Discover Sydney's Best Birthday Venues

Sydneysiders love a party, no matter the occasion, but a birthday party is a particularly special event that deserves a superior celebration. And with cocktail bars, restaurants, pubs, dance clubs and function venues lining the busy streets, you’re spoilt for choice of birthday party venues for hire in Sydney. 

Looking for a stylish and versatile location for your upcoming birthday bash? Look no further. The VenueNow platform lets you easily browse and book your perfect party venue in Sydney. We constantly update our listings with new and spectacular birthday venues from all over Australia, so whatever type of space it is you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it in minutes.

What should I consider before hiring a birthday party venue in Sydney? 

Birthday party planning starts with setting a budget, guest size and theme. Once these things have been finalised, you’ll use them as criteria for the right birthday party spot. Before you book a party space in Sydney, ask these questions as well: 

What are the venue’s rules?

Does the place allow external catering? Does it allow you to bring your own liquor? If it’s a dry hire venue, are you responsible for cleaning up? Ask about penalties and extra charges and check the venue’s terms and conditions before finalising your booking.

What tone are you going for?

Is the party for a small group of close friends or for a big crowd? Are you planning indoor or outdoor parties? Do you want a picnic on Bondi Beach, a formal dinner at a hotel restaurant or cocktails under the night sky? Some private function rooms are suited for casual gatherings whilst some have the perfect infrastructure for a more upscale birthday bash.

How big or small should the venue be?

Are you planning an intimate event or a grand celebration? Size and location are among the biggest factors that determine the cost of your event's venue. For a small guest list, go for cosy party venues for hire like private dining rooms, cocktail bars, lounges and pubs. For a large guest list, studios, warehouses and hotel function rooms are popular choices.

What amenities and services does the venue offer?

When choosing a birthday party venue in Sydney, it's important to consider the amenities and services offered by the venue. These can greatly enhance the experience for you and your guests. Some venues may offer a range of amenities and services included in their package, while others may have additional options available for an extra cost. Here are some common amenities and services to look out for:

1. Catering: Many venues offer in-house catering services, which can save you the hassle of finding an external caterer. From canapes and finger food to formal sit-down meals, you can choose the catering options that best suit your event. Be sure to check if the venue can accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences your guests may have.

2. Bar service: If you're looking to have a bar at your birthday party, check if the venue has a fully stocked bar or can provide a licensed bartender. Some venues may also offer package options for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, allowing you to choose a drinks package that fits your budget and preferences.

3. Audiovisual equipment: Depending on your event's needs, you may require audiovisual equipment such as sound systems, microphones, projectors, and screens. Check if the venue has these amenities available for use or
4. Event planning and coordination: Planning a birthday party can be overwhelming, but some venues offer event planning and coordination services to make the process easier for you. They can assist you with decorations, theme selection, scheduling, and other logistical aspects of your event. Having a dedicated event planner can ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the party.
5. Entertainment: Another important aspect to consider when choosing a birthday party venue is the entertainment options they offer. Some venues may have built-in entertainment facilities such as dance floors, stages, or even karaoke machines. Others may have partnerships with local performers, party host or DJs who can provide music and entertainment throughout the event. Check if the venue has any restrictions or guidelines regarding entertainment and whether they can accommodate any specific requirements you may have.

Does the venue hire match my budget?

When it comes to budgeting for your birthday party venue in Sydney, it's important to consider the costs of exclusive venue hire. Exclusive hire means that you have the entire venue to yourself, ensuring privacy and allowing you to fully customise the space to suit your party theme and requirements.

The cost of exclusive venue hire can vary greatly depending on the size and location of the venue. Smaller, more intimate venues such as private dining rooms, cocktail bars, lounges, and pubs often offer affordable options for those planning a birthday celebration with a small guest list. These venues provide a cozy and intimate atmosphere perfect for close friends and family to gather and celebrate together.

On the other hand, if you're planning a birthday party with a larger guest list, you may want to consider venues such as studios, warehouses, or hotel function rooms. These venues typically have more space and can accommodate a greater number of guests. However, it's important to note that these larger venues may come at a higher cost.

Party planning in Sydney amidst COVID

Whilst Australia and the rest of the world deals with the COVID pandemic, there are certain health and safety precautions you should consider.

Open-air venues — Outdoor venues are better for reducing the spread of COVID-19 than indoor ones. Open-air gatherings make it easier to follow social distancing guidelines, so look for venues with outdoor spaces. A downtown rooftop cocktail bar or a restaurant with a deck on Bondi Beach would be ideal.

Hybrid events — Nowadays, most events have both on-site and virtual participants. To keep both types of guests entertained, you have to make sure your event’s technological infrastructure is up to par. Another way to keep guests who can’t make it to the venue engaged is to send them a gift box with food, drinks and party decor. This allows them to participate in the festivities from afar.

Best venue types for a Sydney birthday celebration 

Whether you're looking for kids' birthday party venue hires or 50th birthday party venues, there’s a great variety of birthday party venues for private hire in Sydney. Some of the most popular ones for birthdays are:

Private dining rooms — If the guest list is small, you don’t want to hire a large space that will end up looking awkwardly empty. A private dining space is perfect for intimate gatherings as they give your event a sense of privacy. As food and service are in-house, you also have fewer things to worry about. You can also opt for a semi-private dining room if you want to keep the costs down.

Hotels — Hotels are classic birthday party venues. Many of them have private function spaces that can be hired for the occasion. They also have a number of indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from. If you want to treat your guests to a luxurious experience, go for a 5-star hotel with premium amenities. Also, some of these venues even offer party packages that include catering and accommodation options, making it convenient for both you and your guests.

Bars — Depending on your party size, you can either book the entire venue or a private party space away from the crowd. Rooftop bars are a dreamy setting for cocktails and provide an intimate atmosphere, especially at night.

Converted warehouses — Warehouses, galleries and other blank canvas spaces are amongst the most popular birthday party venues in Sydney. These spaces are great for large cocktail events and are relatively inexpensive.

Restaurants — Restaurants are the perfect space for hosting a birthday party in Sydney. With a wide variety of cuisines and atmospheres to choose from, restaurants offer both convenience and ambience for your celebration.

Private halls — If you like the blank canvas look but don’t think your guest list can fill a warehouse or gallery, hire a hall for your birthday party. There are dozens of community halls that are available for private hire. These Sydney party venues have the same industrial vibe as a converted warehouse but are smaller and cheaper.

Rooftop bar — With views of the gorgeous harbour, the breathtaking Sydney CBD, and the heritage site surrounds, this rooftop pool venue will make for some killer birthday party photos!

Craft brewery — Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a formal dinner, this charming and versatile event space in the CBD fits the bill. With an excellent alcohol selection, a modern Australian menu and quirky brewery paraphernalia all around, it’s the perfect spot for a birthday reception. If you and your guests are big booze fans, you’ll love the selection of locally brewed craft beers, small-batch Australian spirits and boutique wines in this fantastic venue.

Cruise — Whether it’s a birthday party or a dinner for clients, boats make for unique settings for special events. If you live in Sydney, you need to experience celebrating a birthday on one of the many cruise services available in the city.

Best ideas for Sydney birthday parties

A theme makes any event, especially a birthday party, unforgettable. It also makes for some seriously spectacular photos! These are our top picks for themed birthday party ideas in Sydney:

Glitter and sparkle — Easy to put together but whimsical enough to make your birthday party extra memorable. Just imagine it — glittery decor, sparkling lights, fizzy drinks, and shimmery outfits. Shining, shimmering splendid indeed!

Black and white — Black and white-themed birthday parties are a classic choice that never goes out of style. It's an easy and elegant theme that works well for both formal and casual celebrations. Encourage your guests to dress in black and white attire to create a visually stunning party atmosphere. Find birthday party spaces that complement the black and white theme, such as venues with sleek and modern interiors or those with a vintage charm. You can even consider outdoor venues adorned with string lights and white decor to enhance the black-and-white aesthetic.

Old Hollywood glam — Let your guests role-play as glamorous stars from the golden age of Hollywood. Classic hairstyles, draped gowns, a red carpet entrance, vintage decorations and classic cocktails make for a romantic and sophisticated birthday reception.

Beach party — To take advantage of Sydney's stunning coastline, why not throw a beach party for your birthday? Bondi Beach is a popular choice, offering beautiful white sand and crystal-clear water. You can set up a picnic area with beach blankets and umbrellas, or even rent a beachside pavilion for a more private gathering. Your birthday child can have a blast playing beach games like volleyball or frisbee with friends. Plus, you can bring along beach toys for younger guests to enjoy.

Top neighbourhoods to find birthday venues in Sydney

Whether you're looking for an indoor birthday party venue or an outdoor kids birthday party venue, Sydney has a plethora of hidden gem birthday venues. But where in Sydney will you find these fantastic party venues? These are our top picks for your special occasion:

Sydney CBD

If you’re looking for an upmarket birthday party venue, you can’t go wrong with the Central Business District. The Sydney CBD is packed with trendy restaurants, award-winning cocktail bars and one-of-a-kind function rooms that are sure to impress. You could even book a boat and make touring around Darling Harbour or Sydney Harbour part of your event.

Potts Point

Famous for its nightlife and multicultural eateries, Potts Point is one of the city’s top entertainment and dining destinations. With a large number of pubs, restaurants, lounges, nightclubs, and cafes in this area, you’re sure to find a unique party venue for all functions and budgets.

Bondi Beach

Birthday venues with a waterfront view add something extra to your event. Bondi Beach is one of the best places in Sydney to find the perfect location with a stunning waterfront view. Planning a summer party? Bondi is filled with private birthday party venues for a laidback dinner, summer BBQ or beachside brunch. 

Surry Hills

Offering Sydney's best function venues and bars, Surry Hills is one of the city’s most popular spaces for birthday parties and other special celebrations. With an incredible range of events venues to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect venue for cocktail parties in this neighbourhood.

North Sydney

Situated on the northern side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, North Sydney is a top pick for birthday party venues with a view. With plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes with outdoor terraces, you can make the most of Sydney’s temperate weather and enjoy stunning views of the harbour.

The Rocks

One of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhoods, The Rocks has many hidden gems that make amazing Sydney party venues. Sydney’s oldest pubs, colourful terrace cafes and incredible views all combine to make this area perfect for a special event.

Cockle Bay Wharf

This is one of Sydney Harbour's most iconic waterfront venues. Not only does it host some incredible events but if you want to celebrate with style, this place has it all - from breathtaking harbour views and outdoor spaces to posh indoor facilities. If you're after an intimate yet amazing Sydney party space experience, then Cockle Bay Wharf should be top on your list!

Circular Quay

Circular Quay is Sydney’s waterfront hub, with Sydney Harbour as its backdrop. It offers all types of Sydney event venues for your parties and has some stunning vantage points from which to enjoy the city skyline or fireworks on New Year's Eve.

How to plan a Sydney birthday party

There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a party for yourself or someone else. 

Book months in advance

The most in-demand birthday reception venues in Sydney book out weeks or even months in advance. The sooner you start looking for your birthday spot, the better the chances of booking one that ticks all the boxes. You’ll also want to consider being flexible about your event date and enquiring with a handful of venues at once. 

Check out the following links for top party venues: 18th Birthday Party Venues Sydney, 21st Birthday Party Venues Sydney, 30th Birthday Party Venues Sydney, 40th Birthday Party Venues Sydney, 50th Birthday Party Venues Sydney

Create a checklist

The first step in party planning is creating a list of all the tasks and other important details that will guide the process. Being organised will save you a lot of time, money and energy. Before you book a party venue, note down all your must-haves and nice-to-haves. This will be the basis for the decision-making process as you look for your perfect birthday venue.

Delegate

As the host, you’re responsible for making sure everyone is having a good time and the party goes off without a hitch. But you can also get too busy with hosting responsibilities that you forget to enjoy your birthday party. Avoid this by giving your friends tasks to do. One friend could be responsible for going around and chatting people up whilst another friend deals with the DJ or the food.

Check out our "How to plan the birthday party of the century" guide to learn more.

How much do birthday party venues in Sydney cost?

Now for the most important question. How much does a birthday party venue in Sydney actually cost? The total cost of a birthday venue varies depending on the size and location, but here’s a guide to what you can expect to pay:

Per person — A sit-down meal (including drinks) will set you back about AUD 40 per head.

Hire fee — Smaller venues can cost as little as AUD 400 per session. Depending on the venue, this could be for a couple of hours or for an entire day. Larger upscale venues can cost upwards of AUD 10,000.

Minimum spend — Minimum spend means you’re only paying for the food and/or drinks. Because you’re not paying a cent for the place itself, venues with a minimum spend rate can save you tons of money. Smaller minimum spend party venues in Sydney charge between AUD 1000 and AUD 1500 for weekday events.

Finding the best party venues in Sydney

If you’re searching for Sydney venues to host your next event, look no further than VenueNow. We’re Australia’s largest venue-booking platform, with a diverse range of unique and stylish spaces to choose from. Whether you’re looking for planning intimate celebrations, engagement party and weddings, corporate parties and other social gatherings, we’ll help you find the right venue to suit your needs and budget. So what are you waiting for? Find the perfect setting for your next private event today!

How much do Sydney birthday venues cost?

What are the top Sydney birthday venues?

Here are some of the best party venues Sydney:

1. Greenwood Hotel
2. Verandah Bar
3. Kittyhawk
4. The Lobo
5. Stanley's on Stanley
6. Cabana Bar
7. Escape Hunt Sydney
8. The Alcott
9. Diana Potts Point
10. Vagabond Cruises

How do I find and book Sydney birthday venues?

How far in advance should I book a Sydney birthday venue?

Can VenueNow help me find a Sydney birthday venue?