Description

From the earliest days of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, its location has offered a place of gathering, shared experience and belonging.

One of the last remaining Art Deco-period sporting clubhouses in Victoria, the building occupies a partly-reclaimed site granted Permissive Occupancy as a Free Grant Site in September 1895. The first clubhouse was built in 1905, designed by a member, J.P. Kennison, and was one of the first on-site sporting clubhouses in Australia. A second clubhouse was built in 1926, with the foundation stone laid by the Governor-General at the time, Lord Stonehaven.

The current building was extensively renovated and sensitively extended in 1996, with significant investment made to preserve its heritage character. This careful stewardship ensures the continuity of place, where past and present sit comfortably together and the building continues to serve its community with care and respect.

What's On

The impressive entrance and staircase have welcomed Royal and Vice Regal visitors, including Prince Philip during the 1956 Olympic Games. Today, guests are welcomed in the same generous spirit. Visitors will be guided through the building’s layered history, past heritage items such as the WW1 warship HMAS Sydney ship’s wheel and the original 1956 Olympic flag, before ascending to the rooftop for panoramic views of Melbourne, the marina, St Kilda, and the new St Kilda Pier. Member-led tours will conclude in the renewed Olympic Lounge, featuring the original 1956 Olympic scoreboard.

Children's Activities

Learn how to tie different mariner's knots!