Located in the heart of Griffith at 3 Oxley Street, ACT 2603, Eastlake Football Club stands as one of Canberra's most beloved entertainment venues. This establishment combines traditional Australian club culture with modern gaming facilities, particularly excelling in its electronic gaming machine (pokies) offerings that attract both locals and visitors throughout the Australian Capital Territory.
The Eastlake Football Club represents more than just a gaming venue—it embodies the quintessential Australian club experience where community spirit meets entertainment. With its extensive collection of pokies machines, comfortable bistro dining, and welcoming atmosphere, this Griffith location has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for gaming enthusiasts across Canberra.
The pokies gaming experience at Eastlake Football Club delivers exactly what Australian players seek: variety, quality, and accessibility. The club operates daily from 10 AM until 4 AM, providing nearly round-the-clock entertainment for members and visitors. This extended operating schedule makes it particularly convenient for players who prefer evening gaming sessions or those seeking late-night entertainment options in the Griffith area.
What sets Eastlake apart in the competitive Canberra gaming market is its commitment to maintaining modern, well-maintained gaming machines. The venue features a substantial collection of electronic gaming machines from leading Australian providers, including popular titles from Aristocrat and other renowned manufacturers. Players can expect to find classic favourites alongside the latest gaming technology, ensuring there's something suitable for every preference and playing style.
The gaming floor layout at Eastlake demonstrates thoughtful planning, with machines strategically positioned to create both intimate gaming nooks and more social areas. This arrangement caters to different player preferences—whether you prefer focused solo play or enjoy the energetic atmosphere of a busier gaming section. The club maintains comfortable ambient temperatures, appropriate lighting levels, and regular machine maintenance to ensure optimal playing conditions throughout your visit.
Gaming Feature | Details |
Operating Hours | 10 AM – 4 AM Daily |
Machine Variety | Aristocrat and premium providers |
Bet Limits | Compliant with ACT regulations (AUD $5 maximum bet) |
Load-up Limit | AUD $100 as per ACT gaming regulations |
Gaming Floor | Multiple zones for different preferences |
Real player feedback reveals consistent satisfaction with the pokies experience at Eastlake Football Club. The venue currently holds a 4-star rating based on over 435 reviews, reflecting genuine appreciation from the gaming community. Players frequently mention the friendly, non-intrusive service provided by floor staff who remain available to assist without hovering over gaming activities.
One regular visitor, Ting Kwan Louie, shared enthusiastically: "I love this club so much. I visit it very often. Good service by staff and good food by the chef at a reasonable price." This sentiment echoes throughout numerous reviews, where patrons appreciate the balanced approach Eastlake takes—providing attentive service while respecting player privacy during gaming sessions.
Gaming enthusiasts particularly value the club's loyalty program, which rewards regular play with redeemable points. Members can accumulate points during pokies sessions and convert them into dining credits, bar purchases, or even cash rewards. This system adds meaningful value to the gaming experience, making every dollar played potentially more rewarding than at venues without such programs.
Another satisfied member, Camilla Cooper, noted: "I come here every Thursday to meet my friends and enjoy my bubbles. Wonderful club and lovely staff." This highlights how Eastlake successfully combines gaming entertainment with social experiences, creating an environment where friends can gather, enjoy pokies, and share meals.
Gaming industry experts recognise Eastlake Football Club as exemplifying the successful Australian club model. The venue's approach to responsible gaming sets a professional standard, with clearly visible Gambling Contact Officers and prominent information about support services. The club actively participates in ACT Gambling Harm Prevention initiatives, demonstrating corporate responsibility alongside entertainment provision.
From an operational perspective, Eastlake's integration of gaming, dining, and social facilities creates a destination rather than merely a pokies venue. This holistic approach benefits players by providing dining options when taking breaks from gaming, comfortable bar areas for socialising, and entertainment events that extend beyond electronic gaming machines.
The club's membership system offers substantial advantages for regular players. Members receive 10% discounts on bistro and bar purchases, access to exclusive promotions including bonus raffle tickets and double loyalty points events, and priority notification about special gaming promotions. The membership process takes approximately 5 minutes at reception, requiring only a valid Australian identification (license, Proof of Age card, or passport).
Expert observers note that Eastlake's consistent machine maintenance and regular updates to its gaming selection demonstrate management's understanding that player satisfaction depends on reliable, entertaining equipment. The venue participates in ACT's gaming machine trading scheme, which allows clubs to optimise their machine offerings based on player preferences and performance data.
Griffith and the surrounding Canberra suburbs offer several alternative pokies destinations, though Eastlake maintains competitive advantages in location, facilities, and overall experience. Understanding the local gaming landscape helps players make informed choices about where to enjoy their preferred entertainment.
Kingston Hotel sits just 73 Canberra Avenue in Griffith, approximately 800 meters from Eastlake. This pub-style venue offers pokies alongside billiards and traditional bar amenities. However, Kingston Hotel operates with a more compact gaming floor and fewer machines compared to Eastlake's extensive collection.
Canberra Services Club, also located in Griffith, provides another nearby gaming option. This club features pokies gaming integrated with social club facilities, though reviews suggest a more formal atmosphere compared to Eastlake's relaxed, welcoming environment.
For those willing to travel slightly further, Eastlake Gungahlin at 51 Hinder Street, Gungahlin ACT 2912, represents another venue within the Eastlake Group. This northern Canberra location offers similar gaming quality with a different demographic and atmosphere, suited to residents of Gungahlin and the surrounding northern suburbs.
Eastlake Calwell, situated at 1 Were Street, Calwell ACT 2905, provides yet another Eastlake Group option in southern Canberra. Players holding Eastlake membership enjoy access to all three venues, with membership benefits applicable across the entire group.
The Ainslie Football & Social Club in nearby Ainslie offers extensive gaming facilities with over 1,200 reviews, indicating strong community engagement. This venue provides stiff competition to Eastlake but serves a different geographic area of Canberra.
Nearby Venue | Address | Distance | Key Features |
Kingston Hotel | 73 Canberra Ave, Griffith | 800m | Pub atmosphere, billiards |
Canberra Services Club | Griffith | 1km | Social club format |
Eastlake Gungahlin | 51 Hinder St, Gungahlin | 15km north | Sister venue, same benefits |
Eastlake Calwell | 1 Were St, Calwell | 12km south | Sister venue, same benefits |
Ainslie Football & Social Club | Ainslie | 6km | Extensive facilities |
Eastlake Football Club's location at 3 Oxley Street, Griffith ACT 2603 provides excellent accessibility from throughout Canberra. The venue sits in the inner south suburb of Griffith, technically just across the border from Kingston, making it convenient for residents of multiple surrounding areas.
By Car: Eastlake offers free parking facilities in dedicated lots adjacent to the venue, plus additional free street parking along Oxley Street and nearby roads. The location's proximity to Canberra Avenue provides straightforward access from both northern and southern Canberra via this major arterial road. From Canberra's city centre, the drive typically takes 5-10 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
By Public Transport: Multiple ACTION bus routes service the Griffith and Kingston area. The nearest bus stops sit along Canberra Avenue, approximately 400-600 meters from the club entrance. Routes 4, 5, and 6 provide regular services connecting the area to Civic, Woden, and other major Canberra centres. Players should consult current ACTION timetables as services vary between weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
By Taxi or Rideshare: Eastlake's address is well-known to local taxi services and easily located by rideshare applications like Uber and DiDi. The venue's proximity to major roads ensures quick pickup and drop-off for players who prefer not to drive, particularly advantageous for extended gaming sessions.
From Canberra Airport: Visitors arriving at Canberra Airport can reach Eastlake via taxi (approximately 10-12 minutes, AUD $25-35) or by combining airport shuttle services with local bus connections. The journey covers roughly 8 kilometres.
Membership at Eastlake Football Club unlocks significant value for regular visitors, particularly those who combine gaming with dining and social activities. The club's membership operates across all three Eastlake Group venues (Kingston, Calwell, and Gungahlin), effectively tripling the value proposition.
Financial Benefits: Members receive 10% discounts on all full-priced bistro menu items and bar purchases, which quickly adds up for regular visitors. The club offers happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 6 PM, featuring $6 selected tap schooners and $5 house wines—already excellent value that becomes even better with the additional membership discount.
Loyalty Rewards Program: The points-based loyalty system allows members to accumulate rewards through both gaming activity and dining purchases. Points convert to discounts on future visits or can be redeemed for cash, providing tangible returns on regular patronage. The club regularly runs double points promotions where members accumulate rewards at accelerated rates.
Exclusive Promotions: Members receive priority access to special events, bonus raffle tickets for weekly and special draws, and early notification about upcoming promotions. The club's calendar includes popular events like ham raffles (running Fridays in December), mega raffles, and seasonal promotions that offer members additional entry opportunities.
Joining Process: Becoming a member requires only a brief visit to the reception desk with valid identification. Staff complete the signup process in approximately 5 minutes, and new members can immediately begin enjoying benefits. The club accepts Australian driver's licenses, Proof of Age cards, and passports as valid identification.
Membership fees follow a tiered structure: $5 for basic membership and $10 for premium membership levels, representing exceptional value given the breadth of benefits provided.
The gaming experience at Eastlake integrates seamlessly with quality dining options that keep players comfortable and satisfied without needing to leave the venue. The bistro operates throughout the club's opening hours, providing meals from 10 AM through to late evening.
Bistro Menu Highlights: The menu features classic Australian pub fare alongside more sophisticated options. Popular choices include the Sunday Roast (available Sundays with seasonal variations), Pizza Night (Wednesdays at Kingston and Gungahlin), Steak Night (Thursdays), and Schnitty Night (Mondays). These recurring specials provide excellent value and consistent quality that regular players can anticipate and enjoy.
Lunch Specials: Weekday lunch specials priced at $16 offer budget-conscious options for midday gaming sessions. The steak lunch special runs Monday through Friday, combining quality meals with affordability. Additionally, the club features steak burger options and rotating daily specials that provide variety for frequent visitors.
Coffee and Desserts: The venue offers quality coffee service throughout operating hours, with a popular "Coffee & Cake Duo" promotion providing excellent value for afternoon breaks from gaming. Thursday's "2 For 1 Cakes" special attracts dessert enthusiasts and provides sweet rewards after gaming sessions.
Bar Service: The bar maintains extensive selections of tap beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails. Happy hour pricing (Monday-Friday, 4-6 PM) makes pre-dinner drinks particularly affordable, and the bar area provides comfortable seating for socialising between gaming sessions.
Beyond daily gaming operations, Eastlake Football Club offers comprehensive function facilities suitable for celebrations, corporate events, and private gatherings. The function rooms accommodate groups ranging from intimate parties to substantial gatherings, with customizable packages that include dining, beverage service, and room setup.
The club regularly hosts entertainment events, including live music performances, particularly during holiday seasons. Christmas-themed events feature prominently in the December calendar, with Christmas Duo performers entertaining guests and Christmas-themed raffles offering special prizes.
Meat raffles run on Thursday and Friday evenings, adding traditional Australian club entertainment that complements pokies gaming. These events create social atmospheres where players can take breaks from machines to participate in classic club activities.
Address: 3 Oxley Street, Griffith ACT 2603, Australia
Phone: +61 2 6228 0999
Email: efcreception@eastlakefc.com.au
Website: www.eastlakefc.com.au
Operating Hours: Daily 10 AM – 4 AM (including public holidays)
Facilities: Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms; free parking lot and street parking; full bistro and bar service
Dress Code: Smart casual (management reserves discretion)
Age Restriction: 18+ for gaming areas (valid ID required)
Payment Methods: Cash, EFTPOS, and credit cards accepted
Eastlake Football Club maintains strong commitments to responsible gaming practices. The venue employs designated Gambling Contact Officers available to discuss concerns or provide information about support services. Prominent signage throughout gaming areas displays contact information for the ACT Gambling Counselling and Support Service (1800 858 858).
The club actively participates in Gambling Harm Action Week and implements ACT government recommendations regarding bet limits, load-up limits, and player education. Gaming machines at Eastlake comply with ACT regulations limiting maximum bets to $5 and load-up limits to $100, measures designed to promote responsible play.
Players experiencing difficulties with gaming can request voluntary exclusion arrangements, access information about problem gambling support services, or speak confidentially with trained staff members about concerns.
The Griffith suburb surrounding Eastlake Football Club offers various attractions that complement a visit to the venue. Manuka shops and restaurants sit approximately 1 kilometre north, providing upscale dining and retail options. The Kingston Foreshore development, roughly 1.5 kilometres away, features waterside dining, cafes, and weekend markets.
Parliament House and surrounding national institutions sit within easy reach, making Eastlake convenient for visitors exploring Canberra's political and cultural attractions. The National Gallery of Australia, National Library, and Australian War Memorial all lie within a 10-15 minute drive.
For accommodation, multiple hotels operate in nearby Kingston and Barton, including the Crowne Plaza Canberra and Abode Hotels, offering convenient lodging for interstate visitors planning extended gaming visits.
Eastlake Football Club operates daily from 10 AM until 4 AM, including public holidays. This extended schedule provides nearly round-the-clock access to pokies gaming, bistro dining, and bar facilities. The club remains open throughout the Christmas and New Year periods, making it a reliable entertainment destination year-round.
Membership is not strictly required to play pokies at Eastlake Football Club, though becoming a member provides significant benefits, including 10% bistro and bar discounts, loyalty points on gaming and purchases, and access to exclusive promotions. Non-members can sign in as guests and enjoy gaming facilities, though without the additional perks members receive. Joining takes only 5 minutes at the reception with valid identification.
Eastlake features electronic gaming machines from premium Australian providers, particularly Aristocrat titles that dominate the Australian gaming market. The selection includes classic favourites and modern video pokies with various themes and playing styles. Machines comply with ACT gaming regulations, including $5 maximum bets and $100 load-up limits. The club regularly updates its machine selection to maintain player interest and introduce new gaming experiences.
From Canberra's city centre, drive south on Commonwealth Avenue, merge onto Canberra Avenue heading southeast, and exit at Griffith/Kingston. The journey typically takes 5-10 minutes by car. By public transport, catch ACTION bus routes 4, 5, or 6 toward Kingston/Griffith and alight at stops along Canberra Avenue, then walk approximately 400-600 meters to the venue. Rideshare services provide convenient door-to-door transport, taking approximately 8-12 minutes from Civic.
The bistro serves throughout operating hours with a menu featuring Australian favourites, including steaks, schnitzels, pizzas, burgers, and daily specials. Popular recurring specials include Sunday Roast, Monday Schnitty Night, Wednesday Pizza Night, and Thursday Steak Night. Weekday lunch specials priced at $16 offer excellent value. The bar provides comprehensive beverage selections, including tap beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails, with happy hour pricing Monday-Friday, 4-6 PM, featuring $6 schooners and $5 house wines.
