The 16 Best Private Bars for Hire in Southbank, Melbourne

Q: How much does it cost to book bar venues in Southbank?

Booking costs of private bars average $4500 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Southbank, based on Tagvenue data: - From $2500 to $8000 minimum spend per event - From $45 to $109 per person - From $1600 to $4500 hire fee per event

Q: What are some small bar spaces in Southbank?

Smaller private bars usually fit up to 50 guests standing. Here are some great options in Southbank, based on Tagvenue data as of September 2026: - Side Terrace at Ludlow Bar, rated 4.8/5 - terrace for 40 guests. Venue said: Discover Ludlow Bar & Dining Room, spectacularly located on the banks of the Yarra River at Southbank. From a stunning riverside dining room to intimate event spaces, Ludlow is designed for a diverse range of functions. - Upper Lounge at P.J. O'Brien's Southgate, rated 4.9/5 - lounge for 50 guests. Venue said: Our Upper Lounge is ideal for smaller, more intimate occasions or meetings. It is a warm, inviting space with a central bar making guests feel welcome and relaxed right away. - Cocktail Lounge at Left Bank Melbourne, rated 5/5 - lounge for 50 guests. Venue said: This space is perfect for the most intimate of gatherings or open our glass doors to the promenade for an outstanding Yarra River backdrop. Featuring its own private cocktail bar, this space is commonly used for hen’s parties,

Q: What are some affordable bar venues in Southbank?

Cheap private bars in Southbank start from $2000 minimum spend per event or $35 per person. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026: - Private Dining Room at Ludlow Bar, from $2000 minimum spend per event (up to 20 guests seated). Our user said: ‘The quality of the food and service was excellent. The organisation of the event ran very smoothly.’ - Lower Lounge at P.J. O'Brien's Southgate, from $35 per person (up to 60 guests standing). Venue said: It is a warm, inviting space with a large private bar making guests feel welcome and relaxed. For a cocktail event, the space will be set with a number of high & low tables, and this area can include a TV & a microphone FOC. - Private Suite One at Shadow Play by Peppers, from $500 hire fee per event (up to 30 guests standing). Venue said: Whether you're seeking an intimate space for an executive team meeting, a stylish setting for a high-level conference, or a dazzling canvas for a memorable cocktail party, our Private Suites cater to your every need.

Private Bars for Hire in Southbank, Melbourne

FAQs about Top Bar Venues in Southbank

How much does it cost to book bar venues in Southbank?

Booking costs of private bars average $4500 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Southbank, based on Tagvenue data:

Prices of private bars in Southbank as of September, 2026
From $2500	to $8000	minimum spend per event
From $45	to $109	per person
From $1600	to $4500	hire fee per event

What are the top bar spaces available in Southbank?

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:

Edwin Wine Bar at Shadow Play by Peppers in Southbank - rated 5/5
Venue said: Positioned in the heart of Southbank in the prestigious Shadow Play tower, Edwin offers a welcome escape from the chaos of the city, with the warm welcome of their wine bar.
Lounge at Ludlow Bar in Southbank - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘I can only give high praise for this venue.’
River Terrace at Hophaus in Southbank - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘Good lovely food with a varied Menu and complete bar.’

What are the typical capacities of bars for events in Southbank?

You'll find private bars in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Southbank, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (September 2026):

Small	up to 50 guests	prices average $2500 minimum spend per event
Medium	between 60 and 100 guests	prices average $4000 minimum spend per event
Large	over 120 guests	prices average $10000 minimum spend per event

What are some small bar spaces in Southbank?

Smaller private bars usually fit up to 50 guests standing. Here are some great options in Southbank, based on Tagvenue data as of September 2026:

Side Terrace at Ludlow Bar, rated 4.8/5 - terrace for 40 guests
Venue said: Discover Ludlow Bar & Dining Room, spectacularly located on the banks of the Yarra River at Southbank. From a stunning riverside dining room to intimate event spaces, Ludlow is designed for a diverse range of functions.
Upper Lounge at P.J. O'Brien's Southgate, rated 4.9/5 - lounge for 50 guests
Venue said: Our Upper Lounge is ideal for smaller, more intimate occasions or meetings. It is a warm, inviting space with a central bar making guests feel welcome and relaxed right away.
Cocktail Lounge at Left Bank Melbourne, rated 5/5 - lounge for 50 guests
Venue said: This space is perfect for the most intimate of gatherings or open our glass doors to the promenade for an outstanding Yarra River backdrop. Featuring its own private cocktail bar, this space is commonly used for hen’s parties,

What are some affordable bar venues in Southbank?

Cheap private bars in Southbank start from $2000 minimum spend per event or $35 per person. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026:

Private Dining Room at Ludlow Bar, from $2000 minimum spend per event (up to 20 guests seated)
Our user said: ‘The quality of the food and service was excellent. The organisation of the event ran very smoothly.’
Lower Lounge at P.J. O'Brien's Southgate, from $35 per person (up to 60 guests standing)
Venue said: It is a warm, inviting space with a large private bar making guests feel welcome and relaxed. For a cocktail event, the space will be set with a number of high & low tables, and this area can include a TV & a microphone FOC.
Private Suite One at Shadow Play by Peppers, from $500 hire fee per event (up to 30 guests standing)
Venue said: Whether you're seeking an intimate space for an executive team meeting, a stylish setting for a high-level conference, or a dazzling canvas for a memorable cocktail party, our Private Suites cater to your every need.