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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a member?
We currently have two types of membership available - Social and Full. We recommend that you attend the club over a number of visits to determine your view on the vibe, environment and people of the club. Membership application forms are available at the bar or via the link on the Membership page. Once you have submitted your Membership application form, the form is displayed on the noticeboard for a minimum of 2 weeks and then reviewed at the next Board meeting. Notification of the outcome is sent by the Secretary within 72hrs of the Board meeting.


How much does it cost to become a member?
Our current annual fees are: Social membership - $55 (incl GST) and Full membership - $110 (incl GST). There is also a one off $20 joining fee.


What is the difference between a social member & full member?
Both memberships are entitled to the member bar prices, discounted hiring fees for greens / bbq / function room and of course to attend the club at any time that suits. The difference between the two types of membership is that Full members are entitled to represent the club in all types of bowling events (eg pennant, tournaments etc), have the opportunity to join the Bowls Committee, Selectors or Board and also have voting rights. Social membership holders have the opportunity to join the social committee.


Can I bring my own caterer or my own food to the venue?
Yes. It is recommended that your caterer contacts the club prior to the event to discuss the facilities.


Can we organise a food truck to cater at our event?
Unfortunately we do not have space to cater for food trucks inside the City of Melbourne Bowls Club.  For use of the Flagstaff Gardens for food trucks please contact the Melbourne City Council Events department on 9658 8008. 


Is there food available at the bar?
We only offer potato chips


Do we allow for BYO beverages?
No. We are a fully licenced venue with a great range of beers and wine at reasonable prices. Any alcohol or soft drink brought into the venue will be put behind the bar for collection on departure.


Can we set up a bar tab?
Yes. A tab can be set up on the day upon arrival at the main bar with a valid credit.


Is there parking available?
We do not have any private parking available. There is plenty of street parking and the Queen Victoria Market car park offers full day parking.


Is there public transport close to the venue?
Flagstaff Station is a short walk from the venue whilst tram nos 24 & 30  run down William St. Get off at stop 8.


Do you have a loading area?

Yes.  Entry to the Gardens is off William Street opposite the Radisson Hotel.  Access to the Gardens are controlled by Serco on behalf of the City of Melbourne Council and operate under the strict guidelines listed below. If the bollards are locked the driver will need to come to the club for the keys.

  • Contractor/Hirer must replace and lock bollards after entering, exiting the park,
  • Contractor/Hirer is responsible for ensuring only authorised vehicles enter the park when bollards are unlocked
  • If bollards are removed for entry / exit side bollard holders, if available, must be used
  • Contractor/Hirer adheres to the general terms and conditions outlined by City of Melbourne relating to vehicles in Parks and Gardens, including driving under 10km/hr, utilising hazards lights, restricting vehicle movements to pathways ONLY and parking vehicles so not to hamper further pedestrian and vehicle traffic. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE ARE VEHICLES PERMITTED ON GRASS, GARDENS OR MULCH BEDS UNLESS SPECIFIC PERMISSION IS OBTAINED
  • Contractor/Hirer that damages, loses or in any way renders a padlock, bollard, fence or gate unfit for purpose will be responsible for the reinstatement costs associated with the repair of replacement of the item



What happens with our bowling booking in bad weather?
Unfortunately, we cannot control the weather. If at the date and time of your booking you are unable to bowl due to the weather we will refund your green fees. We cannot cancel or move your event due to the weather forecast. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.


Can we wear shoes on the green?
Flat soled shoes are permitted on the greens. If you do not wish to bowl barefoot thongs or runners are the best option. Please note that rippled soled shoes and any shoes with heals are not permitted.


Are you a family friendly venue and can children play bowls?
Our facility is very family oriented and kids can play bowls, too. However, when bowling we do require strict adult supervision on the green to ensure all green rules are adhered to and no other players are disrupted.


We are thinking of hiring a DJ or having live music for our event, is this allowed?
Yes. Please remember that our in house sound system is only suitable for background music. Your DJ or Band will need to bring their own sound system. We also reserve the right to turn the volume down should complaints be received.


Do we have disabled access?
Our venue is fully wheelchair accessible, including on the green.


Is cigarette smoking permitted on the premises?
Yes. There is a designated smoking is on the North side of the green. All other areas are smoke free.  Please refer to the signage at the venue.


Can we play on the grass green?
No. The grass green is for members only.


Can we store personal items?
At the discretion of staff personal items may be kept behind the bar. Whilst all care is taken we do accept any responsibility for lost, misplaced, damaged or stolen items.


Who should we contact about an enquiry?
For all enquiries, you can contact us via the Contact Us form.
Alternatively, you can contact the Club Manager. Office hours are primarily Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5pm however due to the nature of our business the office is not always staffed.


Can I make a tentative booking for rink hire?
No. Rink hire bookings must be made online and secured with payment.


Can I make a tentative booking for the function space?
Yes. Please call our office to discuss on 8329 0211. Tentative bookings will only be held for 2 weeks at which time confirmation will be required and a $400 deposit paid.


How to book?
Rink bookings are to be made via our Online Booking System.
Function room bookings are to be made directly with the office. If your event includes both function room hire and rink hire this can also be done directly with the office.

All function room bookings are not considered confirmed until a deposit of $400 and a signed copy of the booking terms and conditions are received.