Mood grim at Vic Liberal election event

A sparse, subdued crowd gathered at Melbourne's Sofitel for the Liberal party post-election function.

To call the event a party would be misleading - spirits are low.

Premier Denis Napthine arrived around 6.30pm but retreated to a private room to watch the count with wife Peggy.

Dr Napthine is not expected to appear until it is time for one of the party leaders to make a concession speech, in all likelihood it will be him.

Smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches were served to the party faithful who watched the count from beneath clusters of blue balloons.

They sat quietly and fiddled with their phones as Greens leader Greg Barber claimed victory in the lower house seat of Melbourne on the screens above their heads.