Melbourne’s Best 50th Birthday Party Venues

A 50th birthday calls for something a bit more special. You’ve clocked a lot of years, collected a few stories, and you know exactly how you like things done. So when it’s time to celebrate, it’s worth doing it right with good food, your kind of music, and the people who’ve been there through it all.

This isn’t about hiring a big function room or going all out with a wild theme (unless that’s your vibe). It’s about gathering the constant people in your life, sharing a few laughs, raising a glass, and enjoying a space that feels comfortable but still a bit elevated. Melbourne’s full of venues that nail that brief. Wine bars and rooftops to garden courtyards and private dining rooms.

Here’s how to pull it all together, without the stress.

Planning Tips To Consider

Start by working out your numbers. Small and intimate? Or are you expecting a crowd? The guest list makes a big difference to where you end up.

You don’t need a full-blown theme, but it helps to have a loose idea of what you want the night to feel like. Once you’ve got the mood sorted, everything else falls into place more easily.

And don’t book too late. Popular venues get booked quickly, especially on weekend nights. If you’ve got a date in mind, book three to six months out to be safe (seriously!)

Venue Types That Work for a 50th Birthday Party

Private dining rooms are always a solid choice. Plenty of Melbourne restaurants offer them, and they’re perfect for a shared meal that feels a little more special than the usual dinner. No interruptions, no noise from other tables, just you and your people.

If you’d rather have a drinks-and-nibbles setup, check out the local wine bars or hidden cocktail lounges. Many offer semi-private areas and food packages that keep it easy. No stress over splitting bills or ordering rounds.

For daytime celebrations, courtyards and rooftops are a nice bet. There are some really nice spaces tucked away in Fitzroy, South Yarra and the city that feel cosy and open at the same time. Just make sure there’s cover or heaters depending on the season.

Larger guest list? Converted warehouses and blank space venues give you room to spread out. These are great if you want to bring in your own styling or entertainment too.

50th Food and Drinks Packages

Set menus make planning easier. You’ll know the cost upfront and avoid the hassle of chasing orders or figuring out dietary swaps on the fly. Most venues can easily accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free and other common needs, just give them a heads-up.

For more casual events, grazing boards, canapés or roaming food can be a better fit. Guests can move around, chat, grab a bite when they want, and the whole night feels more fluid.

Drinks packages usually run for a set number of hours and include house wine, beer and soft drinks. Some throw in a signature cocktail or upgrade options. If you’d rather have more control, a bar tab works too just decide who it covers and set a cap so it doesn’t blow out.

A few venues allow BYO, especially for wine or cake, but expect a corkage fee. (Always double-check this upfront!)

How Much Does a 50th Birthday Cost?

Most parties land somewhere around $75 per person, with some closer to $60 for lighter, daytime events and others reaching $90 for more premium food and drink inclusions.

You might come across two types of pricing: a minimum spend or a flat hire fee. A minimum spend means you need to hit a certain total across food and drinks, which often gives you the space for free. A flat hire fee is separate, you’ll still need to pay for catering and drinks on top.

If you’re trying to keep costs down, go for a lunch instead of dinner, limit the drinks package hours, or opt for share plates instead of a full sit-down menu. Even trimming your guest list by ten can make a big difference to the budget.

Getting To and From Your 50th Birthday Party

Melbourne’s inner suburbs are well-connected, but convenience still matters especially if you’ve got older guests or people travelling in.

The CBD is always a safe bet. Trains, trams, rideshare, it’s all within easy reach. Plenty of venue options too, from rooftops to sleek restaurants.

South Wharf has great river views and is ideal for bigger parties. Slightly quieter than the city at night but still close enough for an easy Uber ride.

Fitzroy brings all the character, lush courtyards, heritage buildings. Parking can be tricky, but it’s tram-friendly and full of charm.

South Yarra is polished but not too formal. Good for chic dining rooms and stylish spaces without being over the top. Train access helps here too.

St Kilda suits relaxed, coastal energy. Beach views, sunset cocktails, and venues that lean into that breezy, celebratory feel. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon celebration.

Ideas to Make Your Party More Fun

This is a milestone, so it’s worth adding a few personal touches.

A short toast or speech always goes down well, especially if it’s funny, warm or nostalgic. Throw in a photo wall with snapshots from different decades, or a playlist built from old favourites.

Live music can lift the mood without overpowering the vibe. A local acoustic duo, a jazz band, or even a vinyl DJ spinning classics can really set the tone.

You don’t need a dress-up theme, but something simple like “all white” or “touch of gold” can make photos pop and give guests a loose brief. Candlelight, florals, linen and warm lighting go a long way when it comes to styling.

Want something fun but still classy? Try a whisky-tasting station, espresso martini bar, or even a dessert bar with mini cakes and nostalgic sweets. Keeps things playful without feeling like a 21st.

Final Tips Before You Confirm Your Venue

Before you pay a deposit, ask what’s actually included. Does the minimum spend cover staffing, setup, AV or just food and drinks?

Get the cancellation policy in writing. Life happens, you want to know your options if plans change.

Visit the venue in person if you can. It’s the best way to check the layout, vibe, lighting and how things will flow with your group.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions. The best venues will be happy to walk you through everything and help you make it feel easy. If the team is helpful, the price makes sense, and the space feels like a fit, lock it in.

How much do Melbourne 50th birthday venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Melbourne 50th birthday venues cost between 50 per person and 75 per person. For example, a 100 person 50th 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 Melbourne 50th birthday venues?

Here are some of our favourite Melbourne 50th birthday venues:

1. Hophaus
2. Two Hands Rooftop Bar
3. Aerial
4. Harbour Kitchen
5. Rokeby100
6. Baroq House
7. The Boatbuilders Yard
8. La Di Da
9. Luminare
10. Yum Sing House
11. Ballers Clubhouse
12. Rising Sun Hotel Richmond

How do I find and book Melbourne 50th birthday venues?

Finding and booking a Melbourne 50th birthday venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Melbourne as your location and 50th 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 Melbourne 50th birthday venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Melbourne 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 Melbourne 50th 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.