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The White Hat Guide to
20 Things To Do in Melbourne on a Wednesday

Wednesday is hump day. The weekend is just coming in sight but it’s still a distance away. People at a loose end on a Wednesday or visitors to Melbourne are sometimes at a loss for what to do, so here are 20 of our suggestions.

1. Visit the Old Treasury Building which is one Melbourne's most impressive Victorian era buildings and has a regular display related to the history of Melbourne.
2. Pay a visit to CERES Environmental Park. Every Wednesday there is a farmers' market and plenty to see and do for adults and kids.
3. The National Gallery (International) in St Kilda road is often open on Wednesday evenings  for 'Art After Dark'. This often provides an opportunity to visit special exhibitions for those who cannot make it during the day.
4. Take a trip to Mornington . On Wednesdays you will find a large long-running craft market in the main street. If you want to stay closer to the city you can find a comprehensive list of Wednesday markets at The White Hat Guide to Wednesday Markets in Melbourne
5. The Queen Victoria Market is closed during the day on a Wednesday but the South Melbourne Market is open and offers a more compact version of its larger brother.
6. Take a leisurely stroll around Albert Park Lake. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue or maybe hire a boat.
7. Take a free tour of the Fitzroy Gardens or Royal Park. Details at The White Hat Guide to the Fitzroy Gardens and The White Hat Guide to Royal Park.
8. During summer months enjoy the bustle of the Queen Victoria Night Market.
9. Take a boat tour on the Yarra and see the city from a different angle.
10. Enjoy lunch in Brunswick Street Fitzroy or Smith Street Collingwood.
11. Attend Evensong at St Paul's Cathedral. A brief oasis of calm in the bustle of the city.
12. Take a train to the end of the line and enjoy the changing scenery. You could try the Eltham/Hurstbridge line or maybe Belgrave in the Dandenongs
13. Visit Heidi or the McClelland Gallery and enjoy outdoor sculpture, indoor exhibitions and maybe a glass of champagne.
14. During winter, take in a free evening film at the State Library.
15. Have a leisurely night out at a restaurant in the city. There are plenty to choose from.
16. Visit Chloe at Young &Jacksons and remind yourself why she has become an icon of Melbourne.
17. During the summer months head off to the Royal Botanic Gardens for Moonlight Cinema in the Gardens.
18. Choose a sidewalk cafe in the CBD or in the corporate sector of Docklands and enjoy watching Melbourne at work.
19. Take a stroll around the University of Melbourne and enjoy the mish-mash of architectural styles.
20.  And finally, if it's raining then you could have a look at The White Hat Guide to 50 Things to do on a Rainy Day in Melbourne.

Some forthcoming events on a Wednesday in Melbourne

Organ-ic Lunch with Gordon Stewart Join one of Britain's best known organists, Gordon Stewart, for a special Grand Organ performance on Wednesday 16 May. Scottish-born Stewart is a lively and entertaining raconteur with more than 15 years experience of working with cathedral music. For more than 20 years he has been organist at Huddersfield Town Hall, where he plays regular concerts on the 1860 Father Willis organ. Stewart has been awarded honorary fellowships by both the Royal College of Organists and the Royal School of Church Music, and has travelled across Europe, the USA and Australasia giving concerts. The Town Hall program features: Handel Overture from The Occasional Oratorio John Stanley Toccata for the Flutes J S Bach Toccata, Adagio and Fugue Albert Ketèlbey In a Monastery Garden Edward Elgar Imperial March Bernard Johnson Elfentanz Louis Vierne Finale from Symphony No. 1 1pm (door open 12.30), Wednesday 16th May 2012 Melbourne Town Hall - Free

kreativ This regular Wednesday night event will be a massive artistic smorgasbord, including; Comedians, Visual & Performance Artists, Poets, Street Performers, Bands, Soloists, Animators & Short Films. The intent is to platform a potpourri of at least ten separate performances, presentations, or projects between 8 pm and 3 am. Weekly prizes will be on offer for those deemed the most “Popular”. Every Wednesday night between 8 pm and 3 am 24 Moons ACDC Lane (just off Flinders lane) CBD Melbourne - Free entry Enquiries: 0403618884

Checkpoint Charlie Comedy Checkpoint says it is the city's premier above ground underground comedy room and suggests for just $5 come fill yourself with $6 drinks and put your continence to the ultimate test against the country's best comedians as they spit funnies into the business end of a loud stick. Details at Checkpoint Charlie Comedy. Every Wednesday from 8pm 18 Corrs Lane, Melbourne - Enquiries: 0417 71 99 22

Free Salsa Classes The Salsa Foundation offers free beginners salsa classes every week, Come for a drinks, meet new people, and learn to dance salsa. Dress comfortably and casual, call or SMS 0400 933 285 for venue details and to book your place. Numbers are limited! Bring a friend too - the more the merrier. (enter via the alleyway next to Hungry Jacks) 5.30 to 7.30pm, Wednesdays & Thursdays Syn Bar, Level 1, 163 Russell Street, Melbourne - Free

Public Forum: Modernism, art and architecture Narelle Jubelin: Vision in Motion teases out some of the historical and theoretical intersections underpinning contemporary art's engagement with modernist architectural discourses. Join Vision in Motion guest curator Ann Stephen, who will discuss the exhibition, together with the legacy of modernism on art, architecture and design, with a guest panel including artist Callum Morton and architectural historian, theorist and critic Karen Burns. 5.30 to 7.30pm, Wednesday 23rd May MUMA, 900 Dandenong Road Caulfield East - Free but bookings essential Enquiries & bookings: (03) 9905 4217

Coburg Historical Society Visitiors to the monthly meeting will enjoy a guest speaker, after which a light supper is served. 8pm to 9.30pm, 3rd Wednesday of month Coburg Library Meeting Room, Victoria St, Coburg -

Bike Tour A free bike tour for mature people to share their experiences. 2nd Wed of Month - Enquiries: (03) 9654 4443

Free Guided Tour of Royal Park A free one hour guided walking tour through the south of Royal Park. Find out about the indigenous plants of this area and the rich history of Walmsley House. Bookings essential. Phone (03) 9388 9722. Please note these tours are not operated by White Hat Tours. Therefore White Hat vouchers and rewards cannot be used, they cannot be used as part of White Hat corporate training packages and our usual guarantees regarding White Hat Accredited Guides and other tour benefits do not apply. 10am, Wednesdays Royal Park - Free

Free Guided Tour of Fitzroy Gardens A free one hour guided walking tour through this formal garden highlighting its rich history. Bookings are not required. The tour leaves from the Conservatory. Please note these tours are not operated by White Hat Tours. Therefore White Hat vouchers and rewards cannot be used, they cannot be used as part of White Hat corporate training packages and our usual guarantees regarding White Hat Accredited Guides and other tour benefits do not apply. 12.30pm, Wednesdays Fitzroy Gardens - Free

Selected attractions open on certain Wednesdays in Melbourne

Bundoora Homestead Bundoora Homestead is a wonderful Queen Anne style Federation mansion operating as a historic house, art gallery and licensed café. Free admission.More info >> 11am to 4pm Wed to Sun, noon to 5pm Sat & Sun   7-27 Snake Gully Drive - Bundoora Enquiries: (03) 9496 1060

Fox Classic Car Collection   -

Free Tour of Melbourne Town Hall A free tour of the historic Melbourne Town Hall. Numbers are limited so bookings are essential and required one day in advance. Tours Run Monday to Friday at 11am & 1pm and last for approximately 1 hour. Bookings: (03) 9658 9658   Melbourne Town Hall -

Heide Museum of Modern Art 10am-5pm Tue-Fri, noon-5pm Sat/Sun /Public Holidays   7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen, - Enquiries: (03) 9850 1500

Hellenic Museum 10am to 3pm, Tuesday to Thursday   - Enquiries: (03) 8615 9016

National Gallery of Victoria - Australian Collection   -

National Gallery of Victoria - International Collection Melbourne's premier gallery of international art. More information at NGV - International Collection.   -

Old Treasury Building One of Australia's finest Victorian era buildings. It is open to teh public on Wednesdays and Sundays and features fine displays related to Melbourne history. More info >> 10am to 4pm, Sunday to Friday   Cnr Spring St & Collins St - Melbourne Enquiries: (03) 9651 2233

The Hotel Windsor Afternoon Tea at The Windsor For as long as most people can remember, afternoon tea at The Hotel Windsor has been a Melbourne institution. A full leisurely afternoon tea served in the luxurious surrounds of Melbourne's of Melbourne grand old historic hotel really calls for a lady to wear a hat and gloves. If you don't have a hat and gloves and the gentleman doesn't have a cane then White Hat urges you to at least carry yourself with a dignified air. The Windsor Hotel's Weekday Afternoon Tea The Windsor Hotel's Weekend Afternoon Tea   -

From the White Hat Melbourne Newsletter No.487 of 29th April 2011

"In Flinders Lane you will an old style returned services club called Duckboard House which we have previously mentioned as a hidden gem. Running around this building is a U-shaped lane which at night looks as though it might be quite a dodgy place and it certainly has been in the past. Several years ago part of this lane was renamed AC/DC Lane which visitors assume must be some reference to some electrical manufacturing heritage of the area.

Can we suggest you try venturing into the darkness of AC/DC Lane on a Wednesday night some time between 8pm and 3am. There in a place called 24 Moons you will find a weekly event called ‘kreativ’ featuring anything from visual & performance artists, poets, street performers, bands, soloists, to animators & short films. The intent is to platform a potpourri of at least ten separate performances, presentations, or projects. Weekly prizes will be on offer for those deemed the most “Popular”. Entry is free and drinks are available at the bar. Give it a try and see what you think."