So cool. Like literally, so cool. It’s time to rug up and get your skates on to experience The Rink as part of Melbourne’s Rising Festival. Newly repositioned at Birrarung Marr on the banks of the Yarra River, the new location gives the rink an ethereal ambience, perfectly suited to a refreshing cultural festival such as Rising.
Just down from ArtPlay, apart from ice skating the The Rink Rising Precinct offers open fires, music and an excellent selection of curated food and drink. There’s hot chocolate by Mork that is graded by its percentage of cocoa (we had the Junior Hot Chocolate 50% dark) which tasted like chocolate velvet. There’s also locally distilled gin, vegan pies, pizza, hot dogs and a good selection of boutique beer.
The Rink has been set up by O’Briens Ice who run a popular ice rink in Docklands. They’ve dropped their staff, logistics and professionalism into the magic of Rising to make the experience entertaining and energetic. There’s a switched-on team, both on the ice and off, wearing silver Rising jackets – so if you have questions, need some tips or land on your backside, they are more than happy to assist.
The ice rink is large and busy but still accessible for beginners. Every hour the rink is re-surfaced and patrons get a well-deserved 15 minute break. There were definitely a few people afraid to let go of the wall early on. But after a while, confidence builds and before you know it, you are reliving Torvill and Dean’s Bolero moments from the 1984 Olympics.
While the previous location, Sidney Myer Music Bowl was functional, it was out of the way and difficult to access. The long trek there and back was fine for some, but hopeless for prams, wheelchairs, kids in tow and those with sore legs after ice-skating. Birrarung Marr is also much better than the temporary nearby car park ice rink that was part of another winter activation from recent years (and thankfully there’s not a plastic igloo in sight). We can only hope the successful location choice continues for years to come.
Boot hire and kangaroo skating aides included with ticket. Kangaroo skating aides are subject to availability for your session. Thick socks or double layered socks can be more comfortable to wear with the ice skates. Lockers have been recently installed.:
Tips for a good session:
- Arrive a little early to get your skates on
- Complete the waiver document
- Skate in the same direction as everyone else
- Wave to the DJ (they are working hard to keep the skating vibe exuberant)
- Make sure you know your shoe size (makes for swift shoe hire)
- Take the time to appreciate the gorgeous views of the Yarra River.
- There are wrist band colour timing shifts
- Don’t get frustrated if you fall over (again and again)
- Don’t overstay your session
- Avoid drinking (too much) alcohol before you skate
The Rink is part of Rising and is open
RISING Season: 1—18 June
- Wed—Fri 5—10pm
- Sat 12—10pm
- Sun 12—9pm
- Open for the King’s Birthday holiday Mon 12 June 1—8pm
School Holiday Season: 23 June—8 July
- Fri 23 June 5—10pm
- Tue—Sun: 11am—9pm
- Closed Mondays
For more information click here.
https://rising.melbourne/festival-program/the-rink-at-rising#program-tabs