About The Timber Yard
The Timber Yard is a massive converted industrial complex in Port Melbourne (351 Plummer St) (thetimberyard.com.au ). Built on the site of a former timber storage and fabrication yard, it opened in early 2019 (after debuting with a 2018 AFL Christmas party) (themusic.com.au ). The founders (former Petting Zoo festival producers) spent three years remaking the dilapidated factory into a high-capacity event space (themusic.com.au ) (thetimberyard.com.au ). Today it’s a landmark 6,000 m² venue designed around “recycling, upcycling and togetherness” (thetimberyard.com.au ) (themusic.com.au ). With a capacity for roughly 1,500 standing guests (checkcheck.com.au ), The Timber Yard combines raw Melbourne industrial charm (hand-hewn beams, open-air courtyard) with sleek modern upgrades. As one reviewer noted, it offers “all the bells and whistles of a Palladium, but a unique Australian Melbourne feel” – essentially an industrial-meets-premium party space (themusic.com.au ) (thetimberyard.com.au ).
Events and Programming
The Timber Yard’s calendar mixes world-class live music with large-scale corporate and community events. Weekends typically feature DJ-led dance parties and club-style shows (mostly electronic, house and techno) (checkcheck.com.au ) (themusic.com.au ), while weekdays often see corporate conferences, brand launches, weddings or gala dinners. Over the past few years it has hosted top international acts – from Four Tet and Basement Jaxx (DJ set) to Fred again.., Young Marco, Folamour, STÜM, Honey Dijon and Meduza (themusic.com.au ) (checkcheck.com.au ). For example, in 2024 a spontaneously announced Fred again.. pop-up show sold out within hours (checkcheck.com.au ). Specialty events like food and drink festivals (e.g. craft gin expos) and arts markets are also held in the sprawling outdoor Yard area. Because The Timber Yard is bookable for hire, festival promoters and brands use it for one-off showcases too. Ticket prices vary widely by event and performer, but big EDM and festival-style shows often range from moderate to premium (headliners commonly $80–$150+) in general admission (themusic.com.au ) (checkcheck.com.au ).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for public events are sold through official channels – usually the event promoter’s website, authorized ticketing outlets or the venue’s own listings. There is no permanent box-office counter open daily; some shows do allow limited door sales if not sold out. It’s best to subscribe to mailing lists or follow the venue’s social media to get announcements of on-sale dates. Popular events can sell out rapidly. (checkcheck.com.au ) If you miss the first sale, watch for second releases or resale but beware of unofficial sellers. Ticket costs depend on the act and format (general admission vs. VIP, earlybird vs. standard), so check each event page. Group and corporate bookings are sometimes available directly for private functions.
Seating and Layout
The Timber Yard’s layout is extremely flexible. Its six main areas can be set up in cocktail, classroom or theatre format as needed. The heart of the complex is The Warehouse – a huge open-plan hall with 6 m ceilings – which accommodates about 1,500 standing (or roughly 1,100 in seated theatre style) (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). Adjacent to that is The Yard , a lush turf-covered courtyard perfect for outdoor events (up to ~1,000 standing (www.thetimberyard.com.au )). The Wood Store is a long covered hall (100–250 seated) for expos or banquets (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). A smaller indoor Workshop room (up to ~150 standing) sits alongside, often used for breakouts, cloakrooms or merchandise stalls (thetimberyard.com.au ) (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). Two upstairs meeting/greenroom spaces offer VIP lounges or dressing rooms (about 50 and 15 capacity each) (www.thetimberyard.com.au ) (thetimberyard.com.au ). In practice, live music events usually use the Warehouse floor for general admission standing; seats or tables are only added for seated shows or corporate dinners.
The Warehouse: Main hall. Open-plan and configurable to any stage orientation, with movable dancefloor/trench, bar stations and floor space for up to 1,500 people (www.thetimberyard.com.au ).The Yard: Grassed outdoor area. Equipped with umbrellas and cocktail furniture, it suits large outdoor gatherings up to ~1,000 people (www.thetimberyard.com.au ).The Wood Store: Covered hall ideal for conferences or banquets (approx. 100–250 seated (www.thetimberyard.com.au )).The Workshop: Small function room, often used for backup space or as a cloak/merch area before 8pm (thetimberyard.com.au ) (www.thetimberyard.com.au ).Meeting Rooms 1 & 2: Upstairs suites for VIP or artist use, with seating for ~50 and ~15. They overlook the Warehouse (glass windows) and double as private dressing rooms or boardrooms (www.thetimberyard.com.au ) (thetimberyard.com.au ).
Getting There and Parking
The Timber Yard sits in Port Melbourne’s west industrial precinct. By car it’s a quick 5–10 minute drive from the city (Melbourne CBD is about 10 minutes away (www.thetimberyard.com.au )). The address is 351 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207 (thetimberyard.com.au ). For private vehicles, the venue provides about 30 paved spaces on its service driveway (mostly for suppliers and VIPs) (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). Street parking is plentiful: there are 200+ unmetered spaces lining Plummer and Smith Streets nearby (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). However, these fill up quickly on event nights, so it’s wise to arrive early or carpool. Rideshare or taxis can drop patrons right at the main gate on Plummer Street (there is a marked drop-off lane) (www.thetimberyard.com.au ).
For public transport, buses are most convenient. Routes 234 and 235 run down Plummer Street and stop within a 3–5 minute walk of the venue (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). (They connect to the CBD and Southern Cross Station.) There is no train station at Port Melbourne – some visitors take Tram 109 to the Bay Street terminus, then the short bus ride down to Plummer. Always check the latest public transit schedules; Melbourne’s tram and train network operates until about midnight on weekdays (with NightBus services later on weekends). Airport transfers take about 20–25 minutes by taxi or ride-share (www.thetimberyard.com.au ).
Inside the Venue
The Timber Yard is built for high-production events and is packed with technical and guest amenities:
Audio/Visual: Its in-house PA is a D&B audiotechnik line-array system with distributed speakers – essentially one of the state’s most advanced sound setups (themusic.com.au ). The venue also features a permanent 9 m×3 m high-resolution LED stage screen (themusic.com.au ) and a ceiling grid of over 100 moving spot and wash lights (themusic.com.au ). Heavy acoustic improvements (two layers of 200 mm insulation in the roof) keep the sound crisp and controlled (themusic.com.au ).Climate Control: The Warehouse hall is fully air-conditioned and heated via ducted HVAC (www.thetimberyard.com.au ), so indoor events are comfortable year-round, regardless of Melbourne’s changeable weather.Backstage & Green Rooms: There are multiple artist dressing rooms and VIP lounges. Two large greenroom suites upstairs overlook the main floor (thetimberyard.com.au ). The Workshop space often doubles as a merch or cloakroom before showtime (thetimberyard.com.au ).Food & Drink: Multiple bars are set up inside the venue for events (staffed by on-site bartenders). Outside, there is a designated food-truck area and chill-out plaza for festival-style catering (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). (External caterers are welcome for private hires.)Facilities: Modern permanent restrooms (no longer portable toilets) are provided (themusic.com.au ). High-speed wired and Wi-Fi internet (1,000 Mbps) is available throughout the venue (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). Event furniture – such as 40 wooden tables and 400 Tolix chairs – is included for corporate bookings (www.tagvenue.com ).Logistics: The site is fully equipped for professional setups: it has a 7 m wide loading gate (no height limit) (www.thetimberyard.com.au ), an on-site forklift and scissor lift for loading tricky gear, multiple 3-phase electrical circuits, and a 150 kVA generator that can be hired if extra power is needed (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). A venue manager and basic security staff attend every event as part of the service (www.tagvenue.com ).
Nearby Amenities
While The Timber Yard itself is in a light-industrial area, there are dining and lodging options a short drive or walk away. Roughly 1–1.5 km north along Bay Street (Port Melbourne’s main strip) you’ll find a cluster of cafes, pubs and bistros for pre-show meals or drinks. The immediate area has an IGA supermarket and a couple of family restaurants. Discover Docklands and Southbank (with dozens of bars and restaurants) are only a 5–10 minute drive away.
For overnight guests, the Pullman Melbourne on the Park (near Albert Park) is about 6–7 minutes by car (www.thetimberyard.com.au ), and most CBD hotels (e.g. Crown Promenade, in Southbank) are within 10–15 minutes’ driving. There are a few small apartment hotels around Port Melbourne and Albert Park, but many attendees simply stay in the city and commute in.
Arrival Tip: Traffic can be busy on Bay Street near 4–5 pm, so allow extra time. It’s also wise to arrive ~30 minutes before showtime to get through security and find parking. After late-night events, taxi or rideshare pick-ups are easiest from Bay Street. (For example, tram 109’s Bay Street terminus is about a 10–15 minute walk north for return trips.)
What Makes This Venue Special
Several factors set The Timber Yard apart from other Melbourne venues. Architecturally, it’s a raw, weathered warehouse infused with urban-rustic character – polished concrete floors, exposed steel beams and conventional shipping containers repurposed as VIP booths – yet it now boasts cutting-edge production gear (thetimberyard.com.au ) (themusic.com.au ). Culturally, it was built by locals who understood the club/festival community, so it feels authentic to Melbourne’s music scene, not corporate or sterile. Its sheer size and flexibility are unique: under one roof (and open yard), you can run a 1500-person rave one day, then set up a black-tie awards dinner the next. In fact, corporate clients loved it precisely because it offered “all the bells and whistles…of a Palladium, but with] a unique Melbourne feel” ([themusic.com.au ). Finally, its location – near the bay but only 10 minutes from the city center (www.thetimberyard.com.au ) – means you get a festival vibe without being miles out in the suburbs. Regular patrons praise the venue for its friendly staff, seamless logistics and the novelty of partying in what used to be a timber yard.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is mostly flat and wheelchair-friendly. A special drop-off and limited disabled parking are available at the Plummer St entrance (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). From there, all key areas (bars, restrooms, main floor) are on the same level. The Warehouse ceiling is about 6 m high, so hearing assistance kits or earplugs may be a good idea for sensitive ears on loud nights.Baggage and Coat Check: There is no large checked-bag storage or permanent coatroom, so bring only essentials. Smaller bags or backpacks are usually inspected at security. A cloak/merch booth is often set up in The Workshop area (before 8pm) (thetimberyard.com.au ), but it typically has limited space — don’t leave valuables unattended.Food and Drink: Outside food and alcoholic beverages are generally not allowed inside events. Pay bars serve a full menu of drinks, and hot street-style food trucks are usually on site. No matter the season, the indoor Warehouse is air-conditioned (www.thetimberyard.com.au ), but the Yard is open-air – check the weather and dress in layers if you're on the lawn or patio.Dress Code: Generally casual – there’s no formal dress code. The space is industrial, so closed-toe shoes are wiser than delicate heels. Many guests wear trendy club or festival attire for concerts; corporate events may call for business casual.Tickets & Entry: Keep your phone or ID handy. For 18+ events (most night shows), carrying photo ID is mandatory. Doors typically open ~30–60 mins before showtime. In rare cases attendees may be stamped for re-entry, but this is at the event’s discretion. If it’s an all-ages or family event, children must be supervised.Hours: Standard operating hours are roughly 10am–11pm Sunday–Thursday and until 1am on Fridays/Saturdays (thetimberyard.com.au ). Most public concerts start in the evening and end by midnight (if Friday/Saturday) when the venue’s license requires winding down.Peak Times: Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights, are busiest. Crowd size can be large (approaching capacity for headliners). For a quieter visit or corporate booking, weekday events are calmer. In any case, arrive early for parking and a good spot on the dance floor or seating area.Savvy Tip: Follow The Timber Yard’s social media or mailing list for special deals and last-minute announcements. They sometimes bundle shows (dance marathon events or day-parties) or throw pop-up surprise shows, so there can be tickets available until the last minute. Signing up for alerts is the best way to catch those limited-release shows.
FAQ
Where is The Timber Yard located and how do I get there?
The Timber Yard’s street address is 351 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 (thetimberyard.com.au ). It’s in an industrial area west of the city (about a 10-minute drive from Melbourne CBD (www.thetimberyard.com.au )). For public transport, catch buses 234 or 235 to Plummer Street (a 3–5 minute walk) (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). There is no direct train or tram stop at the venue; alternatively, you can take Tram 109 to nearby Bay St and taxi from there. By car, enter via Plummer Street – rideshare/taxi drop-off is available at the front gate (www.thetimberyard.com.au ).
Is there parking available at The Timber Yard?
Yes. The venue has about 30 parking spaces inside its gated driveway (mainly reserved for suppliers and VIPs) (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). In addition, Plummer Street and Smith Street directly opposite offer over 200 free, unmetered on-street spots (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). However, spaces can be limited on busy nights. If you plan to drive, arrive early (an hour before showtime) to secure a space. Otherwise, public transit or drop-off is recommended.
What public transit serves the venue?
The nearest public transport are buses #234 and #235, which stop within a few minutes’ walk of The Timber Yard (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). These buses run between Port Melbourne and Melbourne’s CBD/Southern Cross Station. There is no direct train or tram line to 351 Plummer St, but Tram 109 terminates on Bay Street about 1.5 km north – however, the bus is usually more convenient for this location. At night, consider a taxi or rideshare from the closest train/tram stop back to the venue.
What is the capacity of The Timber Yard?
What kind of events are hosted at The Timber Yard?
The Timber Yard hosts a wide variety of events. It’s especially known for large-scale electronic music concerts, nightclub-style dance parties and DJ performances (themusic.com.au ) (checkcheck.com.au ). It’s also used for corporate conferences, product launches, community expos, weddings and private functions. Theme parties, food & drink festivals and markets are common (e.g. gin festivals, markets with food trucks). Essentially any event up to ~1,500 people fits here. Check the venue’s or promoter’s event calendar for upcoming shows to see the exact lineup.
How do I purchase tickets, and are tickets ever sold at the door?
Tickets for concerts and public events at The Timber Yard are typically sold online through the event promoter or official ticketing platforms. The venue itself doesn’t have a 24/7 box office, so it’s safest to buy tickets in advance. Some events may open a limited number of door tickets on the night, but that’s not guaranteed – popular shows (like headline DJs) often sell out beforehand (checkcheck.com.au ). Signing up for alerts or fan clubs of the performing artists can give early notice of sales. Prices vary widely by event; large international acts or full-day festivals tend to be more expensive than smaller local gigs.
What are the seating and viewing options?
For most music events, seating is general admission on the floor. The Warehouse hall is an open-plan space, so there are no fixed seats – people stand or bring cushions/beanbags if allowed. Touring acts often set up a stage at one end, with an open dancefloor in front. The best sightlines are usually in the centre or slightly off-centre in front of the stage. There are upstairs VIP/greenroom areas and balconies used for artists, but these aren’t generally open to the public. For corporate dinners, the hall can be arranged with round tables or theatre seating (up to ~1,100 seats) (www.thetimberyard.com.au ).
Is The Timber Yard wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The main event spaces are on a single level, and the entrance from the Plummer Street gate is ramp-free. A drop-off space is available at the main gate for disabled guests (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). Wheelchair users can be comfortably accommodated on the Warehouse floor (with wide aisles) and in the larger meeting rooms if needed. Accessible (wide) restrooms are available in the venue, especially since all toilets were rebuilt as permanent facilities during the last renovation (themusic.com.au ). If you have specific access requirements, contacting the event organizer beforehand is a good idea to arrange assistance.
Are outside food, drinks or smoking allowed?
Outside alcohol and food are generally not permitted inside public events due to licensing. The venue encourages use of the on-site bars and food trucks available during events. Smoking inside the venue is prohibited by law; if needed, smoking areas will be designated outside. (No smoking is allowed on the main floor or in indoor spaces.) For private bookings, outside catering can be arranged, but any food trucks or caterers must be approved in advance. It’s best to assume you cannot bring personal food or drinks in.
Are there age restrictions or dress codes?
Most music events at The Timber Yard are 18+ due to liquor licensing, so you will be asked for photo ID at the door. Some daytime or special events (markets, family-friendly festivals) may allow all ages; always check the event listing. There’s no formal dress code – attire ranges from casual (jeans, sneakers) to clubwear. Because the venue has concrete floors and variable weather, many guests wear comfortable shoes and layers. For corporate functions, business or business-casual attire may be expected.
Is there a coat check or luggage storage?
The Timber Yard does not have a permanent cloak or luggage room. Events sometimes set up a temporary cloak/merch stall in the Workshop area (thetimberyard.com.au ), but space is limited and items are left at your own risk. It’s advisable to carry only what you need (keys, wallet, phone) and avoid bringing large bags. A small handbag or fanny pack is usually fine, but larger backpacks might be searched or refused at entry. If you need to check a coat, inquire at the gate or merch area early before the event fills up.
Does The Timber Yard provide food and drink?
The venue itself doesn’t have a restaurant, but most events include on-site bars (serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) and often a selection of food trucks or snack stands. You can expect cocktails, beer, wine, coffee and water sold inside. During large public events, gourmet food trucks usually serve meals outside in The Yard area (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). Note that you will need to pay for any food and drink on site; cashless payment is typically accepted. You may bring a sealed bottle of water if needed, but importing outside alcohol or food is not allowed.
When should I arrive for my event?
It’s recommended to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the scheduled start time. This allows time for parking or drop-off, ticket scanning and a quick walk through the venue. Doors typically open around 7–8pm for evening shows (actual times depend on the event). For very popular or sold-out shows, expect lines to form early – sometimes half an hour before doors. If you need to claim merchandise or coat check, earlier arrival will make that easier. Also, arriving early lets you find a good standing spot or table without rushing.
What is the venue’s policy on filming or taking photos?
Video recording and professional photography policies vary by event. In general, small handheld cameras and smartphones for personal use are usually allowed, but flash photography and large DSLR cameras might be restricted during concerts. Many dance music events discourage any cameras (to enhance the ‘unrecorded experience’), so expect that the venue may enforce a “no filming” rule for headliner shows. Always check the event details or signage. If photos are allowed, please be mindful not to block others’ views with your device.
Does The Timber Yard have any accessibility features or amenities?
Yes. As part of its upgrade, The Timber Yard is equipped for accessibility: the ground floor is level, there are ramps at entrances, and wide walkways. The main hall has a network of acoustic panels and distributed speaker grid to ensure sound is evenly heard from all areas (themusic.com.au ). High-speed Wi-Fi is available to guests (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). If you require assistance (e.g. seating reservations for a companion or additional entry time), it’s best to contact the venue in advance. Note that most bars and food trucks accept card payments and some events may operate cashless to streamline service.
Can I re-enter The Timber Yard after leaving during an event?
Re-entry policies are set by each event’s organizer. Some events allow a one-time re-entry stamp if you leave (for example, to smoke outside) but others treat entry as final. If re-entry is permitted, you’ll usually get a hand stamp or wristband to prove you already paid. It’s safest to ask at the door or look for instructions on the ticket/email. Keep your ticket and ID or stamp handy if you plan to step out, as you will need them to come back in.
Is there Wi-Fi available inside the venue?
Yes. The Timber Yard provides high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the venue – up to 1 Gbps download/upload for guest use (www.thetimberyard.com.au ). This network supports mobile ticket scanning, streaming and sharing throughout the event. It’s a private network, so you may need a password or event code (usually given on entry). Note that connectivity can still be slower during large crowds, so don’t rely on it for critical communication.
