Conference Venues in Docklands, Melbourne

Docklands Venues Hire Guide

Docklands is a harbour suburb district of Melbourne that has a beautiful skyline shaped by high-rises and the incredible Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. Docklands is known for its shopping centres and lovely waterside dining venues. There are countless theatres, hotels and restaurants to host events in. Whether you are in need of a small venue for a workshop conference or a sizable function centre for your corporate functions in Docklands, you’ll find it all listed here.

Now, what are the venue hire rates in this part of Melbourne? We know all about it:

• One cost type for conference venues in the Docklands area is the hire fee option. This usually covers the conference venue, a projector, tables and chairs for the time you rent the venue. The cost of the hire fee price structure for conference venues in the Docklands area ranges from $400-$3,000.
• Another popular price model is the minimum spend price option. The minimum spend price is usually used when you rent a venue that includes food and drinks, and as long as you spend that amount on your tab, the venue comes with no extra charge. The rates range from $1,900-$8,000.
• There are many venues that will charge a per person price for their conference facilities in the area. The per person pricing structure is usually paired with day delegate packages that include food and catering – this cost in Docklands district ranges from $30-$81 per person.

When it comes to the highlights, our favourite locations in the Docklands include:

• Central Pier – Central Pier is the most popular location to host conferences and events in Docklands. The pier offers a breathtaking view of the Yarra River and is conveniently located next to famous landmarks like Etihad Stadium and Docklands Business Park.
• King Street – Also known as Route 60, King Street is a busy roadway that runs over the Yarra River and towards Flagstaff Gardens. There are several hotels, event centres and large restaurants in the area that can host your corporate functions and conferences. King Street is only a short distance from the Melbourne CBD, making it an excellent place for hosting business centred retreats and conferences.

FAQs about Conference Venues in Docklands

How much does it cost to rent a conference venue in the Docklands?

The cost of your chosen venue will vary depending on the conference size, but also on the venue’s location and status. In Docklands, expect to pay from $400 to $4500 per session. Per hour hire fees will range between $400 to $800+. Conference venues that offer in-house catering usually offer per-person packages which start from $30 per delegate. (All data from Tagvenue.com.)

Where can I find conference venues in the Docklands?

Docklands Stadium offers a wide range of flexible function venues that you can rent depending  on the size of your event. Another great area to check out is Collins Street where you can find both intimate conference spaces and ones that can fit up to 900 people. If you’re looking for a space with a ‘wow’ factor, swing by the Newquay Promenade where event venues boast sweeping views of Victoria Harbour. 

How far in advance should I book a conference venue in the Docklands?

We recommend booking a conference venue as early as you can. Ideally, it should be around one year in advance so that you can enjoy a long list of options that match your needs. However, if you’re planning a smaller event for up to 100 people, you can wait until 6 months in advance, as smaller conference venues aren’t as popular as the bigger ones. 

Any tips for planning a conference?

When planning a conference, you should definitely determine its goal - do you want to discuss a particular topic or set a casual gathering for the people working in the same field? Once you decide, determine the date and budget. These two elements will help you find the ideal venue where you can host your conference. Apart from that, make sure to determine what type of equipment you’ll need. Many conference venues offer basic AV equipment, as well as whiteboards, tables, chairs, office supplies, etc. but you should discuss the whole list of available equipment with the venue manager and enquire if there are any additional charges. Also, don’t forget to organise some snacks and refreshments, and if you’re organising a full-day event, serve a full meal. It will help your guests to stay energised and engaged in the event.