
Check out all the things you can do - from exploring our nature, looking for fun activities or learning new skills.
Check out all the things you can do - from exploring our nature, looking for fun activities or learning new skills.
Whatever your experience, our places and programs will help you explore Manningham and a variety of contemporary art and recreational choices in fun and engaging ways.
The Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre is one of the largest recreation and aquatic facilities in Victoria.
Whether you are looking to improve your club operations or increase participation - you can find useful information and templates to get you started.
We have a vibrant arts and cultural scene for you to explore. With a proud history in visual arts, Arts Manningham is home to renowned painters, ceramicists and mid-twentieth century artists.
Get to know our municipality through our local businesses.
View our range of grants available to assist your community group, club or arts practice.
Are you hoping to learn a new skill or looking for fun activities for kids?
No matter what your experience is, our programs will help you explore a variety of contemporary art practices in fun and engaging ways.
Enrolments now open.
Whatever your experience, our courses will help you explore a variety of contemporary art practices in fun and engaging ways.
You can only enrol and pay online. We only accept full term enrolments and you must pay in full when enrolling.
Concession prices is available for:
Concession applies to the parent or guardian of a child enrolled in children’s courses. We include GST in all prices listed.
We will charge a late fee to a parent or guardian who does not collect their child on time. The fee is $15 for every 15 minutes or part thereof. We will require payment before the child attends the next session. You can pay at the Manningham Art Studios office at MC Square.
We require a minimum of six kids for classes to run. You will receive a full refund for cancelled classes due to insufficient numbers.
We may have to postpone or cancel classes at short notice due to COVID-19 restrictions. We will refund you on a pro-rata basis.
If you want to withdraw from a class, we require one weeks’ notice before the start of term. A cancellation fee of $15 will apply.
You won’t receive a refund once a course has started. You won’t receive refunds on classes you miss for non-attendance.
It is the policy of the Manningham Art Studios to maintain the highest level of confidentiality for student information.
MC2, 687 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster VIC 3108
Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Closed public holidays.
Manningham Art Gallery presents an eclectic and innovative yearly exhibition program, workshops and events committed to supporting local and regional artists, as well as touring shows from across Australia. Manningham Art Gallery is an engaging and creative space welcoming everyone, connecting all ages and backgrounds.
Free
Wednesday to Saturday, 11.00am to 4.00pm
Closed Easter long weekend and public holidays.
Manningham Art Gallery, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
Subscribe to the Arts Manningham newsletter and follow our Arts Manningham Facebook page for latest news and happenings in the gallery.
At Doncaster Playhouse, you can enjoy one of our many concerts or theatre shows.
Built in 1863, Doncaster Playhouse was the first primary school in the area. It was then refurbished in 1988 as a contemporary theatre and is now home to several community theatre companies.
Contact us to discuss wheelchair accessibility.
Office Hours 9.00am to 5.00pm
Other opening hours by performance.
The Community Grant program supports and empowers community groups and organisations to deliver programs and activities for our community in Manningham.
We are committed to developing and fostering partnerships with not-for-profit groups and organisations whose work enriches the municipality and is consistent with our vision.
If you are experiencing genuine financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 you can apply for a special payment arrangement with us
These grants are designed to help property owners with land care education, land stewardship, pest and animal control and ecological improvement works.
Discover some of the finest art this state has to offer, all within Manningham. The joy of creation, the play of colour and design, the appeal to your senses, all come together in the vibrant art and culture of Manningham.
With a proud history in visual arts, Manningham is home to renowned painters, ceramicists and mid-twentieth century artists. Explore the Stonehouse Gallery, and the Artspeak Studio in Warrandyte, specialising in original, indigenous art from local artists. Or get out and about amongst our collection of public art located around the city.
Experience the culturally significant Heide Museum of Modern Art. Established back in 1934, the history of the Heide MoMA shines through. Artists, writers and intellectuals alike, have all called Heide home.
Encounter an eclectic program of contemporary art exhibitions at the Manningham Art Gallery, offering curated exhibitions from local and international artists.
Enjoy classes in creativity, painting, drawing and more, at the Manningham Art Studios and find your own creative side.
Experience the captivating and artistic side of Manningham.
Heide Museum of Modern Art is a great place to start your artistic encounter in Manningham and is one of Australia’s most important cultural institutions.
Inside Heide, you are spoiled with travelling exhibitions and the gardens are dotted with sculptures and art as well as a working kitchen garden.
Leaving suburbia behind you, your next stop is the Stonehouse Gallery in Warrandyte - on Yarra Street opposite Whipstick Gully Road.
One of the longest established art and craft co-operatives in Australia, Stonehouse was founded in 1972 by 8 like-minded potters wanting to promote ceramics. Today it continues with 18 diverse members and invited artists showcasing and selling beautiful ceramics, textiles, woodwork, glass, jewellery and furniture.
Next door to the Stonehouse Gallery is the Warrandyte Historical Society, home to some of the early white settlement memorabilia. Pop in on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Further along Yarra Street are the Federation Playspace and the ruins of some early buildings that were damaged in previous floods.
Finish your dive into the artistic diversity of Manningham by heading west to Doncaster where you'll discover the eclectic program of contemporary art exhibitions at the Manningham Art Gallery.
The mighty Yarra River winds its way through Manningham, where walking and cycling trails hug the banks. Get out into the fresh air with those you love and have an adventure beneath the gum trees.
Enjoy jogging and cycling opportunities along our regions trails. Encounter native flora and fauna on the Mullum Mullum Trail – cross the suspension bridge at Finns Reserve and you may even be lucky enough to spot a platypus in the Yarra. If you continue onto the Main Yarra Trail you can ride your bicycle all the way to the city or complete a 42km circuit by joining the Koonung Trail and the Eastlink Trail back to your starting point.
Experience adventure at Wombat Bend. The massive adventure playground and maze provides adventures for the whole family. On the banks of the Yarra for that extra special day, it’s dog friendly with outdoor cooking facilities, a fitness station and so much more. And speaking of dog-friendly, your four-legged friend can join you on a lead in the outdoors at a range of parks across Manningham. Explore Banksia Park in Bulleen, Stiggants Reserve in Warrandyte, Ruffey Lake Park or Westerfolds Park in Templestowe. If you like to grab lunch and coffee before you experience our great outdoors, head to Warrandyte. The fenced Federation Playspace, celebrating Warrandyte's gold rush past with delightful gold train and trailer, a mineshaft (slide) and tunnels, is just a stone’s throw from the Yarra River and the Warrandyte Bakery – perfect for coffee and a pie!
Grab your coffee and follow the Yarra River through the Warrandyte River Reserve west towards Stiggants Reserve until Andersons Creek. The Yarra River is instantly relaxing and calming and there are colourful artworks to enjoy along the path. Dip your toes in the water, try your hand at fishing or grab a canoe and paddle down the river to Pound Bend Reserve and Warrandyte State Park for a truly unique experience.
Encounter Australian wildlife, with koalas, wombats and kangaroos amongst the mighty gum trees of Currawong Bush Reserve. Native flora in bloom, bright red bottle brushes, sunny yellow wattles, and so much more photogenic subjects for your keen eye. Landscapers, sculptors and artists have helped create a natural play space for kids to explore and immerse themselves in the outside world.
Offering 8 different walking trails, you can get out there, explore nature and take a moment to breathe in this escape from the hustle and bustle of city life in this oasis in the heart of the suburbs.
Explore the possibilities for outdoor adventure in Manningham.
Start the day enthusiastically with a walk, run or ride of the 42km circuit starting at the new Mullum Mullum Stadium on Springvale Road, Donvale.
Follow the Mullum Mullum Trail north through stunning areas of the Mullum Mullum Valley – keep an eye out for abundant bird life, frogs in wetlands and even the occasional koala.
Soak up views, bushland and open parkland as the circuit crosses over the Yarra River into Westerfolds Park, follow the Main Yarra Trail and continue where the trail joins Koonung Creek Trail .
The final leg of your marathon heads north back to the Mullum Mullum Stadium where you can reward yourself with a coffee and bite to eat.
After more of an amble than a marathon? Currawong Bush Park is truly an oasis in the heart of the suburbs - a space for rest, relaxation and seeing nature in action.
Getting there early you will see the local grey kangaroos waking up, hear birds sing and other wildlife in this true bush setting.
Landscapers, sculptors and artists have helped create a natural play space for kids to explore and immerse themselves in the outside world.
Currawong Bush Park offers 8 different walking trails so you can get out there, explore nature and take a moment to breathe in this escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Wrap up the day by heading into the township of Warrandyte and soak up the tranquillity. Renowned for its gold mining origins and famous painters and potters, today the village abounds with galleries, craft shops, restaurants, coffee shops and historical places of interest.
Parking is available opposite the Grand Hotel, at Warrandyte River Reserve, Federation Playspace or behind the library off Webb Street.
The fenced Federation Playspace celebrates Warrandyte's gold rush past with delightful gold train and trailer, a mineshaft (slide) and tunnels. Just a stone’s throw from the Warrandyte Bakery – perfect for your mid-morning coffee and cake!
From here you can follow the Yarra River through the Warrandyte River Reserve west towards Stiggants Reserve until Andersons Creek. The Yarra River is instantly relaxing and calming and there are colourful artworks to enjoy along the path.
Dip your toes in the water, try your hand at fishing or grab a canoe and paddle down the river for a truly unique experience.
Dogs on lead are welcome and on the first Saturday of the month (except January) the Warrandyte Riverside Markets are held at Stiggants Reserve.
Grab a coffee, lunch or just explore the township before heading back home.
Manningham residents and visitors can enjoy public artwork at various sites across the municipality, with nearly 20 unique works having been commissioned or acquired by Council in recent decades. These include the iconic 'Gateway' sculptures Sentinel, helmet and River Peel that mark the major entrances to the city.
The city also features numerous works in private settings, including outside Westfield Shopping Centre, Doncaster, and at the celebrated Heide Sculpture Park.
Sentinel was the first of three sculptures commissioned by Manningham Council to mark the major gateways to the city. It stands approximately 13 metres high and weighs 12 tonnes. Created by internationally renowned artist and long-term Manningham resident Inge King, Sentinel was conceived as an icon of the City of Manningham and the sculpture casts a watchful eye over the area. The multicoloured crown is the focal point of the work. Its curved shapes symbolise the two creeks of the municipality, the Mullum Mullum and the Koonung. They enclose the blue oval form representing the City of Manningham.
Manna Gum is inspired by the local eucalypt blossoms and marks the start of the Bolin Bolin Cultural Landscape Trail. This trail passes through an area which was an important gathering place for the local Wurundjeri people due to its seasonal abundance of food. The Wurundjeri frequented the area when the billabongs were low, the eucalypts were flowering and they were able to collect nectar.
Photo: Christopher Sanders.
River Peel draws on the local heritage and surrounding landscape, imitating the Yarra River as it bends and turns through the area. The sculpture also represents the peel of an apple to relate to the history of orcharding in the areas of Doncaster and Templestowe.
Photo: Christopher Sanders.
Spontaneous in form, Deborah Halpern's creatures are produced in a style that recalls visions of Gaudi, Picasso and French sculptor Niki de San Phalle, yet are distinctly 'Halpernesque' in their ability to delight and surprise. Water Creature stands prominently in the forecourt of Manningham City Square accompanied by another work by Deborah Halpern, Big Cat.
Photo: Christopher Sanders.
One of two mosaic sculptures by renowned Melbourne artist Deborah Halpern that bring a splash of colour and fun to the forecourt of Manningham City Square community hub, Doncaster.
Photo: Christopher Sanders.
helmet is inspired by the artist Sidney Nolan’s Kelly series of paintings, created at Heide, in which we see the figure of Ned Kelly riding through the landscape. During a walking tour of ‘Kelly country’ Nolan realised “that the bush and the Kelly helmet belonged together” and helmet is a wonderful interpretation of Nolan’s paintings through a new medium and artistic vision.
Triptych takes the shape of a game or wooden toy or puzzle with pieces that look two dimensional and are brightly coloured. The work is a nostalgic reminder of how toys and games have changed over the last century.
Photo: Christopher Sanders.
The Doncaster Road pedestrian underpass is situated between Doncaster Primary School and Manningham City Square. Artist Warren Langley created the art piece on the walls and ceiling. The design features a striking montage of colour and light and helps to brighten the underground thoroughfare to encourage greater use.
Running/Walking can be viewed during the day or night. The concertina-shaped walls have been fabricated to form a series of copper and glass components. By night, the LED lighting brings the artwork to life. The human figures are representations of actual members of the community that transcend ethnicity and evoke the sense of a progressive, forward moving populace.
In 2020 we launched the Arts Manningham Fellowship and Artist in Residence program to support local artists research and develop ideas for:
We provide successful applicants funding of up to $6000 over two phases to:
Information about applying for the 2022 Arts Manningham FAIR will be released later in the year.
Lindy Yeates’ Sanctuary Project examined how the restrictions introduced by the state and federal governments to stop the spread of COVID-19 afforded moments of pause and self-reflection that, for many of us with busy lives, are so hard to come by.
Yeates’ project saw her researching opportunities for recreating that sense of pause through discrete art installations that acted as ‘sanctuaries’ from our everyday lives.
Her fellowship focused on translating drawings and prints of natural landscapes in Manningham and along the Victorian coastline into larger scale, immersive works, as well as identifying suitable locations for the works.
Local playwright Michel Paul Tuomy is undertaking a fellowship to develop his play Football Evangelism, with a view to staging performances in 2021.
Set in a local Melbourne football club, the play has two characters: Dave, who is known as ‘The Football Evangelist’, and his friend ‘Mild Mannered Mick’.
Dave is a water runner and had his nickname bestowed upon him by one of the club’s players as he has a devout faith and a passion for football. To add to the story, Dave has autism and his best mate Mick has schizophrenia. But they don’t allow these health conditions get in their way of their mutual love of football.
Denise Keele-bedford’s fellowship aims to extend her Boat Project, which has engaged the subject of migration and travel through installations of multiple origami boats in New York State, China, Korea and Melbourne.
Her fellowship will explore how to translate these forms into a sculpture that can be installed at a number of outdoor sites across Manningham.
The fellowship will provide a stepping-stone for Keele-bedford to work in new formats, with different materials and at a larger scale than she has previously.
We are looking for two emerging mural artists to work with acclaimed First Nation's mural artist Robert Michael Young. Together you will create a ground mural as part of the activation of Templestowe Village Pop-Up Park.
Each artist will deliver a ground mural measuring approximately 4 x 2 metres.
Robert will guide you through the creative process from concept to installation.
Robert’s stunning native animal mural, situated outside the Templestowe branch of Bendigo Bank, will be used to inspire and reflect on cultural modes of storytelling and explore connection to place.
You will support the development and running of a community workshop.
The workshop will engage with Templestowe community members, young people, traders and visitors to the village.
The outcome of this workshop will be a temporary and public community led artwork.
This opportunity is for two Melbourne based emerging artists wishing to gain professional experience in:
Artists must be 18 years or over.
We encourage applications from underrepresented groups including:
Each of the two artists selected for this project will receive the following:
This project is funded by the Victorian Government’s COVID Safe Outdoor Activation Fund.
To apply, please complete the online form below.
Applications close 24 May 2022 at 5:00pm.
Artists must be available onsite for up to 6 days over the proposed project timeframe. This is currently scheduled for June 2022. The project contains flexibility to meet evolving COVID-19 restrictions and dates may change.
Manningham Council is a child safe organisation and applicants are required to hold a valid Working with Children Check.
Artists will need to hold Public Liability Insurance up to $20,000,000 and hold appropriate work cover and personal injury insurance.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will also be required.
If you have any enquiries, please contact Manningham Creative Industries Officer, Lucy Beattie Hughes on 9840 9333 or email gallery@manningham.vic.gov.au .
This ride explores Ruffey Lake Park and the Ruffey Creek Linear Park.
There is a large sign marking the beginning of the Ruffey Trail at The Boulevarde in Ruffey Lake Park.
From here, a ramp takes the cyclist to an underpass at King Street and again at Williamsons Road.
Follow the Ruffey Trail signage until it finishes at Finns Reserve and joins the Main Yarra Trail.
At Finns Reserve, the Ruffey Trail connects with the following trails:
Main Yarra Trail to Westerfolds Park (northeast) and Southbank (southwest)
Plenty River Trail to Greensborough (Western Ring Road Trail)
Access |
|
---|---|
Distance |
3 kilometres |
Grade |
Easy |
Surface |
Sealed paths with on road sections. Suitable for all bicycle types. |
Eumeralla Avenue is a local road which has no footpath or trail
Use the pedestrian refuge at the Foote Street on-road crossing. The Trail continues a short distance along Mclachlan Street and turn left onto Parker Street
There is an on-road crossing at Parker Street, Templestowe and the Trail picks up again next to the Templestowe Bowling Club carpark
Ruffey Lake Park - Adventure playgrounds, picnic shelters, BBQs, lake and wetlands, toilets and drinking water.
Finns Reserve - Picnic shelter, BBQs, playground, Yarra River access, toilets and drinking water.
Westerfolds Park - BBQs, picnic shelter, wetlands and Yarra River Observation Deck, toilets and drinking water.
Detour to Templestowe Village - cafes, restaurants, supermarket
Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?
Some types of events, such as festivals or school's cross country runs need a special permission to be held on public land.
The Koonung Creek Linear Park follows the course of the Koonung Creek (and the Eastern Freeway) which forms the boundary of Manningham, Whitehorse and some of Boroondara.
The Linear Park is a significant recreation corridor offering opportunities for walking, cycling and dog walking.
The landscape character of the Linear Park offers a mix of natural settings, indigenous bushland and open parkland.
The Linear Park contains the Koonung Trail, a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians which has good connections to on-road paths, and links directly to the Main Yarra Trail and the EastLink Trail.
The Koonung Creek Linear Park is approximately 10 kilometres in length from Thompsons Road, Bulleen to Springvale Road, Donvale.
The Koonung Trail is the main commuter trail between Springvale Road and Burke Road where it joins the Main Yarra Trail.
The Koonung Trail crosses to the south side of the Eastern Freeway at Church Road, Doncaster.
West of Church Road there is the secondary bicycle route on the north side of freeway. Trail markers clearly identify the different routes.
Park Reserve
Katrina Gully Playground, Doncaster
Darvall St, Donvale
Windella Playground, Doncaster
Wilsons Reserve, Doncaster (100m from trail)
Kingsnorth Reserve, Doncaster (150m from trail)
Marshall Reserve, Doncaster (350m from trail)
Koonung Trail joins the Main Yarra Trail at Burke Road, Kew linking it to the City
From Springvale Road the trail follows the EastLink Trail to Frankston
By making use of the above links, the Koonung Trail also connects to Diamond Creek Trail, Brushy Creek Trail, Outer Circle Trail and Plenty River Trail
By 2016, the Mullum Mullum Trail will link the EastLink Trail to the Main Yarra Trail.
Boronia Reserve, Donvale
Leeds Street, Doncaster East
Park Reserve, Doncaster
Koonung Park, Bulleen
Koonung Park, Bulleen
Park and ride on the corner Doncaster Road and Hender Street, Doncaster.
Dogs on lead on the path and within 5 metres of the path
Dogs off lead except within 15 metres of a playground, barbecue or sporting event
Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?
Some types of events, such as festivals or school's cross country runs need a special permission to be held on public land.
Come down and give netball a go!
This free netball clinic is for females of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.
What to wear: active wear and sneakers
What to bring: water bottle
Hosted by Manningham Netball Association, supported by local Manningham Netball clubs and the YMCA.
Join us and learn more about new public art in Doncaster and take part in an all-ages art activity.
As part of the Ayr St South shopping strip upgrade, a ground mural will be designed and installed by artist Tom Civil.
Tom will share his designs at Greythorn Bowls Club in an information session for the community, where you can meet the artist and discuss his ideas.
The information session will be followed by an all-ages art activity, where you will design your own footpath mural. Use the materials provided to work collaboratively, or own your own to create an artwork for your street.
Morning and afternoon tea will be provided
About the artist
Tom Civil is an artist, muralist, community art facilitator and printmaker.
Tom has been making art in the streets of Melbourne for over 18 years, and has painted over 30 commissioned murals across town in the last ten years.
Tom's ground artworks reference through the language of mapping and symbology, our connection to nature in a heavily urbanised and concrete and asphalt covered world. The ground artworks also allow us to day-dream about how the places we live were in the past, and how they could be in the future. They also create fun interactive play moments in our daily lives.
Photo by: Nathan CCP
Come and try Volleyball.
Free volleyball clinic hosted by YMCA and supported by local clubs, Volleyball Days and Manningham Volleyball club.
This session is open to females of all abilities and fitness levels. Bring your mum, daughter, sister, girlfriend or friend.
What to wear: active wear and sneakers
What to bring: water bottle
Manningham Council has partnered with FOCUS Consultants to deliver governance training to women in sport within Manningham.
This workshop will provide an opportunity for women to gain skills and insights to support their journey to become influential leaders, board or committee members. It will also provide the opportunity to network with other like minded administrators in a safe and supported environment.
This training is suitable for women who have either recently joined a board or a committee, or women who are looking to take on a board or committee position within the sport and recreation sector.
This workshop has been made possible by the 2021-22 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program.
Come down and enjoy a training session with the Manningham United Blues, other female footballers and female staff.
This session is for females aged 6 and over. No previous experience required. All fitness levels are welcome.
All equipment will be provided.
What to wear: Active wear and runners
What to bring: A drink bottle
Come down to the Donvale and Templestowe Horse and Pony Club Rally.
You'll have the opportunity to try three instructional riding sessions:
No previous experience required.
All females aged 5 years to 40 years are welcome.
No registration required - just rock up!
Come down and join this free pilates class.
Pilates is a form of exercise which concentrates on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core strength. This helps to improve general fitness and overall well-being. Similar to yoga, pilates concentrates on posture, balance and flexibility.
This session is for females of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.
What to wear: active wear
What to bring: water bottle, exercise mat and towel.
As part of Manningham Council's Community Training Program we invite members of community organisations to find out more about Manningham's Community Grants Program.
This session will provide information on the Community Development, Arts, Festivals and Events and Small Grant categories.
Interested representatives from community organisations including community and children’s services, sports clubs, recreation, leisure, arts and cultural groups are encouraged to attend this information session.
There will also be an opportunity to receive early advice regarding your proposed activity from Council officers.
The session will cover:
Bookings are essential and limited to 2 people per organisation.