Top Historic Venues Melbourne for Hire

Discover the best historic venues Melbourne has to offer. Find, compare and book the best bars, restaurants, hotels and much more at the best price with VenueNow, Australia's venue hire experts.

The Best Historic Venues in Melbourne for Hire

Saint Kilda Road, Southbank

350 Seated | 500 Standing

S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf

300 Seated | 450 Standing

Collins Street, Melbourne

800 Seated | 1200 Standing

Flinders Street, Melbourne

800 Seated | 1500 Standing

Swanston Street, Melbourne

300 Seated | 450 Standing

Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

100 Seated | 400 Standing

Swanston Street, Melbourne

1990 Seated | 1400 Standing

Russell Street, Melbourne

80 Seated | 150 Standing

VenueNow is trusted by 5,000+ corporates & 150,000+ customers to find the right venue

ANZ
Bupa
Coca Cola
Deloitte
Google
LOreal
Microsoft
Woolworths

Historic Venues Melbourne 

Melbourne is known for its many iconic historic venues that tell the story of the city’s past. From grand theatres and town halls to Victorian-era churches, there are dozens of heritage-listed venues that contribute to the unique charm of Melbourne.

If you're looking for a historic wedding venue, a social gathering spot, or a cultural experience, then Melbourne is the perfect destination. Here are some of the most popular historic venues in Melbourne:

Where can I find the best historic venues Melbourne has on offer?

Melbourne CBD

Melbourne's CBD is home to several of Melbourne's most historic buildings and venues, including the iconic Flinders Street Station, Royal Exhibition Building and Federation Square. Melbourne CBD is also known for its numerous museums such as the National Gallery of Victoria, the Immigration Museum and the Old Treasury Building.

Docklands

Boasting some of the city's most iconic landmarks, Docklands is a great place to explore Melbourne's history. Stroll along Victoria Harbour and take in views of Etihad Stadium, Bolte Bridge and Harbour Town Shopping Centre – all located on the edge of Port Phillip Bay. Or if you're looking for something more interactive, visit the Polly Woodside – Melbourne Maritime Museum or view the lights from beneath the sky-scrapers of the Yarra River.

Carlton

The historic Carlton district is home to some of Melbourne's oldest pubs, cafes and mansions. Take a walk along Lygon Street to see the many different Italian restaurants that line this iconic street or view one of Australia's oldest working theatres, Her Majesty’s Theatre.

St Kilda

Venture down to the beachside suburb of St Kilda and explore one of Melbourne's most historic areas. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade for unparalleled views of Port Phillip Bay or visit Luna Park, Australia’s oldest amusement park. The Esplanade Hotel is another popular landmark here, with its impressive Victorian architecture and beautiful beer garden. Don't forget to check out St Kilda's many historic churches, such as the iconic St Kilda Anglican and Roman Catholic Church.

Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne is home to some of the city's oldest buildings, including Station Pier and Victoria Hotel. This area is also known for its many art galleries, shops and cafes – perfect for an evening stroll. The beachfront here is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, with beautiful views of Port Phillip Bay.

Southbank

Southbank is an up-and-coming area full of charming historic venues. Take a leisurely stroll along South Bank Promenade, home to the iconic Crown Melbourne casino and entertainment complex. This area also features many popular pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as stunning views of the Yarra River.

No matter where you go in Melbourne, you're sure to find plenty of historic venues to explore. Whether it be exploring the streets of Carlton or admiring the architecture of St Kilda, there are many opportunities to experience the city's rich history. So come explore Melbourne's most iconic historic venues today!

What events can I hold in Melbourne?

Wedding Ceremony

Wedding venues in Melbourne come with a diverse range of options that can provide the perfect backdrop for your special day. From grand Victorian-era mansions to rustic barns, modern galleries and beachside resorts, you can find the ideal setting to make your wedding dream come true with one of Melbourne's historic venue hires. Wedding ceremonies in Melbourne are renowned for their elegance, beauty and timeless atmosphere. Whether you're planning an indoor or outdoor wedding ceremony, Melbourne has something for every couple.

Corporate Events

If you're looking to host a corporate event such as an annual dinner or an awards ceremony, there's no better place than one of Melbourne's historic venues. From the grandeur of a Victorian-era ballroom to contemporary art galleries and chic rooftop bars - you can find the perfect setting for your business event. Make sure to explore Melbourne's diverse range of historic venues to get the perfect atmosphere for your corporate gathering.

Other social gatherings

From birthdays and private dinners to anniversaries and baby showers, Melbourne's historic venues offer a range of options for any special occasion. Whether you're looking for an intimate setting or a grand venue with lots of space, there are plenty of options in Melbourne for your event. Explore the city's many different historic indoor and outdoor spaces to find the perfect spot to celebrate your special occasions.

Top Historic Wedding Venues in Melbourne

If you're looking for the best wedding venues in Melbourne to host your wedding celebration, you've come to the right place. Check out some of our favourite historic wedding venues:

Metropolis Events

Southgate Avenue, Southbank

For those opting for a more modern and stylish setting, consider Metropolis Events. This space is one of Melbourne's most popular wedding venues, styled as a New York loft with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to Melbourne City's skyline and the Yarra River.  The venue boasts nine-metre floor-to-ceiling windows, the latest audio-visual technology, stylish designer interiors, a dance floor, and a versatile floor plan accommodating up to 1,100 guests for cocktail events.

The Boatbuilders Yard

South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf

Offering versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, The Boatbuilders Yard is one of Melbourne's most sought-after venues. Located in the heart of South Wharf Promenade, this venue boasts an industrial warehouse vibe with exposed brick walls, a modern industrial bar and a courtyard garden setting that can accommodate up to 600 guests for a cocktail event.

Showtime Events Centre

S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf 

Showtime Events Centre is the perfect historic venue choice for larger wedding celebrations. Located on South Wharf Promenade, this venue has a rustic and industrial feel with gantry-style ceilings, multi-level bars, an outdoor terrace with stunning city views and a spacious dance floor.

State Library of Victoria

Swanston Street, Melbourne

State Library Victoria is without a doubt one of the most recognisable landmarks in Melbourne. This breathtaking venue is home to one of Australia's oldest libraries and its grand architecture makes it the perfect setting for luxurious wedding ceremonies. The library can accommodate up to 320 guests and offers a range of packages tailored to suit your special day.

Gardens House Royal Botanic Gardens

Dallas Brooks Drive, South Yarra

Boasting formal gardens, lawns and terraces, Gardens House Royal Botanic Gardens is a truly stunning historic venue located in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens. This superb Gardens House is complimented with award-winning catering and event management. It can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers a range of services to make your wedding day truly extraordinary.

Polly Woodside

South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf

Polly Woodside is a beautiful historic venue in Melbourne. This unique location offers couples the opportunity to create a truly memorable wedding experience, with the majestic steam-ship Polly Woodside as your backdrop, adorned with century-old artifacts and surrounded by illuminating greenery - perfect for an intimate or grand affair.

Ormond Collective

St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 

The building has a long history, originating in the 1890s and being renovated in both the 1920s and 2017. The Art Deco decorations remain intact and beautifully maintain a sense of refined nostalgia. Ormond Collective is a multi-purpose venue, perfect for wedding ceremonies and receptions. With a gorgeous courtyard, ample outdoor seating and an array of dining spaces, you can create the picture-perfect day. With its stunning location and impressive architecture, it is an ideal venue to make your dream wedding come true.

The George Ballroom

Fitzroy St, St Kilda

The George Ballroom is a Melbourne icon and one of the most beautiful historic venues in the city. Located on Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, this grand venue provides an elegant setting for your special day. From the richly detailed ceiling to the ornate chandeliers, marble columns and polished parquetry floors - you can create a truly magical atmosphere here that your guests will remember for years to come. With a variety of spaces and seating options, you can create the perfect wedding celebration that fits your exact needs.

Searching for wedding venues in Melbourne, what factors should I consider?

When choosing the right wedding venue for your special day, there are some factors to consider to ensure you make the best decision. Firstly, consider the size of your guest list and make sure your chosen venue can accommodate everyone comfortably. Secondly, have an idea of what type of setting you’d like – from grand ballrooms to intimate beachside locations, there are plenty of options in Melbourne. You should also consider the location, as some venues may be harder to access for out-of-town guests. Next, always check what facilities and services are included with the venue hire and whether you need to bring in any additional items such as lighting or catering equipment.

Wedding photos last forever, so it is also essential to check if there are spots for your photos. Lastly, check for wedding packages that include catering, wedding photography and other services.

By considering all of these factors before committing to a venue, you can make sure your wedding day is an unforgettable experience. And with the city’s many extraordinary historic venues, Melbourne won’t disappoint!

Book your venues with VenueNow today!

VenueNow is the one-stop shop for finding the perfect venue to suit your event’s needs. With our easy-to-use platform, you can easily browse through a range of both modern and historic venues in Melbourne and find the perfect fit. We make it easy to compare prices, view photos, read reviews and book spaces - all from the convenience of your computer or phone. Our selection of Melbourne’s historic venues features the best wedding venues, corporate event spaces and special occasion settings.

So to make your event planning process easier, let our team at VenueNow help you find the perfect venue for your next celebration! Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help find the right venue for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do historic venues in Melbourne cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, historic venues in Melbourne cost between 50 per person and 75 per person. For example, a 50 person function would cost approximately 2500-3750. Costs may differ based on your food and beverage requirements, AV requirements, event date and time and the type of venue you decide to book.

What are the top historic venues in Melbourne?

Here are some of our historic venues in Melbourne:
1. Metropolis Events
2. The Boatbuilders Yard
3. Showtime Events Centre
4. State Library of Victoria
5. Gardens House Royal Botanic Gardens
6. Polly Woodside
7. Ormond Collective
8. The George Ballroom

How do I find and book historic venues in Melbourne?

Finding and booking a historic venue in Melbourne is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:
1. Enter Melbourne as your location and historic as your venue style into VenueNow's search engine.
2. Narrow down your search results by entering more filters such as number of people, event date, room layout and budget.
3. Send enquiries to venues to request pricing and availability (we recommend sending 3-5 enquiries to different venues to ensure you get the best price).
4. Review your quotes and connect directly with your favourite venues to book a site visit and finalise your booking.
5. Host your event!

How far in advance should I book a historic venue in Melbourne?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Melbourne historic venue 90 days in advance of the event. For larger events and event dates in December we recommend allowing additional time as there may be limited availability.

Can VenueNow help me find a historic venue in Melbourne?

We sure can! VenueNow's team of Venue Booking Experts can help you find the perfect venue, collect quotes from multiple venues on your behalf, negotiate the best price with venues and book venues, all for free. Simply send us your event brief and our team will be in contact with venue recommendations within 24-48 hours.

Want to get in contact?

Call our support team on
1300 647 488 during business hours AEST.

Follow us

© Copyright VenueNow 2024 | SPARE GROUP PTY LTD | ABN 22 607 830 302