Moonlight Cinema, Botanical Gardens

Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens provides a stunning backdrop suited to an evening under the stars enjoying contemporary, cult and classic cinema. So to enjoy Up in the Air, where Academy Award-winner George Clooney stars as Ryan Bingham, a businessman on the verge of reaching five million frequent flyer miles when his company decides to cut back on travel. But his goal isn't the only thing just out of reach: he now won't be able to see a fellow frequent traveller (THE DEPARTED's Vera Farmiga) who has caught his eye.

This film Boasts 6 Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress (x2) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

BYO picnics or purchase dinner and drinks at the cinema.

Meet at the Box Office Moonlight Cinema is located in the Royal Botanic Gardens, on Birdwood Avenue (near the intersection of Domain Road), South Yarra. Enter the cinema via Gate D and follow the path to the Central Lawn.

Wed, 10 March

7.45pm - 11.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Left Bank, 1 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank.

Join your friends at Fun, Food and Friendship for a fantastic social networking charity event. For this event, you can arrive at any time as your name will be placed on the door.

Hope for Haiti is Melbourne's latest craze in socialising for charity. Mingle with the best, drink the finest and donate the highest! Proceeds raised will support the Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Appeal

The event Features - live performances - Silent auction .. shhh and Fashion launch.

The entry fee of $30 includes a complimentary Coopers 62 Pilsner, finger food and booking fee.

Left Bank is one of Melbourne's stylish and sophisticated venues set on the banks of Southbank, with a relaxed lounge, bar and dining areas. Come and see for yourself this exciting venue and help raise money for charity

Meet Ian and the reserved area for Funff - look for our Fun, Food and Friendship banner. This charity event is ideal for meeting Fun, Food and Friendship members, as well as other people supporting this charity event.

As a special incentive to attend this charity networking event, when you book, we will send you a special discount code that will allow you to receive a $30 off a new membership or a membership renewal. Discount code will be valid for membership registrations from 3rd March until 12 March only.

Thu, 11 March

6.15pm - 10.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: $30

Prepayment required for this event

Booking closes on:
Wed, 10 March

Caffe Sienna Ristorante - Shop 2 402 Chapel St, South Yarra

Join fellow FunFF beer and cider enthusiasts for a lazy weekend brunch in the Chapel Street precinct before heading down to Swords at Prahran market where we will kick back and enjoy a free tasting of handcrafted beers and ciders.

A must for all beer and cider lovers, this session will enable you to learn about Artisan cider and the growing craft beer industry and try some of Australia’s best with a Swords Beer and Cider specialist.

Before getting stuck into the beer and cider tasting, we'll start the day with brunch at Caffe Sienna Ristorante in Chapel Street.

Caffe Sienna is a relaxed restaurant where we'll be able to enjoy the casual Chapel Street atmosphere, a variety of fresh food with great views of the ever passing foot traffic. More information and the menu can be found on their website.

Meet Kerrie-Anne for brunch at the tables for FunFF. Beer and cider tasting is free. All other food and drink at own expense.

NOTE: places for tasting are limited, so be sure to book early to avoid missing out

Sat, 13 March

10.30am - 2.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 11 March

Haunted Bookshop, 15 McKillop Street, Melbourne CBD

Come face to face with Melbourne's haunted past on an informative, fun-filled 2 hour historical walking tour.

"A world class ghost tour" - The Great Outdoors.

Meet Ian OUTSIDE the bookshop, tour starts at 8.30pm sharp.

After the Ghost Tour we will visit the pub the sceptics meet to discuss tonight's tour !

Sat, 13 March

8.15pm - 10.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 11 March

Bendigo Hotel - 125 Johnston St, Collingwood

Join FunFF members for a lazy Sunday afternoon listening to local roots / rock trio JUNGAL at the launch of the Bendogo Hotel's Sunday Sets!

The Bendigo Hotel opens up its doors every Sunday for an afternoon of music, snags and beer! The BBQ will be fired up in the sunny beer garden with a selection of tasty free treats (catering for meat lovers and vegos) and $10 jugs!

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the main bar to grab a drink before we make our way out to the Bendigo's beer garden to listen to the band. All food and drinks other than the free BBQ at own expense.

The Bendigo Hotel is located between Wellington and Hoddle streets, just past the now infamous Tote Hotel, just a couple of blocks past Smith Street. Tram number 86 travels down Smith Street.

Sun, 14 March

12.30pm - 4.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Avenue, Parkville

*** TICKETS FOR ZOO TWILIGHTS SELL OUT SO BOOK EARLY ****

Come along & enjoy the music at the Melbourne Zoo Twilights concert. We will be entertained by The Eagles Story - ‘Take It To The Limit'.

Bring your own picnic with items to share. The price of the ticket allows you walk around visiting the animals until 7.30pm with the concert starting at 6.30pm.

Meet Ian at the (northern) gate closest to the railway station at 5.30pm. (BYO food and drinks)

Be quick there are limited places available.

Getting there: catch the train to Royal Park Station (Upfield line) or Number 55 tram (goes along William Street). There is also plenty of parking space.

Sun, 14 March

5.30pm - 10.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 11 March

Father Flanagan\'s Irish Pub - 484 Smith St, Collingwood (Cnr Alexandra Pde & Smith St)

17th March - St Patrick famously used the three leaf shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish.

Celebrate the life of Ireland's favourite saint with a cold Guinness, a great pub and your FunFF mates.

The large beer garden boasts a retractable roof, so whatever the weather, you'll be able to enjoy the traditional Irish craic this St Patrick's Day!

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the pub entrance on the corner of Alexandra Parade. All food and drinks at own expense.

Tram No 86 from Bourke Street travels down Smith Street. Limited parking is available in the area.

Please note: Large crowds can often mean queuing for entry at Irish pubs on St Patrick's Day. You are advised to arrive on time so we can all enjoy the evening inside together, rather than spending the evening looking in wistfully through the windows from the street!

Wed, 17 March

6.30pm - 10.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Tue, 16 March

Railway Hotel, 29 Chapel Street, Windsor (opposite Windsor Station)

Party with us while soaking up some Chapel St precinct style as you take the path to a palatable journey on a walking tour of Windsor. Explore, expose and celebrate this vibrant precinct through its fashion, food, perfectly-conditioned ales, wealth and diversity of wines and the people who produce it and consume it.

This event is part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Price includes booking fee. Meet Ian at the venue, please arrive on time.

Also note early booking cut off day of 9th March. Bookings non-refundable after cut-off date.

Thu, 18 March

6.50pm - 10.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

The Paris Cat, 6 Goldie Place, Melbourne

The PARIS CAT is Melbourne's premier Jazz Club. It is a unique and intimate venue and was chosen by the Age magazine as one of the cities must see venues.

Tonight’s event is a CD Launch with the Hayden Jones quintet. Hayden has been performing for many years in Melbourne where he established himself as vocalist of note with a really unique repertoire and sure to be a popular night.

Meet Ian in the section reserved for Fun, Food and Friendship. Price includes entry fee only on the door, all food and drinks at own expense.

Please note as this is a popular event bookings will close a few days early in order for us to book a section of the venue. Also please arrive on time if you require seating.

Goldie Place is a lane near Lonsdale Street and parallel to Hardware Lane.

Fri, 19 March

7.40pm - 10.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Tue, 16 March

Feddish, (behind Transport Pub) Federation Square, Melbourne

Enjoy a double event on Saturday afternoon with the fashion and food and wine festival having events in the Federation Square and on Southgate promenade.

Target Rocks Red Market is part of the Melbourne Fashion Festival and is a fabulous fashion extravaganza that comes to life in the middle of Melbourne at Federation Square.

Target will present their exhilarating fashion in a runway show with hot entertainment, live DJs, market stalls, interactive activities: all to entertain and excite! Come and take a look at the latest in fashion with the coolest sounds.

Also Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has a Cellar Door on Southgate Promenade so you can tour and taste wines from Victoria’s wine regions without leaving the city.

Enjoy a great afternoon of alfresco wine tasting as over 60 of Victoria’s best boutique wineries bring their cellar doors to you.
Test your palate on known and familiar varietals, uncover new favourites from undiscovered corners of the State and stock your cellar to continue the lively festivities at home.

Meet Ian for a early lunch / coffee at Feddish before all the fashion and cellar door action that starts at 1pm. The fashion parade is free and the cost for the cellar door is $35. All food and drinks at own expense. We will organise groups so that can choose which events they may wish to attend or look at both on the day.

Sat, 20 March

12.15pm - 3.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 19 March

Flinders Street Station (Under the Clocks) - Cnr Flinders and Swanston Street, Melbourne

Join Team FunFF and take part in the Melbourne City Romp! Part treasure hunt, part ‘Amazing Race’, part puzzle – the Melbourne City Romp is a charity fundraising event like no other!

Armed with a map, clue sheet and mobile phone, Team FunFF Rompers will attempt to solve challenges at Checkpoints located at iconic venues and quirky locations across Melbourne. We will be faced a range of challenges involving trivia, history, mathematics, geography, observation and physical endeavours.

No matter what your age, gender or fitness level, anyone can participate, so sign up with Team FunFF now and join in the fun of this unique event!

Meet Kerrie-Anne on the stairs under the clocks at Flinders Street Station. From there we will head over to the Romp starting and check in.

We'll have 4 hours in which to complete the Romp, after which we'll head over to Federation Square for a late lunch and a drink or two at TimeOut Cafe so as to recover from our efforts!!

Up to 20,000 Rompers from across Australia are expected to take part. Teamwork is the key to success on Romp Day! Go Team FunFF!!

Things to note:
Registration will get you a place on Team FunFF - additional teams will be created if we reach the maximum number of people for one team.

For further information on the Melbourne City Romp, visit the webpage.

Sun, 21 March

10.00am - 2.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 18 March

The Grosvenor Hotel 10 Brighton Rd East St Kilda

With its stylish and sophisticated retro decor, the Grosvenor is the perfect back drop for some seriously fun Salsa classes.

We will meet for a first timer lesson that starts at 7pm followed by a beginners lesson at 8pm. This first timer class breaks down the rhythm and timing, basic footwork variations and leading/following fundamentals, with basic turn patterns at a slow pace. This class can also be used as a revision or warm up for the 8.00pm class. -
Afterwards, there is more free SALSA DURA for you to dance to!

No experience required.

The cost is $15 per class or $20 for 2 classes (on the same night). The dress code is smart/casual. Ideal footwear for ladies- a medium to high heel. Ideal footwear for men - leather or hard rubber sole shoe.

Meet Tamara inside the Grosvenor Hotel.

Tue, 23 March

6.45pm - 8.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Mon, 22 March

The Order of Melbourne, Level 2, 401 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Join our Melbourne Social Club and the team at FunFF for a night of social networking in Melbourne at our end of month drinks night at one of our favourite bars, The Order of Melbourne.
Order manages to combine a lo-fi vibe with a touch of class: a wine wall is packed with affordable but good-quality vino, and you can order up a Laphroaig, or a Carlton long-neck, depending on your mood (and your budget).

The decor styles are mixed with gay abandon: Japanese screens; wooden café tables; 1930s light fittings; chunky upholstered cubes. There is a spectacular rooftop beer garden, dotted with plenty of tables and comfortable chairs, which we will also check out if the weather is good.

Across the road from RMIT, enter at the bright red door and take the stairs up to level 2. Look for the FunFF hosts, Ian, Christine and Kerrie-Anne and the groups of FunFF tables.

The nearest intersection is the corner of Latrobe and Swanston Streets.

If you are not a member, book in and join us at this end of month drinks night. Meet some of our hosts and members, learn more about the best and liveliest social activities in Melbourne and start enjoying a great social life.

Thu, 25 March

6.30pm - 8.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: FREE

nr St Kilda

A group of recreational Melbourne cyclists from Fun, Food and Friendship meet up for an early morning monthly cycle ride from Melbourne and returns to the start point cafe to enjoy a fantastic breakfast that generally includes a mixture of fresh fruit salad, cereal, croissants, waffles, orange juice, tea/coffee.

We join a cycling breakfast club whose aim is to bring the European social experience surrounding the sport of cycling to Melbourne.

There is an annual fee of $30 that is payable on your first visit to the cafe. This fee will give you a complimentary breakfast each month (11 months of the year) and a selection of food/beer vouchers.

The ride takes us along the Beach Road until Black Rock and returns to the cafe start point (unless we decide as a group to complete an alternative route)

Meet Ian at the cafe. Details of meeting point will be given on booking.

Sat, 27 March

7.45am - 11.00am

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 26 March

Banff, 145 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

Come and enjoy a great early lunch and plan for a day out at the Melbourne Grand Prix including V8 racing, the twilight Grand Prix at 5pm.

Banff is in the style of an old fashioned French brasserie and is in a great location near the Grand Prix Course and is mentioned in many guide books. All food and drinks at own expense.

The number 16 tram and 96 tram runs to St Kilda. Banff is easy walking distance of St Kilda Junction.

Afterwards you walk across Fitzroy Street into Albert Park to the Grand Prix circuit and enter via Gate 10.

Tickets can by bought at the gate at own expense for the Grand Prix. The cost for Sunday general admission is $99. The 2010 FORMULA 1™ Australian Grand Prix brings together the country’s premier motor sport event.

Meet Ian at Banff. Lunch at own expense (times given is just for lunch), Grand Prix will continue afterwards.

Sun, 28 March

12.15pm - 1.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Sat, 27 March

The Bendigo Hotel - 125 Johnson Street, Collingwood

Shake it like a Polaroid picture with your FunFF friends at Anna’s Go-Go Academy!

Go-Go was the number one dance style of the 60s, and now it’s back and more fun than ever. From the cheeky moves of Ann-Margret and Elvis in Viva Las Vegas, to the super cool stylings of John Travolta and Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction, we will learn the exciting art of go-go dancing in a fun and social environment. No dance experience is necessary!

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the bar in the lounge area for a quick drink to loosen up before the class. Class begins at 7pm and lasts for about an hour (often longer due to all the fun being had)!

After class, you can choose to stick around for a meal from The Bendigo kitchen or, if you loved the first class, you can join the 8.30 class (at an additional cost of $10). If you've had enough for the evening, you can of course go-go your way home using your funky new moves!

What should I wear?
Wear something you feel comfortable dancing in, and remember, we are in a venue, not the gym, there’s no need to wear gym gear unless you actually want to! Runners are not usually recommended as they can stick a bit when you’re doing the twist, but if you love runners, wear them anyway then twist in your socks!

The Bendigo Hotel is located between Wellington and Hoddle streets, just past the now infamous Tote Hotel, just a couple of blocks past Smith Street. Tram number 86 travels down Smith Street.

Tue, 30 March

6.45pm - 8.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Mon, 29 March

Mecanix Restaurant, Swinburne Campus, 144 High Street (near Chapel Street), Prahran.

Come & join your friends at FunFF for an all inclusive food and wine evening. Our qualified wine expert, trained in viticulture and winemaking will give us some tips on appreciating wine with a two course gourmet meal. This session will concentrate on tasting French and Australian Wines. There will be some wines imported from France but some will be wines made from French grapes which were grown here. The tasting will include rose, white and red wines.

Our wine expert for the evening is the author of Appreciating Wine, wine consultant and entertainer. Have fun at this interactive and entertaining wine dinner.

There will be a choice of two gourmet courses as well as the wines included in the price. The dinner options for the evening will be announced at a later stage.

Tram 6 stops outside this venue and is also close to Prahran Station.

Look Ian or our wine host on arrival.

Thu, 1 April

7.00pm - 10.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: $69

Prepayment required for this event

Booking closes on:
Wed, 31 March

Feddish Bar, Federation Square, Melbourne

Come and see 2 hours of great comedy at the Melbourne comedy festival. The comedy club presents its legendary showcase of the best of the Edinburgh festival in Australia's oldest and best comedy venue at the Athanaeum. Comedy starts at 8.00pm.

The legendary Pommy Johnston celebrates 25 years of laughs with mates Wayne Deakinand Dave Callan, plus suprise special guests.

Meet Ian for pre dinner/drinks at the Feddish cafe/bar which is situated behind the Transport bar overlooking the Yarra at Federation Square. All food and drinks at own expense.

Sat, 3 April

6.15pm - 10.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 1 April

Y Rowing Centre, Powerhouse Function Centre (cnr Queens Road and Lakeside Drive) Albert Park Lake

Come and try rowing at Albert Park Lake, and have fun learning about rowing.

During this introductory session you will receive basic tuition in crews of 4 in an olympic-style shell (boat).

The introductory session starts at 10am sharp and finishes at around 11.00.

Unlike canoes, rowing shells don't roll over. All you need is a thick pair of socks, t-shirt, bike shorts or track pants and a warm top if it is a cool day.

Look for Ian and his bicycle at the Rowing Centre. The Powerhouse Function centre is located near the Sebel hotel (old Carlton Crest Hotel) at the intersection of Kings Way and Lorne Street. Melways 2L A11.

Afterwards we can take a coffee or early lunch at a cafe on St Kilda Road. Lunch and drinks at own expense.

Sun, 4 April

9.40am - 11.30am

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Sat, 3 April

Station Hotel, 96 Greville Street, Prahran (next to the train station

Come and enjoy Funky Bunch Trivia with your FunFF friends.

The trivia starts at around 8.30pm so dinner is available before trivia starts at own expense.

Funky Bunch Trivia is a multi media trivia night.. Watch video clips, listening to music, and test your general [& not so general] knowledge.. It's a great fun night out.....

$100 Bar tab up for grabs each week plus spot prizes

The Station Hotel has a selection of dishes and a great selection of beers and wines and usual special meal deals. Chicken parmas were $13.50 and pizzas $6 on our last visit and $12 jugs of beer.

Look for Ian and the tables for Funff.

Tue, 6 April

7.30pm - 10.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Mon, 5 April

Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon Street, South Wharf.

Have you ever wanted to be a Guinness World Record™ holder?
Well, join the Pillow Fight and help bring the title to Melbourne!

Join in the fun of the fight and support Variety, the Children’s Charity, the Official Charity of the Spotlight World’s Greatest Pillow Fight, for an afternoon jam packed with live music, celebrity Pillow Fight bouts, entertainment, great prizes, giveaways and much more.

The event is aiming to smash the current record with 5,000 pillow fighters.

There will be plenty to keep you entertained with Damien Leith performing live on stage, Celebrity Pillow Fights, giveaways, great prizes and lots more!

Ticket price includes a showbag stuffed with lots of goodies including a free Dreamaway pillow, Spotlight voucher, Sunday Herald Sun newspaper, Trampoline Gelato voucher and lots more!

Come as you are or dress up in your most outrageous Pillow Fighting outfit. Pillow Fight rules and etiquette will be demonstrated and fighters split into zones to ensure the fight is safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone

Meet Ian near Door 10.

Register NOW and be part of the biggest Pillow Fight the world has ever seen!

Sun, 11 April

12.15pm - 3.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Sun, 4 April

Mecca Bah - 55a New Quay Promenade, Docklands

Always wanted to try Moroccan food, but didn't want to venture out on your own? Well now's your chance to feast on fabulous Moroccan food with your FunFF friends along for the journey!

Dining at Mecca Bah feels a bit like a holiday. The worries of the world will melt away as you are transported to the seductive style of Morocco and the Middle East as you enjoy a feast for the senses.

Choose from the tantalizing selection of mezze dishes including minced lamb and pinenut Boureks or Lebanese sausages with spicy chickpeas or one of the freshly baked Turkish pizzas.

Enjoy the informal, communal dining experience as you gaze across Victoria Harbour and the city skyline.

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the table(s) reserved for FunFF. All food and drinks at own expense.

For more information on the venue and to view the menu, visit the Mecca Bah website.

Getting to the Docklands:

By tram
City Circle Tram - Free Tourist Tram
30 via LaTrobe Street
31 via Collins Street
48 via Flinders Street
70 via Flinders Street
86 via Bourke Street

By train
NewQuay is only a short walk from Southern Cross Station. On arrival at Southern Cross Station, walk over the Bourke Street Pedestrian Bridge to Harbour Esplanade and NewQuay.

Thu, 15 April

6.30pm - 9.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Wed, 14 April

Sandy Bay Coffee Shop, Jetty Road, Sandringham

Have fun on the water learning to windsurf, or if you can already windsurf come and enjoy the group activity.

Equipment, vest and WETSUIT included. Lesson for 1.5 hours if beginner or includes board hire if not a beginner.

Sandringham is a sheltered by a marina area and is ideal for learning to windsurf.

Meet Ian at the Sandy Bay Coffee shop, lunch at own cost. To find the coffee shop follow signs to Sandringham Marina, at the bottom of the hill turn right to the coffee shop (and not left into the marina).

Sat, 17 April

11.15am - 2.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 15 April

Federation Square, CBD

This will be an easy social casual ride around Melbourne on the Yarra Trail. The approximate distance is 32 km on the Capital City Trail with a visit to Herring Island.

The lunch venue is the Kanteen Cafe near the trail that serves a mix of breakfast and lunch staples.

Herring Island is one of Melbourne’s premier wilderness parks in the heart of the city and situated on the Yarra River in Toorak. The island represents the struggle of ecology with the increasing drought in Australia, along with the opportunity for sanctuary. Its parkland is the home of many important sculptures of the past century and encourages a journey of exploration. The island is a haven for Australia’s great wildlife and a retreat for people from the bustle of the city right next door. The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival takes place in the gallery and courtyard of the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park.

Meet Ian at Federation Square.

Lunch at own expense. Price includes Punt fees to Herring Island.

Sun, 18 April

11.30am - 5.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Sat, 17 April