Best 40th Birthday Venues Brisbane for Hire

By the time you hit 40, you’ve probably been to your fair share of birthday parties. Some were fun, some were forgettable, and a few felt more like work events than celebrations. So when it’s your turn to host, you know what matters: a space that fits your people, food and drinks that hit the spot, and a setup that doesn’t leave you stressing out over logistics.

This guide covers what to think about before you book, where to host it, what it’ll cost, and how to make it feel personal without going overboard.

Where to Start: Guest List, Timing, and Vibe

Planning your 40th doesn’t have to feel like a massive task but the key is starting with the right stuff. Before you dive into venues, work out your numbers. A rough guest list helps shape the size of your space. The more people, the more moving parts, so knowing that early keeps everything else smoother.

Timing is another big one. Brisbane’s weather is generally on your side, but if you’re planning anything outdoors (rooftops, courtyards, riverside decks) make sure the venue you’re about to book has a plan in case the weather won’t cooperate. Want a weekend night somewhere between October to December? You’ll need to lock it in early. Those dates book up fast. Don’t sleep on weeknights or Sunday afternoons either as they’re often cheaper and easier to book.

Once you’ve got the guest count and season locked in, think about the feel. Not everything needs a theme, but knowing whether you want dressy, casual, seated, or “dance-y” will help you sort through venues fast. Just figure out the kind of night you’d love to attend and start there.

What Kind of Venue Works Best?

Brisbane does well. You’ve got modern rooftops, hidden bars, converted warehouses, boutique hotels and more. 

Private dining rooms are perfect if you’re keeping it intimate. These spaces let you gather around one table (or a few smaller ones), share a great meal, and still feel like you’re out without being in the thick of a noisy restaurant.

If you’re thinking of open-air, rooftops and terraces, with the skyline, the breeze, and often a cocktail menu that’s been built with birthdays in mind, these spots suit mid-size groups who want a mix of grazing food, drinks that keep flowing, and space to move around. Just check the wet weather plan, some rooftops are better prepared than others.

For something more low-key, small bars with private areas are a safe bet. They work best for semi-casual celebrations where people want to hang out, drink well, snack on decent food and not deal with strangers walking through the party. Brisbane also has a few solid options that don’t cost a fortune and still feel well-designed.

Want to create something completely your own? Go for a blank canvas venue or converted warehouse. You can bring in your own styling, music, food, drinks—everything. It’s more work, but if you’ve got a vision (or a stylist), it pays off. These spaces are best for bigger parties that lean into the “let’s do something different” vibe.

Food and Drinks Without the Fuss

No one wants to leave your party hungry or wondering why they’re paying for their own drinks. But you also don’t need a ten-course menu to impress. The best approach is usually the simplest.

Most venues offer set packages that include food and a drinks tab. A typical bundle might be around $75 to $90 per person, giving you roaming canapés or shared plates with a three-hour drink service. These deals are great if you want to lock everything in and not worry about money mid-party.

Bar tabs work well if you’d rather have flexibility. You tell the venue how much you want to spend and they’ll stop serving on the tab once it runs out. It gives your guests choice, and you keep control of the spend.

For food, grazing tables and roaming canapés are always popular. People like to nibble, chat, and move around. If your group prefers structure or you’re doing a sit-down dinner, go for a two- or three-course menu. These often come with matched wines or upgrade options if you want to go a little fancier. 

And yes, always flag dietary requirements early. Most Brisbane venues can handle gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan guests with no fuss but they need time to prep. If you’re booking a BYO space, factor in things like glassware, bar staff, and cleanup. Those extras can sneak up if you’re not careful.

How Much You’ll Most Likely Spend for a 40th Birthday Party?

Most 40th birthdays in Brisbane land somewhere between $75 and $90 per person, depending on how much food and booze you’re covering. If you’re keeping it simple, you might spend closer to $60, but that usually means bar tab only or a more casual setup.

Venues usually don’t charge to hire the space. Instead, they ask for a minimum spend. This is the total amount you need to commit to, usually covering food and drinks.

Some venues, especially private studios or function halls, might charge a venue hire fee on top. This is more common if you’re booking outside normal service hours or need extra AV, styling time or full-day access. Always ask what’s included before you say yes.

Trying to stretch the budget? Go for a weeknight or Sunday lunch these usually come with better deals and more flexibility on packages.

Make It Easy for People to Get There (and Home)

Brisbane’s a pretty easy city to get around, but it’s still worth checking how accessible your venue really is, especially if people are coming in from different parts of town.

Brisbane City venues are central and walkable, close to public transport, rideshare, and plenty of parking lots. Perfect if your guest list is a mix of locals and out-of-towners who need a central base.

Fortitude Valley is made for nightlife. If you’re planning to kick on after the party or want a venue that lets the music run a little later, this is your zone. Parking can be tricky here, so it’s a good idea to share local parking info or recommend Uber instead.

Woolloongabba offers a quieter feel but is still well connected. It’s a good pick for sit-down dinners or BYO venues with their own parking. Lots of the function spaces here are tucked away, so be sure to send a pin with the invite.

West End has that casual, creative energy with lots of bars, small event spaces, and restaurants that are happy to work with you.

No matter where you book, send clear info in your invites: parking options, drop-off points, public transport, and anything that might trip people up.

Little Details That Make a Big Difference

You don’t need a huge theme or elaborate setup to make the night feel special. Just add a few personal touches. Could be a drink named after you, a playlist of your all-time favourites, a photo wall with prints from your twenties and thirties.

If your venue allows it, bring in a DJ, live acoustic set. Lighting matters too! Candles, string lights, or soft lamps change a room more than most people think.

Styling can be simple. A few flower arrangements, clean signage, or a good grazing table can be enough. You don’t need to spend a fortune to make the space feel warm and put-together. But if you’re going all in, brief your stylist early and share your vision clearly.

What To Think About Before You Confirm Anything

Ask for everything in writing. What’s included in the package? Can you stay past the agreed time if the vibe’s still good?

Read the cancellation policy. Ask what happens if fewer people show up. Know what’s locked in and what’s flexible.

If you can, visit the space. Photos only tell half the story. Walk through it, check the lighting, and picture what it’ll feel like when it’s full of your people.

Once that’s sorted, everything else becomes way more fun to plan. Good food, your favourite people, and a space that feels right and that’s all a 40th celebration really needs.

How much do Brisbane 40th birthday venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Brisbane 40th birthday venues cost between 50 per person and 75 per person. For example, a 100 person 40th birthday would cost approximately 5000-7500. Costs may differ based on your food and beverage requirements, AV requirements, event date and time and the type of venue you decide to book.

What are the top Brisbane 40th birthday venues?

Here are some of our favourite Brisbane 40th birthday venues:

1. The Point Brisbane
2. Indriya Events
3. Amora Hotel Brisbane
4. Kingpin Chermside
5. Officers Mess
6. Cielo Rooftop
7. YOT Club Brisbane
8. The Mix Bar
9. Fridays
10. Alliance Hotel

How do I find and book Brisbane 40th birthday venues?

Finding and booking a Brisbane 40th birthday venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Brisbane as your location and 40th birthday as your event type into VenueNow's search engine.2. Narrow down your search results by entering more filters such as number of people, event date, room layout and budget.3. Send enquiries to venues to request pricing and availability (we recommend sending 3-5 enquiries to different venues to ensure you get the best price).4. Review your quotes and connect directly with your favourite venues to book a site visit and finalise your booking.5. Host your event!

How far in advance should I book a Brisbane 40th birthday venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Brisbane venue 90 days in advance of the event. For larger events and event dates in December we recommend allowing additional time as there may be limited availability.

Can VenueNow help me find a Brisbane 40th birthday venue?

We sure can! VenueNow's team of Venue Booking Experts can help you find the perfect venue, collect quotes from multiple venues on your behalf, negotiate the best price with venues and book venues, all for free. Simply send us your event brief and our team will be in contact with venue recommendations within 24-48 hours.