The Speargun and Snorkel Bistro and Grill is the social hub of the Harold Holt Disappearance Reenactment Society.  Open 24-7 and offering a mouthwatering range of dining options, it is where members from all categories (except Compost) come together in an atmosphere designed to evoke the halcyon days of Australian refinement and taste – 1966. 

Overlooking Port Philip heads and with uninterrupted views to the Mudd Island dredging station, the Speargun and Snorkel Bistro is home to the world’s second longest mechanised food conveyance system in the form of the 3.7km Emperor Hirohito Sushi Train.  Members with young children can be reassured that the fault that led to the mass casualty derailment in 2023 has now been addressed.  In July 2026 our specialised team of food conveyance technicians finalised a complete overhaul of the drive mechanism, including the installation of a state-of-the-art triple valved assembly flange, reducing the risk of a repeat catastrophe to “mildly probable”.

The bistro also houses the world famous two gigalitre chocolate feature which incorporates a 3,700-spigot dancing fountain.  Programmed to fire its first chocolate spray on the hour, this is the same feature which reduced celebrity chef Rick Stein to tears during his 2022 TV special, Bizarre Bistros of the World.   (Please note that Sandflea and Driftwood members’ access to the chocolate fountain is restricted to before 4pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends and public holidays). 

The Bistro also offers patrons a dedicated ‘cook your own steak’ section where guests can prepare their own lumps of meat on one of several Atomic Bradman™ barbecues.   Marvel at the world’s first nuclear powered family cooker which was developed right here at the HHDRS and is capable of cooking an entire family meal to perfection in just 0.000005 seconds.[1]  According to no less an authority than Dame Nigella Lawson, the Atomic Bradman ranks alongside the four-litre wine cask and chicken salt as the latest Aussie contribution to international epicurean culture.  So why not be a part of history and irradiate your own sirloin?

Although bookings for the Bistro are generally not required, patrons are reminded that space can be limited between 4pm and midnight, especially on special feast days, such as Sir Harold Holt’s birthday (5 August) and Disappearance Reenactment Day (17 December). 

Patrons are also reminded of the bistro’s dress code with ladies required to wear dresses and gentlemen polo shirts, chinos (short or long) and tasselled boat shoes.  Should the weather require a pullover, both ladies and gentlemen should wear rugby jerseys (accredited private schools ONLY) which are to be draped nonchalantly around the shoulders.  Wetsuits, diving masks and flippers are permitted for both genders.  Children under 14 are required to be tethered to a retractable leash. 

The Speargun and Snorkel also hosts several a la carte dining options including the highly popular Sir Harold Room.  Offering a secluded space and perfect for a working lunch or romantic dinner, the Sir Harold Room offers seasonal menus designed by head chef George Calombaris. Bookings are essential and patrons are warned waiting lists can fill quickly.  

(As of September 2026, priority will be given to Rhino Horn and above membership categories.  Members in lower-level membership groups should expect an 18-21 week wait and are encouraged to try their luck with the main bistro).   

The Sir Harold Room: Speargun and Snorkel Bistro and Grill 

Spring 2026 A-LaCarte Menu

Entrees

Medley of Gippsland Mushrooms

Toad fish sashimi

Parsnip gnocchi with kelp infusion

Local pipis with sand grit

White Bread (Tip Top - Toast) with garlic butter 

Mains*

Mudd Island Crab Cakes (heavy metals removal additional charge)

Sea Anemone Parcels

Antarctic Chicken Roulade (served with Geiger counter)

Point Nepean Echidna Parmigiana

Pangolin Ravioli

Spring Lamb Chops Done Three Ways (Rare, Medium and Burned)

Wagyu Seal Steak 

*All mains served with chips and salad 

Deserts

Pavlova with Blue Ring Octopus Sorbet

Tea Tree Mousse

Melon Balls ala Albanese

QANTAS Club Cheese Selection (not suitable for customers with dentures)

A large part of the Speargun and Snorkel’s popularity is its world-famous cabaret-style entertainment, with past performances by international superstars such as Dave Hughes, Normie Rowe, Denis Walter, Khamal and the Tony Bartuccio Dancers, and Mark “Tubby” Taylor’s Tribute to Johnny O’Keefe.

Upcoming Cabaret Attractions

(2:00pm Matinee and 7:00pm Evening Performances) 

September – The Ballads of Benito Mussolini family singalong with Dr Truthwright

October – A Musical Tribute to Bert Newton with Ben Carroll

November – Golden Oldies with Marcia Hines and the Portsea Mass Pipe Band 

December – A Very Perry Christmas: Philippe Performs Perry Como’s Seasonal Classics 

January 2027 – Fiddler on the Roof starring Chris Minns as Tevye