
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 open Friday 1 September at 9.00am.
Whatever your experience, our courses will help you explore a variety of contemporary art practices in fun and engaging ways.
Please note: To ensure we can continue to provide high quality art courses for the community, many of our prices have increased for this term. Where we can, we've incorporated the cost of materials into the class to reduce additional out of pocket expenses. If you have any concerns or would like to discuss paying in installments, please contact us.
Looking for a fun and creative way to keep your young people entertained during the holidays? Check out our exciting range of creative workshops.
With a variety of workshops to choose from, there's something for everyone to enjoy. We even have a series of workshops for young people and their guardians.
Enrolments are made online via Eventbrite. Bookings are essential to reserve your place in a course as numbers are strictly limited.
The minimum number of students needed for each course to run is six. Please be advised that courses may be cancelled up to 24 hours before they commence where this minimum is not reached. In these circumstances we will endeavor to offer you a place in another class or alternatively offer you refund.
All course prices are inclusive of GST and booking fees. Additional material fees may apply for some courses.
Concession prices are available for:
Concession applies to the parent or guardian of a child enrolled in a children’s course.
Due to illness and unforeseen circumstances, individual classes may be occasionally taught by substitute tutors.
Where a substitute is not available and a class has to be cancelled, you will be contacted via email and by SMS at least 30 minutes prior to class starting. Under these circumstances, a class refund will be offered. Alternatively, an additional class will be added to the term dates, at the discretion of the Art Studio management team.
If you wish to withdraw from a class, we require one week's notice before the start of a course. A cancellation fee of $15 will apply for cancellations made after this.
You will not receive a refund once a course has started for classes you miss for non-attendance.
You may receive a refund for a class missed due to the following:
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.
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.
These grants are designed to help property owners with land care education, land stewardship, pest and animal control and ecological improvement works.
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.
Entry to the Gallery is free.
Open: Wednesday to Saturday, 11.00am to 4.00pm.
Closed: Sunday to Tuesday, and all public holidays including the Easter long weekend.
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.
Hire the Doncaster Playhouse in 2024
Are you a musical or theatre group looking to hire a venue for your show? Apply to be part of Doncaster Playhouse’s 2024 program. Hurry, only a limited number of bookings remain!
Email playhouse@manningham.vic.gov.au or call 9840 9382 to find out more.
Find 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.
Discover the culturally significant Heide Museum of Modern Art, one of Australia’s most important cultural institutions.
Established back in 1934, the history of the Heide MoMA shines through with artists, writers and intellectuals all having called Heide home. Inside Heide, you are spoiled with travelling exhibitions and the gardens are dotted with sculptures and art as well as a working kitchen garden.
Find 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.
The Stonehouse Gallery in Warrandyte is one of the longest established art and craft co-operatives in Australia. Stonehouse was founded in 1972 by eight 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 a collection of early white settlement memorabilia. Pop in on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
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 Manningham Council in recent decades. These include the iconic 'Gateway' sculptures Sentinel, helmet and River Peel that mark the major entrances to the city.
Find the captivating and artistic side of Manningham.
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.
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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 and cross the suspension bridge at Finns Reserve and you may even be lucky enough to spot a platypus in the Yarra. 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.
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.
Find 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.
The fenced wonguim wilam is located in Warrandyte and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. This newly upgraded playspace includes a range of play opportunities to discover as well as a new picnic shelter, barbeque and plenty of furniture and grassy open space to enjoy.
Warrandyte River Reserve is a great place to explore with many activities and places of interest to enjoy. Follow the Yarra River through Stiggants Reserve - it 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 eight 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.
Find your local outdoor adventure in Manningham.
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 .
Manningham has more than 100 recreation and sporting clubs. Most sport clubs in Manningham offer both competitive and social sport options.
To find sport or recreational activity and where to play it, use the search box below or browse using the A to Z club listing.
Use the alphabetical listing to find a sports club in Manningham.
Doncaster Little Athletics Centre
Victorian Masters' Athletics Doncaster Venue
Doncaster Templestowe Badminton Association
Bulleen Basketball Club (Bulleen Boomers)
Koonung Comets Basketball Club
Park Orchards Basketball Club (Steelers)
Doncaster Basketball Association
Bulleen Templestowe Cricket Club
Fitzroy Doncaster Cricket Club
Manningham Bicycle Users Group
Beverley Hills Junior Football Club
Bulleen Templestowe Amateur Football Club
Bulleen Templestowe District Junior Football Club
Doncaster Junior Football Club
Park Orchards North Ringwood Parish Junior Football Club
Templestowe Junior Football Club
Warrandyte Junior Football Club
Old Yarra Cobras Football Club
Warrandyte Brownies Girl Guides
Bulleen Templestowe Gymnastics Club
Donvale and Templestowe Pony Club
Doncaster and Districts Netball Association
1st Doncaster East Scout Group
3rd Doncaster East Scout Group
Templestowe Lower 1st Scout Group
Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne
Manningham United Blues Football Club
Wonga Park Wizards Junior Football Club
Doncaster Templestowe Amateur Swimming Club
Doncaster Dolphins Masters Swimming Club
Melbourne Taekwondo Centre Doncaster
Melbourne Taekwondo Centre Warrandyte
Heart Foundation Walking Groups
Heart Foundation walking aims to make regular physical activity enjoyable and easy, especially for people who are not used to be active.
Walking groups can be any size and walk at various times, distances, days and levels of difficulty. Join an already existing group, start your own or become a walking group leader.
Looking to join a walking group or want more information? Reach out to Manningham’s local walking coordinator Leanne de Vos from Access Health and Community on 9810 3000 for more information.
Walking for Pleasure
Social Walking and Lunch Group
Contact our Sport and Recreation officer on 9840 9333 or email recreation2@manningham.vic.gov.au.
A one-off workshop exploring the use of mixed-media in painting, driven by Gidley's passion for vibrancy and colour in art. Suitable for painters of all ages and abilities.
Presented by the Doncaster Templestowe Artists Society.
Supported by Manningham Council's Community Grants Program.
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 |
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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.
SkySong is a collection of 500 images put to a series of songs and instrumentals. In effect it is a movie of still images using the Ken Burns effect.
The images [by Bill McAuley] are viewed as they are synchronised with the music. [Also composed by Bill McAuley]
The songs will be accompanied by live musicians and vocalists during the world premiere performance of SkySong at Warrandyte Mechanics Institute Hall. Attendance limited to 100 persons.
Come and Try Karate with The Family Dojo, Doncaster. Classes are led by female instructors.
We'd love our local girls to come try martial arts and find out just how powerful they can be!
Ample parking available onsite. Doncaster Park and Ride is across the road making it easy to get to.
What to wear: active wear and sneakers
What to bring: a water bottle
Registration not required.
All day volleyball session for children aged 10 to 16 years.
Volleyball skills, games and activities.
No prior experience required.
Registrations are essential. Contact Manningham Stadiums on 8841 4555 to secure your spot or to find out more.
Active Manningham will be running a free mat Pilates class.
Focus on improving flexibility, strength, core stability and body awareness. Low impact, repetitive moves for a full body workout.
Due to limited spaces registration is essential.
Join award winning visual artist Bridget Hillebrand and Sonja Ross from BirdLife Melbourne as they share their knowledge and passion for the ecology of the Birraung (Yarra River).
Bridget will reveal insights into the creation of her immersive, site specific installation ‘River’. Sonja will discuss some of the ways we can best support the habitat and needs of Australia’s native birds.
Spaces are limited, please register via Eventbrite.
If you require an Auslan interpreter to attend this event, please let us know by Friday 11 August by calling 9840 9367 or emailing gallery@manningham.vic.gov.au.
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.