Top 4 places to geek out in Melbourne

Melbourne has some pretty unique places hidden throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. But what if you just want a place to nerd out with some friends, well you just need to know where to look. This list has you covered from old school board games to new VR experiences, there is something here for everyone. 

Bartronica

Basement/335 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Tucked away down a set of stairs on Flinders Lane, and a five-minute walk from Flinders Street Station is the dimly lit Bartronica, a place where you can play Mario Kart all night without judgement. The newly renovated Bartronica has private booths fitted with old school consoles, where you can drink cocktails and eat food with friends while playing classic N64 games. If consoles aren’t your thing that’s okay, too, Bartronica has you covered, with tons of retro arcade machines from beat ’em up fighters to racing games. Don’t forget to check out their most famous game ‘Ice Cold Beer’ – one of only a handful in the world – customers come from all over the country (maybe even the world) to play this game. 

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq 

The District 440, 440 Docklands 

At the far end of Docklands right next to O’Brien Icehouse is Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Think Galactic Circus but bigger, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq has a lot of different areas and you can easily spend hours and hours exploring them all. Maybe you want to stay at the bowling alley, try some VR Arcade games or just go old school and win some tickets on Whack a Mole, this place has something for everyone. It is a family-friendly venue with a bar area for adults, too. If you’re looking for a quiet night out this might not be the place for you with a DJ keeping the vibe upbeat and energised – it really feels like a night at the Circus! 

Marche Board Game Cafe

63 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne  

If you’re a board game lover you either love this place or you’re crazy for not knowing about it. Hidden behind Melbourne Central is Marche Board Game Cafe, with a limitless supply of old and new games to try your hand at, from the quick fast-paced card games to larger, longer tabletop games you definitely will find something for the squad to enjoy. Oh, and did I mention Karaoke? No, well they have that too. With 16 private booths with songs from all around the world. Belt your favourite tunes in English, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Malaysian, Chinese … basically everything, you name the language they have it! With plenty of tables situated around the venue and food and drink menus to order from, Marche has a lovely lazy weekend atmosphere. 

Fortress

23 Caledonian Lane, Melbourne 

Australia’s biggest video games venue Fortress Melbourne lives up to its name. This place is huge and covers basically everything you could want if you call yourself a geek. This two-floor venue – each with its own bar – is split into two distinct interest types. With one level dedicated to pro gamers, streamers and Esports events this is definitely the more serious of the two floors. Then there is the second level. This floor covers board games, next-Gen consoles, retro arcades, movie nights, Dungeon and Dragon events, more gaming computer setups and a ye olde themed bar called ‘The Tavern’. The Tavern is a great place to bring friends and get caught up in the world they have created while playing your favourite games be it board or console. Much like Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, Fortress can be a little overwhelming in terms of its size and has a much more lively atmosphere. 

Images: Callum Needham