Find your 40th Birthday Venue in Melbourne

How to find the ideal venue for a 40th birthday party? 

Before you start looking for your ideal 40th birthday party venue in Melbourne, you should address a few important points to make your search feel like a breeze. 

Location - The first thing you want to consider is the venue’s location. You should pick one that offers great public transportation access and parking options. Here’s the thing: hosting an event outside the city will force the guests to drive. And nobody likes spending too much in a car before the party! If you want everyone to show up, consider central Melbourne locations, such as Fitzroy (named the coolest neighbourhood in Australia!), Eastend or the CBD. When you choose a convenient location, your guests can use public transport and taxis to get safely to and from your bash.

Type of function - Is it going to be a sit-down dinner or cocktails and canapes? Daytime or evening? Formal, informal, or fancy dress? Deciding exactly what type of party you want before hunting for a venue will help you find exactly what you’re looking for and give you an idea of the type of budget you’re going to need.

Budget - Do you want to splurge for your big 4-0, or keep it intimate? You need to figure out how much you can pay for the event to avoid overspending. Decide how much you want to pay for the venue rental, decorations, cake, food and drinks, entertainment, etc. Then you should only look at venues that match your price range so you can make sure that you pick the one that offers the most at a price you can afford. 

Event planner - Many of us don’t have the time to carry out our day-to-day tasks, never mind planning a 40th birthday. When considering a venue, ask if they offer event planning services - someone who can take the reins. This will mean that you can be a guest at your party rather than running around organising the evening.

The kids! - Even if you don’t have kids of your own, it’s likely many of your guests will. Think about whether or not you want to have a kid-friendly 40th birthday party to include the whole family. One idea could be to find a venue with extra space or a garden for a kids' playroom where they can be entertained while the adults enjoy a meal.

What can I do for my 40th birthday party? 

Stuck on ideas for activities or themes for the big day? Here are three fun things to do for your 40th birthday in Melbourne:

• Wine or craft beer tasting - Why not enjoy the best Aussie wines or sample some Melbourne craft beers? A wine or beer tasting is a great way to keep everyone entertained while maintaining a social atmosphere. And the presence of a professional sommelier will only add some flair to your celebration!
• Booze cruise - If you’re looking to get out of the city without really leaving the city, then a booze cruise or dinner cruise on Port Phillip Bay might be a good option. Admit it, you rarely have a chance to see the amazing waterfront views in their full splendour. Your milestone birthday is the ideal occasion to do it! As a bonus, you’ll also be making sure that your guests are swept off their feet! 
• Fancy dress - A classic party theme that never gets old is fancy dress. This is a great way to add some chic flair to the evening and get people talking and laughing from the start. You can pick a rooftop venue, a classy restaurant or even a ballroom to complement the theme and make your guests feel like members of high society! 

Where in Melbourne can I find great venues?

Since Melbourne is a big city, picking the best location can be a little overwhelming. Luckily, you’ve got us! And we’ve listed our top picks that are popular for 40th birthday parties in Melbourne:

• Melbourne CBD - The Central Business District is great for rooftop bars, private dining and cocktail parties. There is plenty of public transport and taxis available making it easy for the guests to get to and from your party.
• South Yarra & Richmond - These are great areas if you’re looking for a trendy restaurant, bar or nightclub to host your 40th birthday. Many venues in this area offer great private dining facilities. This area is a good option if most of your guests are from the southern or eastern parts of Melbourne.
• Carlton & Collingwood - In these two suburbs just north of the CBD you’ll find plenty of private dining rooms, cocktail bars, and outdoor venues for hire. There are plenty of venues for hire in and around Lygon Street in Carlton and all along Smith Street in Collingwood.

40th Birthday Venues in Melbourne FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a 40th birthday party venue in Melbourne?

The final cost will depend mostly on the venue type you will go for. Restaurants and bars offer packages whose price ranges anywhere between $20 to $70+ per person. But it’s also common to find offers with per minimum spend that start at $700+. Club, studio, or private lounge rentals usually charge per hour and prices start at $150. (All data from Tagvenue.com.)

Can I bring my own DJ to a venue?

Yes! But to avoid any unpleasant surprises, check this with the venue manager before you book your event. Although most venues allow you to bring your own DJ, some may have a list of preferred vendors that they have cooperated with in the past.

How early should I book a venue for my 40th birthday?

As soon as possible! To have all the time you want to pick a few venues, reach out to their managers and compare their offers, it’s best to start looking at least 2 months in advance. Keep in mind that some of Tagvenue’s offers are extremely popular, so you should act fast as they fill up quickly!

Can you recommend some great venues for my 40th birthday party?

Of course! Melbourne offers an array of fantastic venues that can be hired for 40th birthday celebrations. Atrium at the Grace Darling Hotel offers a lush green private function room with stylish, industrial decor. It’s perfect for much more lowkey and private celebrations. Peacock Lounge at The Emerald Peacock, on the contrary, will add some flair to a much more boisterous bash with a luxurious, wooden design.