About 240 King St
240 King Street in Melbourne’s CBD is a multi-level entertainment venue combining a heritage pub/restaurant and a large nightclub. The address houses The Colonial Hotel (a wide-ranging bar and eatery) and the multi-room nightclub Brown Alley (often branded “Levels” on event flyers) (misskingstreet.wordpress.com) (www.onlymelbourne.com.au). It’s a bluestone building with a heritage listing – originally an 1850s bonded warehouse designed by architect Leonard Terry (vhd-dr.heritage.vic.gov.au) (vhd-dr.heritage.vic.gov.au). With its Victorian-era façade and modern interior, the venue is both historically significant and central to the city’s nightlife. The club side spans three levels and four distinct dance rooms (with a total capacity of about 1,200 people) (www.onlymelbourne.com.au) (www.brownalley.com), making it one of the largest late-night venues in Melbourne. Notable features include 24-hour licensing (allowing around-the-clock events) and high-end sound systems in each room (www.onlymelbourne.com.au) (www.brownalley.com). Overall, 240 King Street is notable for its mix of old and new – a classic pub setting downstairs and cutting-edge club culture upstairs – that gives it a unique place in Melbourne’s live music and nightlife scene.
Events and Programming
240 King Street hosts a wide range of events, mainly focused on late-night club nights. The venue’s “Levels Melbourne” brand typically puts on Saturday night dance parties with multiple DJs and genres. A typical Levels event covers three floors of the venue: for example, recent promotions list an “Upstairs” room playing R&B/Hip-Hop/Trap, a “Downstairs” room with house, trance, hard techno and hardstyle, and an open-air “Garden Bar” spinning house and techno (www.eventbrite.com.au). In practice, this means one party can simultaneously feature hip-hop and electronic dance music under the same roof. The club has hosted many local and international DJs – one event cited local “homegrown” talent like Sector 3, Skyla, CHOCO and STUDE across three levels (www.eventbrite.com.au). In addition to regular dance nights, 240 King Street occasionally stages special live events. For instance, it once hosted a “360° Boiler Room XI” festival, part of the global Boiler Room series (www.eventbrite.com.au). The venue has a reputation for electronic and underground music; a promotional description even calls Brown Alley (the nightclub space) “Melbourne’s premiere underground club” that has “hosted the world’s best DJs, bands and electronic acts” (tickets.oztix.com.au). The Colonial Hotel side also features entertainment, with live music acts or sports screenings on quieter nights and a calendar of themed parties. Overall, visitors can expect up to several events per week, anchored by the busy Saturday club nights. Ticket prices vary by event but typically fall in the $20–50 range (with cheaper early-bird or pre-sale tickets around $20–30 and higher door prices up to $40–50 for major shows) (www.ticketfairy.com).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for events at 240 King Street are sold in advance or at the door. Organizers usually announce events on the venue’s website and social media, with tickets released a few weeks ahead of show dates. Because popular gigs sell out quickly, it’s wise to buy early. Pre-sale or advance tickets often run around A$20–30, while last-minute or door tickets can be higher (roughly A$40–50 for big shows) (www.ticketfairy.com). Many nights offer general admission only, but some club shows have VIP or table packages available. If tickets remain on the night of the event, door sales are generally offered – just be prepared to pay by cash or card at the door (www.ticketfairy.com). In short, for best availability and price, book as soon as tickets go on sale. If an event is sold out online, some visitors still get tickets by arriving early at the box office or door. There is no third-party ticketing or resale on-site, so stick to official channels or the door. (The Colonial Hotel also has a restaurant reservation line, but special events are generally ticketed separately.)
Seating and Layout
240 King Street’s layout is designed for standing-room dance parties, not fixed seating. The main sections are open dancefloors and bars – there is no traditional theatre-style seating. The nightclub portion consists of four rooms spread over three levels. The largest is the Main Room (on a lower level) with a D&B Audiotechnik sound system and a wide open dance floor (www.brownalley.com). Another area, called the Blights Bar, offers a smaller underground dance space (also D&B-equipped) (www.brownalley.com). The Garden Bar is an open-air terrace with Funktion-One speakers (www.brownalley.com). The Colonial Hotel’s street-level bars (sometimes called “Club Soda” and “Rats” in listings) are chiefly pub/lounge areas rather than seated theatres. For most events, guests stand on the dance floor or lounge near bars; a handful of bar stools or bench seats may be available along walls, but the emphasis is on mingling and dancing. There are typically a few elevated VIP booths or tables that can be reserved (with bottle service), mainly overlooking the main areas. Viewing-wise, the best spots depend on preference: the front and center of any dance floor puts you close to the DJ and sound system, whereas side areas by the bars or the mezzanine give a more relaxed perch (though possibly worse sightlines). The garden terrace offers a more spacious vibe but is partly exposed to weather. In general, acoustics are strong throughout (high-quality pro audio in every room) (www.brownalley.com) (www.brownalley.com), so sound levels are uniform. Those sensitive to bass may prefer to stay a bit back from the main speakers. The main room’s central location and large dancefloor make it a popular spot, while sides and upstairs areas are quieter. In sum, almost every spot has good sound, but personal preference (dance floor vs. lounge) dictates where each guest will enjoy themselves most.
Getting There and Parking
240 King Street is centrally located at the corner of King and Lonsdale Streets in Melbourne’s CBD. For public transit, it’s highly accessible. Southern Cross Station is just a 5-minute walk east (about 500 m away), with nationwide train and Skybus services. Melbourne’s free tram zone covers nearby streets: Tram routes 57, 59 and 58 run along Lonsdale Street (stops at King/Lonsdale) and Elizabeth Street, each a short stroll. Tram 19 on Elizabeth also stops at King. On weekends trams run late – ideal for post-show travel. By taxi or rideshare, drop-offs can be arranged directly on King or Lonsdale Streets at the front of the venue. If driving, note that street parking is limited and metered. Some public car parks are nearby (for example, multi-level car parks on Lonsdale Street or adjacent lanes), but prices can be high in the CBD. One source mentions “free parking” for events (www.eventbrite.com.au), but in reality inexpensive parking is rare downtown. It’s usually faster to use public transit, ride-share or pay-parking facilities. For those walking or cycling from within the CBD, there are bike racks along King Street and pedestrian crossings at the intersection. In summary, public transport (especially trams and Southern Cross trains) is the easiest way to reach 240 King Street; ensure to allow time for workers or vehicles in the busy CBD during peak hours.
Inside the Venue
Upon entering 240 King Street, guests find a casual industrial-vibe interior. The Colonial Hotel portion (street level) feels like an old pub with modern updates – dark timber and stone walls from its heritage origins, filled with comfortable lounge seating, dining tables and a restaurant bar (misskingstreet.wordpress.com) (www.thecolonialhotel.com.au). For evening events, expect ID checks at the entrance (as the venue operates as a licenced club after dusk). Dress is informal (no strict code), though neat casual is typical; patrons often wear smart-casual clothes. The night-time club areas downstairs are dimly lit with coloured lighting and plenty of open space. Security staff screen bags and IDs on busy nights. Once inside the club, there are multiple bars spread through the venue. Each room has its own full-service bar (with a wide drinks selection, from beers and wines to spirits and cocktails). During special events, drink prices are average for Melbourne city clubs (usually starting from $8–$10 for a beer or basic cocktail). If you get hungry, note that the Colonial’s kitchen serves pub fare until 9:30pm (steaks, burgers, pizzas and more) (www.thecolonialhotel.com.au) (www.thecolonialhotel.com.au), which is convenient for early dinners or late snacks. After hours though, food options close and service focuses on drinks only. Restrooms are located on each level near the bars (follow signs); the main level has unisex and accessible toilets. There’s no traditional cloakroom, so guests typically keep coats with them or draped over chairs. Seating is limited to bar stools and lounge areas – most of the nightclub expects standing or dancing. Wi-Fi is not advertised as available, so cellular coverage is the main connectivity. Throughout the venue, the atmosphere is lively and energetic: casual conversations or shouting over music, pulsing dance lights, and the steady thump of bass. Overall, inside you’ll enjoy live DJs or music on high-end sound systems, friendly bar staff, and an urban nightlife vibe reflective of Melbourne’s inner-city culture.
Nearby Amenities
The area around 240 King Street (often called the “West End” or “New York end” of the city) offers many amenities. The complex itself includes The Colonial Hotel’s restaurant and bar space, which is a popular lunch and dinner spot. For pre-show dining or post-show drinks nearby, there are numerous choices. A block away on Lonsdale and Spencer Streets you’ll find sports bars (e.g. the Rush and Irish Times pubs), Asian eateries and casual cafes. Chinatown (to the south) and hardware/casino laneways (to the east) are within a 5-10 minute walk, offering a wide range of Asian and world cuisine. Marvel Stadium (home of sports and concerts) is just 800m north, so you can easily pair a game or concert there with a drink at 240 King. Surrounding King and Lonsdale streets are multiple hotels and hostels – from big chains near Southern Cross Station (such as Rydges and Ibis) to boutique lodging in converted Victorian buildings. For late-night rides home, there are taxi ranks at Southern Cross Station and rideshare points nearby. Captioned in local guides as “a vibrant foodie, music and lifestyle haven” (www.thecolonialhotel.com.au), the neighbourhood stays busy into the early hours with trams running on Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets (most run until midnight or later on weekends). In short, whether you want a sit-down meal before the event or a quick coffee and snack, 240 King’s block is rich with cafes, restaurants, and bars to enjoy before or after your visit.
What Makes This Venue Special
240 King Street stands out for blending rich history with modern club culture. It occupies a rare heritage-listed building – a mid-19th-century bluestone warehouse at the corner of King and Lonsdale (originally built for merchant Charles Cleve in 1854) (vhd-dr.heritage.vic.gov.au) (vhd-dr.heritage.vic.gov.au). The exposed stone walls and the commemorative plaque at its entrance cue its past as a bonded store. Yet inside the venue has a cutting-edge club setup with multiple high-tech sound systems (D&B and Funktion-One) and lighting rigs. Culturally, it’s one of Melbourne’s only licensed 24-hour-entertainment precincts, celebrated in guides as “Melbourne’s premiere underground club” for electronic dance music (tickets.oztix.com.au). It has hosted major international acts and underground parties; even global brands like Boiler Room have taken place here (www.eventbrite.com.au). The combination of four distinct party rooms (from an intimate basement bar to a rooftop garden terrace) makes it feel like several nightclubs in one. Locals and visiting artists alike praise it for its sound quality, capacity (up to ~1200) (www.onlymelbourne.com.au) and unpretentious vibe. In sum, what makes 240 King Street special is its unique character: it’s a slice of colonial Melbourne architecture that now throbs with modern music, offering an all-in-one entertainment experience you won’t find elsewhere in the city (misskingstreet.wordpress.com) (tickets.oztix.com.au).
Visitor Tips and Information
Plan to arrive early (by 10–10:30pm for late-night events) to beat crowding at the door. Always bring valid photo ID – the venue strictly enforces the 18+ age rule after 6pm. Dress is casual – most people wear jeans and shirts, though avoid overly formal attire (no suits or ties needed for most club nights). Be prepared for security checks: large bags or outside food/drink aren’t allowed inside. On busy nights, coat-check is not guaranteed, so carry only essentials. If you want a guaranteed spot or seating, consider getting to the bar area early or booking a VIP booth in advance (via the venue). The music can be very loud in club areas; bring earplugs if you’re sensitive. The venue is wheelchair-accessible on the main floor, but note that the upper nightclub levels require stairs (ask staff for assistance or lift access if needed). Cash and cards are accepted at bars, but some drinks lines can be long – small change can speed things up. And since the venue’s restaurant closes around 9:30pm (www.thecolonialhotel.com.au), eat beforehand if you want a full meal. Finally, check parking rules: on-street parking is metered after hours. Subscribing to the venue’s social media is a good way to catch last-minute gigs or deals. By keeping these tips in mind, visitors can focus on enjoying the music and ambience that make 240 King Street such an iconic Melbourne nightspot.
