Best Exhibition Venues Melbourne for Hire

Nothing can replace the value of face-to-face contact and nothing is better for marketing than events. There are few tools more advantageous than an event to win over new customers. Show off your products with beautiful displays at one of the exceptional exhibition venues in Melbourne listed on VenueNow.

Where can I find good exhibition venues in Melbourne?

We've curated a list of the top exhibition venues in Melbourne for you to check out. To make your search even easier, check out these Melbourne neighbourhoods that are popular for events:

Melbourne CBD

Melbourne CBD is the beating heart of the city and is where you'll find most of the big businesses and events. There are plenty of hotels with function spaces that can be hired for exhibitions, as well as large conference venues, art exhibition hall hires and restaurants.

Southbank VIC

Southbank is Melbourne's arts and entertainment precinct. It's home to many of the city's museums, galleries and theatres, making it the perfect place to host an exhibition with a cultural twist. Creative spaces are abundant in this vibrant neighbourhood, offering unique and artistic settings for your exhibition.

Carlton VIC and Parkville

These two neighbouring suburbs are home to some of Melbourne's best universities, making them ideal locations for exhibitions aimed at students or academics. Carlton and Parkville are also plenty of hotels and function spaces in the area that can be hired for exhibitions. Find the perfect backdrop for your exhibition in Carlton and Parkville, whether you're looking for a venue with a modern feel or a more historic ambience.

Fitzroy and Collingwood

These two bohemian inner-city suburbs are known for their art, music and nightlife scene. If you're looking to host an exhibition with a creative edge, then Fitzroy or Collingwood could be the perfect location. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and function spaces that can be hired for exhibitions in both suburbs.

Prahran and Windsor

These two neighbouring suburbs are located in Melbourne's inner south-east. Prahran and Windsor are known for their trendy shops, cafes and bars, making them ideal locations for exhibitions aimed at a young, hip crowd. There are plenty of function spaces that can be hired for exhibitions in both suburbs.

South Wharf

Another excellent suburb in Melbourne to consider for exhibition venues is South Wharf VIC. Situated on the southern bank of the Yarra River, South Wharf offers a modern and vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for showcasing contemporary art and design. With natural light, flexible spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities, South Wharf is a popular choice for exhibitions.

Richmond

Richmond is a suburb in Melbourne's inner east. It's known for its Victorian architecture, lively pubs and breweries. If you're looking to host an exhibition with a historic or cultural twist, then Richmond could be the perfect location. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and function spaces that can be hired for exhibitions in the suburb.

Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne is a suburb in Melbourne's inner south-west. It's known for its beachside location, cafes and restaurants. If you're looking to host an exhibition with a relaxed or coastal vibe, then Port Melbourne could be the perfect location. There are plenty of bars, cafes and function spaces that can be hired for exhibitions in the suburb.

What kinds of exhibition venues are popular in Melbourne?

When it comes to finding the best exhibition venues in Melbourne, the options are endless. Whether you're looking for a gallery venue, a convention centre, or a unique space, Melbourne has it all.

To make your search easier, start with our list of top-rated exhibition venues Melbourne has on offer.

Hotel Exhibition Venues

There's nothing quite like impressing your clients with the grandeur of a hotel exhibition space. Luckily, Melbourne is home to some of the best hotels in Australia, many of which offer stunning event spaces for exhibitions.

Outdoor Space Exhibition Venues

If you're looking to make a real impact, then an outdoor exhibition space is the way to go. Melbourne is blessed with beautiful weather and stunning scenery, making it the perfect place to host an outdoor event.

Conference Centre

Conference centres are another great option for exhibition venues in Melbourne. These spaces are designed to accommodate large groups of people, making them perfect for exhibiting your products or services.

Check out these 9 Melbourne conference venues to impress attendees.

Blank Canvas Venues

With open floor plans, pillarless exhibition space, and versatile layouts, blank canvas venues in Melbourne are ideal for creating a unique and customisable exhibition experience. These venues provide a blank canvas for you to bring your creative vision to life and design a space that perfectly showcases your artwork or products.

Galleries

Galleries make for unique and stylish exhibition venues. They offer a creative atmosphere that is perfect for showcasing art, photography or other forms of visual media.

Waterfront venues

There's nothing quite like a waterfront setting for an exhibition. Melbourne has some of the best waterfront venues in Australia, many of which offer stunning views of the city skyline.

Consider one of these 8 beachside venues in Melbourne for events.

Unique Exhibition Venues

If you're looking for something truly unique, Melbourne has no shortage of one-of-a-kind event spaces. From art galleries to museums, there's an exhibition venue to suit every need.

Converted Warehouse venue

For a more industrial setting, Melbourne's warehouse venues are the perfect choice. These spaces are perfect for product launches or large-scale exhibitions. This type of function venue is perfect if you're looking to make a big impact.

What makes the ideal venue for exhibitions and events?

When it comes to choosing the perfect venue for your exhibition or event, there are a few key factors to consider.

Size

The first thing to consider is the size of your exhibition or event. Make sure to choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guests. The size of the venue will also dictate the number of displays and exhibits you can have.

Location

The location of your exhibition venue is important for two reasons. First, you want to make sure that your venue is easily accessible for your guests. Second, you want to choose a location that will complement your exhibition. For example, if you're exhibiting art, then choosing a venue near a gallery or museum is a great idea. How near is your versatile venue from public transport? Consider venues that are conveniently located near major transportation hubs, such as train stations, bus stops, or tram lines. This will make it easier for attendees to reach the venue, especially those who rely on public transport.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere of your exhibition venue will set the tone for your event. If you're looking for a more formal setting, then choosing a hotel or conference centre is a good option. However, if you're looking for something more relaxed, then a bar or club might be a better choice.

Type of Event

The type of event you're hosting will also dictate the ideal venue. For example, if you're hosting a product launch, then choosing a venue with a stage and audio-visual equipment is a must. Similarly, if you're exhibiting products, then choosing a venue with plenty of space for displays is essential.

Catering

When it comes to catering, you have a few options. You can either choose to provide your own catering, or you can use the services of a professional caterer. If you're providing your own catering, then make sure to choose a venue with a kitchen or food preparation area. If you're using a caterer, then make sure to choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guests.

Amenities and equipment

When it comes to choosing a venue, don't forget to consider the amenities and equipment that are available. Make sure to choose a venue that has everything you need for your event, such as audio-visual equipment, stages, lighting and more.

Budget

Last but not least, you need to consider your budget when choosing an exhibition venue. With a range of pricing and payment options, make sure to get quotes from a few different venues before making your final decision. Some venues may offer discounted rates for non-profit organisations or offer event packages that include catering and audiovisual equipment.

Top exhibition venues in Melbourne

Now that you know what to look for in an exhibition venue, it's time to start planning your event. To help get you started, here are some of the top exhibition venues in Melbourne.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is not only a premier venue for various events, including sports and corporate gatherings, but also a historic site established in 1853, known as the birthplace of Test cricket and a key player in Australian football history. It offers a versatile event space paired with world-class culinary experiences, making it a cherished landmark where unforgettable memories are formed against a backdrop of significant sporting milestones.

The Park Melbourne

Nestled along Lakeside Drive with picturesque views of Albert Park Lake, The Park presents a contemporary event venue just moments from the city. Its chic interiors, flexible wall configurations for different group sizes, and state-of-the-art audiovisual technology set it apart. With a menu that can be tailored to meet any dietary requirements, it stands as the perfect setting for weddings, conferences, and various gatherings. Capable of welcoming anywhere from 50 to 1000 guests, The Park ensures an unforgettable experience tailored to your needs.

Pullman Melbourne on the Park

Pullman Melbourne on the Park provides comprehensive conference facilities and luxurious accommodations near Melbourne's CBD, featuring state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a variety of event spaces, and a grand ballroom. This iconic venue offers a variety of versatile spaces tailored for every occasion, from grand gala dinners to intimate cocktail parties and fully equipped conferences. Each event is enhanced by exquisite catering and cutting-edge audio-visual technology, ensuring an unforgettable experience. The hotel also offers a range of dining and relaxation options, from a breakfast buffet to cocktails at The Cliveden Bar and Dining, along with 419 well-appointed rooms with stunning views and easy access to Melbourne’s main attractions.

Crown Melbourne

Crown Melbourne stands as a versatile resort, boasting a casino, three opulent hotels, and expansive meeting and event spaces, including a conference centre designed to accommodate up to 840 attendees. It presents a diverse array of event venues, perfect for everything from cozy gatherings to lavish celebrations, all complemented by luxurious lodging options. Located in the lively Southbank area, close to Melbourne's CBD, it offers an unmatched experience for guests.

Arts Centre Melbourne

Arts Centre Melbourne is another popular exhibition venue in Melbourne that offers a unique and cultural setting for events. Located in the heart of the city along the Yarra River, this iconic venue is known for its stunning architecture and world-class facilities.

Cargo Hall

Cargo Hall is a historic and industrial-inspired event space located in South Wharf. Cargo Hall features an open-plan layout with high ceilings and exposed brick walls that lend themselves perfectly to creative and immersive displays. This pillar-less, fully open space can accommodate up to 220 people for a sit-down event and up to 600 people for cocktails with fantastic views over the river and city skyline.

Book your exhibition and conference venues in Melbourne today!

Now that you know what to look for in an exhibition venue or conference venue, it's time to start your search! VenueNow has a wide range of exhibition venues listed, making it easy to find the perfect space for your event.

Or, if you're not sure where to start, our team of venue experts can help you find and book the perfect venue for your event. Get in touch with us today and we'll get started on finding the perfect space for your next event.