When it comes to games and entertainment venues, Melburnians have got a few to choose from including Ballers Clubhouse, The Funderdome and the soon-to-be-opened Hijinx Hotel, which comes to us thanks to Funlab—the crew that’s behind Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. However, when it comes to video and tabletop games, there are few that can compare to Fortress Melbourne and its 2,700 square meters of games entertainment across 2.5 levels.
The home for (all) gamers not only boasts the Southern Hemisphere’s largest permanent eSports venue with a ten-metre-wide screen, but it has also packed in a retro arcade alley, a LAN lounge, and enough video games and board games to suit everyone’s tastes.
Alienware Arena at Fortress Melbourne
Featuring a ten-metre-wide screen plus a 200-seat retractable grandstand, the Alienware Arena at Fortress Melbourne is the biggest permanent eSports venue in the Southern Hemisphere. With both amateur and professional tournaments that take place, everyone has the chance to get up on stage to compete.
If the competition’s not for you, take a seat and watch on as the best teams battle it out, either in the grandstand or at the Sports Bar, where you can also order food and drinks while you cheer on.
The Tavern at Fortress Melbourne
A fantasy-styled restaurant called the Tavern serves up hearty and house-made pub meals, finger food, and snacks for when you get hungry because get hungry you will at Fortress Melbourne. From a selection of tacos to loaded fries plus a range of other bites like haloumi wands and popcorn chicken, there’s plenty to snack on.
However, The Tavern also serves up large plates as well with the likes of beef ribs, burgers, hot dogs and pizzas on the menu to fuel the hungriest gamer out there. On Tuesdays, you can grab a parma and a pint for just $20. Or, make your way to The Tavern on Monday for a round of game and pop culture trivia with prizes up for grabs and a free drink with your entry.
When it comes to drinks, The Tavern is well stocked. No matter if you’re after beer, wine, cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks, they’ve got you covered. The Tavern also has a large library of board games and VIP booths for you and your friends to enjoy while you feast.
To make the most of your time at Fortress Melbourne, the crew have put together a few packages to help you take advantage. The Bottomless Board Game Package sees gamers tuck into bottomless loaded fries and pizzas for the duration of their play or head along on a Wednesday for an evening of open play—on the other hand, to grab one of the games from the board game library, it’s $15 per hour for non-members.
VIP Booths in The Tavern are equipped with game consoles and to play, all you need to do is enjoy a round of drinks and food. For example, peak-hour sessions cost a minimum of $20 per person per hour or off-peak at just $10 per person per hour, and all that money goes towards your food and drink.
Dungeons and Flagons
Stranger Things opened a whole new generation to the wonders of Dungeons & Dragons. Fortress Melbourne knows this all too well and to help everyone who wants to get involved, they’ve designated Sunday afternoons and evenings to the storytelling games.
All experience levels are welcome as well as solo players for what are self-contained, single-session adventures of around three hours. Fortress Melbourne will give you everything you need to play, such as stationary, a character sheet, and an expert Dungeon Master to guide you through the game. Entry also comes with a drink.
PC Gaming
Fortress Melbourne is famous for its LAN Lounge and range of PC Games. With the smooth and fast gameplay that every gamer desires, they’ll be over the moon playing League of Legends, Minecraft, CS:GO, Valorant and more on premium high-powered gear from Alienware. Sessions start at $24 for a two-hour game pass that includes full access to PC Games List and access to guest accounts for top paid games.
Fortress Melbourne is a home for all gamers; however, the venue is strictly 18+ age venue after 7pm.