The Nixon Hotel, 757 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Join us as on a visit to another great bar which has a selection of beer, wine and great food with great online reviews.

The food is reasonably priced, there is a good range of craft beers and wines with excellent reviews. Wednesday night is burger night for only $20.

The pub has an outdoor area that is good for summer weather. The venue is a casual local with an superb menu and several different areas to enjoy a drink.

This venue is very close to Southern Cross Station and Marvel Stadium.

Meet Alan at the reserved tables.

Wed, 11 December

7.00pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Coffee Stand outside the Arts Centre, St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Enjoy an incredible full Day Yarra Valley Wine Tour for a special Christmas trip to the wineries!

We will put this wine trip together as requested from our members. The last wine trip sold out and we expect this to be another popular trip, so book early to secure your spot as only limited places available.

The price includes wine tastings and return transport with Peter who has run several trips for us, lunch at own expense The proposed wineries for the morning will Elmswood Estate and Morgans winery. For our lunch stop. we are visiting Killara Estate for al la carte cafe options followed by wine tasting at Seville Hill.

Meet Ian at the coffee stand outside the Arts Centre. Tour leaves at 9.40am sharp so enjoy for an early coffee if you wish.

Sun, 15 December

9.15am - 6.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Sat, 14 December

Greek'n Out, South Melbourne Market, 98-116/136 Cecil St, South Melbourne

Come and enjoy a night of classic Greek food at this fun restaurant with Mediterranean flare in South Melbourne Market.

As you step inside, get transported to Santorini with notes of crisp white and ocean blue. The banquet seating is perfect to share with friend to reveal in the South Melbourne market atmosphere alfresco and enjoy a mix of options of meze, souvlaki, fresh seafood dishes and platters.

Their seafood menu is a great mix, think grilled octopus, black mussels deglazed with ouzo and sauced with rich tomatoes, king prawns topped with Greek herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing or maybe a seafood linguine featuring plump scallops, mussels and king prawns.

The venue offers a great mix of Greek street food with flavourful salads topped with either haloumi or lamb gyros carved straight off the spit and topped with a dollop of zesty tzatziki are are good bet.Enjoy a traditional Greek Salad laced with creamy fetta or gyros filled with lamb, chicken or haloumi, or many other options.

The venue has some great on-line reviews for great food, atmosphere and staff so enjoy a night of Greek delights with banquet options available.

Meet Alan and Christine at the reserved tables for a Greek experience.

Wed, 18 December

7.00pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Tue, 17 December

near Chapel Street and High Street, Windsor

*** This party is limited to the hosts of the club for all their help organising events this year and invited guests, invites will be sent out closer to the day ***

The hosts annual Xmas party on the Sunday before Xmas is a casual drinks and nibbles night. There will be a mix of bubbles, red and white wines, beers, soft drinks and dips. Please note that if you would like to bring your special drink that would be fine, as we will not have a full range. It is a great way to thank the hosts for helping arrange events by having a Christmas party and enjoy a few wines or a few beers.

This is a free casual event with drinks and nibbles and it will be possible to head out to dinner afterwards in Chapel Street (although the party kept going til late in previous years.)

Sun, 22 December

4.30pm - 8.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

The Queen Victoria Gardens (opposite National Gallery of Australia), St Kilda Road, Melbourne

** Open to everyone to enjoy Christmas **

Come and join the Melbourne Social Club for a social Melbourne Christmas Day Picnic Lunch in Queen Victoria Gardens and meet new people in Melbourne this Christmas. This will be the 17th year that the Christmas Day Picnic has been run and we expect over 100 people to attend, if numbers are similar to pre-covid years.

There will be no snow but a great place to meet others not participating in the traditional family Christmas in Melbourne.

Queen Victoria Gardens is very centrally located in Melbourne and is located opposite the Arts Centre and National Gallery of Australia (NGV) and is close to Flinders Street Railway Station.

Join the Melbourne Social Club for a relaxed Christmas Day lunch under a shady tree for a free event on Christmas Day to help you meet some new friends in Melbourne at Christmas.

Please bring your own food/drinks, picnic blanket/rug/chair, sunscreen hat etc. and outdoor games equipment - like a football to kick, cricket bat and tennis ball etc, if you wish.

Bring food that you can have for yourself or share with others. It would be also useful if you could bring a name tag as well.

Public transport is free on this day and uses the Sunday timetable.

The Christmas Day social group in Melbourne will be located under a shady tree directly opposite the Arts Centre where you can walk directly down from the Arts Centre Tram stop located on St Kilda Road. It is easy walking distance from Flinders Street train station.

Look for the Melbourne Social Club banner hanging from the tree in Queen Victoria Gardens. A Happy Christmas text will be send on Christmas Day so you can reply to this text message if needed. It would be also useful if you could please bring a name tag as well.

Meet Ian from Melbourne Social Club / Fun, Food and Friendship social group, and enjoy a Christmas Day picnic lunch and meet others on the day.

Wed, 25 December

NOON - 3.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: FREE

OPEN TO EVERYONE

Booking closes on:
Tue, 24 December

Federation Square, Melbourne CBD

This annual Boxing Day ride will be an easy social casual ride around Melbourne on the Yarra Trail. The approximate distance is 32 km on the Capital City Trail. This ride is run in conjunction with the YHA cycling group and we have run this joint ride for many years.

The route is easy and is fairly flat most of the way. We ride along the Yarra past Collingwood childrens farm to Dight Falls and after lunch we head back on the Moonee Ponds Creek. The trail continues past the Zoo and towards Docklands and then back to Southbank which is ideal for some drinks, ice creams or gelato.

The lunch venue is the historic Fairfield Boat House to enjoy an informal outdoor dining experience. Relax by the river in an historic riverside garden setting watching the rowers on their classic designed rowing skiffs which are unique in the Southern Hemisphere.

Various lunch options are available from the outdoor grill all cooked in front of your eyes with lunch at own expense.

Meet David and Ian at Federation Square directly opposite the tram stop on St Kilda Road. Please ensure that your bike is in good working order.

Thu, 26 December

10.45am - 4.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Wed, 25 December

Boatbuilders Yard, 23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf

Join us for end of year social drinks for lunch to enjoy a wide selection of food and drinks in a lovely beer garden on the banks of the Yarra River for an unforgettable dining experience with stunning views of the river.

The venue is a vibrant pub and cosy café, a perfect retreat to kick back with your social club friends for our end of year drinks. the venue is nestled in the heart of South Wharf along the picturesque Yarra River, The venue is a great spot to enjoy those Christmas holiday vibes for a leisurely lunch at this waterfront hangout.

The venue retains the cultural heritage and charm of the famous Maritime precinct, with a modern design twist on its centrepiece, an original historic shed.

The venue is conveniently located on the edge of the CBD at South Wharf, in a relaxing oasis of parkland and trees next to the Yarra River to provide an experience of escape from busy city life.

Meet Alan, Christine and Ian at the venue

Sat, 28 December

1.00pm - 4.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 27 December

Balaclava Hotel, 123 Carlisle Street, Balaclava

**** Please book tickets for this event in advance in link listed below ****

Join us a rooftop party to rock in the New Year with The Jetsons Live in a great spot to see in 2025 that includes a three-hour drinks package, canapes and grazing table.

The venue is a great place for friends to meet for NYE, so everyone to enjoy themselves at the start of the new year. From 9pm to late, The Jetsons will entertain us with live music with a range of covers from classic dance and rock songs to enjoy the start of the new year.

The three-hour package for beer, wine and soft drinks starts at 7.30pm with a glass of champagne to toast in the new year. The e-ticket option costs $105.10 ($99 plus booking fee) in total and can be purchased via https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/53604ec9-e4cf-49c7-8776-802f60a92362, or use the NYE poster link from the Balaclava Hotel website at https://www.thebalaclavahotel.com.au/#home-whats-on-section

The venue is very close to Balaclava train station with tram 3 and tram 16 going past the venue and tram 78 on Chapel Street is very close.

The rooftop holds 120 people, so availability is limited.

Meet David and Loretta near the entrance to the rooftop bar.

Tue, 31 December

7.15pm - 12.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Sun, 29 December

West Beach Bathers Pavilion, 330A Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda West

Join us for a summer Friday night in a magnificent beach front venue looking out of the classic views of St Kilda in this casual bar and restaurant overlooking West Beach at St Kilda.

This beachside venue is a great place to avoid the hustle and bustle of life and is one of the great secrets in Melbourne. The pavilion was originally built in the 1920s as a hub for the colourful and burgeoning bathing population in Melbourne and has been restored to a fantastic beach front venue.

Enjoy great views of the beach and marina, casual dining and drinks with an area for cabanas and deck chair areas. It is a great place to enjoy a summer night right next to the sands of St Kilda that also has a DJ on Friday night.

Casual dining options includes calamari, fish and chips. pizza, trout salad, steak with a mix a wines and some beers on tap such as Pacific Pale Ale as well as local ginger beer.

The pavilion is located on a short walk from St Kilda Pier or a walk down from Fitzroy Street that has Tram 16 or Tram 96.

Meet Ian at the reserved table in the deck area overlooking the beach.

Fri, 3 January

7.00pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 2 January

Windsor Castle Hotel, 89 Albert Street Windsor (minutes from Windsor Train Station)

Come and enjoy a Sunday lunch and drinks at a fantastic hidden beer garden with elephants on top of the building.

Come and enjoy this inexplicably appealing venue has a tropical outdoor space and a popular sunny day destination that features a bamboo clad bar, ample seating and lush surrounding.

This funky pub has some great steaks, pub meals shared plates as well as a Sunday special of 1kg of Southern fried chicken wings and a jug of Furphy for only $35.

If you are arriving by train at Windsor Station, or Tram 78 look for the Railway Hotel and the walk down Albert Street to find the Windsor Castle. It is also walking distance of Tram 5 and Tram 6 stops.

Meet Ian and Alan at the reserved tables

Sun, 5 January

1.00pm - 4.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Sat, 4 January

Coffee stand at Port Phillip Ferries Docklands Terminal, 131 Harbour Esplanade, Victoria Harbour Docklands

**** Please buy your own ticket for this event from the ferry company, link stated below in advance ****

We are heading down to the fun Portarlington Festival held in the picturesque village of Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula with music, acts, entertainment with a range of food and drink options.

At the Portarlington festival there are great local musicians playing across five stages, plus art shows, cooking demonstrations and local beer and wine tastings.

Entertainment includes multiple music acts. The 2025 music schedule is yet to be announced, the 2024 schedule included Queen Forever, Andrea Robertson, Soul Sister Swing, Trojan. Jimi Hocking, Sam Cocking, Brianna Ekberg, Kym Dillon, Treble Chefs, 10 Fly High, The Lea Jets and Vardos.

Also at the festival, over 10 ton of mussels are sold on the day as well as 100 food and drink stalls and other fantastic market stalls.

We will be taking the ferry to the festival from Docklands leaving at 10.15am and returning at 6pm, please buy your own ticket in advance for $50 at https://www.portphillipferries.com.au/events/portarlington-mussel-festival.

There is cash donation for the festival of $5 with ferry transport of $50.

Meet Ian at the coffee stand near the Ferry terminal at Victoria Harbour at 9.45. The ferry terminal is located directly across from Marvel Stadium and about 10 minute walk from Southern Cross train station.

Sat, 11 January

9.45am - 7.10pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 10 January

Rod Laver Statue located outside Rod Laver Arena within the Melbourne Park Tennis Centre

*** Please buy your own ticket - the social club will not be pre-purchasing tickets, prices stated is for the Ticketmaster price for your reference ***

Come and watch the best players in the world as they converge on Melbourne Park and be part of the wonderful world of tennis and enjoy the entertainment on the very first day of the tournament starting on Sunday, making it a 15-day event.

Melbourne Park takes the world's centre stage and plays host to the world's best tennis players in the first Grand Slam event of the year.

The Australian Open ground pass gives fans access to all the outside courts and free entertainment on Grand Slam Oval and in Garden Square.

Meet Ian at the bronze Rod Laver statue with his tennis racquet inside the venue which is located just outside the Rod Laver Arena heading down towards the Oval. Please scan you ticket at a gate and join us at the Rod Laver statue.

Please note a ground pass ticket does not allow access to Rod Laver arena or Margaret Court Arena, but this year gives access to AO Live Stage, AO Ballpark and the new practice village. There are usually some seats available for John Cain Arena and Kia Arena, but access is not guaranteed.

Public transport includes tram 70 from the CBD and Richmond, Flinders Street and Jolimont train stations within walking distance to Melbourne Park. It is also walking distance from Richmond Station.

Note: It is worth buying you ground pass ticket in advance as there will be ticket queues on the day, we will not be pre-purchasing tickets for this event. Ground pass tickets cost $49, we strongly advise to pre-purchase your ticket.

Sun, 12 January

10.50am - 5.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Sat, 11 January

Beer DeLuxe, Federation Square, Melbourne

Come and join the Melbourne Social Club for a night of watching tennis after work.

We will visit the AO Hilltop site with an extra big screen to watch the tennis that has deck chairs, cushions and bean bags against the backdrop of the Melbourne skyline. This laid-back spot on the AO Hilltop is free to enter has live tennis on the big screen plus food and drink options.

We may also take a look around the open areas around Birrarung Marr before the main entrance to the AO tennis centre.

Meet Ian at the reserved table at Beer De Luxe before heading out to see live tennis action by the Yarra river.

Tue, 14 January

6.00pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Mon, 13 January

Jukes, Level 1, Metropol Precinct, Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank

For those that like a good sing along, Jukes Karaoke Bar is fun hang out featuring the best of the 70's 80's and 90's music.

We have a reserved room for 3 hours, where we can order drinks on a screen and pay as you go with all food and drinks delivered to our reserved room.

We have run several previous enjoyable karaoke nights at Jukes, so we are looking forward to another fun night.

There is a mighty fine menu including cocktails, beers, ciders and sodas and some great fondue platters with either cheese or chocolate. Jukes have got a platter of things to pick at from prawn cocktails to crudites and cabanossi, things you never knew existed this side of 1975.

Other fun menu items include the prawn star, swedish balls, rings on wings, antipasto pretzel dish, classic chicko roll,kiev balls, as well a mini burgers, mini hot dogs, chips, wedges and stone baked pizzas.

We will meet in the main bar which has a resident grand piano man playing some fine tunes and then move to our reserved room booked at 6.30pm for our fun times.

Meet Donna at the bar at 6.15pm for a fun night out located at Jukes in the Crown complex.

Fri, 17 January

6.15pm - 9.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 16 January