Nestled in the scenic southern suburbs of Canberra, the Austrian Australian Club on Heard Street, Mawson, ACT 2607, stands as a beloved community hub where traditional European charm meets modern Australian gaming entertainment. Built in the 1970s and perched high above the suburb with spectacular uninterrupted views of Mt Taylor, this characterful venue has become a go-to destination for pokies enthusiasts, offering an inviting atmosphere where locals and visitors can enjoy electronic gaming machines alongside quality food, drinks, and entertainment. The club represents a unique fusion of Austrian and Australian cultures, creating an environment where gaming excitement blends seamlessly with warm hospitality and stunning sunset vistas.
The Austrian Australian Club has established itself as a significant pokies venue in Canberra's southern region, providing gaming enthusiasts with a comfortable and welcoming environment to try their luck on electronic gaming machines. While the venue maintains a family-friendly atmosphere throughout most of its facilities, the gaming area offers adults an exciting opportunity to engage with modern pokies technology in a relaxed setting.
Electronic gaming machines, universally known as pokies throughout Australia, form an essential part of the club's entertainment offerings. The venue attracts both regular members and casual visitors who appreciate the combination of gaming opportunities with the club's distinctive Austrian-Australian character. Unlike Casino Canberra, which holds the only licence to operate table games in the Australian Capital Territory but cannot operate poker machines, clubs like the Austrian Australian Club provide the primary pokies gaming experience for ACT residents.
Gaming enthusiasts who frequent the Austrian Australian Club consistently praise the venue's welcoming atmosphere and community-focused approach. The club's reputation extends beyond gaming, with patrons highlighting the overall experience that combines entertainment with quality service. Players appreciate that the venue isn't solely focused on gaming machines but offers a rounded experience with dining options, social spaces, and regular events.
The gaming environment at the Austrian Australian Club differs from larger commercial casinos, offering a more intimate and neighbourhood-oriented atmosphere. This community club approach means that gaming revenues support local activities and improvements rather than flowing to corporate shareholders. Members and visitors note that staff are friendly and attentive, creating an environment where both experienced pokies players and newcomers feel comfortable.
Industry experts note that ACT clubs like the Austrian Australian Club operate under strict regulatory oversight from the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission, ensuring responsible gaming practices and player protection measures are in place. The club adheres to all legislation regarding harm minimisation and staff training, providing a safer gaming environment compared to unregulated venues.
Canberra clubs, including venues in the Mawson area, typically feature gaming machines from reputable Australian providers such as Aristocrat, IGT, and Ainsworth Gaming. While specific machine details at the Austrian Australian Club vary as equipment is updated, ACT clubs generally offer popular titles that Australian pokies players know and love.
Popular Pokies Features | Common Characteristics |
Providers | Aristocrat, IGT, Ainsworth, Konami |
Bet Range | $0.01 to $5.00 per line |
Popular Themes | Australian wildlife, Asian prosperity, mythology |
Common Features | Free spins, scatter symbols, wild multipliers |
Progressive Jackpots | Available on select machines |
RTP Range | Typically 87-96% (ACT regulations) |
Classic Australian favourites often found in Canberra venues include titles like "5 Dragons," "Where's the Gold," "Lightning Link," and "More Chilli" – games that have become synonymous with Australian pokies culture. These machines feature the characteristic sounds, lights, and bonus rounds that keep players engaged, with varying bet levels to accommodate different budgets and playing styles.
Gaming industry analysts note that the Australian Capital Territory maintains one of the more regulated gambling environments in Australia. Clubs operate under strict licensing requirements, with gaming machine numbers capped and venues required to demonstrate community benefit. The Austrian Australian Club, like other ACT clubs, must balance entertainment offerings with responsible service of gambling principles.
Experts point out that club pokies in the ACT tend to offer better value than their counterparts in some other states, as clubs are not-for-profit organisations that reinvest revenues into facilities and community programs. The social club model means that membership fees remain low (often just a few dollars), and members receive benefits including food and beverage discounts, promotional entry, and access to club facilities.
From a player's perspective, experts recommend treating pokies as entertainment rather than income generation. The machines are programmed with a house edge, meaning over time, the venue retains a percentage of money wagered. Responsible gambling educators suggest setting strict budgets, taking regular breaks, and viewing any wins as bonuses rather than expected outcomes.
Mawson and the surrounding southern Canberra suburbs host several quality venues where pokies enthusiasts can enjoy gaming entertainment. Understanding the local landscape helps players choose venues that best suit their preferences.
Located at 10 Heard Street, Mawson ACT 2607 (the same street as the Austrian Australian Club), The Mawson Club is a major competitor and alternative venue. This not-for-profit, family-focused club operates daily from 9 am to 4 am, offering extensive gaming facilities alongside dining at Citrus Cafe, entertainment, and membership benefits. The Mawson Club is known for having a significant number of gaming machines and regularly hosts promotions and events for members.
The proximity of both the Austrian Australian Club and The Mawson Club on Heard Street makes Mawson somewhat unique in Canberra, with two distinct venues serving the local community with different atmospheres and offerings.
Situated at 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip ACT 2606 (approximately 3km from Mawson), the Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden represents one of the larger club venues in Canberra's south. This centrally located establishment offers contemporary facilities, multiple dining options including Henry's restaurant and the Clubhouse Bar, and a substantial gaming floor with modern machines.
The Southern Cross Club Woden provides excellent amenities, including comfortable lounge areas, sports viewing facilities with numerous screens, and regular live entertainment. Membership provides access to promotions, food and beverage discounts, and reciprocal rights at the club's other venues across Canberra.
Nearby Pokies Venues Comparison | Location | Distance from the Austrian Australian Club | Operating Hours |
The Mawson Club | 10 Heard St, Mawson | Same street (100m) | 9 am - 4 am daily |
Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden | 92-96 Corinna St, Phillip | 3km | Extended hours daily |
Hellenic Club of Canberra | Matilda St, Phillip | 3.5km | 9 am - 4 am daily |
Canberra Labour Club | Belconnen | 15km | 10 am - 4 am daily |
The Hellenic Club of Canberra at Matilda Street, Phillip ACT 2606 (about 3.5km from Mawson) offers another substantial gaming venue with a Greek cultural twist. Operating from 9 am to 4 am seven days a week, the Hellenic Club features state-of-the-art gaming lounges, an award-winning Sports Bar with TAB facilities, and multiple dining options, including their signature Greek cuisine at Kivotos restaurant.
The Hellenic Club is particularly popular for its extensive gaming facilities combined with quality Mediterranean-inspired dining and regular entertainment. The venue has invested heavily in facilities and provides a premium club experience while maintaining the community-focused ethos that defines ACT clubs.
Accessibility is an important consideration for any venue, and the Austrian Australian Club benefits from Mawson's convenient location in Canberra's southern suburbs. The suburb is well-connected by public transport and major roads, making it easy for visitors from across the ACT to reach the venue.
Transport Canberra operates regular bus services to Mawson, with several routes providing convenient access to the area. Bus routes R4, R5, 60, 61, and 62 all service Mawson, connecting the suburb to Woden Interchange, Canberra Hospital, and other southern suburbs. The journey from central Canberra to Mawson takes approximately 19 minutes by bus, with services running every 10-15 minutes during peak times.
For visitors travelling from Woden Town Centre (a major transport hub), routes 60 and 61 provide direct access to Mawson, stopping at Southlands Shops on Athllon Drive, within walking distance of Heard Street venues. The MyWay+ contactless payment system makes catching buses convenient, accepting Mastercard, Visa, and smartphone payments. Notably, Canberra offers free public transport on Fridays, making it an excellent day to visit the club without transport costs.
For those driving, Mawson is easily accessible via the Tuggeranong Parkway and Athllon Drive, two major arterial roads serving southern Canberra. The Austrian Australian Club provides parking facilities for patrons, typical of suburban club venues. The venue's elevated position offers stunning views, but visitors should be mindful of the sloping terrain when parking.
From Canberra's city centre, the drive takes approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The suburb's quiet residential character means parking is generally straightforward, even during busy periods. For those travelling from surrounding regions like Queanbeyan or Tuggeranong, Mawson's location makes it a convenient mid-way destination.
Like most Australian clubs, the Austrian Australian Club operates on a membership model, though visitors are typically welcome to enjoy the facilities with appropriate guest sign-in procedures. Membership provides numerous advantages for regular patrons and gaming enthusiasts.
Club membership in ACT venues typically costs minimal annual fees, often just $2-10 per year, making it an affordable way to access exclusive benefits. Members of the Austrian Australian Club can expect advantages, including:
Entry to member-only promotions and gaming jackpots
Discounted food and beverage prices during happy hours and special member times
Exclusive access to members' lounges and facilities
Participation in raffles, competitions, and member prize draws
Priority booking for function rooms and events
Reciprocal rights at affiliated clubs throughout Australia
The club's daily Happy Hour runs from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Monday through Sunday, plus an additional Wednesday afternoon session from 1 pm to 2 pm. During these periods, members can enjoy $5 schooners of popular beers, including Carlton Draught, Great Northern, Carlton Dry, VB, Resch's Draught, and Balter XPA, all poured using the club's meticulous two-pour method. House wines are also available at special member prices during these times.
The Austrian Australian Club takes particular pride in its beverage quality, adhering to five strict rules for serving the perfect beer: weekly line cleaning, regular glass cleaning, short beer lines direct from keg to glass, perfect gas pressure, and the traditional two-pour pouring method. This commitment to quality has earned the club a reputation for serving some of the cleanest and freshest beer in Canberra.
While the restaurant facilities have recently been closed (as of the latest information), the club continues to evaluate its dining options and may expand food services in the future. The venue's function facilities remain available for private events, weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings, with packages including bar service, sound equipment, stage lighting, and room hire options.
The club's bar area provides a comfortable social space where gaming patrons can take breaks, enjoy quality beverages, and socialise with fellow club members. The elevated position offers those spectacular Mt Taylor views and stunning Canberra sunsets that make the venue special.
True to its community club heritage, the Austrian Australian Club hosts regular events, live entertainment, and raffles that add to the venue's appeal beyond gaming machines. The club's "What's On" calendar typically features live bands, themed nights, and special promotions designed to create a vibrant social atmosphere.
The club celebrates both Austrian and Australian cultural traditions, occasionally hosting events that showcase Austrian heritage through food, music, and community gatherings. This cultural fusion creates a unique venue identity that distinguishes the Austrian Australian Club from generic gaming venues.
The Austrian Australian Club's enormous function hall with stage can accommodate between 2 and 200 people, making it suitable for intimate gatherings through to large celebrations. The venue offers three different-sized rooms to choose from, with flexible packages including bar service, catering, sound equipment, stage lighting, or simple room hire depending on event requirements.
Function facilities represent an important aspect of the club's community service, providing affordable venues for local families and organisations to host important occasions. The club's experienced staff assist with event planning, ensuring celebrations run smoothly while maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere the venue is known for.
Mawson is a quiet residential suburb with good amenities serving the local community. Beyond the club venues on Heard Street, the suburb features Southlands Shopping Centre on Athllon Drive, providing supermarkets, specialty shops, and services. The area offers several parks and recreational spaces, with Mt Taylor Nature Reserve adjacent to the suburb providing bushwalking trails and natural beauty.
The suburb's elevation provides panoramic views across southern Canberra, with the Austrian Australian Club taking particular advantage of this elevated position. For visitors combining a club visit with other activities, the nearby Woden Town Centre (3km away) offers extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including cinemas and major retail outlets.
The Austrian Australian Club operates seven days a week, with extended hours to accommodate members and visitors. Typical operating hours are:
Day | Opening Hours |
Monday - Tuesday | 6:00 am - 9:00 pm |
Wednesday - Thursday | 6:00 am - 10:00 pm |
Friday | 6:00 am - 11:00 pm |
Saturday - Sunday | Hours vary - check website |
Note: Hours may vary during public holidays and special events. It's advisable to contact the club directly or check their website for current operating times.
Contact Details:
Address: Heard Street, Mawson ACT 2607, Australia
Phone: (02) 6286 5793
Alternative Address: 5 Mountevans Street, Mawson, ACT 2607 (some listings show this address)
The Austrian Australian Club, like all licensed gaming venues in the ACT, operates under strict responsible service of gambling regulations. The venue provides information about problem gambling support services, including Gamblers Help services available throughout the ACT. Staff receive training in identifying problem gambling behaviours and are equipped to assist patrons in accessing support resources.
Gaming machines display information about odds and player return rates, and the venue maintains self-exclusion programs for individuals who wish to restrict their access to gaming facilities. The ACT Gambling and Racing Commission oversees all gaming operations, ensuring venues meet stringent standards for player protection and responsible gambling practices.
Players are encouraged to gamble responsibly, set strict budgets before playing, take regular breaks, and seek help if gambling becomes problematic. Free counselling services are available through the ACT Government and organisations like Lifeline Canberra.
While specific current numbers vary as clubs regularly update their gaming equipment, the Austrian Australian Club operates electronic gaming machines under licensing from the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission. The venue offers a selection of modern pokies with various themes and betting options suitable for different player preferences. For the most current information about gaming facilities, contact the club directly on (02) 6286 5793.
Like most ACT community clubs, the Austrian Australian Club offers affordable membership options, typically ranging from $2-10 annually. Membership provides access to member pricing on food and beverages, entry into promotions and raffles, and exclusive gaming jackpots. You can join by visiting the club reception or inquiring through their website.
Absolutely. While pokies gaming forms part of the venue's entertainment offerings, the Austrian Australian Club functions as a community hub with bars, function facilities, and social spaces suitable for all adults. The venue celebrates Austrian and Australian cultures and welcomes visitors who simply want to enjoy quality beverages, stunning views, and a friendly atmosphere without participating in gaming activities.
Both venues are located on Heard Street in Mawson and serve the local community, but each offers a distinct experience. The Austrian Australian Club emphasises its Austrian-Australian cultural fusion and elevated views, while The Mawson Club operates a larger facility with extended hours (9 am-4 am) and more extensive dining options at Citrus Cafe. Many locals hold memberships at both clubs, choosing their venue based on atmosphere preferences and specific amenities needed.
Unlike other Australian casinos, Casino Canberra holds the only licence to operate table games in the ACT, but cannot operate poker machines due to licensing restrictions. For pokies gaming in Canberra, registered clubs like the Austrian Australian Club, The Mawson Club, Canberra Southern Cross Club, and Hellenic Club provide the primary venues. This makes ACT clubs particularly important for pokies enthusiasts in the territory.
Transport Canberra bus routes R4, R5, 60, 61, and 62 all service Mawson, stopping near Southlands Shops on Athllon Drive, within walking distance of the club. Services run regularly from Woden Interchange and connect to other southern suburbs. The journey from central Canberra takes approximately 19 minutes, and public transport is free on Fridays throughout Canberra.
The club's restaurant facilities have recently been closed, though this may change as the venue evaluates its food service options. The bar continues to serve beverages, including the club's renowned perfectly-poured beers, during extended hours. Function catering packages are available for private events. For current dining options, contact the club directly.
The Austrian Australian Club stands out for its distinctive cultural fusion, celebrating Austrian heritage within an Australian context, its spectacular elevated position with Mt Taylor views and sunset vistas, and its character-filled building from the 1970s. The venue combines gaming entertainment with cultural community events, creating a neighbourhood atmosphere that differs from larger commercial-style clubs.
