About 45 Murray St
45 Murray Street is a heritage-listed event space and dance hall in Perth’s CBD. It’s housed in the former Young Australia League (YAL) building, a grand 1924 structure built as a World War I memorial (inherit.dplh.wa.gov.au ) (inherit.dplh.wa.gov.au ). The style is rare Inter-War Free Classical, featuring an imposing two-storey colonnaded façade and decorative parapets (inherit.dplh.wa.gov.au ). The building’s foyer still contains a small YAL museum preserving memorabilia of the League’s early years (www.belleproperty.com ) (inherit.dplh.wa.gov.au ). Today the basement hall (operated by Gilkisons Dance Studio) is one of the largest indoor venues in the city, with a polished timber dance floor and extensive sound and lighting equipment (gilkisons.com.au ) (www.spacetoco.com ). This mix of historic architecture and modern audio-visual gear gives 45 Murray St a unique character. Its lineage – from youth-patriot clubrooms to a 21st-century dance/entertainment venue – makes it a culturally significant Perth landmark.
Events and Programming
45 Murray St hosts a wide range of events, year-round. The core activity is social dancing: Gilkisons runs public Ballroom and Latin dance classes and weekly dance nights open to everyone. Social dance evenings occur almost every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, featuring music from jazz standards to top-40 hits (gilkisons.com.au ) (gilkisons.com.au ). Wednesday and Thursday socials have free entry, while Friday night dances charge a small cover (around $18 per person) (gilkisons.com.au ). These regular nights attract a mixed crowd of beginners through advanced dancers, all ages 18+, creating a friendly “big family” atmosphere on the hardwood floor.
Beyond the weekly socials, 45 Murray St is rented out for special events: dance parties, themed balls, corporate functions, training seminars and even weddings (www.spacetoco.com ). Popular annual events include Gilkisons’ famous Halloween Fest (a costumed dance party) and festive/ball nights. For example, the 2025 Halloween Fest featured a “Witching Hour” pre-sale ticket ($25), a late-deadline ticket ($35), and a door price of $45 (gilkisons.com.au ). Other themed nights (New Year’s Eve dances, anniversary parties and the like) are announced through the venue’s website and social media. Overall, event frequency is high – you’ll usually find something on most Fridays and many Saturdays. Many events are open to the public, while others (like private conferences or corporate launches) are sold as venue hires. Ticket prices vary: regular dance classes are affordable and sometimes include social-night entry, whereas large special events typically run $25–$45 per person (gilkisons.com.au ) (gilkisons.com.au ).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for 45 Murray St events are generally sold through official channels (the venue’s website or phone), and sometimes via box office on the night of the event. Regular social dance nights don’t require advance booking; you can usually just show up at the door. Weekday socials (Wed/Thu) are free, Friday nights cost about $18 (gilkisons.com.au ), and couples with active class enrollments often get free entry. For larger special events and themed parties, online tickets go on sale weeks in advance. Early booking is wise for popular events as they can sell out – for example, the Halloween party had limited early-release tickets and higher “door sales” price (gilkisons.com.au ). Door tickets are occasionally available (often at a higher price), but heavy demand can make booking ahead safer. Ticket prices are tiered by sale type: holiday-themed parties might start around $25 for early-bird wristbands up to $45 at the door (gilkisons.com.au ). There are no extra processing fees at the venue itself – just pay the advertised price.
Seating and Layout
The main event space is an open-plan hall with a vast polished wooden floor. There are no fixed seats; most furniture is movable or set along the edges. This gives a flexible “general admission” layout ideal for dancing and mingling. Guests can stand or bring their own chairs (stackable chairs or bar stools are typically placed around the perimeter). The sound & lighting rig is highly rated: Gilkisons advertises having “the largest and most up-to-date sound and lighting equipment,” creating a lively atmosphere for any event (gilkisons.com.au ). There is usually a stage or DJ booth at one end of the hall for live music or a DJ. From the floor you have clear sightlines to the stage and screens (if used). There is no official “best seat” — it’s mostly dance floor — but some patrons like to sit in the back or side corners against the wall for a breather or to watch without dancing. The ceiling is high and the hall is mostly brick, so acoustics can be lively (a slight echo). In practice, the venue’s sound system keeps music crisp.
Getting There and Parking
45 Murray Street is located at the eastern end of Murray Street in Perth’s CBD, right on the corner of Irwin Street (www.belleproperty.com ). The postcode is 6000. This puts it just east of the William Street intersection, near downtown offices, courts and the State Law Building. The closest train station is Perth (Central Station), which is about a 5–10 minute walk west along Hay/Murray Streets. Many Transperth bus routes run on nearby roads: buses on Murray, William and Wellington Streets pass within a block. The venue is also served by Perth’s free CAT (Central Area Transit) buses – the closest stop is the Cathedral (St Georges Terrace) or Perth Station – which are a short stroll away. Overall, as a heritage civic building at Murray’s end, it’s quite “well-connected” by public transport (www.belleproperty.com ).
For drivers, on-street parking is available around the block. The City of Perth allows paid street parking here (metered bays), and note that after-work hours are more lenient. According to venue information, much of the street parking around the studio becomes free after 6pm (gilkisons.com.au ). In addition, two large public car parks are within easy walking distance: the CPP-operated “Fire Station” car park between Murray and Hay (at 1 Murray St) and the CPP Pier Street car park (87-89 Pier St) (gilkisons.com.au ). Both are roughly a 3–5 minute walk and operate 24/7. Check the parking signs closely for time limits. Rideshare/drop-off is convenient: you can tell your driver to stop on Murray Street near the studio’s entrance, or on adjacent Irwin Street.
Inside the Venue
On arrival, guests enter through the historic ground-floor foyer, which still features original wood panels and the YAL museum display (www.belleproperty.com ). From there you proceed down into the large hall. It’s a licensed venue with ID checks for age-restricted events: remember to carry photo ID as all public dances are 18+ (gilkisons.com.au ). The staff maintain a friendly, secure atmosphere. There are no metal detectors or bag searches for normal events, but bags are subject to check especially for large functions. It’s wise to travel light – there is no coat-check room to store large luggage, and space for personal items is limited. Dancing-type attire is expected (casual-drink attire is fine; see Policies below) and shoes or boots may be changed more than on city streets.
Atmosphere inside is warm and social. The floor remains polished wood and guests mostly stand/dance; seating (if any) is along the sides. The lighting can range from bright studio lights during classes to club-style coloured lights and lasers for parties. The sound is generally loud and clear, thanks to the modern audio system. A sizeable fully licensed bar (serving beer, wine, spirits and cocktails) is set up inside (gilkisons.com.au ) (www.spacetoco.com ). Drink prices are typical for city venues. No outside alcohol or softdrinks are allowed in. Basic snacks (chicken nuggets, fries, etc.) and soft drinks may be available at bar for purchase on some nights. Restrooms are located on-site (near the foyer and hall). Unfortunately there is no Wi-Fi for guests (the venue’s heritage construction and licensing suggest digital connectivity is limited to staff networks).
Nearby Amenities
East Perth offers plenty of options for pre- or post-show dining and entertainment. Within a few blocks are cafes and casual eateries (for example, small Italian joints, sushi bars and cafes along King and Wellington Streets). Just across St Georges Terrace is The Westin’s Haldi restaurant (contemporary Indian cuisine) and its bar/lounge – a popular upscale choice. A block north on Murray is a casual burger pub and cafés. Northbridge, a vibrant dining/drinks precinct, begins just 5 minutes’ walk northwest; there you’ll find bars (e.g. The Aviary, Six Senses) and restaurants (Asian, Italian, modern Aussie). For after-show drinks close by, options include The Dominion League (self-pour craft beer hall) on Parliament Pl, or The Royal on William (speak-easy style bar), both easy walks.
Several hotels of all budgets are within walking distance. High-end: The Westin Perth (five-minute walk from Murray/Irwin) and the newer Novotel Perth Murray Street (literally on Murray St near Market St) (www.novotelperthmurraystreet.com.au ). Mid-range: Rendezvous Hotel (110 William St) and Ibis Styles Perth (King St) are a few blocks away. Budget: East Perth Suites and Metro Hotel (both on Wellington/Pier St) are cocky’s leaps.
On busy event nights (shows often start around 8.30pm), it’s wise to arrive at least 15–20 minutes early. The venue doors typically open just before start time (and earlier for sold-out events). Late-night public transport is available — Perth’s free CAT buses run loops until around midnight, and suburban trains depart Perth Station roughly until midnight each night. Rideshare and licensed cabs are plentiful in the CBD. Plan your return trip: as a late-night venue, the last trains can be taken safely from the city station or Elizabeth Quay hub.
What Makes This Venue Special
45 Murray Street is beloved for its unique blend of history and community spirit. Unlike generic function centres, it’s steeped in local heritage. Every corner of the building tells a story of Perth’s past – from the marble war memorial plaques down to the vintage wood-paneled foyer. This history isn’t just decorative; it shaped the social scene here. Having been the Young Australia League’s clubhouse, the venue embodies an old tradition of patriotism and youth development (inherit.dplh.wa.gov.au ). To this day, that legacy lives on in the welcoming community events it hosts. Credit is also due to the architect (Lionel Boas of Oldham Boas) who gave the façade its striking classical colonnade (inherit.dplh.wa.gov.au ). The stage and hall still carry fine original timber work and plaster details, a rare feature in modern Perth venues. Enthusiasts appreciate that Gilkisons kept the building’s character intact even as they modernized the interior lighting and sound.
For performers and artists, 45 Murray St has a special charm. It’s not a flashy big arena but a cosy dance studio-cum-hall where artists can get up close to an engaged audience. Live bands or DJs often praise the excellent acoustics and floor space for patrons. For DJs and dancers in the Latin/Ballroom scene, the sprung hardwood floor is a real luxury. Locals also feel proud to support a business that has promoted ballroom dancing for over 70 years – an institution of sorts (gilkisons.com.au ). In 2020s Perth, where many old dance halls have closed, 45 Murray St stands out as a rare surviving hub of social dance culture.
Culturally, the building’s roots give it ongoing significance. It still hosts the YAL museum on the ground floor, preserving paper memorabilia and trophies. This makes any visit feel partly like a mini-history lesson. Community groups occasionally book the hall for charity galas and cultural workshops, drawn by its vintage vibe. The venue has earned a reputation as a fun, eclectic meeting place – you might end up dancing the tango one month and attending a corporate presentation the next. All this – the heritage architecture, the local dance tradition, and a calendar full of lively events – combine to make 45 Murray St a truly special venue in Perth’s cultural life.
Visitor Tips and Information
Where is 45 Murray Street located and how do I get there?
The venue is at 45 Murray St in East Perth (corner of Irwin St). It’s near the eastern end of Murray Street in the CBD, a short walk from Perth Train Station (Central) and many bus stops on Murray/William Streets. Wheelchair access is not available due to stairs (www.spacetoco.com ). Use Google Maps or local transport planning tools for exact public transit directions.
Is parking available nearby?
Yes. Street parking surrounds the building and is usually metered; however, it becomes free after 6pm weekdays and all day on weekends (gilkisons.com.au ). For secure parking, two paid City of Perth car parks are very close by: the Fire Station CPP car park (at 1 Murray St) and the CPP Pier Street car park (87-89 Pier St) (gilkisons.com.au ). Both are only a few minutes’ walk. Plan enough time to find a space, especially on busy event nights.
What public transport goes to 45 Murray Street?
The area is well-served by buses on Murray, Wellington and William Streets, connecting with major routes across Perth. The Transperth Central Station (Perth Station) is about 600m away. Downtown CAT (free city bus) routes run nearby too. For specific directions, using Transperth’s journey planner or Moovit is best. In general, many regular buses stop within a block of the venue.
What is the capacity and layout?
The hall is large – about 550 people at maximum standing capacity (according to venue listings). There are no fixed seats. The polished wooden floor is mostly open for dancing or mingling. Chairs or low seating may line the walls, but you should expect to stand or move around. Large events may use additional chairs or high tables at the edges, but this is on a first-come basis. The spacious dance floor offers excellent visibility of the stage/DJ area from almost anywhere.
What are the ticket prices and how can I buy them?
Ticket prices vary by event. Weekly socials on Wed/Thu are free to attend, and Friday nights are about $18 per person (gilkisons.com.au ). Themed parties (Halloween, gala balls, etc.) range roughly $25–$45 depending on when you buy (early-bird vs door) (gilkisons.com.au ). Tickets can usually be booked online through the venue or by phoning the box office. If an event hasn’t sold out, you can also pay at the door (often at a higher “door price”).
Is there reserved seating or VIP areas?
Generally no – all events (dances, parties, etc.) are general admission. The venue is one large open hall, so there aren’t fixed VIP booths or reserved seats. For an event, staff may set aside a small corner or table area if pre-arranged (for example, a table for a birthday party), but unless you’ve booked that in advance as a private hire, consider it open seating: first-come, first-served.
What should I wear to an event here?
The dress code is neat casual. Generally avoid overly casual attire like shorts, flip-flops, thongs or caps (gilkisons.com.au ). Men often wear shirts, jeans or slacks and closed-toe shoes; women might wear dresses, skirts or smart pants. For themed events or costume parties there may be special requirements. As a dance venue, many guests choose comfortable shoes they can move in (but not trainers or empty sandals). The important thing is clean, tidy clothing – think smart-casual rather than a nightclub clubwear look.
Is there an age restriction?
Yes. All public social dance events and parties at 45 Murray are strictly 18+ (no minors) due to the licensed bar and zoning. Events are advertised as 18+ and photo ID is required for entry (gilkisons.com.au ). There are no all-ages performances here. If you are 17 or younger, you cannot enter unless it’s a private function where the organizer explicitly allows it (in which case a parent or guardian is typically required).
Can I bring my own food or drink into the venue?
No outside alcohol or beverages are allowed. This is a fully licensed venue, and drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, etc.) must be purchased at the bar (www.spacetoco.com ) (gilkisons.com.au ). Small snacks or water bottles for personal hydration are okay, but glass containers and large food trays are discouraged. There’s no kitchen for guest use. If you need a meal, it’s best to eat before coming – or diners can hit nearby restaurants before or after the event.
Are there any venue rules or prohibited items?
Yes. Common policies include: no illegal substances (per WA laws), no outside alcohol as above, and no cameras during some performances (use discretion). Gate staff may deny entry for overly casual or offensive attire. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas (not inside). Typical rules like "no pyrotechnics or weapons" of course apply. The venue reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone deemed intoxicated or unruly. In short: bring valid ID (for 18+), wear neat casual clothes, don’t carry large bags or prohibited goods, and respect the staff’s instructions.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately no. The venue is housed in a heritage building with stairs and no lift. There are no ramps or elevators to the basement hall (www.spacetoco.com ). Disabled guests or those needing step-free access will find it challenging, and wheelchair access is not available. When planning to meet friends, it’s best to note this limitation.
Is there a coat check or locker service?
No, there is no formal coat-check or locker room. Space is limited, so coats and bags must generally be kept with you in the hall. It’s best to travel light. Some patrons find spots along the wall or behind the DJ to stash a small bag or jacket, but do so at your own risk. For bulky items, consider asking cloakroom-style storage at a nearby establishment or leave things in your car.
Can children or pets accompany adults?
Children and pets are generally not permitted at evening events, since dances and parties are 18+ and the atmosphere is more of a nightclub/dance studio. Even if an event day has a “family hour,” it would be advertised in advance. For safety and licensing reasons, minors and animals should not be brought to the hall unless it’s a private, family-friendly function explicitly planned that way.
When should I arrive for an event?
We recommend arriving at least 15–20 minutes before showtime, especially if the event is popular or if you need to find parking. Doors often open promptly at the advertised start time, so early arrival ensures you’ll get through the queue and not miss anything. For free-entry nights, arriving late is usually okay; for ticketed events, arriving early can even snag a better spot near friends. It’s also wise to arrive before 6pm on weekdays if you’re driving, so you can take advantage of the free parking after 6pm (gilkisons.com.au ).
