Here’s a few of our most frequently asked questions! If you’ve still got more questions, contact our team on [email protected] or call 1300 75 66 99
Q: Can I pay with cash?
A: The O’Brien Icehouse is a cashless venue and will only be accepting EFTPOS at all transaction points. We recommend pre-booking your tickets through our website prior to arrival, however, tickets may still be available at the door and payment must be through EFTPOS.
Q: Can I bring my own food?
A: The Icehouse does not permit outside food into the venue due to reasons that include health and safety and the allergen risks associated. In the case of severe allergies, please contact our team directly on email [email protected]
Q: Do have a discount for KeepCups?
A: Yes, offer a 10% discount on hot beverages if you have your own cup.
Q: Does the Icehouse validate parking?
A: Unfortunately, this is not valid anymore. Parking in the District Docklands is inexpensive and convenient, with prices starting at $4. You can find out more here, parking.
Q: How often does the ice get resurfaced?
A: We resurface the ice every day approximately every 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how busy the rink is.
Q: What temperature the ice is at? Is it colder hard ice for hockey players or slightly softer for figure skates?
A: The ice is set at -3 for figure skating and -6.5 for hockey
Q: How much does it cost to hire a locker at the Icehouse?
A: Lockers cost $5 each and you can use it for up to 3 hours.
Q: Do you have staff trained in first aid at the Icehouse?
A: Great question! Our on-ice staff are all trained in first aid and ready to assist where needed.
Q: Are you open on public holidays?
A: O’Brien Icehouse is open 364 days a year. The only day we close is Christmas Day. Make sure you check out our calendar for our public skating sessions! Find our calendar here, calendar.
Q: How can I be notified about special offers and events?
A: Easy, subscribe to our newsletter and stay in the loop Subscribe Here
Q. When do I need to arrive for my session and how long can I skate for?
A: You can arrive at any time during your allocated session and skate for as long as you like during your session.
Q: I’m not skating, why do I need to pay for a spectator ticket?
A: The $3 spectator fee covers the guests’ liability once in the venue.
Q; What’s your biggest skate size?
A: Size 16 men’s US is our biggest skate size.
Q; What’s your smallest skate size?
A: A toddlers size 7 is our smallest skate size.
Q: Do you offer free lessons during Public Skating?
A: During the School Holidays Public Skating, we will have free 15min lessons at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. We also have Ice Ambassadors who can give you advice during your skate!
Q: Where do I go when I arrive?
A: Check out our YouTube clip O’Brien Icehouse – When I Arrive
Q: I would like to come and skate at the Icehouse but I’m in a wheelchair – is this possible?
A: Yes, this is possible and it’s more common than you might think! Entry is $10 for those in a wheelchair and can be bought from the ticketing counter at your arrival.
Q: Does the Icehouse have facilities for disabled customers? Do you have bathroom hoists for when a customer needs to get changed?
A: Yes, our facility is DDA compliant and we also have a hoist and change table located on level one which is accessible via our lift.
Q: Will full lighting be available mid-week?
A: Full lighting will be available up until 1pm on Monday-Friday (except School and Public Holidays). This policy can be reviewed and updated at anytime upon the discretion of O’Brien Icehouse.
Q: I’ve booked online but didn’t receive a confirmation?
A: Sometimes our emails may end up in spam/junk folders, if it’s not in there, please email [email protected] to organise your tickets.
Q: I’ve purchased tickets but won’t be able to make it to that session?
A: We are unable to issue refunds; however, we may issue a credit for a future session. Please email [email protected] to organise credit.
Q: I purchased tickets, but I want to change the date/session time.
A: If your session has not yet commenced or passed, please email [email protected] to reschedule your ticket!
Q: Do I need to book? Can I purchase my tickets when I get there?
A: We highly recommend to pre-book your tickets to ensure you don’t miss out! – Also score up to 10% off when booking your tickets online!
Q: Do you sharpen skates? And how much does it cost? How long does it normally take?
A: The retail shop here at the Icehouse is run by Skaters Network Melbourne, who are our suppliers. Whilst you may see some familiar faces working in the shop, the store is fully owned and operated by Skaters Network Melbourne who are a separate legal entity to the O’Brien Icehouse. All stock and retailing is entirely operated and owned by Skaters Network Melbourne. As such, there are some new processes in place. (For afterhours sharpening, see below).
Please contact the Skaters Network team if you’ve got more questions!
Customers are welcome to contact Skaters Network Melbourne directly on:
Q: Do the Stick and Puck sessions change each week?
A: Yes, they change week to week. We recommend keeping an eye on the website schedule for any updates. Find our calendar here
Q: How does the change room situation work at the Icehouse for teams/members etc?
A: Change rooms are mixed (as summer league teams are mixed) so should any person, male or female feel uncomfortable changing/showering in the same room as their mixed team we will make the level one change room available.
Q: When are the Australian Ice Hockey League Games?
A: AIHL 2024 will be starting in April. For more information about the season and tickets check out our AIHL Page
Q: When are the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League Games?
A: The Melbourne Ice Women’s Home Game schedule has been released. Check out AWIHL Page to see the schedule!
Q: Do you offer cheaper entry for groups of people?
A: We offer a community group discount, to find out if you’re eligible, click here: Community Groups
Q: I would like private skating lessons? What are my options?
A: The best way to book private lessons with our advanced level coaches is for them to look at the private coaches link on our website: Private Coaches or you can submit an Private Lesson Enquiry Form
People interested in booking lessons with these coaches have to contact them directly as each coach organizes their own lesson schedules and their fees can also vary a little too. Or you may be interested in our Figure Skating Academy programs which are term based with a full fee paid at the start of the term: Figure Skating Academy
Q: What are Freestyle Sessions?
A: Freestyle Sessions are designated Figure Skating Training Sessions. For more information check out our Freestyle Sessions Page
Q: Do you have memberships for Public Skating?
A: We do have memberships! For more information check out our Memberships Page
Q: Can I purchase Icehouse Memberships online?
A: Memberships are only available for purchase in venue. You can skate the same day you become a member. Check our Public Skating times before heading in!
Q: How can I purchase gift vouchers for ice skating?
A: Yes, gift cards can be purchased online (click here) or in the venue. They have an expiration date of 3 years. Please note, online gift-cards can only be used for online purchases.
Q: Can O’Brien Icehouse sponsor me or my business?
A: You are welcome to complete our online donation request form here: Charity Partner
Q: What are the opening hours of the Igloo café and the St Moritz Bar?
A: Find Igloo café opening hours here
The St Moritz Bar is open for AIHL Games and can be requested upon booking a function.