Fortress Melbourne

If you’ve got a gamer in the family, or you're just looking for a seriously cool and different kind of outing, you have to check out Fortress Melbourne. It’s a massive video game entertainment venue located right in the heart of the city at Emporium Melbourne. Think of it as a gamer's paradise spread over two huge floors, with everything from high-end PCs and console gaming lounges to a retro arcade and even a fantasy-themed tavern for a bite to eat. It’s a place where you can book a couple of hours on a PC for your teen, challenge the family to some classic arcade games, or even watch a live esports tournament in a proper arena. It’s a vibrant, buzzing atmosphere that’s definitely a step up from gaming at home.

Age Appropriateness

This is a big one for parents, and the answer is: it depends on the time of day. During daytime hours, especially on weekends and school holidays, Fortress is very much an all-ages venue. You’ll see young kids with their parents in the arcade section and tweens and teens happily set up in the PC gaming area. The staff are great at keeping the vibe friendly and inclusive. However, it's important to know that Fortress is a licensed venue. After 8 p.m., it becomes a strictly 18+ venue, so you’ll need to have the kids out of there before then. The games themselves range from G-rated to M-rated, and it's largely up to you to supervise what your kids are playing, especially in the open PC area.

The Highlights (Pros)

First off, the scale of this place is just impressive and creates a real "wow" factor when you walk in. The variety is a huge plus; there’s truly something for every type of gamer. The retro arcade is fantastic for a bit of family competition and a dose of nostalgia for us parents. The high-end PCs and gaming consoles are a massive drawcard for teens who might not have access to that kind of tech at home. The whole place is incredibly clean and well-maintained, which is always a relief. We also loved the Tavern – the food is a step above your average snack bar, with themed drinks (including non-alcoholic mocktails for the kids) and decent meals, making it easy to spend a whole afternoon there. The staff are generally gamers themselves and are super helpful and friendly.

The Watch-Outs (Cons)

The biggest watch-out is definitely the cost. It’s not a cheap day out. You pay for PC and console time by the hour, and while there are package deals, it can add up quickly, especially if you have multiple kids. The arcade games are an additional cost per play. Food and drinks are also priced as you’d expect for a city venue. It can get incredibly busy, particularly on rainy weekends or during school holidays, which means it can be loud and a bit overstimulating for younger children or those sensitive to noise. While there are plenty of kid-friendly games, you are in a public space with other players, so you can’t completely control the language you might overhear from other patrons, especially in the competitive PC gaming zones.

Practical Survival Tips for Parents

• Book Online: Absolutely book your PC or console time in advance, especially if you're planning to go on a weekend. It saves a lot of disappointment and waiting around.
• Go Early: If you're visiting with younger kids, aim to get there right when it opens. The crowds are much smaller, and the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed.
• Set a Budget: Decide on a budget with your kids before you go. This includes gaming time, arcade money, and any food or drinks. It’s very easy to overspend.
• Parking: Being part of Emporium, parking is convenient but can be expensive. Look for early-bird deals if you’re driving in, or better yet, take public transport as Melbourne Central station is right there.
• Check the Schedule: Fortress hosts a lot of events and tournaments. It’s worth checking their website to see what’s on – you might avoid a massive crowd or find a cool event your family wants to see.
• Talk About Games: Have a chat with your kids beforehand about which games are appropriate. You can check the game list on their website to be prepared.