About Us
The Keys is an all-in-one Leisure Centre and re-imagined vintage bowling alley.
Eat, drink and bowl and arcade at "The Keys" sprawling beer garden, lanes, arcade, bar and bistro.
This isn't the bowling alley from your 10th birthday party though.
Where are we?
1/188 Plenty Road, Preston.
Opening HoursMon - Thurs 11am - 11pm
Friday - 11am - Midnight Saturday 10am - Midnight
Sunday 10am - 11pm
Kitchen hours
Open – 10pm
1/188 Plenty Road, Preston.
Opening HoursMon - Thurs 11am - 11pm
Friday - 11am - Midnight Saturday 10am - Midnight
Sunday 10am - 11pm
Kitchen hours
Open – 10pm
The Keys has left the tacky design, stinky shoes and questionable hotdogs in the gutter.
Step inside this historic 110-year-old refurbed warehouse and you'll find original exposed timber beams and vintage glass paneling, blended with modern touches to create an intimate and friendly vibe.
Each of the twelve bowling lanes features authentic maple wood and state-of-the-art machinery, creating the ultimate bowling experience while keeping the nostalgia alive.
Each of the twelve bowling lanes features authentic maple wood and state-of-the-art machinery, creating the ultimate bowling experience while keeping the nostalgia alive.
No doubt all that bowling will leave guests a little parched. Thankfully, The Keys boasts three bars (yes, three) consisting of 48 beer taps (yes, forty-eight) that celebrate local craft beers, including two exclusive brews made in partnership with 3Ravens, as well as La Sirene, Moon Dog, Tall Boy and Moose, Hawkers and more.
Not to mention a few surprises for Big Lebowski fans – White Russians on tap, anyone?
Not to mention a few surprises for Big Lebowski fans – White Russians on tap, anyone?
What is The Keys?
The Keys is an all-in-one leisure center including a re-imagined vintage bowling alley, beer garden, bar, bistro and arcade, all located in an historic Preston warehouse.
Do you offer memberships?
Our founding memberships have now closed. Keep an eye out for future membership opportunities.
Where is the space?
We’re in the heart of Preston at 1/188 Plenty Road. set in a historic warehouse with original exposed timber beams and vintage glass panelling
How big is it?
We’re big. Like, 2,000m2 big.
I've been bowling before - how are you different?
Forget about the glow-in-the-dark shoes, sticky carpet and laser lights from your childhood. Our 12 lanes are crafted using upcycled timbers and trimmings from old bowling alleys in America and Australia, creating an authentic vintage feel you can’t find anywhere else.
What if I don't bowl?
What’s wrong with you?
Seriously, I don't bowl.
We also have pool tables, classic arcade machines, dance floor, bistro and a pretty ace beer garden.
I am under 18 years old, can I bowl?
We are a licensed Venue. All Under 18s will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Can I bring my dog?
Sure can, although pets are Not Allowed On The Carpeted Area Including The Lanes
What about food?
Quality food in a bowling alley? That’s how we roll. Sample bar snacks, NYC-style pizzas and pub classics from one of the chefs behind Melbourne hotspots Nico’s Sandwich Deli, Takeaway Pizza, Dexter and Dom’s Social Club.
Can I bring the family?
Everyone’s welcome to come have a blast at The Keys, from your dear old nan to your second cousin’s third baby. We are a licensed venue though, so under 18s will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Are you hiring?
If you want to be part of a unique venue that's fun, friendly, kind and welcoming environment, we’d love to hear from you. Email your resume and a bit of an intro to info@thekeys.com.au and we’ll be in touch when the time is right!
What are you doing to be Disability Friendly?
Staff at The Keys will receive training from Amaze Autism on how to provide the most enjoyable and welcoming space we can for people with Autism or anyone else who is not neurotypical. We will have a Social Script on our website; a story/narrative-based strategy that can be used to explain new experiences and help understand and prepare yourself on what to expect when visiting The Keys. We recognise that there are a wide range of different disabilities beyond Autism and we will continue to learn and improve as our business grows. We encourage and would be very appreciative of any feedback and suggestions of what we can do to make this venue as inclusive, safe and welcoming as possible for all.
How do I get there?
The 86 tram rolls to a stop directly outside. We’re about a $15 cab ride from the CBD and limited parking is available.
Is there wheelchair access?
Yes! Our venue will be wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to bowl, play arcades, billiards and enjoy our bar, restaurant and beer garden. In addition, all our staff will complete inclusion and disability awareness training.
What is The Keys doing to be Sustainable?
We leave no pin unturned when it comes to sustainability. Sustainably sourced materials and construction techniques are used throughout the space, from the old bowling alley timbers in our bar and bench tops, to solar panels, water storage tanks and a food digester that turns waste into mulch for our (and our neighbors’) gardens. Oh, and we are even planting a citrus orchard in our back car park!
I'm a Neighbor, can I get in touch?
Yes, please email any questions to info@thekeys.com.au and we will get straight back to you. We are totally committed to being respectful neighbors both during construction and when we open. We have worked closely with Darebin Council to have strategies in place to ensure you can continue to enjoy this wonderful neighborhood. Also, if you are just curious, we would love for you to drop by for a tour and we can show you what we are doing!
Can’t find what you are looking for? Get in touch with us over on our contact page.
Sustainable Transport
At the Keys we are committed to Sustainability and reducing traffic in our community. We encourage you to make use of the multitude of sustainable transport options to The Keys. Find out more below.
Parking
Please note there is limited parking on site and the surrounding streets are for residential parking.
Train
Bell station (the Reservoir Line) is approx. 6 minutes walk / 550m away. find the timetable here.
Tram
The Route 86 Tram runs along Plenty Road and stop no 44 is directly at the front of our building. Route 86 runs from the CBD to Latrobe University and the tams are very regular. find the timetable here.
Bike
We have a large number of Bike Lock Ups available, which are located in a well-lit area on Plenty Road.
Ride Share
If these options are not workable, we encourage you to arrive and depart via a rideshare provider such as Uber or a Cab.
Please contact us if you require any form of assistance.