Happy Birthday, Melbourne! A guide to Melbourne Day celebrations

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This week, the city of Melbourne celebrates its
180th birthday – that’s 180 years since the first settlers arrived by boat and began creating the amazing city we have today. In this guide, C&G highlight the best celebratory events this weekend, and ways to get involved! 

With tons more going on across Melbourne, visit the Melbourne Day website for all the details, and start planning your day. The weather is set to be fine, so a bright day of celebrations is in store all round. 

n 30th August 1835, settlers from Tasmania sailed to Melbourne aboard the schooner Enterprize, landed on the north of the Yarra river, and established the first permanent settlement. In celebration of the city’s 180th year, this weekend there are events across Melbourne to mark the occasion, and everyone can get involved.

Enterprize park, as it’s now known, was where the settlers first established life - making it a fitting spot for the flag raising ceremony. Kicking off at 9am, the city councillors will ceremoniously hoist the city’s flag, followed by singing and dancing along with the Royal Australian Navy Band.

From noon-5pm, Water Plaza on Victoria Harbour Promenade hosts a free concert, featuring The Pierce Brothers, Daryl Braithwaite and The Voice Australia’s Soli Tesema. Packed with activities from an aboriginal gallery to a giant Melbourne birthday cake, it’s certainly one for the family. 

The weekly Docklands Market is going all out for the occasion, with a special Melbourne Day-themed edition. For one day only along the harbour esplanade, more stalls then ever will be offering hot fresh treats, unique arts and crafts and fashions. Don’t leave without picking up the ‘Official Pie of Melbourne’ by Ferguson Plarre. Packed with beef, beer and bacon, it’s an Aussie classic.

For the curious Melbournian, Hidden Secrets Tours is holding special Melbourne Day guided tours, uncovering the history of the city and lesser-known locations. Golden Mile tours can be booked at a special discount of 50% off when booked for August 30th. There’s never been better time to discover Melbourne than the 180th birthday!

The Melbourne Regatta also takes place on 30th August (and was first held on that very day in 1838). Taking centre stage is the Enterprize schooner, offering free sails at various time slots, while music and performances take place all afternoon. Additional cruises on other iconic vessels, Lady Cutler and Seafarer, are also bookable, providing an up close and personal regatta experience.