Discover Wrest Point Hotel: Australia’s First Casino

Wrest Point Hotel Casino is a historic landmark of the Tasmanian skyline, famously recognized as Australia’s first legal casino. Perched on the absolute waterfront of Sandy Bay, the venue offers a refined and “Old World” gaming experience with panoramic views of the River Derwent and Mount Wellington. While it maintains the elegance of a premier resort, its poker room, known as the Poker Pit, is a vibrant hub for the Australian Poker League (APL) and regional championships, offering a professional yet welcoming environment for Hobart’s dedicated poker community.

Why Wrest Point Hotel?

• Australia’s Original Casino: Since 1973, Wrest Point Hotel has set the standard for Tasmanian gaming. The poker room bridges the gap between the club’s prestigious history and modern tournament standards.
• APL Signature Series Hub: The venue is a primary host for the APLPT Tasmania and the APL Signature Series, featuring multi-day schedules with large-scale ballroom setups that attract players from across the country.
• Rake: Known for one of the most competitive rake structures in the country, the casino typically caps commission at 10% (max $10) for pots over $20, with no rake charged on smaller pots and no seat fees.
• Iconic Tower Luxury: Beyond the gaming floor, the Wrest Point Tower offers 4.5-star accommodation and the world-famous The Point Revolving Restaurant, providing 360-degree views of Hobart.

The Wrest Point Hotel Poker Experience

Poker at Wrest Point is defined by its consistency and technical professionalism. The Poker Pit typically spreads Texas Hold’em four nights per week, with games starting at 6:00 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The room features a rotation of No-Limit Hold’em cash games and popular weekly tournaments like Monday Madness and Thursday Throwdown, which offer affordable buy-ins ($40–$80) and guaranteed prize pools.

The 2026 season remains headlined by major festivals such as the APLPT TAS, where the tournament area expands into the grand function spaces. These festivals are noted for their high-quality structures and diverse events, including the Monster Stack and Sunday NLH. The venue’s staff are among the most experienced in the state, ensuring that tournament clocks and dealer standards remain at a championship level throughout the grind.

Between sessions, players can take advantage of the resort’s diverse lifestyle offerings. The Birdcage Bar is Hobart’s favorite spot for live music and premium cocktails, while the Longhorn Smokehouse offers a classic American-style meal to fuel long sessions. With its waterfront location and proximity to the city center, Wrest Point Hotel provides an unrivaled “stay-and-play” experience for the modern Australian poker traveler.

Venue Logistics

📍 Location: Wrest Point Hotel, 410 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay TAS 7005, Australia . (Just minutes south of Hobart CBD on the waterfront).

🏨 Accommodations: Choose from the 4.5-star Wrest Point Tower, 4-star Water Edge Rooms, or the budget-friendly 3.5-star Motor Inn. All guests have access to the indoor heated pool and fitness center.

📝 Entry & Requirements: Open 24/7 (Poker Pit hours vary). Valid Photo ID is strictly mandatory for entry. A neat-and-tidy dress code applies; singlets and rubber thongs are generally prohibited after 6:00 PM.