Located at 195 Reynolds Road in Doncaster East, Victoria, Cherry Hill Tavern stands as one of the eastern suburbs' most popular entertainment venues. This sprawling pub combines traditional Australian hospitality with exceptional gaming facilities, making it a favorite destination for both pokies enthusiasts and families seeking quality dining experiences. The venue operates daily from 10:00 AM until 4:00 AM, providing visitors with extended hours to enjoy everything this remarkable establishment has to offer.
Cherry Hill Tavern has established itself as more than just a local pub. It represents the quintessential Australian gaming and entertainment experience, where patrons can enjoy state-of-the-art gaming machines while savoring classic pub fare in a welcoming atmosphere. The venue's commitment to responsible gaming, combined with its extensive facilities and friendly service, has earned it a solid 4-star rating from nearly 1,000 Google reviews.
The gaming lounge at Cherry Hill Tavern offers visitors access to modern electronic gaming machines (EGMs), commonly known as pokies throughout Australia. This dedicated gaming area provides a comfortable environment where players can try their luck on the latest machines while enjoying complimentary coffee service. The venue maintains high standards of responsible gaming, adhering strictly to Victoria's gambling regulations and the Gambling Regulation Act 2003.
Victoria's pokies landscape differs significantly from other Australian states. According to recent statistics, Victoria hosts approximately 27,372 poker machines outside of Crown Casino, distributed across pubs and clubs throughout the state. Cherry Hill Tavern participates in this regulated environment, ensuring all gaming activities comply with the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) requirements.
The gaming room at Cherry Hill features professional staff trained in responsible service of gambling. Players frequently mention Linh, a gaming room attendant praised for her friendly demeanor and excellent coffee-making skills. This attention to customer service creates a welcoming atmosphere that keeps regular players returning week after week.
Pokies at Victorian venues like Cherry Hill Tavern typically operate with various denominations, allowing players to select betting amounts that match their budgets. Victorian regulations currently permit maximum bets on individual machines, though recent legislative changes are introducing stricter controls. From December 2025, new machines must have spin rates of at least three seconds per game, slowing play by 40% to promote responsible gambling.
Players at Cherry Hill can expect to find machines with different themes, bonus features, and jackpot opportunities. While individual machine types vary, Victorian pokies typically offer return-to-player (RTP) percentages ranging from 85% to 90%, as regulated by state gaming authorities.
Feedback from pokies players at Cherry Hill Tavern reveals consistent themes of satisfaction with the gaming facilities and overall venue experience. One interstate visitor shared their experience: "I was greeted by Linh who was great in the gaming room who also makes amazing coffee, so give it a try if you get a chance." This review highlights the personalized service that distinguishes Cherry Hill from larger, more impersonal gaming venues.
Regular patrons appreciate the venue's balanced approach to gaming entertainment. Unlike massive casino complexes such as Crown Melbourne, Cherry Hill maintains an accessible, neighborhood atmosphere where staff know their regulars by name. The gaming area provides sufficient privacy for concentrated play while remaining part of the broader venue's friendly environment.
The venue's commitment to player comfort extends beyond the machines themselves. Gaming room facilities include comfortable seating, climate control, and easy access to the bar and bistro areas. Players can take breaks to enjoy meals or drinks without leaving the venue, creating a seamless entertainment experience.
From a gaming expert's perspective, Cherry Hill Tavern exemplifies the successful neighborhood gaming venue model. Unlike destination casinos that rely on overwhelming scale, venues like Cherry Hill succeed through community integration and consistent service quality. The gaming machines represent current technology standards, maintained and updated according to Victorian licensing requirements.
Industry professionals note that suburban gaming venues serve an important role in Victoria's gambling ecosystem. They provide convenient access to gaming entertainment while maintaining stronger community connections than city-based casinos. Cherry Hill's integration of dining, sports viewing, and gaming under one roof creates what experts call a "diversified entertainment model" that reduces gambling-focused intensity.
Responsible gambling experts appreciate Cherry Hill's participation in Victoria's YourPlay pre-commitment scheme. This system allows players to set voluntary spending limits, track their gambling activity, and access support resources if needed. From October to November 2025, trial programs will expand mandatory pre-commitment requirements at select Victorian venues, demonstrating the industry's evolution toward enhanced player protection.
Cherry Hill Tavern exists within a competitive gaming landscape in the Doncaster and eastern suburbs region. Several comparable venues operate nearby, each offering their own unique features and atmospheres.
|
Venue Name |
Location |
Distance from Cherry Hill |
Gaming Machines |
Notable Features |
|
855 Doncaster Road, Doncaster |
2.5 km |
100+ machines |
Large venue with extensive bistro |
|
|
Westfield area, Doncaster |
3.1 km |
80+ machines |
Shopping center location, accommodation |
|
|
Blackburn suburb |
4.8 km |
60+ machines |
Sports bar focus, function rooms |
|
|
Mitcham Hotel |
Mitcham area |
6.2 km |
50+ machines |
Family-friendly dining emphasis |
Each venue brings distinct advantages. Doncaster Hotel, with over 100 machines, offers the largest gaming selection in the immediate area and historically reports annual gaming revenue exceeding $15 million. Shoppingtown Hotel combines gaming with accommodation options and proximity to Westfield shopping center, attracting both locals and visitors. Blackburn Hotel emphasizes sports entertainment alongside gaming, while Mitcham Hotel caters particularly well to families.
Despite this competition, Cherry Hill maintains strong patronage through its combination of quality facilities, friendly service, and strategic location on Reynolds Road. The venue's extended 4:00 AM closing time provides gaming access during hours when some competitors have closed, appealing to night-shift workers and late-night entertainment seekers.
Several factors distinguish Cherry Hill Tavern in this competitive market. The venue's spacious layout prevents the cramped feeling common in older pubs retrofitted for gaming. Parking availability consistently receives positive mentions in reviews, addressing a common frustration at busier venues near shopping districts.
The integration of quality dining options also influences venue selection. While Doncaster Hotel may offer more machines, Cherry Hill's bistro maintains higher customer satisfaction ratings for food quality and service speed. Players appreciate the ability to enjoy restaurant-quality meals without leaving the gaming venue.
Staff quality represents another competitive advantage. Multiple reviews specifically praise individual staff members by name, suggesting consistent service excellence rather than occasional standout experiences. This personal touch creates loyalty that transcends pure gaming machine availability.
Cherry Hill Tavern's location at 195 Reynolds Road in Doncaster East provides convenient access via multiple transportation methods. The venue sits in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, approximately 18 kilometers from the Melbourne CBD.
By Car: Cherry Hill offers extensive free parking on-site, a significant advantage over many inner-city venues where parking costs add to entertainment expenses. The venue's location just off Doncaster Road provides easy access from the Eastern Freeway (M3). Drivers approaching from the city take the Doncaster Road exit and continue east, while those coming from outer eastern suburbs can access Reynolds Road via Blackburn Road or Springvale Road connections.
By Public Transportation: Public transport users can reach Cherry Hill via Melbourne's bus network. Route 281 operates along Reynolds Road with stops near the venue. From Doncaster Shopping Centre, the 281 bus provides direct access. Alternatively, visitors can take train services to Box Hill Station, then transfer to connecting bus services.
By Rideshare: Uber, DiDi, and other rideshare services serve the Doncaster East area extensively. The venue's extended operating hours accommodate late-night rideshare pickup, important for responsible gambling practices that discourage drink-driving.
Proximity to major landmarks assists navigation. Cherry Hill sits near Donburn Primary School and within walking distance of the Ruffey Lake Park area, providing useful reference points for first-time visitors.
Several distinctive features set Cherry Hill Tavern apart from standard pub gaming venues. The establishment represents a fully renovated modern hotel that maintains classic Australian pub character while incorporating contemporary amenities.
The venue's layout divides into distinct zones serving different purposes. The gaming lounge provides quiet, focused entertainment space. The sports bar features multiple large screens showing live sporting events, creating an energetic atmosphere for AFL, rugby, cricket, and international sports fans. The family bistro offers spacious dining areas including a dedicated children's play zone, allowing parents to relax while kids remain entertained and supervised.
This zoning strategy proves particularly effective. Families dining at lunch or early evening don't feel surrounded by gaming activities, while gaming enthusiasts enjoy their pursuits without disruption from energetic children. The sports bar provides a third atmosphere for those seeking social viewing experiences with friends.
Architectural features include wooden tables throughout the bistro area, creating warm traditional ambiance, while the gaming and sports areas incorporate more contemporary design elements. The venue's renovations, completed in recent years, modernized facilities without sacrificing the welcoming neighborhood pub character that regulars appreciate.
Beyond pokies, Cherry Hill Tavern offers comprehensive TAB (Totalizator Agency Board) facilities for sports and race betting. Victoria's integrated gambling approach allows venues to provide multiple betting options under proper licensing. The TAB area features betting terminals and viewing screens for horse racing, greyhound racing, and major sporting events.
This multi-platform gambling approach reflects Australian entertainment preferences. Many patrons enjoy combining different betting activities during single venue visits, watching races while playing occasional pokies, or betting on AFL matches during sports bar sessions.
Cherry Hill Tavern participates in the Pub+ loyalty program, a rewards system operating across multiple Australian Land Holdings (ALH) Group venues. This free membership program allows patrons to earn points through dining and beverage purchases, which unlock rewards and benefits.
New members receive a $10 reward upon joining, providing immediate value. The program operates via smartphone app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Members scan QR codes or use the app when ordering to accumulate points automatically.
|
Membership Tier |
Points Required |
Benefits |
|
Bronze |
0-999 points |
Base point earning, member pricing |
|
Silver |
1,000-4,999 points |
Enhanced earning rate, exclusive offers |
|
Gold |
5,000+ points |
Premium rewards, priority reservations |
Point accumulation occurs at a rate of approximately 1 point per AUD $1 spent on food and beverages. Upon reaching 200 points, members unlock a "pub+ coin" redeemable for menu discounts, complimentary items, or special promotions. The system excludes gaming expenditure from point earning, complying with responsible gambling guidelines that discourage reward programs directly tied to gambling activities.
Pub+ membership provides additional benefits including exclusive promotional offers, birthday rewards, and advance notification of special events. For regular Cherry Hill visitors, the program delivers tangible value through dining discounts that offset entertainment costs.
Cherry Hill Tavern's comprehensive facility roster addresses diverse patron needs. The venue qualifies as fully accessible, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, parking spaces, and seating throughout. This accessibility extends to all venue areas including gaming, dining, and sports bar sections.
Family facilities include the dedicated children's play area, described in reviews as clean and entertaining. Kids' menu options provide age-appropriate meals at reasonable prices, with many reviews noting the $12 senior and children's meal deals offering exceptional value. These meals include a $2 gaming voucher for adults, essentially reducing meal costs to $10 for seniors.
The venue provides table service throughout dining areas, eliminating the need to queue at busy periods. While online table ordering isn't currently available, staff responsiveness receives consistent praise in customer reviews. Reservations can be made via the venue's website or by phoning (03) 9841 8122, recommended particularly for Friday and Saturday evening visits when the venue reaches peak capacity.
The sports bar section features multiple large-screen televisions showing comprehensive sports coverage. The venue's "What's On In Sport" online schedule allows patrons to verify upcoming game broadcasts before visiting. This service particularly appeals to supporters of interstate or international teams whose matches may not appear on standard pub television rotations.
Beverage options span beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. The bar stocks popular Australian brands including VB, Carlton Draught, and Great Northern alongside craft beer selections. Happy Hour promotions operate from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on selected days, offering discounted drinks to members. Standard pricing places most beers between $7.50 and $10.00, with members receiving approximately $0.50 discounts.
Address: 195 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East VIC 3109, Australia
Phone: (03) 9841 8122
Email: cherry.hill@alhgroup.com.au
Website: www.cherryhilltavern.com.au
Operating Hours:
Monday through Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 AM
Typical Meal Pricing:
Entrées and share plates: AUD $12-20
Main courses: AUD $20-40
Children's meals: AUD $12
Senior meals: AUD $12
Desserts: AUD $10-15
Gaming and TAB facilities operate during all venue hours, subject to regulatory requirements. Kitchen service hours typically run from 11:30 AM until 9:00 PM daily, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings. Bar service continues throughout operating hours.
The venue management team, led by bistro supervisor Todd (frequently mentioned in reviews), maintains active oversight of all operations. Staff training emphasizes responsible service of alcohol and gambling, customer service excellence, and food safety standards.
Cherry Hill Tavern's Doncaster East location places it within a thriving suburban area offering various attractions and amenities. The venue sits approximately 3 kilometers from Westfield Doncaster, one of Melbourne's largest shopping centers featuring over 400 specialty stores, major department stores, and entertainment options including cinema complexes.
Nature enthusiasts appreciate the proximity to Ruffey Lake Park, located roughly 1.5 kilometers from Cherry Hill. This extensive park features walking trails, barbecue facilities, playgrounds, and the scenic Ruffey Creek corridor. The park provides an attractive daytime activity option before evening venue visits.
The Manningham area hosts several golf courses including Kooringal Golf Club and The Metropolitan Golf Club within 5-10 kilometers. Sporting facilities include Mullum Mullum Stadium and various local football and cricket grounds serving community sporting organizations that Cherry Hill actively sponsors.
Educational institutions in the area include Donburn Primary School, Doncaster Primary School, and several secondary schools. This family-oriented neighborhood character influences Cherry Hill's operational approach, with the venue consciously balancing adult gaming entertainment with family-friendly dining services.
Retail options beyond Westfield include numerous Reynolds Road commercial developments, specialty stores, and service businesses. The area functions as a established suburban center rather than a destination entertainment district, contributing to Cherry Hill's role as a neighborhood hub rather than tourist attraction.
Q: Does Cherry Hill Tavern have pokies machines?
A: Yes, Cherry Hill Tavern features a dedicated gaming lounge with electronic gaming machines (pokies). The gaming area operates during all venue hours with trained staff providing service and assistance.
Q: What are the opening hours for Cherry Hill Tavern?
A: Cherry Hill Tavern operates daily from 10:00 AM until 4:00 AM, providing extended hours for gaming, dining, and entertainment. Kitchen service typically concludes around 9:00 PM.
Q: Is parking available at Cherry Hill Tavern?
A: Yes, the venue offers extensive free on-site parking. Multiple reviews specifically praise parking availability and convenience, a significant advantage in the busy Doncaster area.
Q: Can families with children visit Cherry Hill Tavern?
A: Absolutely. Cherry Hill maintains a family-friendly bistro section with a dedicated children's play area. Kids' menu options are available, and the venue layout separates family dining from gaming areas.
Q: How do I join the Pub+ loyalty program?
A: Download the Pub+ app from the App Store or Google Play, or scan the QR code displayed at the venue. Membership is free and provides immediate benefits including a $10 welcome reward.
Q: Does Cherry Hill Tavern show live sports?
A: Yes, the sports bar features multiple large screens showing AFL, NRL, cricket, soccer, and other major sporting events. Check the venue's "What's On In Sport" section online for upcoming broadcasts.
Q: Are bookings recommended for dining?
A: Reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch periods when the venue experiences peak demand. Bookings can be made online or by calling (03) 9841 8122.
Q: What responsible gambling measures are in place?
A: Cherry Hill adheres to Victorian gambling regulations including staff training in responsible service of gambling, participation in the YourPlay pre-commitment scheme, and display of gambling help resources. The venue maintains a responsible gambling register and employs trained staff to assist patrons who may require support.
Q: How far is Cherry Hill Tavern from Melbourne CBD?
A: The venue is located approximately 18 kilometers east of Melbourne's CBD, accessible via the Eastern Freeway and Doncaster Road. Travel time by car typically ranges from 25-35 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Q: Does the venue offer function room facilities?
A: Yes, Cherry Hill can accommodate private functions including birthdays, send-offs, and other celebrations. Contact the venue directly to discuss specific requirements and availability.