Top Function Rooms Melbourne for Hire

Packed with award-winning restaurants, art galleries and charming function rooms, the vibrant city of Melbourne has no shortage of beautiful venues for event planners. Whether you're looking to party by the Yarra River, dine in the suburbs, or admire the glistening city from high altitude, there are a whole bunch of beautiful event spaces across Melbourne just waiting to be discovered. Our Melbourne Function Venue Guide will lead you through Melbourne's best suburbs for holding events, some tips and tricks on how to plan and manage an event, and will help you to find the perfect venue in Melbourne.

Unique Melbourne function venues

Whether you want to indulge your inner child or wow your guests, Melbourne VIC has tons of awe-inspiring event spaces that won’t let you down.

Take a look at this sampling of the unique function rooms Melbourne has to offer:

Old Melbourne Gaol - The Old Melbourne Gaol, an esteemed recipient of the National Tourism Award for Best Cultural and Historical Site, presents a truly unique venue for a range of events. Its rich historical ambiance, highlighted by genuine artefacts and engaging interactive experiences, including both day and night tours as well as activities designed for children, makes it an unparalleled choice for those seeking a distinctive setting.

Melbourne Zoo - Melbourne Zoo presents an unparalleled event space, boasting both indoor and outdoor settings capable of hosting 10 to 3000 guests. Nestled amongst live animals and bespoke environments, including tranquil Japanese gardens and exclusive animal exhibits, it serves as the perfect backdrop for a variety of events, ranging from corporate meetings to celebratory gatherings.

StoryVille - Inspired by well-loved tales like The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia, this fantasy-themed bar located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD is your best bet for a whimsical New Year’s Eve bash, birthday party or engagement so.

Kingpin Crown - This exclusive function venue comes with a luxury pool table, private karaoke, mahogany bowling lanes, gold bowling balls and a butler to greet you at the private VIP street entrance — what more could you want? It’s a high-end space perfect for an indulgent hens night, bucks night or company Christmas party.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium - Celebrate your milestones surrounded by sharks, stingrays and gorgeous marine life! This striking venue accommodates both small and large gatherings and can be transformed into a memorable setting for a wedding reception, corporate function or private party.

Spice Market Melbourne - Spice Market, an opulent venue inspired by the historic Spice Route, provides a luxurious, underground experience. With flexible event spaces that can host up to 600 guests, it is accessed through Melbourne's historic alleys.

How to book Melbourne function rooms on a budget

Host the celebration of your dreams without putting a hole in your pocket. Here’s how to snag exceptional function rooms on a tight budget.

Schedule your event outside of peak season

Hosting your event in the off-season is a tried-and-tested way of saving on venue-hire cost. For instance, some couples choose to get hitched in winter, when many venues and suppliers offer winter specials. Weekends are by far the busiest time for weddings, engagement parties and other social events, so you might consider celebrating on a Wednesday or Thursday.

Think outside the box

Instead of booking a hotel in the Melbourne CBD for your next conference, why not go for a roomy cafe or restaurant? Nowadays, whether you’re planning an intimate wedding or an end-of-financial-year bash, there are plenty of unexpected venues to help you keep your event budget on track.

Bring your own bottle

Look for function rooms with a BYO beverage policy. This allows you to choose your drinks based on what you can afford, helping you cut costs significantly. If you can find venues that allow external catering, that will help you save even more! VenueNow allows you to filter your search results by both of these perks.

Get venue hire quotes

One of the simplest ways to compare function room prices is by requesting quotes from different venues. At VenueNow, we make this process super easy — simply tell us your event requirements and budget, and we’ll do the hard work for you, providing a comprehensive list of top-rated function rooms that match your specific needs.

Looking for function rooms in Melbourne?

If you’re searching for the perfect function room to host your next event, look no further than VenueNow. We’re Australia’s largest venue-booking platform, with a wide range of unique and stylish spaces to choose from. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, corporate event or wedding reception, we’ll help you find the perfect venue to suit your needs and budget.

Best neighbourhoods in Melbourne for function venue hire

From uber-cool North Melbourne to bustling South Yarra and all the eclectic neighbourhoods throughout, there are hundreds of function rooms to discover in Melbourne. But what are the best neighbourhoods for function venue hire?

Melbourne CBD

Home to Federation Square, Eureka Tower and other renowned sights, the Central Business District is filled with chic high-rise venues and sprawling laneways dotted with world-class food spots and trendy cafes, bars and galleries. The Central Business District is filled with chic high-rise venues and sprawling laneways dotted with world-class food spots and trendy cafes, bars and galleries.

Collingwood

This hip inner-city neighbourhood is known for its lively bars, cool cafes and eclectic mix of shops and galleries. Once an industrial hub, Collingwood’s warehouses and factories have been transformed into unique function spaces, perfect for everything from corporate events to birthday parties.

Brighton

Brighton is an affluent coastal suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia that is 11 km south-east of Melbourne’s central business district and is one of the most popular locations for Melbourne function venues due to its coastal views.

Prahran

Named after Parson James Fuller who arrived in Melbourne from Cornwall in 1837 with his wife Anna Maria (née Frost), Prahran has long been associated with its strong English roots — it was once known by locals as the ""Little England beyond Wales"". It features some of Melbourne's best antique shops and high street shopping outlets like Myers Corner which offers everything from one-off pieces to custom-tailoring.

Fitzroy

Known as Melbourne’s “Bohemian Quarter,” the inner-city suburb of Fitzroy is home to buzzy nightclubs, popular eateries, modern function rooms, artist-run spaces and heaps of unexpected venue hire options for any function or special event.

Brunswick

Brunswick is known for its strong multiculturalism, with around 40% of residents born overseas. It’s also a popular spot for students, with two universities located here — RMIT University and the University of Melbourne. Brunswick is filled with funky cafes, bars and live music venues, making it the perfect place to host a fun and stylish event.

St. Kilda

Located southeast of the CBD, St. Kilda has some of Melbourne’s most visited attractions and hosts many of its biggest events and festivals. This gives your guests plenty to see and experience before and after your event!

South Melbourne

Located on the north bank of the Yarra River, this neighbourhood is a sought-after destination for foodies and those looking for an active night out. Here you’ll find Melbourne's top pubs and bars as well as boutique hotels, restaurants, cafés, galleries and function rooms. South Melbourne has a distinctly European feel and is home to some of Melbourne’s most popular restaurants and thriving café culture. It’s also close to Melbourne Park, Melbourne Convention Centre and the city centre making it an ideal location for your next event!

South Yarra

South Yarra is home to some of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, cafes and galleries as well as excellent venues right in its backyard. With plenty of room for events, South Yarra is Melbourne’s ultimate function destination.

The vibrant Chapel Street Precinct in South Yarra is renowned for its nightlife, with a range of bars, nightclubs and pubs to suit any taste. It’s also home to some of Melbourne’s best shopping, with designer boutiques, vintage stores and high-end retailers all within easy reach. And if you’re looking for a unique function venue, Chapel Street has plenty to offer, from hidden bars and speakeasies to rooftop bars with stunning city views and converted warehouse venue options.

Richmond

Richmond offers a mix of Victorian charm and modern Melbourne with its vibrant café culture and outdoor spaces perfect for your event in Melbourne's Inner East! There are many Melbourne venues that line the banks of the Yarra River, making Richmond a popular choice for those looking to escape the city without going too far.

Northcote

Super trendy Northcote is a great option if you want to impress your guests with an energetic, lively and upbeat event space. In such close proximity to Flinders Street Station, this hip suburb has it all — from café culture and buzzing laneways to creative galleries and boutiques galore.

Rosanna

This leafy eastern suburb of Melbourne offers elegant function rooms in some of its stately historic homes. Rosanna has a small-town feel with winding tree-lined streets and relaxed café culture.

Top function venues and event spaces in Melbourne

Melbourne is teeming with one-of-a-kind function rooms for almost any purpose and capacity. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary event space for a workshop, a venue with scenic views of the Yarra River or a private lounge for an intimate engagement party, you’ll find your perfect function room on VenueNow.

Here are our top picks for Melbourne function rooms:

La Di Da

Located in the vibrant heart of Melbourne's CBD, La Di Da stands as a multifaceted venue that masterfully combines modern comforts with unparalleled style. This premier destination boasts an array of features, including several bars, a fine dining restaurant, dance floors, and exclusive private function rooms, making it perfectly suited for both corporate gatherings and intimate celebrations. La Di Da presents a chic, sophisticated atmosphere complemented by versatile event packages and a selection of spaces. These range from a cozy heated courtyard to elegant private rooms, designed to accommodate everything from engagement parties and cocktail soirées to corporate events, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all guests.

Marvel Stadium

Marvel Stadium, located in Melbourne, Australia, stands as a top-tier venue, catering to a diverse range of events from sports and concerts to private gatherings. It boasts cutting-edge technology, outstanding catering services, and flexible spaces complemented by a retractable roof and adaptable seating arrangements. Since its inauguration in 2000, the stadium has welcomed over 35 million guests, playing host to significant international sports competitions and concerts by world-renowned music artists. This has cemented its reputation as one of Australia's most sophisticated and adaptable stadiums.

Ibis Hotel Melbourne

Ibis Hotel Melbourne offers dynamic conference spaces in the heart of the central business district, equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities and dedicated on-site technical support, accommodating up to 300 participants. Perfectly situated near major landmarks such as the Queen Victoria Markets and Melbourne University, the hotel boasts 250 well-appointed rooms and provides versatile event packages tailored to meet the needs of both business and leisure guests.

Arts Centre Melbourne

Located on St Kilda Road and distinguished by its iconic Spire, Arts Centre Melbourne presents a variety of event spaces, from theatres and galleries to outdoor areas, making it an ideal choice for events ranging in size. This premier venue hosts performances from renowned groups such as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Opera Australia. Additionally, it features versatile function rooms and comprehensive accessibility features, catering to a wide array of events including meetings and gala dinners.

Harbour Kitchen

Harbour Kitchen, located in the vibrant Docklands of Melbourne, presents an unparalleled function venue that boasts breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour and the city's skyline. This premier destination offers a wide array of catering and beverage choices, meticulously designed to complement any event. It features versatile settings, including an elegant garden, a sleek marble bar, and adaptable layout options, catering to a diverse range of events from corporate gatherings to private celebrations. Its unique style and coveted position near the CBD enhance every occasion, making Harbour Kitchen the epitome of excellence for event hosting.

Popular event types for function venues in Melbourne

Corporate functions

Corporate functions range from training workshops to conferences where people come together for a shared goal or purpose. These corporate meetings often take place over an extended period of time so it’s important that your venue is comfortable enough to keep participants engaged for long periods of time with amenities like wifi access, ample space for breakout sessions as well as catering services available throughout the day. It also helps if you have meeting rooms away from each other so there's a separation between break out session topics and discussions happening at once which can be overheard by others not participating in that particular discussion.

Engagement party

Engaged couples who want to throw the ultimate celebration for their big day without breaking the bank often turn to venues in Melbourne’s Inner East, such as Richmond where they can find function rooms that offer a mix of Victorian charm and modern Melbourne with its vibrant café culture and outdoor spaces perfect for your engagement party!

Wedding

As the most significant event in many people’s lives, weddings are often planned over a long period of time and require an extensive amount of planning. When looking for function venues in Melbourne it's important to consider what your guests will need during their stay with things like ample parking available nearby, food options that suit every taste profile, wifi access so they can quickly upload photos from the day as well as entertainment options such as live music or DJ sets after dinner.

Birthday party

From children’s outdoor birthday parties to lavish affairs for adults, venues in Melbourne are perfect for throwing the most memorable bash. You might be looking for a function space that caters specifically to kids with a party room full of bright colours and an inflatable slide or you could go all out at an event space like Higher Ground where there's acres of green open spaces, sleek minimalist design and award-winning food!

Award Ceremony

If you're hosting your next awards ceremony in Melbourne, it can feel daunting trying to navigate which venue is best suited as they each offer their own unique benefits. Your decision will depend on many factors such as budget restrictions or if you require any special amenities (e.g., live music). However, investing in a venue space that can successfully cater to your needs for whatever the event is will make it easier on you and those helping organise!

Cocktail Party

Cocktail parties are all about mingling and enjoying drinks with friends so naturally, you'll want a function venue in Melbourne that can accommodate this. Many cocktail party venues are open plan with lounge areas and plenty of mingling space for guests. Some may even have an outdoor area that is perfect for summer parties!

Private Dining

Private dining is a great way to celebrate a special occasion with family and friends. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary or engagement, private dining rooms offer an intimate setting that allows you to enjoy good food and conversation without being interrupted. Many private dining rooms also have their own kitchen so you can choose to have your meal cooked by a professional chef or you can bring your own food and drink to your private functions.

Product Launch

When it comes to product launches, it's all about creating a grand entrance and making a big impact. Many function venues in Melbourne offer creative spaces that can be transformed to suit your event's needs. For example, The Glasshouse in Collingwood has an entirely blank canvas space that can be styled to perfection for your next big launch!

Meetings and Conferences

If you're looking for a meeting or conference venue in Melbourne, there are plenty of options to choose from. It's important to consider the size of your event and what type of facilities you'll need such as audio-visual equipment, catering, and break-out areas. Many function venues will also offer special rates for corporate events so it's always worth enquiring.

As you can see, there are many different types of events that call for a function venue in Melbourne. Depending on your budget and the size of your event, you'll be able to find the perfect space to accommodate your needs. From smaller, more intimate events to large-scale events, there's a venue in Melbourne that will be perfect for you!

Contact VenueNow today to help you get started.