The Hellenic Club of Canberra stands as one of the Australian Capital Territory's most beloved entertainment venues, drawing gaming enthusiasts from across the region with its state-of-the-art pokies facilities. Located at Matilda Street in Phillip, approximately eight kilometres from Canberra's city centre, this iconic establishment has been serving the community for over 40 years, offering an exceptional combination of gaming machines, dining excellence, and genuine Australian hospitality.
For those seeking quality pokies entertainment in Canberra, the Hellenic Club delivers an experience that rivals any major gaming venue in Australia. With its sprawling gaming lounge filled with the latest electronic gaming machines, comfortable atmosphere, and extensive support facilities, this venue has earned its reputation as a premier destination for both casual players and serious gaming enthusiasts.
The Hellenic Club Woden boasts a state-of-the-art gaming lounge that represents the pinnacle of pokies entertainment in the ACT. The venue features a diverse selection of electronic gaming machines from Australia's leading manufacturers, including the popular Aristocrat and Ainsworth Gaming titles that Australian players are familiar with.
Players at the Hellenic Club can enjoy a rotating selection of classic and contemporary pokies, including popular titles such as Lightning Link, Dragon Link, 5 Dragons, Where's the Gold, More Chilli, and Queen of the Nile. The gaming floor is thoughtfully designed with comfortable seating, excellent lighting, and modern amenities that create an inviting atmosphere for extended gaming sessions.
The club's pokies selection caters to all preferences and budgets, with machines offering various bet denominations from one cent to several dollars per line. This flexibility makes the venue accessible to both conservative players and high rollers seeking larger stakes and bigger potential returns.
Machine Type | Popular Titles | Key Features |
Classic Reels | Big Red, 5 Dragons | Free spins, scatter wins, wild symbols |
Multi-line Video | Lightning Link, Dragon Link | Progressive jackpots, bonus features, 25-50 paylines |
Penny Pokies | More Chilli, Queen of the Nile | Low minimum bets, frequent small wins |
Premium Games | Where's the Gold, 50 Dragons | Enhanced graphics, multiple bonus rounds |
The gaming lounge operates with extended hours, opening from 9 am through to 4 am seven days a week, providing flexibility for players with varying schedules. This generous operating window makes the Hellenic Club one of the most accessible pokies venues in Canberra, particularly for those who prefer late-night gaming sessions.
The Hellenic Club has cultivated a loyal following among Canberra's pokies community, with players consistently praising several aspects of the gaming experience. Regular patrons appreciate the club's commitment to maintaining modern, well-functioning machines and creating a comfortable gaming environment.
Players frequently comment on the variety of machines available, noting that the club regularly updates its gaming floor with the latest releases from major manufacturers. This commitment to staying current ensures that members and guests can enjoy the newest pokies titles alongside established favourites.
The venue's atmosphere receives particular praise, with many players noting the clean, spacious gaming areas and attentive staff who ensure machines are functioning properly and assist with any technical issues. The availability of food and beverage service near the gaming floor is another frequently mentioned positive, allowing players to enjoy meals and refreshments without leaving the gaming area.
Several reviewers have highlighted the club's responsible gaming practices, including the availability of support resources and the presence of trained staff who can assist those concerned about their gaming habits. This balanced approach to gaming entertainment has helped establish the Hellenic Club as a respected venue within the Canberra community.
Gaming industry experts recognise the Hellenic Club of Canberra as a well-managed venue that exemplifies best practices in club gaming operations. The establishment's longevity—over four decades of continuous operation—speaks to its ability to adapt to changing market conditions and player preferences.
Industry analysts note that the Hellenic Club's success stems from several factors. Firstly, the venue's strategic location in Phillip places it within easy reach of major residential areas in Woden, Tuggeranong, and surrounding suburbs. This accessibility, combined with ample parking facilities, makes it a convenient destination for regular visits.
The club's diversified entertainment model, which balances gaming with quality dining, live entertainment, and function facilities, represents a sound business strategy. This approach reduces reliance on gaming revenue alone whilst creating a more appealing overall destination for members and guests.
From a gaming perspective, experts commend the club's machine selection and floor layout. The variety of denominations and game types ensures appeal across different player demographics, from pensioners enjoying modest social gaming to serious players seeking progressive jackpots and premium games.
The Hellenic Club's approach to responsible gaming also draws industry recognition. The venue has implemented various harm minimisation measures consistent with ACT regulations, including self-exclusion programmes, activity statements, and staff training in identifying problem gambling behaviours.
It's worth noting that the ACT gaming industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the territory government implementing policies to reduce the total number of gaming machine authorisations. The government's target of reducing machines from 4,956 in 2018 to 3,500 by July 2025 has been achieved, with current authorisations sitting at approximately 3,494 machines across the territory.
This reduction has made venues like the Hellenic Club even more significant within Canberra's gaming landscape, as the available machines become concentrated in well-established, professionally managed clubs. The venue's ability to maintain its gaming operations during this period of industry change demonstrates its strong position within the market.
For gaming enthusiasts exploring options around the Hellenic Club, several quality venues operate in proximity, each offering distinct advantages and features.
Located at 92-96 Corinna Street in Phillip, just minutes from the Hellenic Club, the Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden represents another major gaming destination in the area. This centrally located venue offers relaxed, contemporary spaces with a substantial selection of pokies machines.
The Southern Cross Club Woden features modern bistro facilities, bars, and entertainment options alongside its gaming floor. The venue's dress code maintains smart casual standards, creating a comfortable yet respectful atmosphere. Gaming enthusiasts can enjoy bingo, trivia nights, and live music entertainment throughout the year, making it a well-rounded entertainment destination.
Venue Feature | Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden |
Address | 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip ACT 2606 |
Gaming Options | Pokies, Keno, TAB |
Dining | Restaurant and bar with takeaway available |
Entertainment | Bingo, trivia, live music |
Contact | (02) 6283 7200 |
Situated in the nearby suburb of Mawson, this established venue offers over 165 pokies machines across a comfortable gaming floor. The Mawson Club operates from 9 am to 4 am daily, matching the Hellenic Club's extended hours for late-night gaming.
The venue features the Citrus Cafe for dining options and provides member benefits similar to other major Canberra clubs. Its location in Mawson makes it particularly convenient for residents of southern Canberra suburbs.
For those seeking a different gaming experience, Casino Canberra offers traditional table games in an upscale environment. Located near the Crown Plaza Hotel, this venue represents the territory's only licensed casino for table games. Interestingly, unlike most Australian casinos, Casino Canberra does not operate poker machines, focusing instead on games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
The casino's proximity to Canberra's CBD makes it easily accessible from the airport, with the journey taking approximately 20 minutes by car or 43 minutes via public transport. The venue features dining options, including the Onyx Sports Lounge bar and Natural Nine restaurant with Chinese cuisine.
The Vikings Group operates several venues across Canberra, though recent industry changes have affected their operations. Gaming enthusiasts should note that Vikings clubs offer poker machines alongside dining and entertainment facilities, with various locations across the ACT.
Players can find detailed information about nearby pokies venues through resources like pokiesnearme.net, which provides comprehensive details about gaming venues across Australia, including addresses, operating hours, machine counts, and facility information.
Membership at the Hellenic Club of Canberra provides substantial benefits that enhance the gaming and dining experience. The club operates a points-based rewards system that delivers real value to regular patrons.
Key membership benefits include:
Birthday Reward: Free drink during your birthday month
Points Accumulation: Earn points on food and beverage purchases, redeemable for cash
Promotional Access: Entry into daily promotions and special giveaways
Discount Privileges: Reduced prices at bars and cafes throughout both venues
Members Newsletter: Regular updates about upcoming events and exclusive offers
The membership structure makes it particularly worthwhile for regular visitors, as the accumulated benefits quickly offset the modest membership fee. Points earned through dining and beverage purchases provide ongoing value, essentially creating a loyalty programme that rewards frequent patronage.
Joining the club is straightforward, with applications available online through the club's website or in person at either the Woden or City venues. The club also offers convenient online renewal options, allowing existing members to maintain their membership status without needing to visit in person.
Beyond its impressive gaming facilities, the Hellenic Club has established a formidable reputation for dining excellence, operating multiple award-winning restaurants that cater to diverse tastes and occasions.
The Woden Bistro serves as the club's flagship dining venue, renowned throughout Canberra for its amazing steaks and fresh seafood. The bistro operates lunch service daily from 12 pm to 2:30 pm, with dinner available Sunday through Thursday from 6 pm to 9 pm, and extended hours on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
The menu encompasses all traditional bistro favourites whilst incorporating vegetarian options, daily roasts, and an authentic selection of traditional Greek dishes that honour the club's heritage. The comprehensive children's menu makes it an excellent choice for family dining, and the fantastic prices deliver exceptional value for money.
Bookings can be made by calling (02) 6281 0647, and reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend dinner service when the bistro experiences high demand.
This multi-award-winning Chinese restaurant offers a vast selection of innovative and fresh Chinese cuisine. Ginseng has earned recognition throughout the Canberra dining scene for its delectable dishes and efficient service, creating an authentic Asian dining experience that appeals to both Chinese food enthusiasts and those seeking to explore new flavours.
Kivotos represents the club's newest dining concept, celebrating fresh flavours, warm hospitality, and the vibrant spirit of Greece. This restaurant brings authentic Greek dining to Canberra, offering dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean whilst incorporating modern Australian influences.
The club features several other dining and beverage venues:
Éla Café: Casual cafe setting for coffee, light meals, and quick refreshments
Triton Lounge & Bar: Relaxed atmosphere for drinks and socialising
Sports Bar & TAB: Dedicated sports viewing area with betting facilities
Woden Beer Garden: Outdoor drinking and dining space for pleasant weather
This extensive range of dining options means visitors can enjoy everything from quick coffee breaks to elaborate multi-course meals without leaving the club premises.
The Hellenic Club's Woden venue enjoys excellent accessibility from throughout the Canberra region, making it convenient for visitors from all corners of the ACT.
Primary Venue (Woden):
Address: Matilda Street, Phillip ACT 2606
Postal: PO Box 263, Woden ACT 2606
Phone: (02) 6281 0899
Opening Hours: 9 am-4 am seven days (Closed Christmas Day)
By Car: The club is located approximately eight kilometres from Canberra's CBD, with the journey typically taking 10-15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The venue provides extensive parking facilities on-site, accommodating the needs of both day and evening visitors.
From Tuggeranong: Approximately 10 minutes via Athllon Drive. From Belconnen: Approximately 20 minutes via Gungahlin Drive and Hindmarsh Drive. From Gungahlin: Approximately 25 minutes via Gungahlin Drive and Hindmarsh Drive
By Public Transport: Multiple ACTION bus routes service the Phillip area, with stops within walking distance of the club. The Woden Bus Interchange serves as a major transport hub nearby, connecting to routes throughout Canberra.
The Hellenic Club's location in Phillip places it within the Woden Town Centre precinct, surrounded by various amenities and services. The nearby Westfield Woden shopping centre sits approximately one kilometre away, whilst the Phillip Oval and various government offices occupy the surrounding area.
Medical facilities, including Woden Medical Centre, operate nearby, and the Canberra Hospital campus is within easy reach for emergencies. This concentration of services makes the area highly accessible and convenient for extended visits.
The Hellenic Club operates as a full-service entertainment venue, hosting numerous events and activities throughout the year that complement its gaming facilities.
Housie (Bingo): Traditional number-calling games with cash prizes
Trivia Nights: Competitive quiz evenings with prizes
Live Music: Regular performances by local and touring musicians
Sports Broadcasts: Major sporting events are shown on multiple screens throughout the Sports Bar
The club hosts various cultural celebrations and community events, particularly those celebrating Greek heritage and culture. The annual Hellenic Festival represents a major highlight, showcasing Greek music, dance, and cuisine to the broader Canberra community.
Recent events have included UFC fight screenings, Christmas parties for various community groups, and Kytherian cultural celebrations. The club's What's On calendar, available through their website, provides current information about upcoming events.
The Hellenic Club runs numerous promotions throughout the year, offering additional value to members and guests. These include:
Happy Hour specials with reduced beverage prices
Birthday month free drinks for members
Daily bistro specials at both Woden and City locations
Mega prize giveaways with substantial rewards
The club's promotional calendar rotates regularly, ensuring fresh offers and maintaining excitement for regular visitors.
Beyond its role as a gaming and entertainment venue, the Hellenic Club operates as one of Canberra's premier function centres, with five modern function spaces across its two venues.
The club specialises in hosting:
Weddings: Full-service wedding packages including ceremony and reception facilities
Corporate Conferences: Professional meeting and conference rooms with audio-visual equipment
Special Occasions: Birthday parties, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations
Community Events: Gatherings for clubs, associations, and community groups
The experienced events team works with clients to customise every aspect of their function, from menu selection to room configuration and entertainment arrangements. The availability of multiple restaurants on-site means functions can incorporate various cuisines and dining styles to suit different preferences and budgets.
Function enquiries can be made through the club's website or by contacting the events team directly.
The Hellenic Club operates as more than just a commercial entertainment venue—it serves as an important community hub supporting various cultural and educational initiatives. The Hellenic Precinct encompasses several community-focused programmes:
Hellenic Kids Programme: Dedicated activities and entertainment for children, making the club family-friendly
Canberra Hellenic Dancers Traditional Greek dance troupe preserving and performing authentic Hellenic dance
Greek Language Classes Educational programmes teaching Modern Greek language to adults and children
St Nicholas Preschool Early childhood education facility associated with the Greek community
These initiatives demonstrate the club's commitment to supporting the Greek community in Canberra whilst sharing Hellenic culture with the broader Australian population.
The Hellenic Club maintains standards that ensure a comfortable environment for all guests whilst avoiding unnecessarily restrictive requirements. The dress code can be described as neat, smart casual, with the expectation that patrons present themselves in clean, tidy, and non-offensive attire.
The following are generally not permitted:
Excessively torn or dirty clothing
Offensive slogans or imagery
Beachwear or swimwear (except in designated areas)
Bare feet
The venue manager's decision is final on all matters relating to dress standards, and staff may refuse entry to those not meeting expectations.
As a licensed venue, the Hellenic Club implements responsible service of alcohol policies, including:
Mandatory identification checks for anyone appearing under 25 years old
Refusal of service to intoxicated patrons
Availability of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverage options
Food service to accompany alcohol consumption
The club takes its obligations regarding responsible gaming seriously, implementing various measures to support patron welfare:
Self-exclusion programmes for those wishing to restrict their gaming access
Activity statements showing gaming expenditure
Trained staff capable of identifying problem gambling behaviours
Information about gambling support services
Links to organisations like Gambling Help and Lifeline
These measures align with ACT government requirements and industry best practices, ensuring the club operates as a responsible entertainment provider.
The Hellenic Club's location in Phillip places it within a vibrant area offering various attractions and amenities for visitors.
Westfield Woden, one of Canberra's major shopping centres, sits approximately one kilometre from the club, offering hundreds of retail stores, dining options, and services. The centre includes major department stores, specialty shops, and a cinema complex.
Several parks and recreational facilities operate nearby, including Phillip Oval for sports enthusiasts and various walking and cycling paths throughout the Woden Valley.
Several hotels and motels operate in the Woden area, making it convenient for interstate or regional visitors planning extended stays. The nearby suburbs of Lyons, Curtin, and Hughes offer additional accommodation options at various price points.
The Canberra Hospital, one of the ACT's major medical facilities, operates nearby, alongside various medical centres and specialist practices throughout the Woden Town Centre.
The Hellenic Club of Canberra represents an important part of Canberra's social and cultural history. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Canberra's Greek community identified an overwhelming need for a dedicated meeting place and social venue—somewhere to bring families together with both Greek and Australian friends for dances, weddings, children's activities, and social gatherings for the elderly.
Construction began on the Phillip site in 1976, with the land blessed by Greek Orthodox Archbishop Ezekiel and a brick laid in the footings by the Greek Ambassador. The club officially opened for business on 24 February 1979, providing not only a meeting place for the Greek community but also a vehicle to showcase Greek culture and cuisine to the wider ACT community.
Over more than 40 years, the Hellenic Club has continually developed and expanded, consistently offering the best club facilities and service in the Canberra region. The club has contributed enormous economic and social benefits to the ACT economy whilst serving as a bridge between Greek and Australian cultures.
Today, the club employs over 200 people and contributes to worthwhile community projects, charities, and sporting organisations. The 2009 opening of the City venue represented a major expansion, providing another location for the Greek and wider Canberra community to dine and enjoy entertainment.
The club celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019 with various promotions, events, and a historic exhibition, marking four decades of service to the Canberra community.
For those planning their first visit to the Hellenic Club for pokies gaming, several tips can help ensure an enjoyable experience:
Become a Member. Whilst membership isn't required to visit the club, becoming a member provides immediate access to better value and promotional opportunities. The modest membership fee typically pays for itself quickly through accumulated benefits.
Try Different Times Gaming floor crowding varies throughout the day and week. Weekday afternoons often provide quieter gaming conditions, whilst evenings and weekends see higher patronage. Late-night sessions take advantage of the extended 4 am closing time.
Explore the Dining Options. Don't focus exclusively on gaming—the club's restaurants offer excellent value and quality. Combining gaming with a meal creates a more rounded entertainment experience.
Set a Budget. Responsible gaming begins with setting clear limits before you start playing. Decide how much you're comfortable spending and stick to that amount regardless of wins or losses.
Use Members' Benefits. If you're a member, ensure you're using your membership card to accumulate points on food and beverage purchases. These points provide ongoing value for regular visitors.
Park Strategically. The club offers ample parking, but spaces nearest the entrances fill quickly during peak times. Arriving slightly earlier ensures convenient parking.
Check the Promotions Calendar. The club runs various promotions throughout the year. Checking what's on before your visit might reveal special offers or events that enhance your experience.
Yes, the Hellenic Club of Canberra operates a state-of-the-art gaming lounge featuring a substantial selection of poker machines. The gaming floor includes popular titles from leading manufacturers like Aristocrat and Ainsworth, with machines offering various bet denominations to suit different budgets and playing styles.
The Hellenic Club Woden operates from 9 am to 4 am seven days a week, providing extensive access for gaming enthusiasts. The venue is closed only on Christmas Day. This generous operating schedule makes it one of the most accessible pokies venues in Canberra.
Whilst membership is not strictly required to access the gaming facilities, becoming a member provides significant benefits, including promotional access, points accumulation on purchases, birthday rewards, and various discounts. The membership fee represents excellent value for regular visitors.
The Hellenic Club Woden is located approximately eight kilometres from Canberra's CBD in Phillip. By car, the journey typically takes 10-15 minutes via major arterial roads. Public transport options include ACTION buses servicing the Phillip area, with the Woden Bus Interchange providing connections to routes throughout Canberra.
The club operates three award-winning restaurants: the Woden Bistro (renowned for steaks and seafood), Ginseng Chinese Restaurant, and Kivotos (Greek cuisine). Additional options include Éla Café, Triton Lounge & Bar, a Sports Bar & TAB, and the Woden Beer Garden, providing diverse dining experiences to suit all preferences and occasions.
Yes, several quality gaming venues operate near the Hellenic Club, including the Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden (located at Corinna Street, Phillip), The Mawson Club in nearby Mawson, and various other licensed clubs throughout the Woden and Tuggeranong areas. Each venue offers distinct features and facilities for gaming enthusiasts.
Yes, the Hellenic Club implements comprehensive responsible gaming measures, including self-exclusion programmes, activity statements, trained staff, and information about gambling support services. The club takes its obligations seriously and provides links to organisations like Gambling Help for patrons requiring assistance.
Absolutely. The Hellenic Club operates five modern function spaces across its two venues, catering to weddings, corporate conferences, special occasions, and community events. The experienced events team works with clients to customise every aspect of their function, with various dining and entertainment options available.
The gaming lounge features a diverse selection, including classic reel pokies, multi-line video pokies, penny machines with low minimum bets, and premium games with enhanced graphics and features. Popular titles include Lightning Link, Dragon Link, 5 Dragons, Where's the Gold, More Chilli, and many others from leading manufacturers.
Yes, the club provides extensive on-site parking facilities accommodating both day and evening visitors. Spaces are generally available, though areas closest to entrances fill during peak times. The generous parking allocation makes visiting by car convenient from throughout the Canberra region.