Our History

The Austrian Cultural Society (Austrian Club Melbourne Inc) was founded in 1944 and is dedicated to maintaining the connection to Austria, its culture and traditions. Originally set up to provide help to Austria at the end of the war, with the big influx of migrants in the early 50s and 60s, it quickly became the club for the Austrians and Friends of Austria as a meeting place. Today the club is a busy thriving club on 2 acres of beautifully maintained parkland which caters for both, the older migrants as well as the younger, often Australian born generations. Many of these will want to keep in touch with the rich historical and cultural heritage, stretching from the ice ages to the modern successor of a thousand year old empire.

Our objectives

  • To make known and promote Austrian culture in Australia with particular emphasis on Austrian Cuisine, Music and Arts.
  • To help enable children and young people to participate in social, cultural and artistic activities.
BECOME A MEMBER
Original clubhouse situated at a double storey building.

Former clubhouse at
19 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, in 1978
‍(courtesy of Fitzroy Library)

Austrian Club's gardens at their current premises.

Current restaurant and parklands
at 90 Sheehan Rd, Heidelberg West, built in 1984

Membership

Our club and restaurant is open to all members of the public, but we have extra perks for members!
(And no, you don't need to be Austrian.)

Discounted or free event entry

Receive discounted entry to all events and in some cases even free admission.

Discounted restaurant meals

Receive discounts on restaurant meals every visit.

Quarterly newsletter

Receive a quarterly newsletter in the mail, keeping you connected and up to date with the community.

Access to Austrian beverages

Purchase Austrian wines and beers to take home.

How to become a member

Follow these easy steps:

  1. Download, print and fill in the membership form linked here.
  2. Post with your cheque or money order to the Austrian Club, or visit the us during office hours or opening times to pay in person either by cheque, cash or credit card.

If you cannot locate existing members to nominate and second your application, you can still send the membership form and the committee will qualify your application. If you have any queries or want more information about joining or what we do, please contact us.

Regular events open to the public

Saturday night

Our facilities (Bistro and Bar) are open from 6.00 pm till 8pm for dinner, and a band provides music for dancing and listening on many Saturdays from 8.00 pm to midnight. Music can range from typically European style popular and folk music, to Swing, Jazz, Latin, Bush Dance, World Music, and other styles.

It is advisable to make enquiries beforehand and secure a reservation. There is free entry for special events such as Austrian National day. For other entry prices please refer to our event guide.

Sunday afternoon

Our facilities are open from 11.30 am. On many afternoons special events and concerts take place. For example, the Robert Stolz Society presents several concerts during the year (reservations through the Robert Stolz Society only) and so does the AGTV hold their poetry competitions.

The Club also presents performances of visiting overseas artists from Austria. Reservations are also advised for major events such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, National Day etc. A cover charge applies to all concerts and major events. The remaining Sundays in the year offer a great afternoon for the whole family, with musicians providing entertainment for your enjoyment - all with a small cover charge. Please refer to the events guide for details of the whole year ahead.

Partner groups and other activities

Deer Hunters

Thursday from 6.30 pm in the Main Hall, meet bi-monthly on the 2nd Thursday of month.

Volkswagen Club of Victoria

Thursday from 6.00 pm in the Main Hall, meet monthly on the 3rd Thursday of month

Association Of German Teachers of Victoria Inc.

Robert Stolz Viennese Music Society Inc.

Check our event guide for their next cocert.