking and artistry, and a ‘High Flying’ super heroes show!

For more information call (03) 9320 5822 or go to www.qvm.com.au

National BBQ Day
Sunday 10 September.
This is an Australia-wide event.
Get involved in National BBQ Day and raise funds for Variety, The Children’s Charity, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life of sick, disabled and disadvantaged Australian children. What better way to celebrate the beginning of the BBQ season than with family and friends, raising money for a good cause!

For more information go to www.nationalbbqday.com.au

Trung-Thu Childrens Festival
Saturday 20 September from 5pm – 10pm.
Quang Minh Buddist Temple, 18 Burke Street, Braybrook. Victoria.
This is a free family event.
Trung-Thu Festival also known as the Mid-Autumn or Children’s Moon Festival its purpose is to promote education, innovative ideas, music, sports, arts and crafts and poetry for the young generation. Activities and celebrations include a children’s lantern procession, colourful shows, dancing, poetry recitals, music from the Dragon dance drum, and children’s songs.

For more information call (03) 9017 2999 or go to www.quangminh.org.au

What’s On Melbourne by Amy Braddon

Teddy Bear’s Pyjama Party
Saturday, September 25th 2008 from 6pm to 7pm
Lane Cove Junior Library: 139a Longueville Rd, Lane Cove
Free!
A storytelling adventure, with a special visit from Walker Bear! Kids can join in the fun by wearing their pj’s and bringing along their favourite teddy.

Bookings essential. Contact Helen Rourke on 9911 3634. Go to www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au Click on Events Calendar then scroll to September.

The Dads are Great Celebration Day
Saturday, September 6th 2008 from 9am to 2pm
Lane Cove Plaza
Free entry, some free activities.
A day to make Dad feel important and celebrate the part he plays in your family. Enjoy a barbeque, free drumming workshop, live music, badge-making and face-painting.

Contact Lynne Slocombe Centacare, Broken Bay on 94882530 or email lslocombe@brokenbay.catholic.org.au
Go to www.lanecove.nsw.gov.auClick on Events Calendar then scroll to September.

The Kogarah 17th Annual Fair and Charity Bedrace
10:00am on Saturday 6th September
Railway Parade, Kogarah.
Free entry
An event to raise funds for the Emergency Unit at St George Hospital. There will be marching bands, all day entertainment, rides for the kids and more than fifty food and craft stalls. At 11am begins the hilarious and wacky ‘Battle of the Beds’ featuring the bed race heats, semis & finals

Contact: Jacinta Sunderland Kogarah Council (02) 9330 9424.
Web: click here

Festival of the Winds 30th Anniversary Kite Flying Extravaganza
Bondi Pavilion/Bondi Park
Sunday 14 September, 2008 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
Australia’s biggest kite festival, featuring a huge display of kites from local and international kite makers and flyers, as well as international guests who will be displaying their unique kite designs from India, Malaysia, China and Japan. Or fly your own kite! You can buy one from the stalls if you don’t have one, or make your own at the awesome craft stalls. There will be a multicultural entertainment program in the Pavilion Courtyard Amphitheatre and free music dance workshops.

The kids will love the rides, face painting, animal farm, wandering minstrels, jugglers, stilt walkers, puppeteers, clowns and craft workshops.

You won’t go hungry thanks to the multicultural food stalls that will be offering food and drinks from all over the world. If that’s a bit too exotic for you and the kiddies, be sure to enjoy sausage sizzle instead! Finally Bondi Pavilion Gallery, will host an aerial art exhibition. The gallery will be open daily for viewing from 10 am – 5 pm.

Contact The Bondi Pavilion Community Cultural Centre Queen Elizabeth Drive Bondi Beach 2026 Ph: (02) 8362 3400 Fax: (02) 83623420
Web: click here

Puppeteria Theatre
Sept 4th, 9th, 18th and 23rd at 10:30am. Also Sept 13th and 20th at 1:45pm.
12A Denawan Avenue Castle Cove
Tickets cost adult $13 and child $10.
A show “The Jeral Puppets� in Old MacDonald’s Farm for 2 – 5 year olds at 10.30am on September 4, 9, 18 and 23 and The Muddle Headed Wombat for 4 - 9 year olds at 1.45pm on September 13 and 20.

More info: Phone Puppeteria Theatre on 9371 7328 or www.puppeteria.com

Bush Babes – Pre-schoolers’ Bush Scrambles
September 11, 17 and 23 at 10am – 11.45am
Artarmon Reserve
Free (bookings are essential)
Start off with a bushwalk and see some of the local wildlife. Afterwards the kids will have story time while parents can have coffee/tea. Bring a snack for your little one and a mug for your cuppa.

More info: For bookings call 9777 7755

Naremburn Community Centre Open Day
Saturday 20th September
7-9 Central Street, Naremburn and is
Free.
Activities include face painting, guessing competition, sausage sizzle, arts and crafts and lots more.

More info: 9434 8814

Carnivale at Chatswood Library
Monday 22nd September – Friday 10th October
Free
Enjoy some multicultural story telling, interactive activities and displays.

More info: ph 9777 7900. To book, ph 9245 2484 or email education@mca.com.au.

Mini Mariners
The Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour.
Starting from Tues 2nd, will be Tuesday morning during school term from 10am-10.45am.
$7 per child (Adults and members of museum free).
For 2-5 year olds and their carers. Join in activities such as songs, stories, games and craft. Will be held in different parts of museum depending on the day’s theme, which changes at the beginning of each month. The theme for September is ‘Under the Sea’. Join Queen Pearl as she searches for some of the creatures that live with her under the sea. Sing songs about wibbly wobbly Jellyfish then make your own jellyfish mask to take home. For even more fun, come dressed as your favourite sea creature or mermaid
More info: ph 9298 3777 or visit www.anmm.gov.au.

Story-Time for Pre-schoolers, Beecroft
Tuesday and Friday mornings at 9-45am during school term from 2nd Sept
The Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft
Free
Come an have story time and meet Bronwyn Bancroft, an Aboriginal author and illustrator. She will share her children’s books with the kids.

More info: ph 9481 8811.

Powertots Playgroup
Powerhouse Discovery Centre, Castle Hill
The first Friday of each month from 10.30am—11.30am
$5, free for Powerhouse members and children under 4.
Kids under 5 years and their carers can enjoy a visit to the Display Store and a range of craft activities, storytelling and mini-tours themed around objects on display.

Bookings essential, limited numbers. ph 9762 1300.

What’s On Sydney by Kelly Makhoul

Targa West Rally
Friday 5th September 8.45am and 6pm
8.45am Murray Street Mall and 6pm James Street, Northbridge
Free
A total of 87 cars in four categories will line up in the Mall for the start of the 3 day event before heading off to Barbagallo Raceway, as well as the hills and valleys around Perth. At the end of day one at 6 pm the cars will gather in James Street, Northbridge for a ‘show and shine’, while drivers and support crews will enjoy the hospitality of the city’s premier entertainment precinct. There are four different sections in the rally;
 the Classic Challenge, which includes a 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV;
 the Modern Challenge, which includes a ’84 Porsche and F6 Typhoon;
 the Classic Competition division, which includes a ‘65 Ford Mustang, ’72 Ford Escort and ’73 Datsun 240 Z; and the
 Modern Competition, the field of which includes a Lotus Elise and Lamborghini Superleggera.

Contact:www.cityofperth.wa.gov.au

Castledare Miniature Railway
1st Sunday of each month and 3rd Sunday of each month
1st Sunday Niana Station Castledare Place Wilson 11am - 3:00pm
3rd Sunday Wilson Park Station Kent St. Wilson (Kent St. Weir) on the 10am – 2pm.
Entry to the grounds and use of the facilities is free. Fares, Adult $5.00 Child $2.50 Multi Rider $20.00 Under 2 years of age travel free with adult.
Ride the miniature train to see flora and fauna of our natural Australian bush. Tours of the Loco sheds and work shops can be arranged.

Contact:Secretary Ken Belcher Ph (08) 9356 2290 Email- secretarycastledare@amnet.net.au or web: www.castledare.com.au

Checkered Flag Slot Cars
Monday 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tuesday 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wednesday 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thursday 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Friday 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Shop 5, 1909 Albany Hwy MADDINGTON, WA, 6109
Pricing – Dependant on number of laps and races booked.
Checkered Flag Slotcar Raceway in Maddington offers Perth’s premier slotcar raceway on a 8 lane 42 metre road course, also a 6 lane 20 metre road course, with a scale 1/8th mile dragstrip and a 4 lane AFX track!!
Organised racing 5 nights a week.
Specializing in:-
* Birthday Parties
* Group Bookings
* Social Clubs
* Mobile Track Hire Service

Contact:Phone 9452 0933 Fax 9452 0934 Mobile 0427 731 853

Cycling around river
Whenever you like – Bike Hire – 7 Days 9-5pm
Causeway Car Park Perth East end of Riverside Drive About Bike Hire at the East end of Riverside Drive
Free or Bike hire cost if required. From $10 per hour adults and $7 children
Perth has a large number of cycleways that make cycling around the river a safe and fun way to see the city. A popular ride is leaving from About Bike Hire at the East end of Riverside Drive, past Barrack Street Jetty, crossing the Narrows bridge, riding through South Perth, over the Causeway and then back to About Bike Hire.

Contact:9221 2665 or click here

Play School Live in Concert in Western Australia
Friday 8 September 06 - Fremantle Town Hall
Saturday 9 September 06 - Warnbro Community YMCA
Sunday 10 September 06 - Morley Sports and Recreation Centre
Tuesday 12 September 06 - South Perth Civic Centre
Wednesday 13 September 06 - Morley Sports and Recreation Centre
Thursday 14 September 06 - South Perth Civic Centre01 Sep 08 to 10 Sep 08
Adults at Children’s prices $12. Babies under 12 months FREE when sitting on a lap. Standard Adults and children - $9.90 through BOCS
Hear songs and stories and play games with two presenters from every toddler’s favourite TV show, Play School. The Play School presenters, along with the real stars of the show Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima and Humpty, will imaginatively entertain kids in Western Australia. Singing songs such as ‘Incy Wincy’, ‘Twinkle Twinkle’, ‘I’m a Little Tea Pot’, ‘The Der Glumph’ and ‘The Wiggley Woo’.

A 40 minute performance and the presenters will come out after the show to meet and greet the audience.

There is lots of audience participation so kids will be singing and dancing along with their beloved characters but just like the show there are quiet times to just watch and listen.

Contact: www.bocsticketing.com.au

Celebrate Father’s Day Festival
07 Sep 08 10:00am to 3:00pm
Synergy Parkland – Kings Park, West Perth
Gold coin donation
This Father’s Day you can enjoy lots of fun outdoor activities, such as African drumming, giant rock-wall climbing, kite making, camel rides and more at Kings Park in West Perth.
Little kids can meet Fat Cat and enjoy the reptile displays while bigger kids can find their creative side at woodworking workshops or jump around in Sumo suits.

There will be loads of interactive displays, demonstrations, music and entertainment but, most importantly, there will be pancakes! A must on any Father’s Day, the whole family can enjoy eating them in the catering marquee or get in on the action at the pancake tossing competitions.

Contact: click here

Maylands Waterland
Dependant on weather. Confirm first.
Clarkson Road Maylands WA 6051
$3 for adults and $2.50 for children
Maylands Waterland is just 7km from Perth’s centre on the Maylands Peninsula, overlooking the Swan River. It has four pools, a mini golf area, wildflower gardens and grassed and shaded picnic areas. The play equipment and barbecues make it the perfect place for a family outing.
This Council-owned, unique recreational facility is run by the YMCA and comprises a fully enclosed landscaped area housing four shaded splash pools to suit children of varying ages, a water slide, waterfall and channel, a large water fountain to play under, a mini golf course and a bouncy castle.In addition to these water facilities, Maylands Waterland also has shaded seating areas, a barbecue for general use, as well as a kiosk from which light refreshments can be purchased.Squeals of excitement emanate from this unique facility as children enjoy the fun and freedom of its safe, child-friendly environment. Of course parental supervision is essential at all times, however the facility also has fully qualified lifeguards available to provide additional support.

Contact: - (08) 9272 4456 or www.bayswater.wa.gov.au

Swan Bells Tower
Open daily from 10am. Open everyday except Good Friday and Christmas Day Last entry 3.45 (winter) or (4.15) summer.
Barrack Square Riverside Drive, Perth WA 6831
$10 Adults and $7 Concessions
The Swan Bells Tower, on the banks of the Swan River, houses the historic bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London, which were presented as a bicentennial gift to WA. Climb the tower to see the bells and head to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city and the river. There are regular bell-ringing demonstrations. The Swan Bells is one of the world’s largest musical instruments. They have amassed a fascinating array of precision timepieces, bells and optical instruments that demonstrate how time was kept in the mechanical era before the ‘world went digital’.

Contact: - 08 9218 8183 or www.swanbells.com.au or info@swanbells.com.au

What’s On Perth by Rebecca Doughty