Inside Melbourne’s most secretive exclusive social clubs: Dress codes, rules and entry requirements
They’re the domain of the rich, influential and well connected – the sometimes pompous, always secretive, social clubs where ordinary Aussies need not apply.
Victoria
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They’re the domain of the rich, influential and well connected – the august clubs of Victoria’s high society set.
Some of Victoria’s most exclusive private members’ clubs proudly admit they don’t welcome “just anyone” — and won’t allow women in their ranks — but are instead retreats for “gentlemen of character”, where privacy is paramount and Chatham House rules apply; namely what’s heard inside the walls of the club must not be repeated outside them.
Family lineage, power and “connections” play a big part in determining who will, and will not, be accepted into these stately, locked-door manors.
It’s said business should be left in the foyer, but the reality is major decisions are reached, arrangements are made and high-powered deals brokered.
To many, the posh clubs are a relic of a bygone era, enforcing strict dress codes and rules of etiquette and behaviour.
Despite that – or maybe because of it – most have suffered through their share of contemporary controversy, typically weathering the raging storm outside in their trademark ‘lips-sealed’ style. And having another aged whisky in their Chesterfield.
If you thought money and pedigree was the only barrier standing between you and entry to the state’s most exclusive clubs, think again.
You also need patience.
Membership can take months or even years of vetting, referring, interviewing and invitation.
And if you get impatient and think you can just walk in for a whisky, they’ll tell you, “you’re dreaming”.
Because these are not castles for ordinary Aussies.
Melbourne Savage Club: ‘Fine wines and automobiles’
One of Australia’s oldest private members’ clubs, the Savage Club claims to have been “the home of bohemian Melbourne” for well over a century, providing a place for artists, intellectuals and business leaders to share ideas and enjoy fine company. Formed in 1894, the club’s current membership ethos and outlook echoes that of its founders.
What it boasts: “Situated in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district and housed in a magnificent three storey boom-era Victorian townhouse, the club bustles with activity. Luncheon is a key focus for many members, while others enjoy a wide variety of special interest groups, in-house concerts and lectures. Special interest groups that meet regularly over lunch or dinner are at the heart of the club’s activities. Fine wines, automobiles, poetry, literature, current affairs, sport and the arts are all embraced.”
Dress code: “Prospective members are invited to join the club by other members who believe they share a similar ethos and who would make a positive contribution to club life. The enjoyment of good fellowship is a must.”
Rules: While not eligible as members, “lady guests” are welcome at the club at some functions and welcome at the club after 4.30pm on weekdays.
Getting in: “Prospective members are invited to join the club by other members who believe they share a similar ethos and who would make a positive contribution to club life.
Membership is by invitation, and is offered to gentlemen who are able to embrace the club’s ethos and who enjoy good fellowship. Our members come from diverse backgrounds – the arts, law, medicine, science, military, entertainment and business. Candidates for membership require the support of a proposer, a seconder and four referees, all of whom must be club members.
Address: 12 Bank Place, Melbourne
The Kelvin Club: ‘No bad hair days’
With a history dating back to 1865, The Kelvin Club claims to promote a diverse and interesting membership base that actually includes women — who the club began admitting in 1995.
What it boasts:
“We are a private members club where old world meets new, nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. We offer a city sanctuary for our members, their guests and our many business, social and community partners. Our members’ events program brings you a mix of social networking nights, guest speakers, wine and whisky tastings, workshop nights and “off campus” activities such as gallery visits. We also host several dinners and galas through the year to celebrate the club and its history.”
Rules:
“Governed by a formal set of club rules, there has always been strict observance of the privacy of members’ information, conversations and circumstances. Chatham House rules apply within the club. Members and guests of The Kelvin Club must abide by the Code of Conduct while on the premises, and on any occasion at which they are representing The Kelvin Club. Laptops are permitted in the club and Wi-Fi is available. However, members must keep the sound off or use headphones. Mobile phones are permitted but must be on silent at all times. Phone calls must be taken discreetly. Answering your phone at the bar will cost you a round of port for every member present.”
Dress code:
“At The Kelvin Club, we love to look smart. Dapper. Beautiful. Handsome. Well put together. Nearly a century-and-a-half of tradition has taught us that this is best achieved in the form of a dress code,” the website proudly trumpets.
In the members’ bar that means pants with collared shirts or sweaters, or even smart jeans but these should be worn with a blazer. For women, it’s pants, dresses, smart jeans, blouses, skirts and sweaters.
In the members’ dining room it’s a suit or pants with a sports coat, collared shirt with an optional tie or ceremonial dress for men. For women, dresses, a pant suit, suit or co-ordinated ensemble can be donned.
“In the event of club special events, the dress code will be advised, with costumes encouraged for themed events.”
BUT the rule of “no thongs, no shorts, no hats, no bad hair days,” apply at all times.
Getting in: In order to submit an application for membership at the Kelvin Club, applicants must be nominated and seconded by current Kelvin Club members. If you do not know a current member and are therefore unable to provide a nominator or seconder, membership of the club is still available via a rigorous interview process with the committee. All applications are reviewed by the manager and membership is granted on a case-by-case basis.
Address: Melbourne Place, Melbourne.
The Melbourne Club: Bastion of male privilege
The oldest private members’ club in Melbourne has a history so long, the club’s original members dismissed those who struck it rich in the gold rush of the 19th century as nouveau riche. Established in 1838, Melbourne Club remains one of the last true gentlemen’s clubs in the country.
What it boasts: This club is so exclusive, and so secretive it’s website is not public. To access the website and see what if offers one must first be accepted into its privileged membership ranks. We won’t let that stop us filling you in, however. According to Wikipedia, The Melbourne Club is a private social club established in 1838 and “a symbol of Australia’s British social heritage”.
It includes, among other rooms, a library, stately main dining room, private dining room, breakfast room, billiard rooms, lawn room and bedrooms. The building is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. The Melbourne Club does not allow female members but among its esteemed past members have been governors, politicians, judges, viscounts, reverends, army generals and a stack of Sirs.
Rules: The main one seems to be keeping mouths firmly shut. In September last year the club rejected a push to expel a member facing financial ruin who had pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman and was believed associated with some shady types. However, the man was a second-generation club member, as the son of a successful and wealthy business tycoon — so had club pedigree. The Melbourne Club had no comment when approached by the Herald Sun about the controversy last year. “The club doesn’t talk to the media,” said someone who answered the phone.
Dress code: Again, we cannot be sure, but we assume spiffy.
Getting in: If you need to ask, you’re not worthy. If you are a woman, you are also not worthy.
Address: 36 Collins St, Melbourne.
The Australian Club: ‘Phones off’
Founded in 1878, this “private gentlemen’s club” was one of nine that emerged in Melbourne during the 19th century. The heritage-listed clubhouse includes a grand marble staircase, ballroom, a “splendid” main dining room with an ornate glass dome and baroque wooden fireplaces, as well as what it claims to be “the finest billiards room in the city”.
What it boasts: “We invite you to step into our elegantly designed interior — a timeless sanctuary providing respite from the bustling modern world. Members are justifiably proud of their clubhouse and its traditions of welcoming members and guests into their peaceful retreat from the noise and bustle of the city.”
Dress code: “At the Australian Club, the dress code reflects the timeless elegance of the clubhouse. Gentlemen are kindly requested to don ties and jackets, with equivalent attire for ladies; after 5pm ties are generally not required, apart from main dining room functions. Should guests be attending a private function, these requirements are relaxed and are at the discretion of your host. Accommodation guests are afforded the flexibility to dress in accordance with their planned activities, though when opting for casual attire, we kindly ask that the Little Collins St entrance is used. For a relaxed and comfortable breakfast experience, smart casual attire is accepted.”
Rules: Strict rules ensure phones are left on silent and out of sight, the dress code adhered to at all times, and talk of business matters left in the foyer.
Getting in: You can try contacting its membership team, but be warned it likely won’t be a quick or easy process. It’s understood kicking off the process requires the invitation and recommendation of no less than four current members.
Address: 110 William Street, Melbourne
The Lyceum Club Melbourne: ‘Educated women’
Billed as “Melbourne’s premier women’s club”, The Lyceum Club was established in 1912, and modelled on the London Lyceum Club, established in 1904.
What it boasts: “The Melbourne Lyceum Club has a long and proud history of contributing to the cultural life of Melbourne. Since its founding in 1912 the aim of the Lyceum Club has been to provide generations of women with a safe and comfortable place to meet in the city, to forge and sustain friendships and to engage in intellectual and cultural pursuits in an apolitical, non-sectarian, warm and welcoming environment. The club has been highly influential in the lives of generations of Victorian women. Early club members were some of the first female graduates from The University of Melbourne, as well as distinguished artists, writers and contributors to our society.”
Rules and dress code: Not listed on website
Getting in: Membership is open to women with university qualifications, women who have distinguished themselves in art, music or literature or who have taken a prominent part in education and women who have rendered important public service.
Address: Ridgway Place Melbourne
The Athenaeum Club: ‘Gentlemen of good character’
Established in 1868, The Athenaeum Club is one of the oldest private members’ clubs in Melbourne. Just last year when the prospect of potentially allowing women members was raised, there was internal uproar. Once admitted, members have access to the Collins Street clubhouse, its billiards room and on-site gym, as well as other private clubs in the reciprocal network.
What it boasts: “The Athenaeum Club is one of Australia’s oldest and finest private social clubs, confident in its heritage and traditions yet enlightened and contemporary in its outlook. For gentlemen of good character, it upholds the core principles of courtesy and consideration for others, formality, impeccable values and behaviour, together with total respect for fellow members’ privacy. Its members are drawn from the fields of science, business, literature, the arts, the learned professions, and the public service.”
Rules: Discretion is foremost among its rules.
Dress code:
Getting in: Membership is via nomination by an existing member, and a member-based support team is required to submit an application.
Address: 87 Collins St, Melbourne
Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC): ‘Be prepared to wait’
As one of the biggest sporting clubs in the world, the MCC also has one of the largest waiting lists for membership. There are currently more than 205,000 people on the waiting list.
What it boasts: “The Melbourne Cricket Club was founded on November 15, 1838 when five men — Frederick Powlett, Robert Russell, George B. Smyth and brothers Alfred and Charles Mundy — agreed to form a cricket club to be known as the Melbourne Cricket Club. Along with the playing of cricket, today’s MCC is an umbrella organisation for hundreds of participants in 12 sports — baseball, bowls, croquet, football, golf, hockey, lacrosse, netball, real tennis, target shooting, squash and tennis. The Club’s principal public role, however, remains the progressive management and development of one of the country’s greatest assets — the MCG.”
Rules: The list of rules is long and strict.
Dress code:
Getting in: In order to be placed on the MCC membership waiting list, the candidate must complete a nomination form and submit it to the club with an accompanying fee of $135.
Nomination forms require the signature of both a proposer and seconder that must be full members of the Melbourne Cricket Club. In accordance with the club rules, it is the responsibility of the candidate to obtain two full members to propose and second their application. Restricted and provisional members are not permitted to propose or second nominations. Full members are able to propose or second a maximum of four nominations per membership season. The MCC Committee has confirmed the membership intake for the 2023/24 season.
The Geelong Club: ‘Not for everyone’
Established in 1859, The Geelong Club claims to be one of the oldest and grandest private clubs in Victoria.
What it boasts: “Our goal is to provide a tranquil and hospitable oasis in the middle of Geelong’s central business district. Our members are diverse and enjoy a quiet and friendly atmosphere at the club. The Geelong Club is one of the most respected private members clubs in Victoria. For over 160 years, there have been many improvements made but founding members would have no difficulty recognising the Queen Ann building that has become a Geelong Heritage Trust building. The entrance presents members and visitors with an impressive welcome, with multiple rooms for dining, meeting, recreation and a remarkable walled garden — our club is ‘the gem of the region’. While the time-honoured traditions of The Geelong Club are still maintained and respected, the club has moved into the 21st Century, with new members welcomed from all quarters. Traditionally, the Club was the realm of pastoralists from the region, wool brokers, city business and professional men. Today, members are welcomed from a wide range of professions, government institutions and the business community.”
Getting in: The Club is not for everyone, membership is by nomination but can be achieved for newcomers to the region via an interview or on the recommendation of the club from which you have come.
Alexandra Club: ‘Traditional service’
The Alexandra Club has a rich history spanning over 120 years and a heritage that it proudly celebrates. Since its inception, the club has retained a strong and loyal membership through successive generations of women who have remained true to the club’s traditions and to its stated social and non-political purposes.
What it boasts: “Traditional service and hospitality in comfortable, elegant and well-appointed rooms. The club was founded in 1903 when the Wattle Club, a private members’ club for women, changed its name to the Alexandra Club in honour of Queen Alexandra.
It was first accommodated at 145 Collins Street, the original home of the Wattle Club. From there it moved to Nicholson Chambers, on the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets and then to the Neo-Gothic Metropolitan Gas Company building which adjoins St Paul’s Cathedral in Flinders Street. In 1917, the Club purchased 139 Collins Street, an ornate building in the Victorian Mannerist style. These rooms offered members a haven in the heart of the city where they could socialise, relax, dine and stay overnight. It was to remain the club’s treasured home for over 60 years. In 1981, the Club resolved to sell 139 Collins Street and to purchase a large red brick building at nearby 81 Collins Street. The club named the new premises Alexandra House and set about establishing its present clubrooms. In recent times, the club has completed a full refurbishment of its building, facilities and interior decoration.”
Dress code and rules: Not listed
Getting in: Not listed
Address: 81 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
The Sandhurst Club: ‘Provincial gentlemen’s club that never wavered’
Provincial gentlemen’s clubs were products of the gold rush and Bendigo’s Sandhurst Club was formed in 1858, its title coming from a transient name for Bendigo.
What it boasts: “Founded amid the turbulence of the gold rush era, the Sandhurst Club’s history is as equally dramatic. Spending the first two decades of existence in borrowed accommodation, and surviving two lapses, The Sandhurst Club reformed in 1881 and a fine permanent home was constructed in 1893. The building occupied land overlooking Rosalind Park and was leased from the Sandhurst Trustees for the next thirty years. Finally, in 1925, The Sandhurst Club not only owned the building, but the land it sat upon. Over this period, Bendigo both prospered and faltered, however, The Sandhurst Club never wavered from its purpose. Succeeding generations of members have treated The Sandhurst Club with the same respect as the founders. Indeed, the grandness of the building designed by WC. Vahland, the unbroken use as a club and the unique role it has played in Bendigo’s history assure its future.”
Address: 14 View St, Bendigo
CUB Club: ‘For Melbourne entrepreneurs and millionaires’
When CUB — or the Club of United Business — arrived on the scene in 2014, it redefined the private members’ club experience. Unlike other clubs where business talk is discouraged, the main differentiator of the CUB Club is an active focus on connecting influential and ambitious business leaders.
What it boasts: “The luxurious private clubhouse fuses the professional camaraderie of the coworking space with the exclusivity of the private club, resulting in a space where members are encouraged to foster the ultimate network. Exclusive yacht days, sporting events, keynote speeches, fireside chats, industry nights, wine tastings and lunches. We’re a community of accomplished entrepreneurs with big ambitions. Our community is made up of successful entrepreneurs who are still yet to reach their ultimate ambitions. We pride ourselves on being generous with our time, knowledge and networks and are committed to achieving our goals and supporting the ambitions of our fellow members.”
Dress code: Smart business attire.
Rules: Definitely DON’T leave business at the door.
Getting in: CUB is an invitation only leadership community designed to enable Australian entrepreneurs the ability to build real relationships with fellow leaders.
Address: 161 Collins Street
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Originally published as Inside Melbourne’s most secretive exclusive social clubs: Dress codes, rules and entry requirements
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