40th Birthday Venues for Hire in Melbourne

Turning 40 in Melbourne? It’s the perfect excuse to go all out or keep it chill with your closest mates. This city’s full of venues that match every kind of birthday dream of yours: rooftop cocktails, vintage bars, wine lounges, and spacious beer gardens. Whether you want to relive your party days or toast to a new chapter with a curated wine list, Melbourne’s got the place for you.

Ideas for a 40th Birthday in Melbourne

• Host a throwback arcade night at Ballers Clubhouse Carlton, with ping pong, cocktails, and neon-lit fun for groups up to 300. It’s part bar, part adult playground.
  
• Dance into your forties at Theory Bar in the CBD. With a full private hire setup, it feels like your own private club, no sharing the dance floor.
  
• Go wine bar chic at Bonny in Fitzroy. It’s stylish, and known for its rotating taps and good snacks. Perfect for a dinner party without going formal.
  
• Soak in the skyline at Eureka 89. Floor-to-ceiling views, multi-course menus, and that "wow" factor—just be ready for the premium price tag.

Where to Celebrate Your 40th

Melbourne’s different neighbourhoods set the tone for your party. Here’s where to look depending on your style:

• Richmond & Cremorne – Trendy and well-connected

The Blacksmith Bar has the feel of an upscale pub with a huge seating capacity and warm timber interiors. Ideal if you want to combine food, drinks, and dancing without venue-hopping. Just around the corner, Maeve Fox offers a more boutique space with a moody bar and leather booths, perfect for sipping cocktails in style.

• Fitzroy & Collingwood – Creative, cool, and a bit eclectic

Lost Boys blends Fitzroy’s quirky spirit with a solid sound system, great if music is central to your night. If you want to dress it up and decorate yourself, Canopy Collingwood is a polished blank canvas with indoor-outdoor flexibility.

• CBD & Southbank – Central and luxe

Seamstress Restaurant & Bar has layered spaces (a cocktail bar upstairs and dining below) with a rich heritage feel. It’s great for progressive parties or mixed groups. Theory Bar brings nightclub energy without the chaos of public venues.

• Brunswick & Northcote – Laid-back, fun, and budget-friendly

Welcome to Brunswick has plenty of space, indoor and outdoor zones, and food truck-style eats. It’s casual, easygoing, and works for anything from sundowners to late-night hangs. The Purple Emerald Lounge Bar is a hidden spot in Northcote with cozy booths, a retro feel, and unbeatable prices. Great if you want the place to yourself without blowing the budget.

Venues for a 40th Birthday Party for Her

Planning a 40th for someone who deserves a night that feels special but not stuffy? Here are some picks that feel just right, fun, stylish, and a bit indulgent.

• Her. – Windsor
  A modern rooftop-meets-lounge feel with a sleek interior and a crowd that knows how to dress up without overdoing it. Perfect for sunset drinks, DJ sets, and lots of photos.
  
• Ruelle Wine Bar – Prahran
  Tucked into a quieter street, this place feels like Melbourne’s answer to a European wine bar. With space for around 40, it’s intimate without feeling cramped, and they know their pours.
  
• Two Hands Rooftop Bar – Abbotsford
  Graffiti walls, garden lighting, and a relaxed rooftop vibe make this one ideal for a birthday that’s more cocktails and laughs than speeches and suits.
  
• The George Lounge – St Kilda
  Plush couches, ambient lighting, and a full bar setup. You can keep it classy early on and shift to dance floor mode as the night builds.
  
• Sugar Glider – Fitzroy
  Low lighting, great music, and a crowd that’s a little older and knows how to party. Great for mixing groups such as friends, partners, even the work crew.
  

Cheap Options for Birthday Locations

Throwing a 40th on a budget in Melbourne doesn’t mean compromising on style or atmosphere. These spots keep the costs down while still delivering a proper party.

• Boundary Hotel – South East Melbourne
  Simple, pub-style space with friendly staff and an easygoing vibe. Hire it for $150 and put your money toward food and drinks instead.
  
• Half Moon Bay Surf Life Saving Club – Black Rock
  This one’s a bit of a hidden coastal gem. With panoramic beach views and rates from $125/hr, it’s great for daytime parties or sunset drinks.

Ready to make your 40th one of the books?
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