Conference Venues for Hire in Sydney

How to Choose the Right Conference Venue in Sydney

Organising a conference is no small task, and finding the right space is crucial. Whether you’re hosting a large symposium or a small networking session, a unique venue can elevate the experience and boost attendance. With Sydney’s diverse venue landscape—from waterfront hotels to creative warehouses—there’s no shortage of options. Here’s how to narrow them down.

Plan with purpose.
What’s the goal of your conference? A formal AGM has different needs than a casual industry meetup. Sydney has high-spec conference centres, meeting spaces, converted warehouses, and much more. Define your tone before you search.

Set a realistic budget.
Estimate your income (ticket sales, sponsors, grants) and stick to what you can afford. This helps avoid wasting time on venues outside your range and ensures smoother planning.

Choose the date carefully.
Check for conflicting events in your industry before you commit. If possible, let potential attendees vote on a few dates, boosting your attendance from the start.

Consider guest accommodation.
If attendees are travelling, hotel conference centres are a smart choice. They offer both meeting space and rooms under one roof. It simplifies logistics for everyone involved.

Confirm facilities in advance.
Create a list of everything you’ll need: screens, mics, whiteboards, flipcharts, catering, etc. Discuss it with the venue to avoid last-minute surprises.

Make sure the venue is easy to reach.
Check transport connections; trains, buses, and ferries, and ensure there’s nearby parking if needed. For guests with mobility needs, confirm disabled access and facilities.

How much does it cost to hire a conference venue in Sydney?

• Most spaces charge a hire fee. These typically start from $1000 for small spaces (e.g., conference rooms in hotels in Darling Harbour or in Bondi), while the usual hire fee for a large venue in the CBD is about $2500-$7000, depending on the size, the facilities and, of course, the location.
• Apart from paying for venue hire, you can also choose an event package. A typical conference package includes tea, coffee, refreshments, notepads, pens and sometimes a lunch buffet as well. These prices typically range from $50 to $100 per delegate.

Top Areas for Conferences in Sydney

Wondering where to find the best conference venues that Sydney has to offer? We’re here to make it clear. Check out the list of our particularly favourite areas for conferences in Sydney below:

• Central Business District: Right in the thick of it, the CBD is where most big events happen. It’s packed with modern venues, top facilities, and heaps of public transport options, so getting there is a breeze for everyone. Some of the top spaces here include Fishburners, great for large-scale gatherings, and Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney, ideal for corporate presentations in a premium setting.
• Sydney Harbour: If you’re going for impact, this is where you do it. The views are unbeatable, and most venues come with everything sorted, from catering to on-site accommodation. It’s polished, impressive, and leaves a lasting impression. For example, West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton offers a sleek setting just a short walk from the water.
• Sydney Beaches: Not your typical conference setting, but that’s what makes it great. A beachside venue brings a relaxed, fresh vibe, and it’s perfect when you want to mix business with a bit of downtime. Enjoy casual catch-ups, ocean breezes, and maybe a beachside drink after the wrap-up at a spot like Manly Pacific.
• North Sydney: Just across the bridge but with its own energy. North Sydney has that sweet spot between business-ready and laid-back. It’s a solid choice for industries that want a more creative or less traditional setting. The Bradfield Rooms at View Sydney with multiple room sizes, is a top spot in this area.
• Sydney Airport: Great for keeping things simple when people are flying in. There’s a good mix of venues like the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park Hotel nearby, so you can keep everything close and avoid the stress of long transfers. It’s all about convenience, especially for tight schedules.

Affordable Conference Venues in Sydney

If you want a professional setup without blowing the budget, Sydney Masonic Centre is a solid pick. Right in the CBD, it’s got large capacity halls that can handle up to 250 people, plus great AV equipment to keep everything running smoothly. The flexible seating setups make it easy to match the space to your event, and with full-day hire starting at $1,210, it’s great value for such a central location.

Christie Spaces in North Sydney is another great option. It’s just a short trip from the CBD and has everything you need (AV gear, flexible layouts, and large space.) With seating for up to 140 and day rates from $1,200, it works well for mid-sized conferences or team days where you want the vibe to be both professional and comfortable.

For a more relaxed but still well-equipped conference centre, Rydges Camperdown delivers. With a minimum spend of $800, it gives you access to large rooms, AV support, and seating for up to 80 people. It’s great if you’re running a tight schedule and want something simple and efficient that just works.

And then there’s Novotel Sydney Darling Square, right in the middle of Chinatown. It’s modern, well-organised, and offers per-person packages from $90 that include catering, tech, and setup. With space for up to 120 guests, it’s perfect if you’re planning a conference where everything’s handled under one roof.