Private Bars for Hire in Southbank, Melbourne

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:

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

• Edwin Wine Bar at Shadow Play by Peppers in Southbank - rated 5/5
  Venue said: Features: The space provides in-house bar service and a small-plates menu to accompany the wine offering, and it is bookable as a private dining area. The room includes a PA system and allows own music, and it has Wi‑Fi,

• 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.’

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 (October 2026):

Smaller private bars usually fit up to 50 guests standing. Here are some great options in Southbank, based on Tagvenue data as of October 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
  Our user said: ‘We had a fantastic night at PJ's. The food and service was fantastic.’

• 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,

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 October 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.

• Arabesque 2 at Mantra Southbank Melbourne, from $450 hire fee per day (up to 10 guests seated)
  Venue said: The room also includes access to a private bar, making it easy to transition from daytime meetings to evening cocktails or social gatherings. With its bright, open atmosphere and thoughtful design, Arabesque 2 provides a...