Frequently Asked Questions

We want to make sure that your visit to the Icehouse is an exceptional one. Here is some advice to help ensure you have the best possible experience.

>What happens when I arrive at the Icehouse? What do I have to do?

>What should I wear? Can I skate in my jeans?

>Do I have to bring my own ice skates?

>Do I need to wear a helmet?

>Does the price of a ticket include skate hire?

>Are the ice skates regularly cleaned?

>How long is a general skating session?

>Are there group discounts if I come with lots of friends?

>Where do I put my shoes and other belongings while I skate?

>Do I need a lesson?

>Where do I meet my instructor for my skating lesson?

>Is my child old enough to ice skate?

>Is it safe for children to skate by themselves?

>Is ice skating similar to inline skating?

>I’ve never skated before and I’m a bit worried I’ll fall over.

>Do you sell socks at the Icehouse?

>Is skating dangerous? I’ve heard horror stories about people’s fingers getting cut off while ice skating, is that true?

>How cold is it inside the rink?

>Can I get something to eat and drink at the Icehouse?

Q: What happens when I arrive at the Icehouse? What do I have to do?
A: First of all, you need to purchase your ticket at the front desk or if you’ve already booked ahead online head straight to express entry and pick up your ticket. Afterwards, you will be directed straight to Skate Hire to be fitted for skates. Once you’re fitted up and ready to go, you can deposit your belongings in a locker and head out to the ice!

Q: What should I wear? Can I skate in my jeans?
A: It’s best to layer breathable clothes that are easy to move in.  Gloves are always recommended, as they protect your hands from getting scratched if you fall.  Long, thin socks or knee-high stockings should be worn on your feet to ensure that your skates fit well, so you can avoid blisters.  Helmets are recommended for beginners – you can rent these from the Icehouse, but feel free to bring your own.  A bike helmet is fine. Jeans are fine to skate in.

Q: Do I have to bring my own ice skates?
A: No, you do not need to bring your own skates. The Icehouse has 2,300 pairs of high quality rental skates in Skate Hire including figure and hockey skates.

Q: Do I need to wear a helmet?
A: It is not compulsory to wear a helmet on the ice, but the Icehouse highly recommends that you wear one for your own personal safety. Helmets can be rented from Skate Hire free of charge

Q: Does the price of a ticket include skate hire?
A: No, the price of a ticket does not include skate hire. Skate hire is an additional $4 and skates are fitted at Skate Hire within the Icehouse.

Q: Are the ice skates regularly cleaned?
A: Our skates are cleaned and disinfected after every skating session so that they are fresh for you to wear and in good condition.

Q: How long is a general skating session?
A: Each session is two hours long, but we recommend that you get there 15 minutes before the session starts so you have plenty of time to pick up your ticket and ice skates.

Q: Are there group discounts if I come with lots of friends?
A: Yes, a discounted rate will be given to groups of eleven people or more. For more information on group discounts see Group Visits

Q: Where do I put my shoes and other belongings while I skate?
A: The Icehouse provides lockers for all ice skaters, the cost is $2.00 per locker.

Q: Do I need a lesson?
A: Lessons are not compulsory, but they are a great way to learn the basics or develop more advanced skills out on the ice. The Icehouse Skate School has a family of experienced instructors who will ensure you have heaps of fun whilst improving your skills. The Skate school has programs for all ages and skill levels.

Q: Where do I meet my instructor for my skating lesson?
A: When you book your lesson, you will be told where to meet your instructor. Follow the signs once you are inside the building.

Q: Is my child old enough to ice skate?
A: Children can ice skate at any age - as long as they can walk, they can skate!  (Some toddlers in Canada learn how to skate before they can walk)

Q: Is it safe for children to skate by themselves?
A: Children are welcome to skate without their parents. However, children under 6 years old should be accompanied by an adult or older child.  Parents with children under the age of 12 are encouraged to supervise them at all times. The Penguin skate aids are currently in storage at the Icehouse and will not be available for use during General Skate sessions going forward, unless there are guests with disabilities requiring them.

Q: Is ice skating similar to inline skating?
A: Yes, the two sports are very similar, and we can guarantee that if you are a capable inline skater you will pick up ice skating in no time!

Q: I’ve never skated before and I’m a bit worried I’ll fall over.
A: Don’t worry - even if you’re an absolute beginner, our Ice Ambassadors will be on the ice at all times to lend you a hand and pass on some basic skating tips.

Q: Do you sell socks at the Icehouse?
A: Yes. If you happen to forget your socks in the summer heat you can purchase socks from the Icehouse shop located in the entrance to the building.

Q: Is skating dangerous? I’ve heard horror stories about people’s fingers getting cut off while ice skating, is that true?
A: Like any other sport, ice skating has a certain amount of risk to it, but when executed sensibly at a recreational level, ice skating is generally safe. To ensure the Icehouse is a safe environment at all times, there will be Ice Ambassadors on the ice during all general skating sessions. As for your fingers, this is a common ice skating myth. We have staff at the Icehouse who have skated for 20 years and have never seen it happen.

Q: How cold is it inside the rink?
A: The air temperature in the ice arena will be about 16° Celsius, but a comfortable temperature is maintained throughout the foyer, café and other non-skating areas.

Q: Can I get something to eat and drink at the Icehouse?
A: Yes! The Igloo café is full of tasty treats, and is open from 6am – 9pm, seven days a week. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a delicious meal to refuel after your session on the ice, you’ll find it at the Igloo Cafe.