Best 50th Birthday Venues Sydney for Hire

You’ve hit 50. That’s no small thing. Maybe you’ve raised kids, built a career, figured yourself out or maybe you’re just getting started. However you see it, a 50th should feel extra special.

In Sydney, that could mean a long lunch with the crew at a sun-drenched terrace, a rooftop cocktail party overlooking the skyline, or an intimate dinner at one of the city’s hidden gems. Whatever your pace, this guide covers how to find a venue that suits the person you are now, not who you were years prior, and definitely not some version you’ve outgrown.

What to Think About Before You Book Your 50th

Let’s start with the basics. Who’s coming? A few close friends and family? A big mixed crowd? Getting your guest list roughly sorted makes everything easier because it affects the venue size, food, and overall energy.

Time of year plays a role too. Sydney’s warm most of the year, but summer heat can be brutal outdoors. Spring and autumn are more forgiving, especially if you’re booking a rooftop or an outdoor space. And if you’re planning something under the sky, always ask about wet weather options. Don’t just hope for the best.

You don’t need a full theme, but it helps to have a vibe. Maybe it’s a long, stylish lunch with wine. Maybe it’s a low-lit dinner with music and espresso martinis. Locking that in helps everything feel more cohesive from the space to the playlist to the dress code.

Venue Types That Work for a 50th Birthday Party

Sydney’s got range, which is great when you’re after something elevated but still relaxed.

For a seated dinner with proper conversation and a few heartfelt toasts, book out a private dining room. Plenty of restaurants across Potts Point, Chippendale and the CBD offer them, and they’re ideal for 15 to 30 guests who’ll appreciate good food and good company.

Cocktail-style events are popular too, especially if you want movement and music. Small bars and rooftop venues in Surry Hills or Haymarket are perfect for this, they often have built-in ambience, so you won’t need much styling (Saves time, energy, and sanity, right?)

Afternoon events are becoming more of a thing, and Sydney’s good at them. Courtyards, terraces, even art spaces can work beautifully for long, informal lunches that roll into the evening. Just make sure the sound setup and layout make sense for your group.

And if you’re planning something with more guests or a specific look in mind, there are plenty of boutique event spaces that allow external catering, custom styling and entertainment.

50th Birthday Food & Drink Packages

The best kind of 50th is the kind where no one’s worried about ordering or waiting too long between courses. A set menu works well for that. You’ll know the cost upfront, and the kitchen keeps things moving. It also gives the event a rhythm: entrees, mains, maybe a toast or two, then dessert and dancing or drinks.

If you’re going lighter, go with canapes, grazing tables or roaming food. These keep the mood social and still give everyone enough to eat. 

Drinks-wise, go with a package if you want less to worry about. That usually includes wine, beer, sodas and maybe a signature cocktail. If your group is particular about drinks, a bar tab might work better, just make sure you communicate limits to the venue and your guests.

A lot of places are open to BYO cake, and some will even let you bring your own wine with a corkage fee. But always remember to ask first, policies vary and it’s better to be clear.

How Much Does a 50th Cost?

For most Sydney venues, you’re looking at around $75 per person. Some more casual options start at $60, while more premium venues with premium food and drink inclusions can go up to $90 per head.

Many venues work on a minimum spend, which is a set amount you’ll need to hit across food and drinks to secure the space. It’s a good option if you’d rather avoid separate hire fees and want the venue mostly to yourselves. Others charge room hire on top of catering, usually for more private or exclusive areas.

Want to save a bit? Host your event at lunch instead of dinner. Midday slots often have lower minimum spends and more availability. Keeping the guest list tight also gives you more budget to spend per head, which can open up higher-end venues without blowing out costs.

Getting To and From Your 50th

Sydney’s inner city suburbs are fairly easy to move around in, but some are more transport-friendly than others.

Sydney CBD is the most accessible for everyone: trains, buses, ferries, rideshare, even a short walk from most hotels. It’s a good option if you’ve got guests coming from different areas or flying in.

Haymarket has that hidden gem of energy. It’s close to Central Station, and the venues here tend to be tucked-away bars, stylish function spaces, or boutique hotels. Perfect for something low-key but elevated.

Surry Hills brings that relaxed, creative energy. Plenty of bars, converted terraces, and small venues with real charm. It’s walkable, well connected by light rail and train, and packed with post-party options too.

Potts Point is ideal for intimate dinners or cocktail events. It has that old-school Sydney charm with just enough edge. Venues here are usually well-designed and quietly luxe. Just make sure to check parking spaces

Chippendale is a bit of a wildcard but in a good way. It’s central, it’s home to cool art spaces, restaurants, and rooftops that aren’t overdone. Great if you want something that feels a little different and new.

Ideas to Make the Your 50th Birthday More Fun

You don’t need big gimmicks to make the event feel special. Just a few details can go a long way.

A playlist that spans decades or even a live set if the venue allows it, can shift the whole mood. A photo board or a slideshow (short, please!) adds heart without going full memory lane. Handwritten place cards, a signature drink, or even just flowers and candles can completely change the space.

If you want to go a step further, bring in a stylist for light touches, nothing too themed, just mood-setting details that match the energy of the night.

Guestbooks are having a quieter comeback. Try something simple, like cards where people can write memories or wishes. It’s personal, and people love reading what others wrote the next day.

Final Tips Before You Lock In Your Venue

Once you’ve found a venue you like, ask exactly what’s included. Are staffing, AV, setup and egress part of the minimum spend? What’s the timing window, and what happens if you go over?

Read the cancellation policy properly. Some spots are flexible, others aren’t. Always better to know.

Visit in person if you can. A quick walkthrough tells you things photos won’t, how loud the space gets, how the layout feels, what the lighting’s like at that time of day.

And trust your instincts. If the space feels right, the team is responsive, and the vibe matches the kind of night you want, it’s probably the one.

How much do Sydney 50th birthday venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Sydney 50th birthday venues cost between 50 per person and 75 per person. For example, a 100 person 50th birthday would cost approximately 5000-7500. 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 Sydney 50th birthday venues?

Here are some of our favourite Sydney 50th birthday venues:

1. The Alcott
2. Verandah Bar
3. Cafe Del Mar
4. Cabana Bar
5. Four Hundred
6. Vagabond Cruises
7. World Square Bar
8. Bungalow 8
9. The Burdekin
10. The Rook

How do I find and book Sydney 50th birthday venues?

Finding and booking a Sydney 50th birthday venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Sydney as your location and 50th birthday as your event type 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 Sydney 50th birthday venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Sydney 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 Sydney 50th birthday venue?

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.