About Secret Garden Bar
Secret Garden Bar is a hidden cocktail lounge and function venue tucked away behind Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, Melbourne. This stylish indoor-outdoor bar offers a "secret garden" vibe with lounge daybeds, decked terraces and dance areas all under one roof. It’s known for its tropical garden theme and late-night parties. The venue comprises several distinct areas – an indoor bar/dancefloor with a DJ booth, a sheltered deck with loungers, and a rear courtyard “garden” under a retractable roof – each with its own bar station. Altogether the licensed venue can hold up to around 267 guests at night . The main indoor bar area alone is quoted as fitting roughly 250–300 patrons (standing) with banquet seating and full sound setup . With luxury furnishings, private nooks and fairy-light décor, Secret Garden Bar feels like a hidden oasis. It’s important in St Kilda’s nightlife for its multi-zone layout and party-friendly atmosphere, offering a relaxing “garden” escape by day and a lively club vibe by night .
Events and Programming
Secret Garden is best known for its parties and special events. Weekends feature rotating DJs playing house and tropical beats, often drawing a big crowd. The venue promotes “bottomless” drink packages (such as all-you-can-cocktail sessions) on weekend afternoons and evenings . For example, they advertise 2-hour unlimited cocktail bookings from about $79 per person . Seasonal celebrations are common here: past calendars show events like Melbourne Cup Eve parties and Christmas break-up functions . Secret Garden also regularly hosts private events – birthdays, hens nights, corporate “work break-up” drinks and engagements – with custom food and drink packages. In 2023–24 the venue booked holiday functions and corporate events on most weekends, indicating a steady lineup of big nights . Typical cover charges vary: most nights require a paid bottomless booking or table reservation, but the crowd-driven model means many visitors book ahead rather than queue at the door. (On major event nights, tickets might be sold via promo organizers or Eventbrite, especially for cruise-style bottomless offers.) In general, prime-time shows – notably Saturday evenings – sell best, so advance booking is advised. Reviews note that DJ nights can get busy and lively , whereas quieter midweek sessions may be more relaxed. Overall, programming centers on dance parties, cocktails and themed nights rather than live bands – think high-energy dance music and mixologists rather than rock concerts.
Tickets and Booking
Secret Garden Bar doesn’t operate a traditional box office. Most tickets and table packages are handled online or by phone. For its bottomless brunch/drinks sessions, tickets are often sold through partnered platforms or directly via the venue’s website enquiry form. Interested guests should book in advance – especially for weekend DJs or package deals – to secure entry. Ticket prices typically range from around $50 for a standard bottomless package up to $79+ for premium cocktail packages . Private hire or group bookings (for functions) are arranged by contacting the venue’s events team; they offer event and drink packages for groups of any size. On nights without pre-booked functions, there may be a cover charge at the door or a minimum spend. Because Secret Garden can fill up, it’s wise to book well ahead for popular dates. The venue’s online calendar and social media list upcoming theme nights and any ticketing details (e.g. “Melbourne Cup Eve Party – Tickets on sale now” ). Walk-up availability is possible on low-key nights, but the official advice is to reserve via the contact or booking links to guarantee entry.
Seating and Layout
The venue is divided into several zones with different seating and views. The main Bar Area (internal lounge) features a long bar and a small dance floor/DJ booth. It offers cocktail tables, high stools and some plush banquettes. This indoor room can hold on the order of 250 people (standing), or about 40 seated at tables . It’s the best spot for dancing or hearing the DJ – just beware it can get loud. The adjacent Terrace Deck is a timber outdoor space across the lane. It’s fully covered and heated, furnished with daybeds, lounges and a second DJ speaker setup . This deck seat up to about 70 in chairs or 100 standing , making it ideal for relaxed socialising or group seating. At the rear, the Garden Courtyard is revealed by lowering its retractable roof for an open-air feel in warm weather. This fenced courtyard (complete with its own bar area and lush sofas) fits roughly 50–100 guests . Together the top-floor deck and garden furnish shaded lounge areas with planted vibes, while the main room boasts the sound system. For seating, all areas are effectively general admission (no assigned tables). VIP corners and private lounges are sometimes reserved by big groups or bottle service. A good spot depends on your goal: the central dancefloor is best for live DJ energy and sightlines, whereas side lounges near the bar or along the deck are perfect for chatting with a cocktail. Note that acoustics reflect the party style – music spills throughout, so seating near speakers will be louder. There’s no formal balcony – the space is mostly single-level – so for people-watching or photos the upper deck space is nicest. Avoid the top of the stairs or too deep in corners if you want to stay in the thick of things.
Getting There and Parking
Secret Garden Bar sits at 7/60 Fitzroy Street in St Kilda (enter via the Fitzroy St frontage lane) . This is a busy entertainment precinct. Street parking is limited and metered along Fitzroy and nearby side streets—often restricted to 1–2 hour zones or costing a few dollars per hour. Paid public car parks are available, for example a large lot on Victoria Street a few blocks north. As a practical tip, many patrons arrive by tram or rideshare at night to avoid parking hassles. The No. 96 tram from the CBD runs along Fitzroy Street with a stop at Carlisle (just a short level walk to the bar). Other tram routes (like the No. 16 terminus at St Kilda Beach/Acland St) and several local buses (e.g. 246, 606) also serve the area. The closest train station is Balaclava (about 1 km away) from which a short bus or tram ride completes the trip. Rideshare drop-offs or taxis can pull up on Fitzroy St in front (or nearby Armstrong Street) for easy access. For bicycle riders, there are bike racks on Fitzroy Street. If driving, allow extra time on weekend evenings since traffic in St Kilda can be heavy. In summary: best public transport routes are trams 96/16 to St Kilda and bus 606 from South Melbourne. Street parking is scarce after 6 pm, so public transit or rideshares are commonly used for late nights.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, guests show photo ID at the front since it’s an 18+ licensed venue. There is limited cloakroom service (typically guests hold coats due to space constraints). The decoration is lush and festive—expect hanging lights, greenery, and colourful neon accents. The main bar counter serves an extensive cocktail menu plus beers and wines. Private bottle service corners with a waitress are available for large tables. A small food menu is offered; the kitchen is not full-scale, but you can order late-night snacks. One popular pub offering is “guac & corn chips” served at the bar into the late hours . Otherwise the venue often partners with local caterers for sharer platters (for hens functions) or pop-up food trucks on weekends. There is a single bank of restrooms inside near the dancefloor; accessible toilets exist (and at least one entrance is ground-level). Between drinks, enjoy the lounge seating: plush daybeds on the deck or couches in the garden are comfortable spots. Secret Garden doesn’t have open wifi or extensive phone charging stations, so consider arranging a meetup point in advance if in a big group. The general atmosphere is friendly and busy – you can order at the bar or have servers circulate with your table order. For families or casual daytime visits, note that on weekends this place becomes crowded and clubby by mid-afternoon. It markets itself more as a late-night party space, so expect nightclub-like lighting and sound after dark .
Nearby Amenities
Located in central St Kilda, Secret Garden Bar is surrounded by ample dining and entertainment options. Fitzroy Street itself has a range of eateries – from casual cafes to international eateries. Nearby favorites include pizza spots (e.g. Bimbo Deluxe on Fitzroy St), Mexican taquerias (Buena Vista Social), and classic Aussie pubs (the famous Espy/Princes is around the corner on Grey Street). For a sit-down meal before a show, options include seafood and bistro restaurants on Acland or Fitzroy Avenues. After your night out, late-night fish’n’chips joints and kebab shops on Fitzroy St stay open, or you can pop into one of the 24-hour bottle shops to snag a drink. Hotels and accommodation are also within walking distance: mid-range stays like the Rydges St Kilda offer rooms nearby, and boutique places (Quest on Fitzroy St) are minutes away. Climbers on foot should arrive early to secure street parking or book a tram. Late-night travel home is generally easy: trams 96/16 run until late on weekends, and there are taxi ranks near Luna Park (Abbotsford Street) and Bank Street. St. Kilda is a well-traveled precinct, so you can often catch a last tram or bus by midnight or find a taxi even after 12am.
What Makes This Venue Special
Secret Garden Bar’s character comes from blending a nightclub energy with an outdoor-garden aesthetic. Its most unique feature is the multi-area layout: you can move from a DJ-driven dancefloor to a leafy lounge deck to a cosy garden courtyard all in one night. The décor – daybeds, fairy lights, tropical plants – gives it a “tropical retreat” feel right in the city. Historically, it brought a fresh concept to St Kilda by offering year-round outdoor seating (thanks to heated shelters and a retractable roof) as well as robust nightlife. The staff’s focus on hospitality (mentioned in many reviews ) also sets it apart: customers often praise the attentive service and party-mood atmosphere. Signature drinks like the candy-apple martini and the “tree” bottomless cocktail tower (12 Pornstar Martinis + 2 pizzas for hens) became local talking points. Since its refit (around 2019–2020) the renovated space has hosted many memorable nights – from eccentric hen’s parties to salsa DJ nights – that locals recall as lively St Kilda moments. It’s beloved by artists and clubbers alike because it feels less like a standard pub and more like a private festival space, complete with high-quality sound and lighting. All together, Secret Garden’s blend of style (lush lounges), versatility (party or chill), and exclusivity (“hidden gem” branding) make it a standout on the St Kilda scene .
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue advertises wheelchair accessibility (step-free access to the main bar). If you or someone in your group needs special assistance, it’s best to call ahead – staff can accommodate ramps or seating on request. Dress code: The bar tends to attract a trendy crowd. Dress neatly or fashionably (no thongs or sportswear after hours). On big nights staff may refuse entry to casually dressed patrons, so err on the side of smart-casual. Age restrictions: Secret Garden is 18+. Anyone entering must have valid photo ID (driver’s licence, passport, etc). No minors are allowed inside after 6pm, as it’s fully licensed. Cover charge and tickets: For club nights or special events, cover may apply (usually bundled with a drinks package). There is no walk-up guarantee for peak nights – booking in advance often means a pre-paid entry fee. If only casual drinks are planned, arriving early (around opening time) can avoid gates or queues. What to bring: Bring ID, cash or credit card (the bar accepts cards). You are welcome to bring phones and cameras for personal use, but professional equipment or elaborate setups are discouraged. What NOT to bring: Outside alcohol or glassware is not allowed. Bags may be searched on entry for safety. Only carry what you need. Photographs: Informal photos and videos for personal use are fine, but flash photography or filming professional content is typically not allowed without permission. Arrival time: On busy nights, lines form quickly. Aim to arrive at least 30min before local acts or DJs start to avoid disappointment. Dining: If dining first, the venue recommends eating nearby (Plenty of cafes and restaurants along Fitzroy Street) well before showtime. Secret Garden’s kitchen is small – aside from snacks like guacamole and chips , plan your meal elsewhere. Accessibility & Facilities: The main indoor restroom is wheelchair-friendly. The venue does not have a coat check, so leave large luggage at your hotel. Safety: The bar gets loud when packed. If you or a friend have hearing sensitivity, stick to the lounge edges near the bar. Stay hydrated and drink responsibly. Arrival foot traffic: The area around Fitzroy and Carlisle can be crowded late at night. Stay on lit sidewalks and use official tram stops or taxi ranks to depart.
What is the capacity of Secret Garden Bar?
The bar’s licensed capacity is around 267 people . Indoors the main lounge can hold ~250 stacked, and collectively with the terrace and garden it fits around that number. However, the venue is often set up for cocktail-style standing events, so it usually operates comfortably with fewer seated guests.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
For most DJ nights and bottomless drink events, advance booking is recommended. Tickets or bookings are usually done online (e.g. Eventbrite) or through the venue’s contact. On some nights there may be a cover at the door if space allows. If a specific event (like Melbourne Cup Eve) shows tickets, buy early since it can sell out . For casual dates, arriving early can avoid a line, but popular weekends are best reserved.
What are typical ticket prices?
Pricing depends on the event. Bottomless package deals range roughly from A$50 to $79 per person . General cover (without packages) might be around $10–$20 on top of drink spending on busier nights. Many guests buy group packages or prepay for bottomless cocktails. Always check the event listing: for example, recent bottomless sessions started at $79 for premium cocktails.
What are the venue’s opening hours?
Hours typically cover late afternoons and weekends. Commonly the bar opens around 2–4pm and closes around 1–3am on Friday/Saturday (closing varies by night). For example, previous listings showed Fri 5pm–1am, Sat 2pm–3am, Sun 2pm–11pm . (Holiday or event schedules can alter times.) It’s wise to confirm current hours via the venue’s contact or social page, especially for holidays.
What is the dress code?
Smart-casual. Secret Garden is nightclub-style, so avoid sportswear, sandals (rubber thongs), or overly casual beachwear after dark. Many patrons dress to impress a bit – think nice jeans/shirts or dresses. On big nights (especially weekend), staff may enforce a standard. Comfortable but neat attire always works (embracing the “secret garden” mood, some guests opt for tropical or floral prints). When in doubt, upscale casual is safe.
How do I get there by public transport?
Take the No. 96 tram from the city outbound to St Kilda; hop off at Fitzroy/Carlisle. It’s a short walk to No.7/60 Fitzroy St . The No. 16 tram also ends in St Kilda (Acland St terminus), a 5–10 min walk south. Several buses (e.g. 246, 606) run nearby. Train users can alight at Balaclava station (1 km away) and catch a connecting tram/bus. For late nights, night tram services run on weekends. Rideshare drop-offs are easy on Fitzroy St in front of the bar.
Is there parking available?
Street parking near Fitzroy St is limited with meters or short-term limits (often free after 6pm, but check signs). Paid car parks exist a block or two away on side streets (for example, a lot off Barkly Street or near Luna Park). On busy nights, these fill up too. As a precaution, lots of guests use public transit or ride-shares so they aren’t hunting for a spot. If driving, arrive early or allow extra time, and use local paid parking apps where available.
Is Secret Garden Bar wheelchair accessible?
The venue advertises wheelchair accessibility, with at least one step-free entrance to the main bar area. Restrooms include an accessible toilet. However, because the layout includes a couple of levels and some outdoor areas, accessibility can vary by zone. It’s recommended to call ahead to ensure any special access needs are arranged.
What kind of music is played at Secret Garden?
The bar is known for DJ-driven electronic music, especially tropical-house and deep-house on weekend nights. Expect a mix of upbeat lounge and dance tracks – the resident DJs and guest acts keep a party vibe. It’s not a rock or live band spot (no guitars), but more of a nightclub atmosphere with dance/DJ sets. On some themed nights you might hear pop remixes or throwback tunes, but the core is modern club music.
Are there food options available?
Yes, but on a limited basis. Secret Garden isn’t a full restaurant, but it does offer pub-style snacks. One advertised late-night treat is guacamole and tortilla chips until closing . Occasionally they have simple share plates or pizzas (as part of package deals, e.g. the 12-Pornstar-Martini + pizza package). For a sit-down meal, plan to eat nearby before your visit. The venue itself is mainly drink-focused with only bar-appetizer food served.
Does Secret Garden offer bottle service or VIP sections?
Yes. For private events or VIP guests, the venue offers bottle service and exclusive seating areas. Guests can book a VIP mode with their own waitress and seating (often at a minimum spend). These seats are usually in the lounge corners or on the deck. If you want this, you should arrange it as part of a booking or by contacting the events team in advance.
Are outside drinks or food permitted?
No. Like most licensed venues, Secret Garden does not allow BYO alcohol or outside food. All drinks must be purchased at the bar. If you have special dietary needs or food requests, best to use one of the venue’s drink packages that can include pizzas or snacks, or eat beforehand.
Can I bring a camera or recording device?
Personal smartphone photos and videos are fine, as Secret Garden is a social nightlife venue with many patrons posting on Instagram, etc. However, professional camera equipment (large cameras, tripods) typically requires prior approval or a media pass. The bar does not generally allow outside professional filming without permission. Drunken film crews or flash photography that disturbs others may be restricted by staff.
What is the cancellation/refund policy on tickets?
Cancellation policies vary by event promoter. Tickets bought via external sites (like Eventbrite) usually list their refund terms; often these package tickets are non-refundable. If you bought directly through the bar for an event, reach out to them ASAP – they may allow credit toward another date if given enough notice. In general, assume bookings (especially seated or package deals) are final, as with most nightlife venues.
Does Secret Garden host private events?
Absolutely. The venue is often hired for private functions and parties. It advertises hosting work functions, birthdays, engagements, and more . You can reserve any section (or the whole venue) for an event. Packages can include drinks and catering. To book a private event, contact the venue’s event coordinator to discuss dates and options.
