Best 40th Birthday Venues Sydney for Hire

Turning 40 is one of those milestone birthdays that can go either way: a low-key dinner or a full-blown party. If you’re leaning toward the second option, then finding the right venue in Sydney is the first step. 

Do you want to keep it classy or something unexpected? Let this guide walk you through everything you need to know about throwing a memorable (and fun!) 40th birthday party.

What to Think About Before You Book Your 40th

Before you even start venue-hopping, lock in a few basics. First, think about your guest list. Are you after an intimate dinner with your closest friends or a big bash with the whole gang? The size will narrow down your options straight away.

Second, consider the time of year. Sydney’s weather can be unpredictable, so if your heart is set on something outdoorsy (like a rooftop or courtyard), go for late spring or early autumn when the weather's cool. If you're booking around peak season (November through December) lock in your venue at least three months prior as some places get booked really fast, especially for weekend nights.

And lastly, decide on a theme. You don’t need to go over the top, but a little direction helps. Is it a retro 80s night? A wine-and-cheese party? or just a ‘fabulous and forty’ dress code? 

Venue Types That Work for a 40th Birthday Party

The good news is, there’s no “right” kind of venue for a 40th. It depends on your vibe. Here’s what we think tends to work well:

Private dining rooms are perfect if you want to sit down with 20 to 40 people, eat, chat, and celebrate. Most restaurants around Sydney have upstairs rooms or cosy wine cellars that feel special without being flashy.

Rooftop bars are a hit if you want that open-air feel with drinks and views. These suit casual cocktail-style parties, especially for groups of 30 to 80. Just check what happens if it rains as some rooftop venues don’t have proper cover.

Boutique venues or converted spaces like galleries, studios or industrial-style warehouses are great for customisation. If you have a look in mind or you wish to do some catering yourself, this is your route. They take more effort but offer way more flexibility and let's be honest, planning from scratch while it’s a bit stressful, feels fulfilling and fun too!

Pubs and lounges work well if you’re after something more laid-back but still private. A back room in a pub or an exclusive lounge area and your own bar can strike that perfect balance between relaxed and still feeling like a proper event.

40th Party Food & Drink Packages

This can either make or break the night. Nobody wants to remember a milestone birthday for the dry sliders or watered-down spritzes. 

Most venues offer food and drink packages, but it’s worth knowing your options. Set packages (for example, $80 per head for canapés and a drinks package) are easy and predictable. You know what you’re paying and what’s covered but they don’t always allow much flexibility.

Tabs at the bar work better for casual parties. You set a limit and once it’s consumed, guests pay for their own. This gives your guests more freedom with what they order, but always make sure to watch your budget closely.

When it comes to food, grazing tables are the go-to if you want people moving around and mingling. Antipasto spreads, sushi platters, or even fancy sausage rolls. If it’s more of a sit-down thing, then go for a two- or three-course menu with shared plates. It’s social and easy to manage.

If you’ve got guests with allergies or specific needs (gluten-free, vegetarian, halal), always ask early. Most decent venues can cater to this but only if they know ahead of time.

Some venues are also BYO-friendly, especially smaller private spaces. That can help you save money, but you’ll need to factor in things like glassware, ice, service, and possibly a corkage fee.

How Much Does a 40th Cost?

On average, you’re looking at around $75 per person, with $60 at the low end and $90 or more if you’re going all out with premium food and drinks.

Most places work on a minimum spend rather than a hire fee. This means they’ll give you the space for free, but you need to spend a certain amount on food and drinks. It’s a fair deal if you’re planning to feed everyone anyway.

A few spots charge a venue hire fee on top, especially if you want complete privacy or extended hours. Always check what’s included: Furniture, staff, cleaning and AV gear can sometimes be extra cost.

To save money, consider hosting your party on a Sunday afternoon or even a Thursday night. Minimum spends are often lower, and you’re more likely to get your first pick of venue.

Getting To and From Your Party

No one wants to worry about parking or figuring out a bus schedule after a few drinks, so make transport part of your plan.

Most of the top suburbs are accessible by train, bus and rideshare. Venues near Central or Town Hall stations make life easier for everyone, especially if your guests are coming from all over.

Parking, however, can be hit or miss. If your venue doesn’t have a private car park, check if there’s a nearby Wilson or Secure Parking, and share the link with your guests in advance. Some partygoers will Uber no matter what, so make sure your venue has a clear drop-off or pick-up spot, especially in busier parts of the city.

Popular Suburbs in Sydney for a 40th Birthday

Sydney CBD is the classic choice. Rooftop bars with skyline views, restaurants with private rooms, or cocktail lounges in heritage buildings. 

Haymarket is a great option for food-focused parties. If you’re into banquet-style dining or something a little more casual (like Korean BBQ followed by karaoke), it’s a fun area that doesn’t break the bank.

Surry Hills gives you that cool, slightly edgy vibe. Perfect if you’re leaning towards a warehouse party, small bar or converted terrace.

Chippendale is underrated but has something to offer. Boutique hotels, hidden courtyards, and venues with a creative twist. It’s a good option if you want to make your party feel different and more curated.

Darlinghurst is lively and kind of glam. You’ll find cocktail dens, live music venues, and nice restaurants. If you’re planning a party with a DJ or dance floor, this area is worth a look.

Ideas to Make Your 40th Memorable

You don’t need a theme, but a little touch of personality can make your 40th way more memorable. Keep it light. A black and gold dress code, vintage 1984 playlists, or even a retro photo booth with props and signs all work well.

If your crowd loves to dance, hire a DJ. If they prefer to unwind and chat, soft lighting, comfortable seating along with a wine or cocktail pairings could be in order.

Styling-wise, less is more. A few well-placed centerpieces, some candles and mood lighting can elevate a space without going over the top. If you’re hiring a stylist, brief them early with photos and a clear mood board. It’ll save time and stress.

Final Tips Before You Confirm Your Venue

Ask what is included before you pay that deposit. Does the venue include staff, setups and sound system? What happens if you cancel at the last minute? Do they let third-party suppliers in? Can you visit the space beforehand?

Don’t rely on photos alone. Spaces often look very different in person, and lighting changes everything. If possible, go at the same time of day as your event to get a real feel of the area. Trust us, this makes a huge difference.

Lastly, don’t forget the essential stuff: restrictions, closing times and what you’re allowed to decorate.

How much do Sydney 40th birthday venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Sydney 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 Sydney 40th birthday venues?

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

1. Verandah Bar
2. Cabana Bar
3. Cafe Del Mar
4. L'Aqua
5. Hyde Hacienda
6. The Royal Exchange Sydney
7. Bungalow 8
8. Shelbourne Hotel
9. The Rook
10. Stanley's on Stanley

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

Finding and booking a Sydney 40th birthday venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Sydney 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 Sydney 40th birthday venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Sydney 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 Sydney 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.