The Hellenic Club of Canberra stands as one of Australia's most distinguished entertainment venues, combining the rich heritage of Greek culture with modern gaming facilities. Located in the heart of Woden, this iconic establishment has been serving the Canberra community for over four decades, offering an unparalleled gaming experience that attracts both locals and visitors from across the region.
Since opening its doors on February 24, 1979, the Hellenic Club has evolved from a simple community meeting place into a world-class entertainment complex that perfectly balances tradition with innovation. The club's journey began in the late 1960s when Canberra's Greek community recognized the need for a dedicated space where families could gather, celebrate their heritage, and build lasting connections with both Greek and Australian friends.
The centerpiece of the Hellenic Club's entertainment offerings is its sophisticated gaming lounge, which features a carefully curated selection of pokies machines designed to cater to every type of player. The club's commitment to providing an exceptional gaming experience is evident in every aspect of their facilities, from the comfortable seating arrangements to the ambient lighting that creates the perfect atmosphere for extended gaming sessions.
The Hellenic Club takes pride in offering an extensive range of pokies machines that span from classic three-reel slots to the latest video poker machines featuring cutting-edge graphics and innovative bonus features. The gaming floor houses machines from leading manufacturers, ensuring players have access to both familiar favorites and exciting new titles that are regularly updated to reflect current gaming trends.
Players can enjoy everything from traditional fruit machines to themed slots featuring popular movies, television shows, and cultural references. The variety ensures that whether you're a casual player looking for simple entertainment or a seasoned gamer seeking complex bonus rounds and progressive jackpots, you'll find machines that suit your preferences and playing style.
The gaming lounge at the Hellenic Club has been designed with player comfort and enjoyment as the primary considerations. The space features modern ventilation systems, comfortable seating, and strategic placement of machines to ensure privacy while maintaining the social atmosphere that makes club gaming so appealing. The lighting is carefully calibrated to reduce eye strain during extended play sessions, while the sound levels are managed to create an engaging environment without becoming overwhelming.
Members and guests consistently praise the Hellenic Club's gaming facilities for their welcoming atmosphere and professional service. Regular players appreciate the club's commitment to maintaining well-functioning machines and the attentive staff who are always available to assist with any questions or concerns.
Long-time members often highlight the social aspect of gaming at the Hellenic Club, noting how the venue serves as a community hub where friendships are formed and maintained. The club's approach to creating a family-friendly environment means that gaming is just one part of a broader entertainment experience that includes dining, social events, and live entertainment.
Visitors frequently comment on the cleanliness and organization of the gaming areas, as well as the respectful atmosphere that prevails throughout the venue. The club's policies regarding responsible gaming are consistently enforced, creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all patrons.
Gaming industry professionals recognize the Hellenic Club as a benchmark for how community clubs should approach pokies gaming. The venue's commitment to providing fair, well-maintained machines in a comfortable environment sets a standard that other establishments strive to match.
Experts particularly praise the club's approach to player education and responsible gaming initiatives. The staff undergoes regular training to identify potential gambling-related issues and provide appropriate support and resources to members who may need assistance.
The Hellenic Club's membership structure is designed to provide exceptional value while enhancing the overall gaming experience. With membership fees starting at just $3 during special promotional periods, joining the club provides access to a range of benefits that extend far beyond the gaming floor.
The club's loyalty program allows members to earn points on gaming activities, dining purchases, and function bookings. These points can be redeemed for various rewards, including complimentary meals, beverages, and special event tickets. The program is structured to recognize and reward regular patronage while encouraging responsible gaming practices.
|
Membership Type |
Annual Fee |
Benefits |
|
Single 1 Year |
$10 |
Access to all facilities, Hellenic Rewards points |
|
Senior 1 Year |
$5 |
Discounted rates, special senior events |
|
Family 1 Year |
$15 |
Multiple card access, children's area privileges |
|
Single 3 Year |
$25 |
Extended membership, bonus point multipliers |
|
Senior 3 Year |
$12 |
Long-term savings, priority booking |
|
Family 3 Year |
$40 |
Maximum value, all family benefits |
Members receive special consideration during peak gaming periods, with priority access to popular machines and exclusive gaming promotions throughout the year. The club regularly hosts member-only gaming tournaments and special events that combine gaming activities with social entertainment and dining experiences.
While pokies gaming remains a central attraction, the Hellenic Club has established itself as a culinary destination that rivals the finest restaurants in Canberra. The venue houses multiple dining options that complement the gaming experience perfectly, allowing visitors to enjoy exceptional meals before, during, or after their gaming sessions.
The club's dining portfolio includes several distinct restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience:
Woden Bistro serves as the club's flagship restaurant, renowned throughout Canberra for its exceptional steaks and fresh seafood. The bistro's menu combines traditional Australian pub fare with Mediterranean influences, creating dishes that appeal to diverse tastes while maintaining the high quality standards that have made it a local institution.
Kivotos represents the newest addition to the club's dining options, offering an authentic Greek dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Greece. The restaurant features traditional dishes prepared using time-honored recipes and fresh, high-quality ingredients that transport diners to the Mediterranean.
Ginseng Chinese Restaurant has earned multiple awards for its innovative approach to Chinese cuisine, offering both traditional dishes and modern interpretations that showcase the versatility and sophistication of Chinese cooking. The restaurant is particularly popular for its weekend yum cha service, which draws crowds from across Canberra.
|
Restaurant |
Cuisine Type |
Specialty |
Operating Hours |
|
Woden Bistro |
Australian/Mediterranean |
Steaks and Seafood |
Daily 11:30am-9:00pm |
|
Kivotos |
Greek |
Traditional Greek Cuisine |
Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10:00pm |
|
Ginseng |
Chinese |
Yum Cha and Modern Chinese |
Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm |
|
Triton Lounge & Cafe |
Casual Dining |
Light Meals and Coffee |
Daily 9:00am-4:00pm |
The Hellenic Club's strategic location in Woden makes it easily accessible from all areas of Canberra and the surrounding region. Situated at 1 Matilda Street, Phillip, the venue is approximately eight kilometers from Canberra's city center, making it convenient for both local residents and interstate visitors.
By Car: The club provides extensive free parking facilities for members and guests, with covered parking available during inclement weather. The parking system operates on a ticket validation basis, ensuring that all visitors can park without charge while using the club's facilities.
Public Transport: Regular bus services connect Woden to all major areas of Canberra, with bus stops located within walking distance of the club. The Woden Bus Interchange is approximately 10 minutes' walk from the venue, providing connections throughout the ACT and surrounding NSW regions.
For Interstate Visitors: The club is easily accessible from major highways connecting Canberra to Sydney, Melbourne, and other capital cities. Interstate visitors can sign in using valid identification without requiring membership, making the venue accessible to tourists and business travelers.
The Hellenic Club operates extended hours to accommodate the diverse schedules of its members and guests, ensuring that gaming and dining facilities are available when people want to use them.
|
Venue |
Address |
Phone |
Operating Hours |
|
Hellenic Club Woden |
1 Matilda Street, Woden ACT 2606 |
(02) 6281 0899 |
9am-4am daily (Closed Christmas Day) |
|
Hellenic Club in the City |
13 Moore Street, Canberra City ACT 2600 |
(02) 6162 6777 |
Mon-Wed: 9am-12am, Thu-Fri: 9am-2am, Sat: 11:30am-2am, Sun: 11:30am-12am |
The extended operating hours, particularly at the Woden venue, ensure that the gaming facilities are available to accommodate different work schedules and leisure preferences. The club's commitment to remaining open until 4am most nights makes it one of the few venues in Canberra where late-night entertainment options are consistently available.
Beyond gaming and dining, the Hellenic Club offers a comprehensive range of amenities designed to create a complete entertainment experience for visitors of all ages and interests.
The club recognizes the importance of catering to families and has invested significantly in creating spaces where children can be entertained while parents enjoy gaming and dining activities. The children's play area features a jungle-themed climbing playground, ball pit, and gaming consoles including Xbox and PlayStation systems, creating what many describe as "a kid's paradise."
The venue houses eight different bars throughout the facility, including a dedicated Sports Bar with TAB facilities for those interested in sports betting. Multiple large-screen televisions throughout the venue ensure that major sporting events can be viewed from virtually anywhere in the club, creating an atmosphere where sports entertainment complements the gaming experience.
The Hellenic Club operates five modern function rooms across both venues, making it a popular choice for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. These spaces can be configured to accommodate events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, with full catering services available from any of the club's restaurants.
|
Function Space |
Capacity |
Features |
Ideal For |
|
Olympus Room |
200 guests |
Full audiovisual, dance floor |
Weddings, large celebrations |
|
Aegean Room |
120 guests |
Flexible layout, outdoor access |
Corporate events, parties |
|
Santorini Suite |
80 guests |
Intimate setting, premium finishes |
Special occasions, meetings |
|
Mykonos Lounge |
50 guests |
Casual atmosphere, bar access |
Social gatherings, functions |
|
City Function Room |
100 guests |
Central location, modern facilities |
Business events, receptions |
The Hellenic Club's location in Woden places it at the center of one of Canberra's most vibrant commercial and residential districts. The surrounding area offers numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment options that complement a visit to the club.
The nearby Westfield Woden shopping center provides access to major retail outlets, additional dining options, and services including banking and personal care facilities. The Woden Library and community center are within walking distance, while the area's parks and recreational facilities make it an ideal destination for extended visits.
For visitors interested in exploring Canberra's attractions, the club's location provides easy access to Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Gallery of Australia. The venue serves as an excellent base for tourists who want to combine sightseeing with entertainment and gaming activities.
The Hellenic Club maintains a strong commitment to responsible gaming practices and community welfare. The venue implements comprehensive programs designed to ensure that gaming remains an enjoyable recreational activity while providing support and resources for anyone who may need assistance.
Staff members receive regular training in identifying signs of problem gambling and are equipped with information about support services and self-exclusion programs. The club actively promotes responsible gaming through educational materials and partnerships with local support organizations.
The Hellenic Club continues to invest in facility improvements and expansion to enhance the member and guest experience. Recent renovations have focused on updating gaming equipment, improving dining facilities, and expanding entertainment options while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that has made the venue a Canberra institution.
Plans for future development include the potential expansion of gaming facilities, additional dining options, and enhanced function spaces to meet growing demand for the club's services.
Q: Do I need to be a member to play pokies at the Hellenic Club? A: No, non-members can sign in at reception with valid photo ID and play pokies. However, membership provides additional benefits and access to exclusive promotions.
Q: What types of pokies machines are available? A: The club features a variety of machines including traditional three-reel slots, video poker machines, and modern themed pokies with progressive jackpots and bonus features.
Q: Are there dining options available while gaming? A: Yes, the club offers multiple restaurants and cafes, plus bar service throughout the gaming areas. Food and beverages can be enjoyed while playing.
Q: Is parking available at the club? A: Free parking is available at the Woden venue with ticket validation at reception. The City venue does not have on-site parking.
Q: What are the minimum bet amounts on pokies machines? A: Minimum bets vary by machine type, starting from small denominations suitable for casual players up to higher stakes options for serious gamers.
Q: Does the club offer any gaming tutorials or assistance? A: Yes, staff members are available to assist new players with machine operation and game rules. The club promotes responsible gaming through education and support.
Q: Are there age restrictions for different areas of the club? A: The gaming areas are restricted to persons 18 years and older. The club has designated family areas and children's play spaces for younger visitors.
Q: How often are new pokies machines introduced? A: The club regularly updates its gaming selection, typically introducing new machines several times per year based on member preferences and industry trends.