Join us for your very own meet-cute at RISING x Dear Pluto&#39;s queer speed dating/friending party at The Rink!-- SKATING OPTIONAL -- 
Over the course of the evening, you&#39;ll go on a selection of snappy dates with a heap of hotties, set to the sexy soundtrack of DJ 3rd Orbit —— a selector with an ear for diverse, captivating grooves who’s as comfortable spinning soulful records as they are dropping the dirtiest, skipping breaks and experimental bass from around the world.
To keep temps running high despite the winter wonderland, take advantage of the on-site food trucks and bar that&#39;ll be serving drinks along with Fugazi Woodfired Pizzas, Hot Dog Deli, Manny&#39;s Doughnuts and more. And if you get too hot under the collar, grab some skates and hit the ice to show off your skills... or lack thereof because who can say no to a cute klutz?
We&#39;ll also have heaps of conversation cards with all the most important first date Qs like &quot;Do you believe that Avril Lavigne is actually a clone?&quot; and &quot;Do you talk to your plants?&quot; as well as a competition to submit your own, where you can win an ice-skating session for two!

two people on a date with brown hair laughing and sitting at a table with a number on it 

Dear Pluto Queer Speed Dating at The Rink

## [Watch the venue access video](https://youtu.be/L_TRNgaDlpc)

## [Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Rink+at+RISING/@-37.8185789,144.9736013,17z/data=!4m16!1m9!3m8!1s0x6ad643989035a79b:0x8c78f78392c66058!2sThe+Rink+at+RISING!8m2!3d-37.8185789!4d144.9736013!9m1!1b1!16s%2Fg%2F11kpzn90qz!3m5!1s0x6ad643989035a79b:0x8c78f78392c66058!8m2!3d-37.8185789!4d144.9736013!16s%2Fg%2F11kpzn90qz?hl=en-AU&entry=ttu)   

For access information, please contact [City of Melbourne.](https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/parks-open-spaces/major-parks-gardens/Pages/birrarung-marr.aspx). 

WALKING

Birrarung Marr is an approximately 7 minute walk (600m) from Flinders Street Station, via Princes Walk and Flinder Walk, and a 10 minute walk (850m) from the MCG. At the east end of the park, the William Barak pedestrian bridge leads directly to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Tanderrum Bridge leads directly to the Melbourne Park tennis centre.   

CYCLING

There is a public bike parking rack near the Birrarung Marr playground and ArtPlay. Please ensure you lock your bike. Cyclists park their bikes at their own risk. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Birrarung Marr is a short walk from Flinders Street Railway Station, as well as several tram routes along St Kilda Road and Flinders Street. See [PTV Journey Planner](https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey) for information on routes.  

PARKING

Wilson Parking is available Flinders Gate Car Park, 172-192 Flinders Street (20m from venue) or at Fed Square Rooftop, Russell Street (240m from venue). Parking is available at Wilson Parking locations found in and around the CBD. Plan your journey with online options available, [click here](https://www.wilsonparking.com.au/) for details.

MORE ON BIRRARUNG MARR  

Located on the northern bank of the Yarra River between Federation Square and Melbourne Park, Birrarung Marr features a range of native flora and sculpted terraces. It is also the location for the children's arts centre, ArtPlay, and provides space for many events held throughout the year.
In Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung culture, 'Birrarung' is the traditional name of the Yarra River; and 'marr' refers to the mist that sometimes settles over the Birrarung. The park name reflects the ‘river of mists'.

This area was historically used for railway lines and yards from 1856. In 1992, the Victorian Government undertook a process of reorganisation of land uses around the then proposed Federation Square. This led to the reclamation of the former railyard to allow access to the river and land for public open space purposes. 

Construction of the park began in 2000 and was a joint venture between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government. Birrarung Marr was opened in 2002. 

The park hosts a variety of native flora, sculpted terraces, pedestrian and bicycle paths and is used for numerous festivals and events throughout the year. 

The former rail use continues to be represented by the adaptation of the former Princes Bridge Lecture Room (a purpose-built railway training building constructed in 1916-17) into ArtPlay, a children’s art centre and gallery. 
