Forum Melbourne
Forum Melbourne
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Formerly the State Theatre, the Forum Melbourne first opened in 1929 with the largest seating capacity of any theatre in Australia. Since then the venue has been divided into two separate venues. Downstairs, Forum I is famous for its unique architecture, large stage, mesmerising proscenium and signature cabaret style booths. Upstairs, Forum II is a smaller venue with tiered seating, small stage, surround sound and cinema size screen. Renowned as one of Melbourne’s most unique and best live music venues, the Forum plays host to many bands, singers, comedians and popular festivals every year. When not being used for live music, the venue comes alive as an amazing function space for events such as cocktail parties, launches and fashion events.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
Full of discovery and delight, Melbourne’s laneways tease the imagination long after you’ve put your weary feet up to rest. They weave through the heart of the city: cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques, throbbing with conversation and espresso coffee. You never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner: cobblestone alleys, old beer barrel hoists and even vats of simmering organic soup. There is the air of Berlin in the street art, a touch of Paris in the umbrella-shaded cafes and, reminiscent of Rome, eateries tucked away in the most unlikely of places. Perhaps you might want a break and cross the Yarra River to Southbank - walk along the promenade, bask in the sun at a waterside bar and decide whether to go to the nearby casino or book a ticket at the Melbourne theatre company.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
106 reviews
Excellent
64
Very good
37
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Paul L
Hallam, Australia940 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Solo
Just a short stroll from Flinders St Station this venue holds some of the larger acts - but not the largest - that tour Melbourne. It's location is a big selling point and the well laid out nature of the place is helpful for even first timers to find their way around. There are a number of facilities and the staff have always been friendly - whether at the food/drink sales points or the box office.
Given it's so close to the CBD you won't be suffering from a shortage of before or after show options either.
Given it's so close to the CBD you won't be suffering from a shortage of before or after show options either.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TwoSheds57
Melbourne, Australia8,111 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Friends
Just a fun and intimate venue that’s dripping with history. I’ve seen numbers of artists here and had a great time each time. Highly recommended
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DipuKV
Pune, India2,177 contributions
Aug. 2022
While one could only view it from the outside, its architectural uniqueness, compared with the buildings in the vicinity, strikes you.
Written 12 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,783 contributions
Nov. 2020
Like most large venues in Melbourne. the Forum is managed by Mariner Group. The Forum, which was completed in 1929, can accommodate several thousand fans for live music, theatre, cinema, drama and events. A big line-up of live music is planned for 2021. The Forum is at the corner of Flinders St and Russell. Have a look, if only to take in the atmosphere.
Written 23 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,301 contributions
Jun. 2020
I wrote a review about this in 2014 and it is well worth visiting again. It was formerly the State Theatre and built in 1929. At the time it was the largest in Australia with 3371 seats. It is unique as has a blue ceiling,twinkling stars and projected clouds. The interior incorporates elements of the Italian medieval,Renaissance, Baroque and Spanish Mission styles.. In 1962 it split into the Rapallo and Forum Theatre.For many years it was the Christian Revival Crusade building before going back to a theatre.
Hopefully soon after the corona restrictions are eased it will re open. It is on the Victorian Heritage Register and is National Trust classified.
Hopefully soon after the corona restrictions are eased it will re open. It is on the Victorian Heritage Register and is National Trust classified.
Written 20 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,783 contributions
Mar. 2020
The Forum was originally the State Theatre; it opened in 1929, the year the Great Depression hit. The theatre looks like it's straight out of the Roaring Twenties. It was originally a picture theatre, and is still used for the Melbourne Film Festival. Mostly its used for live performances, most of which appeal to a hipster demographic. The Forum can contain around 2,000 concert goes, making it the biggest theatre in Australia. The Forum is certainly gaudy, but most hipsters like it that way.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria
Brisbane, Australia643 contributions
Sep. 2019
While strolling around Melbourne be sure to drop by the Forum. Enjoy looking at the building from over the road near ACMI and then go in for a closer look. Lovely details on the exterior.
Written 25 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melissaj242018
15 contributions
Jun. 2019 • Couples
Such a divine building absolutely stunning.
Saw Conrad Sewell perform on Friday night & WOW! Just WOW!
Not too crowded, easy acsess to toilets, bar, exits ect & no matter where you are standing a great view of the stage. Such an intimate & beautiful setting! A definite must if you get a chance
Saw Conrad Sewell perform on Friday night & WOW! Just WOW!
Not too crowded, easy acsess to toilets, bar, exits ect & no matter where you are standing a great view of the stage. Such an intimate & beautiful setting! A definite must if you get a chance
Written 8 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah M
Bendigo, Australia24 contributions
Mar. 2019 • Friends
Booked to see Joel Creasey and being from out of town were not quite sure where to go. We went and asked a staff member where we needed to go and he was extremely rude. We needed to be upstairs, apparently and just needed to be guided. I asked if he could tell us where to go and he replied "I am happy to tell YOU where to go" and not in a pleasant way!! It got worse with another usher telling us to "STOP", you need to wait!! Anyway, beautiful venue.....staff need to put their manners back in!!
Written 11 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy P
Strathdownie60 contributions
Apr. 2019 • Couples
We went to the forum in Melbourne for the International Comedy Festival. What an amazing venue - absolutely stunning. The interior is amazing and is well worth just stopping in to have a look. Plus Tommy Little (comedian) at the comedy festival was hilarious.
Written 5 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jess M
Melbourne, Australia
I bought a single booth seat upgrade for a concert but then started to regret it later because of how far back it is. Are the seats worth the extra money? And can you see the stage well from the seats? I want to be able to take nice videos! :)
adruti11
Gurgaon, India12 contributions
My parents are travelling to Melbourne and would like to cover Philip island, Mornington peninsula & the Dandenong s over 6-7 days. They cannot drive, is there a tour company or something that can do this for them? Any details will be appreciated.
Faye
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
I have tickets for Steven van zant in s booth but tickets are not numbered. Do I need to arrive early to get the best seats?
CaraBradley
24 contributions
No need to arrive early. If you have booth tickets, you are taken care of.
OldBoy51
Victoria31 contributions
going to Vancouver in the future for 3 weeks want to know what is there to c in and around Vancouver and is it best to hire a car while there
Alexemay
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia66 contributions
Hi ,
Need your advice !
we are renting a car and going to stay in 315 La Trobe in next two days. May i know where is the nearest and cheapest place for parking in this BCD area ? :-
1/ over night
2/ day time
I tried to book via secure online booking but not successful.
Malmoosa
Muscat, Oman14 contributions
hello, i will be in melbourne with my wife in early january for my daughters admission in Deakin University burwood campus and i need help regarding our short term stay(hotel or apartment) and her long term accommodation nearby the university. Can anyone suggest excellent clean family hotel/apartment and long term rental accommodation in close vicinity of the university.
all assistance would be appreciated.
M.Moosa
sxmbeachlover
Denver, CO145 contributions
We have 23 days from late January through Feb, 2016. This is our second trip to Australia.We arrive in Brisbane, and depart from Sydney. Our points of interest are as follows:
Noosa-Love the park!!!
Fraser Island?
Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef-Weather?
Melbourne-A MUST SEE
Great Ocean Road-A MUST DO
Adelaide-A MUST SEE
Perth?
Sydney (Only need 3 days. Been here before)
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!!!!
Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,301 contributions
So if you come to Melbourne from Sydney will it be by train,bus or plane.? The train and bus ends up at Southern cross Station and the Skybus from Tullamarine Airport ends up at Southern cross Station. If you travel within the CBD and Docklands it is free by tram so you will not need a myki ticket which is expensive if only use it once and more than one person. The first thing you should do is to catch the City Circle Tram as their is a tape on board which ponts out the places to see. There are a lot of free things to do which include the Parks and Gardens, Victoria Market (closed on Mondays and Wednesdays), Royal and Block Arcade, Police Museum, Treasury Building, Parliamentn House, Town Hall, State Library, various churches. Fitzroy Gardens is worth a look as Cook's Cottage is the oldest building in Australia which goes back to 1755 and the First Fleet only came to Australia in 1788. Even Cook himself came to Australia in 1770 after the Cottage was built. It was his parents cottage and has a nice garden around it. The Eureka Tower is the tallest building but to see views free go to the 35th floor of the Sofitel Building and the toilets have a huge glass window which you can see over Melbourne.
Travel4Joy
Burlington, VT259 contributions
OK, I have a shameful but important (lol) question about an upcoming trip this January - February 2016.
Can anyone talk about 'hair days'?
How humid is it in Australia - do I need to plan for bad hair days?
Shh please don't tell anyone I am asking about this.
thank you.
Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,301 contributions
Melbourne can be 4 seasons in one so if I was you I would plan for rain or heat but January is summer and usually hot and the time for the Australian Open-tennis if interested
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Frequently Asked Questions about Forum Melbourne
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- (0.03 km) Laurent · "Laurent" Balcony Views | Steps from Laneway Vibes
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