Best Venues for Hire Melbourne

Looking for venues in Melbourne? We've got you covered with our Melbourne Venue Hire Guide! Find out more about where you can find the best function spaces Melbourne has to offer and what types of events are popular throughout the city.

VenueNow is here to help you find and book the perfect venue space for your events, private parties and meetings so don't hesitate to get in contact with our expert team.

What are some popular venue types in Melbourne?

Whether you're after a large or small venue, cheap or high-end, Melbourne has something for everyone. Below is a list of the most popular and unique Melbourne venues for hire.

Hotel function venues Melbourne

Melbourne Hotels are ideal for corporate gatherings since they offer excellent facilities such as catering services, conference venues, and ballrooms with capacities ranging from 10 to 2000 persons. Hotels often allow you to hire multiple rooms and provide versatile event spaces which is great for corporate events that include breakout areas for different groups. The range of spaces and services provided by hotel venues make them a practical choice for hosting conferences, seminars, workshops, business meetings and social gatherings.

Bar Function Venues Melbourne

Cocktail bars and rooftop bars are the perfect settings for a night out with friends. These party spaces offer a great atmosphere, delicious drinks, and unbeatable views. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience then Melbourne's cocktail bar scene is the place to be.

If you're hosting an event in Melbourne, it can be hard to find a beautiful space that offers all this as well as catering packages and space for your guests to enjoy themselves. That's where we come in! Speak to the VenueNow team to find your perfect venue for free!

Blank Canvas Venues Melbourne

Blank canvas venues in Melbourne offer a unique opportunity for event planners and hosts to unleash their creativity. These versatile spaces for hire typically come stripped of any decor, allowing you to design the atmosphere to fit your vision perfectly.

Blank canvas venues grant you the freedom to customise your event according to your specific needs. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate function, or a milestone celebration, you can arrange the layout, decor, and seating to create your ideal setting. This level of flexibility ensures that your event remains distinct and personal.

Private Dining Rooms Melbourne

If you’ve been looking for a more intimate and relaxed dining experience, then consider private venue hire in Melbourne. There are lots of venues including restaurants, hotels and unique event spaces that can be hired out for your private dining function to make it as memorable as possible. Enjoy quality food and exceptional service in a setting tailored just for you and your guests.

Some of these private settings also offer catering packages so that the food is served on-site and ready when you arrive, meaning there is no need to worry about organising those little details either! It is the ideal choice for business lunches, family celebrations, or intimate gatherings with friends. The convenience of a private dining room allows for a more personalized experience, enabling hosts to tailor every aspect of the meal, from the menu to the ambience.

Outdoor Venue Hire Melbourne

If you’re looking for outdoor spaces that are perfect for a wedding or event, then look no further than Melbourne. There are plenty of options to choose from and each one has its own charm. Lots of venues throughout the city and surrounding suburbs offer lush greenery and sprawling lawns perfect for outdoor events (when the Melbourne weather permits). Melbourne Botanical Gardens are one of our favourites! Beautiful gardens surround you with stunning landscapes and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal backdrop for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and outdoor gatherings.

Restaurant and Cafe Hire Melbourne

Restaurants and cafes make great function venues for more relaxed gatherings such as birthday parties, hen's nights, baby showers and corporate dinners. They offer a relaxed atmosphere and a comfortable and familiar space for you and your guests to enjoy amazing food options and conversation.

Some restaurants and cafes offer private dining areas which can be hired out for your event. Others may require exclusive use of the entire venue. It's best to check with the venue directly to see what their policies are.

Waterfront Venue Hire Melbourne

There's nothing quite like a waterfront venue to make your event special. Melbourne has many to choose from, each with its own unique setting and style. Whether you're after a chic city loft or a rustic country barn, there's sure to be a waterfront venue that's perfect for you. Your special occasions deserve an unforgettable backdrop, and a waterfront venue offers exactly that—spectacular views and an ambience that enhances any gathering. Enjoy beautiful views of the Yarra River or the serene waters of Port Phillip Bay, as the shimmering reflections create a romantic atmosphere that is hard to replicate.

Warehouse Venue Hire Melbourne

Industrial warehouse venues are popular for their industrial-chic aesthetic, concrete floors, flexible floor layouts and vast open spaces. They can be hired for a wide range of events such as corporate functions, parties, weddings, and product launches.

Some warehouses have been converted into unique event spaces with all the amenities you need to host a successful event. Others are still used as working warehouses but can be hired for private functions. These versatile venues offer a distinct charm that blends industrial aesthetics with modern comfort, making them ideal for a variety of events, from weddings and corporate functions to art exhibitions and private parties.

Meeting Room Hire Melbourne

Melbourne is home to many different types of meeting rooms, from boardrooms and conference rooms to training rooms and project spaces. These venues are perfect for corporate events, workshops, and seminars.

Most meeting room venues offer catering and audio-visual equipment as part of their services. Some also have breakout areas and reception areas that can be hired for your event.

What are some popular event types in Melbourne?

As Australia's dining and entertainment capital, Melbourne offers a wide range of function venues and event spaces for every occasion.

Corporate Event Venues Melbourne

The scope of corporate functions and events is enormous, with many purposes and goals. and may include different event types such as corporate Christmas parties, product launches, business conferences, EOFY parties, exhibitions, workshops, training sessions, meetings, corporate offsite, networking events and more!

For business customers, an environment must fulfil a number of criteria, including the ability to provide cocktail or seated events in a private room or the whole venue. They must employ knowledgeable employees who give exceptional experiences to their customers and provide a variety of in-home or external catering choices to fit various dietary restrictions.

Other common requirements include a modern venue with modern facilities such as audio-visual equipment such as TVs, projectors, PA systems and conferencing facilities and is easily accessible via various forms of transport.

VenueNow's team specialise in corporate events, having helped over 5,000 companies around Australia find and book the perfect venue so don't hesitate to get in contact. Want to learn more? Check out our Melbourne Corporate Function Venue Guide.

Christmas Party Venues Melbourne

Christmas parties are a great way to get your staff together for an enjoyable event that also helps foster company spirit. But there are so many venues in Melbourne, how do you choose? Check out our Melbourne Christmas Party Venue Guide to learn more. Plan your next memorable event in one of Melbourne's festive venues that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.

Cocktail Party Venues Melbourne

Cocktail-style events are where guests are standing rather than seated. Cocktail events, such as cocktail parties, birthdays, and networking gatherings, are ideal for more laid-back occasions since they allow guests to mingle and get to know one another better than seated events.

If you're looking for the best party venues, Melbourne is the way to go! Cocktail-style events are commonplace, and as the name implies, cocktail events frequently include drinks and canapes.

Check out our Melbourne Cocktail Party Venue Guide to learn more.

Conference Venues Melbourne

Whether you're planning a multi-day conference or a single-day corporate workshop, Melbourne offers a multitude of options that cater to your specific needs, allowing you to plan a successful conference. Conference venues in Melbourne range from large auditoriums to intimate breakout rooms, making it easier than ever to find the perfect setting for your event. Modern AV and conference equipment are widely available, ensuring that your presentations and discussions run smoothly. These venues often come equipped with high-speed internet, smart boards, and video conferencing capabilities, making them ideal for both local and international events.

Check out our Melbourne Conference Venue Guide to learn more.

Birthday Party Venues Melbourne

There are so many unique party venues in Melbourne for all ages including venues with activities kids' birthday parties (and the young at heart), cool bars and restaurants for the foodies and iconic Melbourne venues to celebrate milestones like your 18th birthday, 21st birthday, 30th birthday, 40th birthday or 50th birthday party.

When you're looking for venues to hire in Melbourne for birthday parties, be sure to ask about the minimum spend for each venue, what is included in that minimum spend and what the costs for additional services or offerings are.

If you have a tight budget for your next private event, it's always useful to have a budget per person in mind when trying to find a venue to ensure you don't waste too much time contacting venues out of your price range.

Engagement Party Venues Melbourne

Engagement parties are such a special event so you'll want to find a unique venue to celebrate! Luckily Melbourne is full of engagement party venues for every style, size and budget. Create memorable experiences with the perfect backdrop in one of Melbourne's stunning venues. Check out our Melbourne Engagement Party Venue Guide to learn more.

Wedding Venues Melbourne

If you want to find the perfect space for wedding receptions and wedding ceremonies you'll need to be prepared to do some research and spend some good money. By planning well ahead of time and being smart about where you spend your money, you'll be able to have the wedding reception of your dreams! Check out our Melbourne Wedding Venue Guide to learn all the top tips.

Meeting Venues Melbourne

As one of Australia's business centres, Melbourne has hundreds of training, workshops and meeting spaces to suit your needs, including coworking spaces, serviced offices, hotels, and private offices. Be sure what catering options are available at the venue including in-house catering, external catering or self-catering. You can quickly browse and book meeting and training rooms using VenueNow, so have a look around!

Popular locations for Melbourne Events

Function Venue Melbourne CBD

Home to a number of historic venue locations and landmarks such as Federation Square, Eureka Tower and other renowned sights, the heart of Melbourne's CBD is filled with chic high-rise venues and sprawling laneways dotted with world-class food spots and trendy cafes, bars and galleries.

Function Rooms Southbank

If you’re looking for a nightlife experience in Melbourne, Southbank is the place to be. With spectacular views of the Melbourne city skyline, the area has become one of Australia’s most popular destinations for dining and entertainment. There are tons of restaurants offering cuisine from all over the world, bars and charming function venues perfect for your special events.

Event Space Brunswick

Brunswick is the perfect destination for families, couples and friends alike! Brunswick East has a wide selection of entertainment options, such as bars, pubs, restaurants and exclusive event venues, that could make your event more fun! From intimate celebrations to large gatherings, there is something for everyone in this vibrant neighbourhood.

Function Venues South Yarra

South Yarra is home to some of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, cafes and galleries as well as lots of amazing venue locations. With plenty of venues across the vibrant Chapel Street precinct and Toorak Road, South Yarra VIC 3141 is Melbourne’s ultimate function destination.

Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne occupies the western shoreline of Port Phillip Bay and is the perfect backdrop for events and weddings. In recent decades it has become a centre for entertainment with an increasing number of residents living just a stone's throw from the city centre with easy access by car or public transport.

South Melbourne

South Melbourne is a popular inner suburb of Melbourne, located just south of the CBD. The tree-lined streets and heritage architecture make it a sought-after destination for functions, weddings and events.

North Melbourne

North Melbourne is a vibrant and diverse area that perfectly encapsulates Melbourne's creative spirit. Known for its mix of historic buildings and modern architecture, North Melbourne features an array of unique venues that cater to different tastes and styles.

Fitzroy

If you're looking for cool function venues Melbourne has to offer, Fitzroy is the place to be. 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.

St. Kilda

St. Kilda is located south of the CBD and has some of Melbourne's most visited attractions, as well as hosting many major events and festivals. This will give your visitors a lot to see and do before and after your event!

Richmond

With its trendy café culture and open areas in Melbourne's Inner East, Richmond provides a blend of Victorian beauty and modern city life. The result is an eclectic and cosmopolitan hub, with a diverse range of function venues to choose from.

South Wharf

South Wharf is an exciting precinct that perfectly combines riverside charm with modern sophistication. Nestled along the Yarra River, this vibrant area has evolved into a popular destination for both locals and visitors, offering an impressive selection of exclusive venue hires.

Collingwood, VIC

Collingwood is one of Melbourne's most vibrant and exciting inner-city suburbs. It's well known for its hipster cafes, eclectic shops, vintage fashion and live music venues. Collingwood is also home to a number of large-scale events throughout the year, making it the perfect location to host your next function!

Prahran

Prahran is Melbourne's go-to destination for shopping, dining and nightlife. It's also home to some incredible function venues that will make your event one to remember! From social events to corporate gatherings, Prahran offers a variety of settings that cater to your specific needs and preferences.

East Melbourne

East Melbourne is a charming and sophisticated area known for its beautiful parks and heritage-listed buildings. Just a stone's throw away from Melbourne’s bustling central business district, East Melbourne boasts a range of venues that provide an exceptional backdrop for any event.

What should I keep in mind when hiring a function venue in Melbourne?

Now that you know a bit more about some of the most popular areas for venue hire in Melbourne, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you find the perfect function venue:

Venue Type

The type of venue you choose will be determined by the nature of your event. For example, if you're hosting a large conference, you'll need to find a space that can accommodate all of your guests comfortably. On the other hand, if you're planning a more intimate gathering, such as a private dinner party, you'll have more flexibility when it comes to choosing a venue. Your event space options may include elegant banquet rooms, casual rooftop spaces, or even quirky art galleries, depending on the atmosphere you wish to create.

Capacity and Layout

Always consider the size of your guest list when selecting a venue. Check the venue's capacity to ensure there is enough room to accommodate your attendees comfortably. Additionally, take note of the layout of the space – an open-plan venue might be ideal for networking events, while a more segmented space may be necessary for presentations or workshops. Whether you're planning intimate events or grant creative events, the right layout can significantly impact the atmosphere and engagement of your gathering.

Event Style

Your event style should also guide your choice. For instance, if you're aiming for a casual vibe, choose a venue with lounge seating or outdoor areas that promote mingling. Conversely, formal events may benefit from structured seating arrangements and stages for speakers or performers. No matter the type of event, Melbourne is home to an array of venues that cater to various styles and atmospheres.

Location

The location of your venue is also important to consider. If you're expecting guests from out of town, you'll want to choose a venue that's easily accessible and centrally located. If you're hosting a local event, on the other hand, you may have more flexibility when it comes to choosing a venue that's off the beaten path.

Event Budget

Of course, your budget is also an important factor to consider when choosing a function venue in Melbourne. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable options available, so you should be able to find a venue that fits your needs and your budget. Check for event packages that can provide additional perks or savings. Many venues offer inclusive function packages that cover catering, audiovisual equipment, and even decoration, which can help you avoid unexpected costs later on. Always ask about any promotional deals or discounts for off-peak dates, as booking during non-peak times can significantly lower your expenses.

Venue Size

You'll need to make sure that the exclusive space you choose is the right size for your event. If you're expecting a large number of guests, you'll need to find a space that can accommodate them comfortably. On the other hand, if you're planning a more intimate gathering, you may be able to get away with a smaller venue.

Catering

When you're planning your event, you'll also need to think about catering. Fortunately, there are plenty of catering companies in Melbourne that can provide everything from finger food to full-course meals. Excellent food is a cornerstone of a successful event, and selecting the right caterer can elevate your gathering to an unforgettable experience. In Melbourne, you have a wide range of catering options to choose from, depending on the style of your event and your guests' preferences. There are also beverage packages available, tailored to suit various budgets and preferences.

Entertainment

If you're looking to add some extra fun to your event, you may want to consider hiring a band or DJ. There are plenty of entertainment options available in Melbourne, so you should be able to find something that fits your event's theme. For an unforgettable event, you might also explore live performers, magicians, or even comedians to entertain your guests throughout the evening. Each of these options can add a unique touch to your gathering, creating memorable moments that your attendees will talk about long after the event is over.

Amenities

Finally, you'll want to make sure that the function room hire you choose has all of the amenities you need for your event. For example, if you're planning a conference, you'll need to make sure that the venue has plenty of meeting rooms and audio-visual equipment. If you're planning a more casual gathering, on the other hand, you'll want to make sure that the party venue has a fully stocked bar and plenty of space for your guests to mingle.

Book your Melbourne function rooms today!

Looking for the perfect event space in Melbourne? We've got you covered!

Whether you're planning a birthday party, intimate engagement party, wedding celebration, sit-down dinner, cocktail function or large conference, there's a function venue in Melbourne that's perfect for your event.

VenueNow has a wide range of function rooms available for hire, so you're sure to find the perfect space for your needs. From the largest event spaces to luxury event venues, we cater to every occasion. We also offer a convenient online booking service, so you can easily check availability and make a booking.

Find the perfect event venue for your next event with VenueNow today and start planning your amazing events!