Last minute hotel bookings

The White Hat Guide to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl

The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is set in parklands a short walk from the centre of the city. It is a large grassy amphitheatre with a stage and a soaring 'sound shell' roof to project the sound and shelter the front rows of the audience.

But it is not the front rows of the audience who have the best seats. It is those lolling on a blanket on the grass with a picnic basket, a glass of champagne, (a jug of wine and thou?) gazing at the stars while listening with thousands of other Melbournians to a concert by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, watching a ballet or opera performance, or enjoying a rock concert.

Admission to many of these events is free, but get there early to secure a good spot.

The ice skating rink at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl closed in 1998 but you can find other options at The White Hat Guide to Ice Skating in Melbourne..

The Music Bowl has easy access by tram - any northbound tram in St Kilda Road or any southbound tram in Swanston Street (except No.1) and get off at stop no 16 or 17. Better still take a walk from the city through the Queen Victoria Gardens.

The Music Bowl is situated in the King's Domain and is one of the great legacies left to Melbourne as a result of the philanthropy of Sidney Myer.

Australia Post Opera in the Bowl Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one. White Hat has kept its subscribers Informed since last century and has long become a Melbourne Institution for those Intelligent and Independent souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can occasionally be a little Irreverent.)   Bring your picnic basket and rugs and enjoy the glorious music under the stars. And be swept away by this free performance of Puccini’s romantic tale of young love, La bohème. What better place to relive a chance meeting by moonlight than under the stars at the Music Bowl. If the weather is fine White Hat expects that this event could be a lockout so get there early. Gates to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl open at 4pm. If you are intending to come to a concert with a family or group of friends, it is advisable that you arrive together or arrange to gather outside the gate to avoid your group being split if the gates close. In the past you have been able to bring your own drinks but only plastic glasses. We will verify this year's conditions when the information becomes available. Our rating: Five Hats   8pm, 11th December Sidney Myer Music Bowl - Free

Sidney Myer Free Orchestral Concerts at the Music Bowl - Concert 1 - 'Romantic Favourites' Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one. White Hat has kept its subscribers Informed since last century and has long become a Melbourne Institution for those Intelligent and Independent souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can occasionally be a little Irreverent.) The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with Lutz Koehler (conductor) and Maxwell Foster (piano) perform: Verdi The Force of Destiny: Overture Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23 (one of White Hat's Top 100 Concerti) Brahms Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op.68 (one of White Hat's Top 100 Symphonies) The Sidney Myer Free Orchestral Concerts in the Music Bowl are one of the highlights of the Melbourne Summer. The businessman and philanthropist Sidney Myer left a trust to benefit the people of Melbourne and Australia. Not only did this trust make possible the building of the public Music Bowl, it continues to continues to contribute to the quality of life of Melburnians through works and events such as the annual free concerts. Gates open at 4pm and the concert starts at 7pm. White Hat recommends you get there early because, if the weather is fine it can fill quite quickly. This is the ideal place to have a champagne picnic with friend under the stars while listening to classical music. You are allowed to bring reasonable amounts of food and alcohol but no breakable glasses, sharp objects, or seating which obstruct the view of others. Before you decide to turn it into a fully-fledged camping expedition we suggest you check the conditions of entry. Our rating: Five Hats Wednesday 17th February 2010 Sidney Myer Music Bowl -

Carols by Candlelight An event that has become a popular part of the Melbourne calendar 24 December 2010 -

Summadayze Australia's largest dance festival. 1 January 2011 - Bookings: 13 61 00

There are restrictions on what items may be taken into the Music Bowl. In general only plastic drinking glasses and no hard sided coolers or other items that can be used as an elevated seat. Some events will prohibit alcohol being taken in to the venue. More information on the Sidney Myer Music Bowl  and conditions of entry can be found at www.theartscentre.net.au.

Where is the Sidney Myer Music Bowl?

Click on the Sidney Myer Music Bowl link to the right of the map. Use the controls to zoom on or out on the map or change to satellite view.

If you wish to keep up to date with current shows, finishing soon alerts of performances and forthcoming shows we recommend that you subscribe to our free newsletter.