The History and Character of The Tote Hotel
The Tote Hotel, located in Collingwood, Victoria, is a renowned live music venue and pub with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Originally built around 1870 as Healey’s, it became known as the Ivanhoe Hotel in 1876. The venue remained under the ownership of the Healey family until 1940, when it underwent renovations. In 1980, the venue was rebranded as “Le Tote” and eventually “The Tote,” marking the beginning of its association with local and Australian punk, post-punk, heavy metal, and hardcore bands.
The Tote has played a significant role in Melbourne’s live music scene since the 1980s, hosting a wide array of independent local, Australian, and international acts. It is known for showcasing new and emerging independent musical acts across various stylistic origins. The venue operates five days a week, featuring performances in three distinct settings: the main stage, the cobra bar, and the front bar.
The Tote’s Role in Live Music and Community Support
On January 15, 2010, it was announced that The Tote would close due to high financial costs related to disputed liquor licensing laws. This announcement sparked a wave of community support and opposition to certain aspects of these laws. On January 17, an estimated crowd of around 2,000 rallied outside the venue, leading to public and political debate about liquor licensing laws and live music in Melbourne and Victoria. A larger rally, the 2010 Melbourne live music rally, was held on February 23, attracting at least 10,000 participants. That same day, amendments to liquor licensing laws were announced. The Tote eventually reopened and continues to serve the community to this day.
Verified venue information
| Location | Melbourne, Australia |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1876 |
| Official website | thetotehotel.com |
| Information checked | 2026-08-15 |
Map
Sources
Wikipedia / Wikidata / Official website
Image: Nick carson at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 CC BY-SA 3.0
