What are some of the best-rated low-budget party venues in Melbourne?

Some of the affordable options Tagvenue users have appreciated the most are: Beer Garden at Two Hands Rooftop Bar - this minimum spend party venue has prices beginning at $500 per session . The venue is located very close to the North Richmond Station. The Brighton & Esplanade Room at Brighton Beach Hotel - located in Brighton, right next to Port Phillip, this venue has a $150 hire fee per session . VIP Side Room at The George Lounge - the prices for this affordable party room, situated in Saint Kilda, can be as low as $20 per person .

Can I find large affordable party spaces in Melbourne?

It’s completely possible to find a party venue in Melbourne that will fit a crowd and not break the bank, whether it's a cheap party hall or banquet venue. Many venues are priced on the minimum spend basis - Level 1 at The Oxford Scholar will fit up to 120 people standing with minimum spend values beginning at $400 . For even larger parties, Waterfront Room + Bar at The Promenade Docklands is a venue with space for up to 650 guests and lowest minimum spend at $1,400 . You can find affordable options with per person hire fees, too - the Alfresco Footpath at Bonny is one of the cheapest, with fees starting at $15 . This cheap outdoor party venue has a capacity of up to 32 people standing.

Can I throw a late-night party in an affordable party location in Melbourne?

The simple answer is yes! Melbourne is known for its nightlife, so you should be able to find a variety of clubs, bars, and other types of venues operating until late hours. You can check the opening hours, duration of the alcohol licence and how long you can play loud music on each venue’s page.

The 16 Best Affordable Party Venues for Hire in Melbourne

There are plenty of centrally-located areas in Melbourne where you can hire cheap party venues:

CBD (Central Business District) offers a wide range of venues suitable for various events, from rooftop bars with stunning city views to cosy function rooms. It's easily accessible by public transport, making it convenient for guests.

Fitzroy is k

nown for its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere, and it's perfect for parties looking for a hip and artsy vibe. It has plenty of trendy bars, intimate cafes, and unique event spaces that cater to different tastes.

Southbank is s

ituated along the Yarra River, and boasts beautiful waterfront views and a lively atmosphere. It's home to many restaurants, pubs, and event venues offering a mix of indoor and outdoor settings, ideal for any celebration.

St Kilda

is famous for its beachside attractions and vibrant nightlife. It offers a range of venues including beachfront bars, stylish clubs, and historic venues, perfect for parties looking to combine relaxation with entertainment.
Richmond is a bustling suburb with a diverse range of venues suitable for all types of parties. It's known for its lively pubs, chic bars, and spacious function rooms, providing ample options for budget-friendly party venue.

Throwing a party in Melbourne on a budget? You’re in luck. The city is packed with affordable party venues that don’t skimp on atmosphere or experience whether you’re planning a 21st birthday, an engagement party, or a casual get-together.

Where to Book on a Budget

Melbourne has budget-friendly venues hidden in every corner, if you know where to look:

Northern Suburbs: Great for spacious halls and community venues
Recommended Venue: Bighouse Arts, Price: $100 per hour (hire fee)
South-east Melbourne: Known for function rooms with BYO options and flexible food policies
Recommended Venue: Music Valley, Price: $97 per hour (hire fee)
Ferntree Gully & beyond: Outdoor spots perfect for laid-back garden parties or summer events
Recommended Venue: Olinda Tea House, Price: $1000 minimum spend per session

Tagvenue’s smart filters let you sort venues by price, guest capacity, and even alcohol policies—so you’re only seeing what actually works for your party.

Cheap Party Spaces with Packages

These packages typically include venue hire, catering, basic drinks, and sometimes extras like AV equipment or simple décor, making budgeting and planning much easier.

The Purple Emerald Lounge Bar – Northcote, Price: $5 per person (per session)
Why it works: Incredibly low per-head cost, with packages often including drinks and simple catering add-ons. Great for casual events or birthday parties.
Ask about: Drink packages and platter-style food options.
Concrete Boots Bar – Richmond, Price: $1000 minimum spend (per session)
Why it works: A bar-style venue that offers bundled food and drink packages. With the right guest count, the minimum spend goes far—especially for private functions.
Ask about: Function packages that combine food, bar tab, and space rental.
Seamstress Restaurant & Bar – Melbourne CBD, Price: $21 per person (per session)
Why it works: This stylish venue offers set menu options for private groups at a very reasonable per-person rate. Known for its pan-Asian fusion menu and hidden cocktail bar vibe.
Ask about: Group dining packages and optional drinks add-ons.

Affordable Rooftop Or Terrace Spaces in Melbourne

Melbourne has some great affordable rooftop and terrace venues that offer atmosphere without the premium price tag.

Two Hands Rooftop Bar in Abbotsford is a strong option, with minimum spends starting at $500 per session for smaller groups. It offers a relaxed, open-air setting perfect for casual gatherings.

In the CBD, The Emerald Peacock provides a stylish rooftop experience at just $21 per person per day—great for mid-sized celebrations without breaking the budget. Both venues deliver atmosphere and views while keeping costs in check.

Insider Tips for Booking Cheap Venues

Use minimum spend venues
Skip the hire fee. Minimum spend venues let you put your budget toward food and drinks. Expect to spend between $250–$1,000 per session in most affordable Melbourne venues.
Match the space to your guest list
Don’t overbook. A compact space that fits your group exactly is cheaper and will feel more lively than a half-empty hall.
Think outside the pub
Some of Melbourne’s best-value party spots are offbeat:

Art galleries
Karaoke bars
Private games rooms
Community halls
These often come with lower price tags and big personalities.

Save on catering & drinks
Look for venues that allow external catering or offer BYO. You can save hundreds by organising your own food and drinks—or even go potluck-style.
Skip the extras
Renting AV equipment or decorations is cheaper than buying. Or you can go for a blank canvas venue and DIY your décor for a personal (and low-cost) touch.
Be flexible with dates
Book midweek or during off-peak seasons for lower rates. Early booking = better pricing and availability.
Check out the outer suburbs
Party venues outside the CBD—like in the Middle Ring suburbs—are often just as good, with better parking and lower costs.

Ready to throw a great party without spending a fortune? Use Tagvenue to browse Melbourne’s best cheap party venues and find a space that works for your vibe and your wallet.

Verified Reviews of Affordable Party Venues in Melbourne

Louise G.

Booked Beer Garden at Aviary Hotel

4.9

We had a fantastic experience at the Aviary beer garden to celebrate a 21st Birthday. Staff were great at comunications and it was stress free. The catering was smooth and professional and the food was delicious. I would highly recomend this venue although on the website it says the space would hold up to 80 - this would be a tight squeeze.

Carina M.

Booked Courtyard at The Tipsy Cow

5.0

We had an amazing time at this venue! The atmosphere was lovely, and the staff were incredibly professional. A shoutout to Shaquille, who was very attentive and made our visit extra special. We would highly recommend this place and are already looking forward to coming back. Thank you for a fantastic experience!

Vivian L.

Booked Entire Venue at Beneath the Ferns

4.7

I held a gender reveal party here and I really loved the venue, as well as the indoor plants, which didn’t require much decoration. I had around 46 guests and 6 long tables, yet it still felt very spacious, and I could tell all my guests enjoyed being there.

Lauren E.

Booked Rooftop at Onesixone

4.3

Riley & onesixone were so fantastic to book my birthday party with. Riley was super responsive and took a lot of care on the evening to make sure everything went well. I definitely will be looking to book future events with onesixone.

Melanie R.

Booked Main Bar at Aces Bar @ Brunswick Aces

This a lovely eclectic venue. Perfect for 40 - 50 people. The food and service were excellent and appropriate. Room for small live music performance. In house. A highly recommended venue for an event or party

Jess C.

Booked Whole Venue at Ruelle Wine Bar

The Ruelle Wine Bar was the perfect location for our event. The interior and venue size was perfect for what we were after. Luke, Maddie and the team were fantastic - so accommodating and helpful throughout the whole afternoon. I’d highly recommend this venue for a small event, or just for a lovely spot to have a wine :)

Nicholas H.

Booked Private Function Room at The Blacksmith Bar

The team at the blacksmith bar are incredible. It was so easy to book and prepare and they made me feel like everything was easy at literally every turn. George the event manager and the team were amazing on the night and made me feel like an absolute king on my birthday. Will absolutely be back again.

Lisa M.

Booked Onesixfive at Onesixone

Fabulous venue for a party and private function. Very cool vibes with great interiors and DJ set up. Hannah was so professional and wonderful to deal with. Highly recommend!!