Australia’s most powerful memberships
Some have decade-long wait lists, others eye-watering annual fees and a few are reserved for the country’s corporate heavyweights.
The allure of being part of an exclusive club runs deep in the human psyche, tapping into one of our most primitive desires; to belong. It’s why the impending arrival of Soho House has Sydney’s social set – which hasn’t seen the opening of a private member’s club since Justin Hemmes’ Ivy’s Level 6 in the late noughties – in such a tizz. The global hospitality company, which famously played host to Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s first date and more recently Tom Cruise’s 60th birthday bash, was initially planning to open a ‘House’ in Melbourne’s South Yarra but was forced to pivot after receiving backlash from residents and the local council.
Yan Martinez, director of Bespoke Concierge Services, says the criteria model is changing for many of the world’s most exclusive clubs and associations, with family pedigree and postnominals no longer carrying the same weight these days as social and fiscal clout.
But whatever the yardsticks, clubs and memberships reserved for those atop their respective social piles will always be around. “For a lot of people, their network is their net worth,” he says.
“Look at business leaders, for example. They’re time poor, time is a massive asset and the time they’re spending with people is important, and they want a return on investment as well.”
We take a look at some of Australia’s most intriguing and exclusive memberships.
Soho House
Sydney’s social set is getting its Alemais silk separates in a knot over the anticipated arrival of this exclusive club. Established in London in 1995, Soho House has operations in more than 18 countries and is now planning to open one of its luxe garrisons in Sydney’s Darlinghurst. If you’re over the age of 27, a full Soho House membership – which includes access to the club’s global community of venues and houses – will set you back between $5000 to $10000 each year. There are currently tens of thousands of applicants on its global waitlist, so locals wanting to join the company’s Sydney chapter should probably register their interest sooner than later.
Qantas Chairman’s Lounge
While it may not even share the same level of perks as those of its first-class complement (i.e. free spa treatments), the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge is where every corporate executive hopes to while away pre-flight hours when they reach CEO status. Score a guest pass to the airline’s invitation-only members lounge and you’ll be noshing on Neil Perry snacks alongside the country’s top pollies, celebrities and business big wigs.
Those with access to the lounges, which are discreetly hidden at Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide airport, shouldn’t be too complacent though, with the airline known to revoke access at its discretion. Hopefully by this time, those no longer considered worthy have accrued enough status credits for lifetime First Class Lounge access, or at least another year in Business.
Saint Haven, Collingwood
It’s crazy to think there are Victorian health enthusiasts willing to fork out up to $25,000 for a gym membership, but according to Saint Haven’s website there are plenty. The private wellness club in Collingwood, founded by property developer turned biohacker Tim Gurner, is no longer taking new members due to overwhelming demand. A treadmill and weights room this is not. The water refill stations feature reverse osmosis filters, recovery pools contain Himalayan salt and rather than eat vitamin C, you can shower in it (why? We’re not sure). For east coasters who like their baths iced and meals macro-portioned but missed out on a membership, there’s good news: Gurner is planning Saint Haven Clubs in Sydney and Queensland, too.
Sporting Club of Sydney
Access to a state-of the art wellness centre, the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium, makes this membership one of Australia’s most coveted. Those who managed to obtain an SCG gold or platinum membership – which are longer available – have automatic access to the luxe facilities, which include a 25-metre indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and ice baths, high-tech gym, squash courts and a day spa. Those on the SCG’s waitlist have been on it for years, if not more than a decade, such is the high demand for general membership alone. A premium membership to the Club costs $22,000, but is now sold out, however it’s now taking inquiries for its Lifestyle passes, which will set you back about $5000 to join.
Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club, Point Piper
The neighbouring Royal Motor Yacht Club also deserves a mention here, but with a pool of just 500, the PREYC – positioned on one of Australia’s most expensive strips of real estate – runs (pun completely intended) an even tighter member ship. You don’t need a mega yacht to join, but you do need to be personally invited to become a member, so a large luxury vessel would probably help you make the right friends here.
Royal Melbourne Golf Club
The membership process at Australia’s oldest and most prestigious golf club is thorough, and its fees significant. Prospective fellows must be nominated by an existing member, who must have played golf with them before and can vouch not only for their playing proficiency but their good character on and off the course. The Club’s general manager Damon Lonnie refused to disclose details on the club’s membership structure, saying “unfortunately I am not able to share this information with you”, but the cost is understood to be upwards of $10000 to join and $3500 annually thereafter.
Ferrari Club of Australia
It’s not the membership fees which make this club one of Australia’s most exclusive. It’s the condition that you must own one of the world’s most prestigious luxury cars to join.
With about 1200 members, who collectively own around half of the country’s Ferraris, the national organisation is fairly small and the only Australian owner’s club officially endorsed by the Italian car company. The club regularly organises track events, allowing owners to test the power of their luxury machines off the roads.
The Australian Club
Ask most professionals under 40 if a membership to one of Australia’s original members clubs – with their weekly bridge tournaments, choir catch ups and book clubs – sounds appealing, and they will probably say ‘no’. One of the younger members, who wished to remain anonymous, said he joined the CBD institution simply to take advantage of the “free parking and squash courts”. So whether these institutions still rank among the country’s most desirable memberships is up for debate. But if these pastimes sound enjoyable, and you are male, perhaps it’s worth applying for membership at the Australian Club, Sydney. Founded in 1838, it’s the oldest gentleman’s club in the Southern Hemisphere and its members have included politicians, archbishops and business moguls including John Howard, James Packer and the late George Pell. The process to join this inner sanctum is shrouded in secrecy, but hopeful applicants must know someone on the inside to even be considered. It’s one of several members social clubs in the city, including Tattersalls and the Royal Automobile Club of Australia, however the latter two now allow female members.
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