Best Corporate Offsite Venues Melbourne for Hire

When it comes to arranging offsite meetings or retreats, there are a few key rules for choosing a venue that will guarantee success. First, you need privacy — participants must be free from interruption to concentrate fully on what needs to be achieved. Second, it should allow for maximum participation. All attendees should feel integrated into the planning process and able to contribute their valuable ideas. Thirdly, integration is key! Participants need opportunities to enjoy personal time but also benefit from shared experiences such as meals together and team-building activities.

Looking for a corporate offsite venue in Melbourne? You've come to the right place! There are heaps of fantastic venues perfect for a corporate function in this vibrant city. Check out our Melbourne Corporate Offsite Venue Guide to find the best function venue for a Melbourne corporate offsite.

Where can I find corporate event venues in Melbourne?

Melbourne is full of top-notch venues for hosting a wide range of events, big or small. These Melbourne neighbourhoods can serve as your starting point to finding the best Melbourne corporate venues for your next offsite or corporate event:

Melbourne CBD

Home to some of the city's most historic buildings, the Melbourne CBD is the ideal location for a Melbourne corporate event. The central location means delegates can stroll through the streets after lunch or meet in one of the many cafes and bars scattered throughout this district.

You'll find some of the most upmarket corporate event spaces located in Melbourne CBD on Collins Street. Federation Square is a hub for high-end food and beverage options, with Four Seasons Hotel, Max Brenner Chocolate Bar and Cafe Di Stasio all within walking distance or a quick tram ride away.

Carlton

If you're looking to escape Melbourne's CBD, head north to Carlton. In addition to a number of fantastic cafes and restaurants, this neighbourhood has plenty of boutique shopping and trendy bars — perfect for team-building activities! This area also has some really good hotels, event venues for corporate functions and meeting rooms.

South Yarra

Prestigious theatres, galleries and museums line the streets of South Yarra. This is an ideal location for a Melbourne corporate offsite, with so many top-class corporate conference venues to choose from! It's also close to Chapel Street, where you'll find trendy bars, cafes and restaurants perfect for exploring after your event finishes.

St. Kilda

Not to be missed is St. Kilda, which offers some of the best city views around. Home to beautiful beaches and historic landmarks, delegates will love exploring this area after their corporate function has finished! Close by are several dining options but if you choose to eat in your event space for convenience, there's no shortage of conference venues perfect for your next corporate event.

Brunswick

For a thriving nightlife and chic shopping scene, head to Brunswick. This suburb is home to high-end boutiques and some of Melbourne's best pubs and bars. Brunswick also hosts a range of annual festivals and events, so you can kick-start your event with a bang!

Port Melbourne

If you're looking for a corporate offsite venue with a waterfront setting, Port Melbourne is the perfect choice. Located just a few kilometres from Melbourne's CBD, this suburb offers a relaxed and picturesque atmosphere. Port Melbourne is well-known for its stunning beachfront and scenic views of the bay. You can choose from a range of modern event spaces and conference venues that offer breathtaking views of the ocean and city skyline. These venues provide the perfect backdrop for your corporate event, whether it's a team-building activity, a product launch, or a conference.

Collingwood

Just a tram ride from the CBD, Collingwood is fast becoming one of Melbourne's hippest suburbs. With a number of craft breweries and laneway bars, delegates will love exploring this area after your offsite.

Richmond

Richmond is famous for its Victorian architecture. It has a wide selection of restaurants offering every type of food you can think of, so be sure to book your venue early in order to secure your favourite! There are also plenty of cafes and boutique shops in the area.

North Melbourne

North Melbourne is another fantastic choice for corporate offsite venues in Melbourne. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this suburb offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. In addition to its natural beauty, North Melbourne also boasts a range of unique event spaces and conference venues. From converted warehouses to contemporary art galleries, there are venues to suit every style and preference. These spaces not only provide the necessary facilities for corporate events, but they also inspire creativity and foster a sense of innovation.

What does the best Melbourne corporate function venue have?

The best function venues for hire in Melbourne all share certain qualities. Quality event spaces should be suitable for your guests and purpose, with enough space to accommodate your whole group comfortably. In addition to this, they should also offer a range of catering and entertainment options.

Whether you're after an exclusive meeting space, seminar space, boardroom, training room or a contemporary private dining room, there are plenty of Melbourne function venues to choose from! To set the right mood for your offsite, be sure to pick a venue that compliments your team's work environment. Do they have the conference facilities you require? Are you a tech-driven startup looking for a trendy coffee shop with free Wi-Fi? If so, the many hipster spots in Brunswick would be great for your next Melbourne corporate offsite. However, if you're looking to motivate your team and want a venue that encourages collaboration, consider hiring a spacious function venue such as a photography studio, converted warehouse or private event space with a terrace or outdoor facilities.

While it's not necessary, some corporate venue hire options also offer exclusive deals on food and beverages for those hosting an offsite. You might even be able to negotiate a discount on the overall price of your booking!

Who organises Melbourne corporate offsite events?

Offsites are typically organised by the head of a company or department. Offsites can be used as an incentive for employees who meet certain goals and milestones in their work such as the completion of a project, or the passing of an important deadline.

Employees can also organise offsites if they feel their team is in need of some time away from the office. This might be because there's been a lot of pressure or stress at work lately, and a break to relax will do everyone some good!

You can read our guide about how to plan a successful corporate event.

What types of corporate offsite venues are there in Melbourne?

There are dozens of types of event spaces one can book for a Melbourne corporate offsite. Being such a diverse and modern city, it's no wonder that Melbourne has everything, from high-end restaurants and rooftop bars to chic hotel ballrooms and intimate spaces.

The first thing you should do is pick a venue that will suit your team's overall needs. This means considering how many people need to be accommodated, which activities will take place during the event and what type of atmosphere you want to create. Do you need the largest event space available or simply a meeting room space?

Not sure what type of corporate function venue to book for your corporate offsite?

Why not consider these types of conference venues Melbourne has to offer? Some of the popular corporate venues include the following:

Hotel event spaces

A hotel function room with breakout areas is suitable for corporate offsite, conferences, workshops or a product launch, with the capacity to allow delegates to work in small groups without feeling too closed off from the rest of the group. Hotel event spaces usually have a range of catering options available to order within your booking, and can usually hire out audiovisual equipment as well. They also have modern facilities to make your event run smoothly, such as in-house tech support and whiteboards. This is also the perfect location for gala dinners, cocktail function gatherings, and business meetings.

Conference room

Conference rooms are often found in business parks. A conference room is great for corporate offsites where privacy is key because you can book out the space for yourself and won't have to worry about other groups disturbing your event.

Serviced offices

If you are looking for serviced office meeting room hire, there are many to choose from. Serviced offices have all the facilities that your business needs in one place, so it is perfect for those who want to work away from home without having to worry about anything getting in the way of their work. There are also plenty of different styles and sizes available, meaning that no matter how much space you need or what style you prefer, there will be something suitable for your needs. All this makes serviced office meeting room hire a great idea if you're planning an offsite event with your team where everyone can meet up and get some work done whilst enjoying each other's company. You can also consider co-working spaces.

Convention centres

Convention centres are large spaces that can accommodate all your team's needs. It is perfect for large corporate events. This conference venue usually has a range of catering options, audiovisual equipment and state-of-the-art facilities.

Restaurants and cafes

These types of venues are perfect for meeting up with clients over lunch. They're also good for brainstorming sessions that don't involve any technology or equipment — just a big, open space that offers natural light and fresh air. Plus, you can order your team's food right there in the restaurant.

Warehouse Venues

Warehouse venues are multi-purpose event spaces located in, you guessed it, warehouses! These spaces are often used for art exhibitions, markets, product launches and fashion shows. They can also be hired out for corporate events, parties and weddings.

The benefit of a warehouse venue is that they usually come with a lot of character. This means that your event will have a unique feel that guests will remember. Plus, they often have high ceilings, polished concrete floors, and plenty of space, making them perfect for large events.

Beaches and waterfront venues

Let's face it, who doesn't want to head down to the beach with their team for some crucial bonding time? If you've ever wanted to discuss your latest project while building sandcastles or throwing stones into the ocean, consider having your next corporate offsite at the beach. With spectacular views, you may also opt for premium event venues with floor-to-ceiling windows or even outdoor spaces that offer direct access to the beach or waterfront.

Blank Canvas Space?

A Blank Canvas venue is a completely empty space that you can make your own. These versatile event spaces are perfect if you want to create a unique event that is totally tailored to your needs.

Because there are no pre-existing facilities or fixtures, you will need to bring everything in yourself. This includes furniture, decor, lighting and catering. Blank Canvas venues are often found in converted warehouses, factories and lofts. This versatile space allows you complete creative freedom to design the perfect atmosphere for your corporate offsite event. Whether you want to create a chic and modern ambience or go for a rustic and bohemian vibe, a blank canvas venue allows you to transform the space to align with your vision.

Check out this blank canvas venue guide to help you with your planning.

Tips for planning a corporate event

Planning a corporate event can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and strategies, you can ensure a successful and memorable offsite experience for your team. Here are some helpful tips for planning your corporate event in Melbourne:

Define your objectives

Before starting the planning process, clearly define the objectives and goals of your corporate event. Are you aiming to foster team-building, launch a new product, or celebrate company achievements? Understanding the purpose will help guide your decisions throughout the planning process.

Set a budget

Determine a realistic budget for your event. This will help you make informed decisions when it comes to choosing a venue, catering, entertainment, and other event elements. Consider all the expenses involved, including venue rental, food and beverage, transportation, audio-visual equipment, and any additional services or activities you plan to include.

Choose the right venue

Selecting a suitable venue is crucial for a successful corporate offsite. Consider the size of your group, the type of event you're hosting, and the atmosphere you want to create. Ask yourself: Do you need the entire space or would a meeting room space suffice? Melbourne offers a wide range of function spaces, from upscale hotels and conference centres to unique and unconventional spaces like art galleries or rooftop terraces. Consider accessibility, onsite car parking spaces, and proximity to accommodations when making your decision.

Check for catering options

Once you have narrowed down your options and have a shortlist of potential venues, it's important to check if they offer catering services. Food and beverages play a significant role in the overall experience of a corporate offsite event. When considering catering options, think about the dietary preferences and restrictions of your attendees. Ensure that the venue can accommodate special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free options. It's important to have a diverse menu that caters to various tastes and preferences to ensure everyone can enjoy the meal.

Additionally, inquire about food and beverage packages and pricing. Some venues may offer pre-set menus or packages that include a variety of food and drink options. This can simplify the planning process and save you time and effort in sourcing external catering services.

Consider the venue's facilities and services

In addition to catering, it is important to consider the facilities and services that the venue offers. Depending on the nature of your corporate offsite, you may require certain amenities and equipment to support your event. These include audio-visual equipment and conference equipment, which are essential for presentations, meetings, and workshops.

Top Tips for Organising a Successful Corporate Event

Explore more top-rated Melbourne corporate offsite venues

Looking for a brilliant corporate event venue in Melbourne? You're in luck! VenueNow has the largest selection of top-rated unique corporate events function spaces in Melbourne and across Australia. Make the complex simple, search and book with VenueNow today! You can contact our team of event booking experts during business hours to help you find and book venues for all your party and meeting needs.