Events at Platform One, Melbourne

About Platform One

Platform One is a unique underground nightclub and events venue in Melbourne’s CBD, housed in the century-old Banana Alley brick vaults beneath Flinders Street Station. The vaulted tunnels were built around 1891–92 for railway freight (famously storing bananas) (grouptechnologies.com.au). After decades of disuse, Vaults 7 & 8 were completely converted into Platform One in 2001, opening to the public in 2002. Today, it’s known as one of Melbourne’s premier nightlife venues, blending historic architecture with modern clubbing (www.onlymelbourne.com.au) (grouptechnologies.com.au). The venue spans over 65 m of arched tunnel space from Flinders Street down to the Yarra River (grouptechnologies.com.au). Inside, the atmosphere is unmistakable: exposed brick arches, dim neon lighting, and an industrial-industrial vibe lend it a distinctive character. At full capacity Platform One can accommodate approximately 680 guests across its three rooms (platformone.com.au) (grouptechnologies.com.au). Signature features include a massive LED video wall in the main dance room and cascading addressable LED strips along the vaults that can fold the ambience into any color scheme (www.tagvenue.com) (grouptechnologies.com.au). The venue’s state-of-the-art sound setup (recently upgraded to NEXO loudspeakers and subwoofers) fills the space with deep bass, turning those brick tunnels into a booming nightclub hall (grouptechnologies.com.au) (platformone.com.au).

Events and Programming

Platform One’s calendar is packed with nightlife events across multiple genres. It runs themed club nights nearly every weekend: for example, the popular Kaotik Club on Fridays features two rooms of music (one spinning Latin beats, the other R&B/House) (platformone.com.au). Sundays are often all about hip-hop, R&B and Afro-centric dance music at Caramel Sundays (platformone.com.au). A newer series called Stamina specialises in hard techno/hard bounce on select Saturdays, complete with “festival-grade NEXO sound, 3 km of neon and production built for the world stage” (platformone.com.au). Beyond club nights, the venue periodically hosts live music and DJ showcases. In recent years it has seen international DJs headline events (for example, trap/house stars like Dillon Francis, Jauz, UZ and Oski performed in 2016 (www.concertarchives.org)). It also accommodates local band shows and themed series (notably a 2018 post-hardcore event with Hellions) (www.concertarchives.org). Ticket prices vary: casual club nights often offer free or cheap entry (especially before 11 pm), while bigger name shows have doorsales and presales. For instance, a DJ event by Grammy-nominated artist Masego was ticketed around A$64 (ra.co). Generally expect small cover charges ($10–$20) on busy weekends and higher fares for major guest acts. Events typically start around 9–10 pm and run until the early hours (the late-night liquor licence goes to 5 am) (grouptechnologies.com.au) (platformone.com.au). Because Platform One’s vibe is driven by dancing and music, nights are often high-energy affairs riding the latest club hits. A strict smart-casual dress code keeps the scene polished, and promotions occasionally offer VIP booth packages or birthday perks (for example, free entry for you plus two friends and drink vouchers if you arrive early on your birthday (platformone.com.au)).

Tickets and Booking

Entry is typically sold at the door on event nights, with payment accepted by cash or card (platformone.com.au). On most nights you don’t need to purchase tickets online in advance: arriving early is enough to get on the guest list or pay the cover charge. For high-demand events (major DJs, launches or themed parties), advance tickets may be available through local outlets; check the venue’s social media or event listings. Prices are announced well ahead of time; as an example, an advance ticket for a recent headline event ran around $60–$70 (ra.co). If a big show sells out, there is occasionally a limited door ticket release (first-come basis from 10 pm). There is no permanent box office at the club — just the general admission line at the entry. However, Platform One does take table/booth reservations for groups and birthdays: these usually require a minimum spend (details are handled by the venue staff directly). For popular shows, booking or lining up early is recommended, as sold-out events are common. In summary: look for event announcements, plan ahead for major nights, and be prepared to queue at the door or pay cover on arrival.

Seating and Layout

Platform One’s interior is divided into three connected vault-tunnels, often referred to as the Main Room, Front Room and Back Room. The Main Room is the largest space (the “left vault”) with the DJ booth at one end, a big open dance floor, and lounge seating along the sides (www.tagvenue.com). For hire purposes it can seat up to ~280 people or hold 500 standing (www.tagvenue.com). The Front Room (near the street entrance) is more intimate, hosting its own DJs and bar for ~30–100 guests (www.tagvenue.com). The Back Room (the furthest area) is a private lounge/DJ space with its own minibar, fitting about 30 seated or 120 standing (www.tagvenue.com). Generally the venue is flat-floor, so there are no fixed theatre seats – it’s mostly general admission or cocktail tables. If you want the best view or sound, standing near the dance floor in the Main Room puts you right at the DJ’s feet; alternatively, many people find good vantage from the raised platforms and lounges just behind the front railing. The sound and visuals are impressive everywhere: a massive LED wall in the main room adds immersive graphics (www.tagvenue.com), and the answer can be seen and heard from most corners. Note the acoustics: the curved brick ceiling can make the bass carry strongly, so the sound is very loud in the main area (consider earplugs if you’re sensitive). One advantage of the layout is multiple bars and sightlines — you can step into the Front Room or Back Room for a breather or smaller crowd. On busy nights, try to avoid standing right at the bar lines to keep dancing space free. VIP booths (booked in advance) offer upstairs seating and bottle service, if that VIP experience is important.

Getting There and Parking

Platform One is located at Vaults 7 & 8, Banana Alley, 375 Flinders Street, Melbourne 3000 (platformone.com.au). It’s essentially beneath and just west of Flinders Street Station. By public transport it’s extremely convenient: exit from the platforms at Flinders Street Station (the station itself is a major hub for all metro trains and regional lines), then walk a minute or two along Flinders Street to the Banana Alley tunnel entrance. Tram routes 70, 75, 86 and the City Circle service run along Flinders and Spencer Streets, within a short stroll of the club. Note that Flinders Street is in Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone (no ticket needed once you’re in the CBD). If driving, street parking in the CBD is very limited and metered. A better option is nearby paid parking: for example, Secure Parking’s multi-level garage at 376 Flinders Street (underneath the building next door) is a 24/7 lot with disability access (www.secureparking.com.au). Its flat rate is around $18 for 24 hours (www.firstparking.com.au). Another large ramp is at 300 Flinders Street, which charges roughly $14–$18 for an overnight (its daily flat rate is ~$18 (www.firstparking.com.au)). In any case, budget at least $20–30 for parking. You can also take a taxi or rideshare: drop-offs on Flinders Street right by the alley or on Queensbridge Street (one block south) are common. On busy late nights, plan your trip home – city trains run after midnight only on weekends (Night Network buses cover some early morning hours), and trams stop around midnight on Fridays/Saturdays (and earlier on other nights).

Inside the Venue

Upon entry to Platform One, you’ll find a lively club atmosphere. Security staff check IDs at the door (no one under 18 admitted) and enforce the dress code (platformone.com.au). Be prepared to show a photo ID (driver’s licence or passport). The dress code is strictly smart casual/formal – think collared shirts and dressier attire – so avoid sportswear, shorts and baseball caps. Inside, you can check jackets and large bags ($5 per item) at the cloakroom (platformone.com.au). The lighting is dramatic: flashing strobes, laser and RGB LEDs highlight the Victorian brickwork, with a central LED graphic wall as a focal point (www.tagvenue.com). Fog machines and neon signs add to the vibe. The sound system is designed to fill these brick tunnels – recent upgrades mean the bass is tight and powerful all night (grouptechnologies.com.au). Bars are located in each room (the Main Room bar serves beers, spirits and mixed drinks; smaller bars exist in the Front and Back Rooms for convenience). Standard nightclub-priced drinks are available (e.g. a beer or spirit mixer in the mid-$10s, cocktails higher). There is no full meal kitchen – during big events you might see finger-food platters or canapé service, but typically it’s just drinks and bar snacks. Bathrooms (separate men’s and women’s) are accessed off the lounges in each section. Mobile reception is decent even below ground, but there’s usually no venue Wi-Fi, so it’s wise to communicate travel arrangements in advance. The club has a dedicated outdoor smoking terrace at the far end, overlooking the Yarra River (platformone.com.au). This terrace also happens to be the exit down to a small jetty on the water – on occasion the club even incorporates boat arrivals. Overall, expect welcoming staff and a safe environment. People often remark on the friendly service (the management prides itself on professional staff (www.venuebat.com.au)). Just remember: once you leave, re-entry is generally not permitted, and cameras beyond phone selfies are discouraged during shows without permission.

Nearby Amenities

Platform One sits in a very central spot beside Flinders Street Station, so a host of eateries, bars and hotels are within easy reach. For pre-show dining, you’ll find anything from grab-and-go cafes by the station to full-service restaurants. One block north is the legendary Young & Jackson pub, and along Florence/Degraves Streets (2–3 minutes’ walk) are dozens of eclectic laneway cafes and Asian eateries. Flinders Lane (a couple of blocks south) is lined with trendy restaurants, wine bars and pubs. If you prefer a refined sit-down dinner, the Crown Casino complex and Southbank precinct lie just across the river, with multiple restaurants and the Crown Casino itself (a short tram ride away from Flinders). After the show, the CBD offers 24-hour transport options: the free city trams in Melbourne’s CBD continue running until midnight, and late-night train and bus services (Night Network) operate on weekends. For overnight stays, several hotels on and around Flinders Street are convenient, including the Rendezvous (at Queensbridge/Flinders) and nearby CBD hotels. If you need a late snack or drink after midnight, there are various bottle shops and food outlets near the station that stay open late. In summary, you can easily grab dinner within a 5–10 min walk any time before your event, and find taxis, trams or trains for a safe ride home afterward.

What Makes This Venue Special

Platform One’s blend of history and nightlife makes it truly one-of-a-kind. It’s rare to party in a 120-year-old arched brick tunnel, and many locals and visitors cite the dramatic industrial setting as the main draw. Being heritage-listed, the Banana Alley Vaults have a story of their own – and the club’s takes pride in preserving that character even as it operates a modern, high-tech nightspot (grouptechnologies.com.au) (www.venuebat.com.au). Culturally, Platform One has been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s club scene for over 20 years (grouptechnologies.com.au). Early in the 2000s it hosted what were then cutting-edge EDM nights (for example, local promoters ran massive "Infusion" and "P1 Saturdays" parties here), and newer generations have kept that legacy alive. Importantly, it’s kept a relatively unpretentious and inclusive vibe despite its low-key façade (www.onlymelbourne.com.au). Artists and locals alike love the space; the current owners say it was designed as a “new standard of excellence in service entwining a great historical facility” (www.venuebat.com.au). Its proximity to Flinders Station and the river jetty also feed into its uniqueness – imagine walking off your train, descending to the river, and dancing in an old tunnel lit by neon. On special occasions, even boats arrive by the Yarra at the club’s back door. All these elements – the rock-solid sound system, the neon light show on brick, the heritage arches, and the sense of an insider’s underground party – combine to create an atmosphere unlike any other club in Melbourne.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The venue is largely at street level inside the tunnels, but keep in mind these are old arches. Visitors with mobility issues should plan ahead; fortunately, nearby parking at 376 Flinders has disability access (www.secureparking.com.au). Look for ramps at the entrance if needed and expect some narrow passages. Wheelchair users may wish to call ahead and discuss accommodations with staff.
What to Bring: Valid photo ID (18+ only), cash or card for entry and bar, and a small bag if needed. Shoes are a must (no bare feet or thongs). Portfolios or large backpacks are discouraged – a cloakroom is available, but be prepared to pay $5/item (platformone.com.au). Earplugs can help if you’re sensitive to loud music.
Dress Code: Follow the club’s formal smart-casual rule (platformone.com.au). Men typically wear a collared shirt or smart tee; women might opt for dresses, skirts or neat pants. Avoid jerseys, sport shorts, gym wear, singlets or caps. If in doubt, lean dressier – the bouncers are firm about it.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t arrive too late if you want in – some popular nights fill up by midnight. Security can refuse entry to intoxicated or badly dressed patrons. Never try to sneak in outside drinks or cameras. Although Flinders Street Station is adjacent, the actual club entrance is at street level in Banana Alley, so watch your step on the cobbles and look for the “Vault 7/8 Platform One” signs.
Age Restrictions: No one under 18 is admitted, even as a guest. This is strictly enforced. Diverse crowd: some nights are very mixed in age and style (especially R&B/Hip-Hop nights); others skew younger (techno/house nights).
Insider Tip: If you’re celebrating a birthday, filling out the club’s birthday form in advance can score you free entry for yourself and two friends, plus drink vouchers (platformone.com.au) (just arrive by 10:30 pm to claim them). If you want a guaranteed spot, consider reserving a VIP booth or getting on the guest list early. Also, platformone.com.au and Instagram (PlatformOneNightclub) regularly post event flyers – check them to find any guest DJs or special promo nights. Finally, arrive a bit earlier to enjoy the atmosphere before the rush: many local regulars love hanging by the riverfront terrace for a pre-dance chat at sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions