Dress Code
Members’ dress should reflect the professional nature of the National Press Club. We remind members of their responsibility to ensure their own attire – and that of their guests – meets our standards. Much like the news itself, we understand that fashions and dress standards change by the day. Management appreciates members taking a common-sense approach to these regulations and reserves the right to enforce them accordingly.
Examples
Bare feet, singlets, torn or dirty clothing, work clothing (such as overalls or fluorescent vests), sporting uniforms, rubber thongs, provocative clothing or clothing bearing provocative slogans are not acceptable in the Club.
Casual clothing, not including those items indicated above, is acceptable in the Club. For the avoidance of any confusion, neat denim garments and mid-length shorts with appropriate dress shoes are acceptable in the Club.
FAQ
Do I have to be a member to attend a National Press Club Address?
No, Members and Non-Members are welcome however Members are afforded discounted tickets as a benefit of belonging to the Club. However, use of the Clubs facilities are reserved for Members and guests of Members only.
Where do I park?
The National Press Club carpark is for members only. Open from 11 the Members car park is accessible weekdays during Club opening hours. Nearby parking for guests is available at the Realm and Little National. Directions to the club are available here.
How do I suggest a speaker?
Club members can make recommendations by completing ‘Propose a speaker’ form. To make a formal application to address the Press Club as a person of influence, please provide a photo, short biography and brief synopsis of the speech to ceo@npc.org.au. Your submission will be presented to the Board for consideration at the next meeting for potential inclusion in our speaker program.
How do I book for a Speaker Address?
Select the speaker you wish to see and register your details on the form provided. Please have your membership number (if you have one) and credit card details at the ready. Book a speaker
Can anyone apply for membership or is it only working media?
The National Press Club offers multiple membership to cater for all circumstances. While full professional membership are afforded extended benefits associated with their profession, social membership allow access to the Club and its special events. More detail is contained on our membership page.
What if I don’t know someone to second and propose me for membership?
Call us at the Club and we should be able to make the introduction for you.
As a member what are my obligations for signing in guests? Is there a limit?
As we are a licensed club, we do ask that you sign in your guests. Most members will only bring one or two guests, unless they have booked a larger table in the Chatham House Restaurant for dinner. Please call us if you are in doubt.
Why doesn't my member card work or open the boomgate before 11am?
The member car park is only available to members when they are attending the Club during opening hours. If you are hosting a function at the Club that starts before the usual Club opening hours, please call us for access in advance.
Can I enter the Club if I’m not a member?
Yes you can, if you are signed in by a member of the Club, or are media visiting from interstate.
Are children allowed?
The Club Lounge is an adult venue and can only be accessed be persons over the age of eighteen. Children may attend the National Press Club Address or private functions at the venue.
What are your opening hours? Weekends?
The Club is open from 11am until late Monday to Friday. The Club is not open on weekends, except for private functions.
When are the Restaurant and Club Lounge open for lunch & dinner?
Chatham House Restaurant is open from 12:00pm – 2:00pm for lunch Monday to Friday and from 6:30pm – 9:00pm for dinner, Monday to Friday.
The Club Lounge serves bar snacks from 11:30am – 7:30pm, Monday to Tuesday and from 11:30am – 9:00pm, Wednesday to Friday.
Do you have disabled parking?
Disabled parking can be accessed on the Darling Street side of the Club. There is also lift access to the Club Lounge at the front of the Club.
How far are you from the airport?
The airport is approximately 6.5km away (about ten minutes by car).
What are the nearest accommodation facilities?
The National Press Club of Australia recommends Novotel Canberra as a CBD hotel option. For rooms available closer to the Club itself, there is Hotel Realm, the Burbury, Little National and Hotel Kurrajong.