The Royal Children's Hospital Alpine Club is a sports club located in Melbourne, Australia. The club offers its members access to a lodge in the alpine region, providing a unique opportunity to engage in various outdoor activities and enjoy the beautiful surrounding scenery.
Membership in the RCH Alpine Club is open to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. This includes current employees of either the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne or the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Additionally, spouses or partners of financial club members, as well as children under 18 years of age of club members, are eligible to apply for membership.
The club offers two membership categories: adult membership for individuals aged 18 years and older, and junior membership for those under 18. While there is no family membership category, the committee may consider other types of membership in exceptional circumstances.
Prospective members are required to complete and submit a membership application form, which can be found on the club's website. The application must include the names of two current RCH Alpine Club members who can propose and second the nomination. Applications are reviewed during the committee meetings, which take place on the second Wednesday of each month.
Successful applicants will be notified via email and sent an account for the joining fee and annual subscription. The joining fee for adults is $720, payable over two years, while children have a joining fee of $360. The current annual subscription for 2023 is $360 for adults (with an early bird discount of $290) and $180 for juniors (with an early bird discount of $145). Once the payments are received and the applicant becomes 'financial', they will be provided with a login for the club's booking system, allowing them to make accommodation bookings at the lodge.
The RCH Alpine Club lodge fees vary depending on the season. Midweek fees range from $39 for adult members to $22 for junior members during the shoulder season and increase to $50 for adult members and $33 for junior members during the high season. Weekend fees, inclusive of Friday and Saturday nights, are higher. Guests accompanying members have separate fee structures.
The Royal Children's Hospital Alpine Club offers a fantastic opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to make the most of the alpine region in Melbourne. With its diverse membership options and access to a well-equipped lodge, the club provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals and families to enjoy various sports and recreational activities all year round.