Sydney's Best Function Venues for Unforgettable Events

Sydney is one of Australia's most vibrant cities and one of the country's most popular destinations for social and corporate functions. The city has thousands of function venues for your special event, so whether you're having an important meeting, a birthday celebration, a cocktail party, a Christmas party, a corporate function, or a wedding reception, you will never lack good venue options in Sydney.

Top Areas for Booking Function Venues in Sydney

Sydney boasts a variety of event venues for any event, size and budget. Have a look at these suburbs for some of the top event venues in Sydney, NSW:

Sydney CBD

You will find numerous function rooms for corporate events in Sydney's CBD. The area is known for having some of the finest hotel function rooms, restaurants, cocktail bars and cafes with private rooms. Sydney CBD hotels are typically upscale and have a massive array of function rooms to choose from for your next event. Also, most Sydney CBD venues are within easy reach of public transport. If you're looking for a function venue in the city centre, you'll be spoiled for choice.

North Sydney

North Sydney is a great location for business meetings and corporate parties. The area has sleek event spaces that typically feature spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Whatever you are hosting, a conference in a world-class meeting space or a corporate dinner at a stylish rooftop restaurant, North Sydney will not leave you wanting.

Darling Harbour / Pyrmont

Darling Harbour is Sydney's most visited tourist spot, and it is also a fantastic location to find conference facilities. There are several hotels and function venues within the area from Pyrmont through to Cockle Bay Wharf that have function rooms available for hire, and numerous restaurants, bars and cafes that would be perfect for a corporate event or private functions like bridal parties, birthday parties and dinner celebrations.

The Rocks

The Rocks is Sydney's most delightful and historic precinct. Located between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the legendary Opera House, the area has a mix of historical atmosphere and contemporary style that is extremely desirable for functions of any type. Ranging from restored heritage buildings that radiate old-world character to modern spaces with minimalist interiors, the venue choices are as varied as The Rocks itself.

Surry Hills

Surry Hills is another vibrant and eclectic suburb of Sydney, celebrated for its bohemian nature, creative bent, and cuisine. This inner-city suburb boasts a variety of venues that are a reflection of the suburb's artsy nature and cultural diversity, ranging from cafes to hip bars, trendy restaurants, and cosmopolitan event venues.

Best Types of Sydney Venues for Functions

To get the desired ambience for your event, you must choose your venue type with care. To help with your search, some of the most popular types of venues for functions in Sydney are: 

Private Dining Rooms

Private dining facilities are available everywhere in Sydney. The arrangement of these multipurpose rooms typically is a long centre table with seating around it and a food area at the end (either arranged by caterers or by your own staff). Private dining rooms can be reserved for exclusive parties of differing sizes. A few function houses will have private dining rooms suitable for parties from 10 to 200. 

Modern Hotel Function Rooms

Hotel function rooms are ideal for a multi-day conference or residential conference because they provide you with access to hotel facilities like accommodation, large function areas, private function rooms, breakout rooms and small meeting rooms, as well as up-to-date facilities. Hotels can usually accommodate any room layout and have in-house AV equipment.

Trendy Restaurants

Select from an array of dining experiences at a choice of Sydney's top restaurants and bars. These venues can also be reserved for intimate weddings or cocktail parties in their bar or café areas. There is full catering available with customised menus that suit your theme and budget.

Blank Canvas Venues

If what you're after is an event space with flexibility so you can create a special atmosphere suited to your particular requirements, then blank canvas venues in Sydney are the ideal choice for you. Blank canvas venues offer a blank slate where you can introduce your own decorations, furniture, and design aspects to establish a unique environment for your event. With versatile floor plans, Sydney blank canvas venues allow you to create your event in any way you see fit. 

Stylish Rooftop Bars

The skyline of Sydney provides some of the most stunning views, so stylish rooftop bars are an ideal option for functions that need to impress. These bars are ideal for those who wish to blend sophistication with the city skyline. Rooftop bars tend to include modern furniture and trendy décor, bringing a touch of sophistication to any event.

Factors to Consider When Looking for Sydney Function Venues

When you're looking for an event room in Sydney, it's crucial to consider several key factors to ensure the success of your event. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind:

Event Size

The size of your event is one of the most significant considerations when selecting a function venue in Sydney. It is essential to have a venue that can accommodate all your guests comfortably. Identify event spaces that can handle small intimate events, as well as large venues for a large guest list.

Location

A location for the event is one important factor responsible for making an event successful. There are quite a number of aspects to check on while looking for a suitable location for a function venue within Sydney.

Accessibility is of the highest priority when choosing the venue. Ensure that the venue is accessible to your visitors, maybe by location near public transport or sufficient parking facilities. This will ensure that visitors can easily reach the venue without any hassle. 

Venue Hire Fee

Venue hire fees must also be considered while searching for function venues in Sydney. It is extremely important as it depends greatly on a number of factors such as location, size, services and facilities.

Some places can give you a flat rate for leasing the space, while others can give you an hourly or daily rate for leasing the space. It is important to ask whether there are extra fees or hidden charges, such as security, cleaning, or the fee to lease equipment, so you know the true price of renting the space.

Amenities

When selecting a function venue in Sydney, the amenities offered can influence your choice. These amenities can add value to the experience of both the organiser and the participants, ensuring it is a success from start to finish. AV equipment, wifi, and lighting are relevant considerations, especially when the event includes presentations, performances, or interactive workshops.

Catering

With all the different types of catering services available, it's hard to select even one. Think about what kind of food and beverages you're going to have served at your event, and whether or not you'll want it all to be in-house or if you'll have some of the aspects of the food and drinks outsourced.

When budgeting for your food and drinks, consider the preferences and dietary restrictions of your guests. Offering a variety of options, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly dishes, is crucial in ensuring that all guests can enjoy the event.

To make things easier, budget on a per person basis to gain a clearer picture of the overall cost. This approach can help you manage your expenses more effectively and allows you to adapt the menu selections according to your budget constraints.

Budgeting for Your Sydney Function

When planning your event in Sydney on a budget, it's important to have realistic expectations from the very beginning. Begin by deciding how much you are willing to spend overall, and then allocate this into categories like venue rental, catering, entertainment, decorations, and any other services.

Typically, Sydney event spaces range from several hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on venue size, location, and popularity. Urban or waterfront venues could cost a higher price due to their sought-after locations and scenic views. An average venue hire in Sydney can be anything from $55 per person for a small venue, whereas a bigger or high-end venue can cost around $85 per person. In order to manage costs, begin by pinpointing your non-negotiables and compromising on the not-so-vital areas.

Find Sydney function venues with VenueNow

Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor spaces for corporate or social events, VenueNow is available to help you explore Sydney function venues that will suit your needs. VenueNow makes searching and booking the perfect venue for your function so easy. Have a look at VenueNow's up-to-date database of social and corporate venues in Sydney, and you're guaranteed to find the most popular spot for your Sydney function.

How much does a function room Sydney cost?

What are the top function spaces Sydney?

Here are some of our favourite Sydney function venues:

1. Verandah Bar
2. Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
3. Greenwood Hotel
4. Establishment
5. Rydges Sydney Central
6. L'Aqua
7. Novotel Sydney Airport
8. Ivy Sydney
9. Hyde Hacienda
10. Kittyhawk

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