Fun Party Ideas and Things to Try in Melbourne for an Awesome Time
It’s that time of year when the weight of party planning rests on your shoulders, leaving you clueless about where to start!
Whether it’s a birthday bash or just a hangout with loved ones, fear not! We’ve created the ultimate list of party ideas in Melbourne for you. With its day and night party scenes, Melbourne offers endless fun opportunities.
Plus, round-the-clock public transport lets you party worry-free because you won’t miss the last bus home! But let’s ditch the logistics and jump straight into the exciting activities and experiences awaiting you in Australia’s cultural capital.
🥳Party Ideas for Adults in Melbourne
The beauty of adulthood? No one can rain on your parade when it’s time to party! But let’s face it, planning can be a headache. Luckily, we’re here to lighten the load with some fantastic party options for grown-ups in the city.
1. Belt Out Tunes at The Motley Bauhaus
Is this real life, is this just fantasy?
Whatever your groove is, you can let your inner Freddie Mercury or Whitney Houston shine at The Motley Bauhaus!
After all, karaoke nights are about singing your heart out without worrying about sounding good. Who knows? You might even wow a few spectators with your vocal prowess.
It’s the perfect activity for a fun and engaging night out. So kick back, let the music flow, and make new friends.
👍Tagvenue also recommends:
- Benjy’s Karaoke Bar 📍 Brunswick – With over 60,000 songs to choose from and weekly updates, it’s a karaoke paradise.
- Lost Boys 📍 Fitzroy – Sip on locally crafted brews while serenading your friends in an intimate setting for up to 25 people.
- Two Hands Rooftop 📍 Abbotsford – One of the hottest karaoke spots in Melbourne where you can party outdoors and make new friends!
2. Show Off Your Dance Moves at The Purple Emerald Lounge
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me
Who needs love when you can enjoy dancing and burning calories? Dancing is a timeless hit with adults of all ages. It’s a great way to interact and celebrate with familiar faces or strangers.
At The Purple Emerald Lounge Bar, you’re guaranteed a good time in a vibrant, colourful space that’s a blast from the past, perfect for themed events or simply lifting everyone’s spirits with its retro vibes.
Give your crew a chance to show off their dance moves – everyone’s just waiting to let loose on the dance floor!
👍Tagvenue also recommends:
- Fringe Common Rooms 📍 CBD – Add a bit of that Melbourne Fringe flair to your next party with a ballroom!
- Bond Melbourne 📍 CBD – Designed by an award-winning team, the interior layout will leave your guests speechless!
- Secret Garden 📍 St Kilda – With luxury banquet seating, a main bar, a DJ console, and a state-of-the-art sound system. This venue is perfect for cocktail parties, birthdays, and all celebrations.
3. Go Bar Hopping
Planning a bar crawl is like being a night explorer in Melbourne. Discover new spots, mingle with new faces, and make memories.
Each bar adds a new chapter to your night with unique drinks, vibes, and tunes.
Who knows, you might find your new favourite haunt!
👍Tagvenue recommends these districts for bar hopping:
- St Kilda – St Kilda is your party playground with entertainment and live music at the corner of every street! Perfect to enjoy live music, great atmosphere, local brews and cocktails.
- Southbank – From famous and upbeat bars such as La Di Da to quirky spots like The Turf Bar, Southbank offers a variety of bars waiting for you to explore!
- Fitzroy – Home to many small private bars, this district is ideal for exploring the party scene without being overwhelmed by crowds.
💁🏽♀️You may like:170 Greatest Themes to Rock Every Party in 2024
4. Enjoy a Private Dining Experience at Ludlow Bar
Private dinners have a whole vibe of their own. They can transform any regular dinner party into something truly special!
Whether it is the food, the VIP service, the conversations, or simply the restaurant’s atmosphere, a private dinner is always a good plan!
Wondering where to head? Ludlow Bar is the spot for a night to remember with your partner or friends.
The space works for groups of up to 20 people and is a quiet, tranquil space that turns any event into a magical one.
Its modern pub menu includes a good selection of shared plates and charcuterie, premium steaks, and main dishes that will certainly leave your guests satisfied.
Enjoy!
👍Tagvenue also recommends:
- Koto Moon📍 Brunswick East – Chin Chin’s at Koto Moon serves dim sum and pan-Asian cuisine in a dimly lit space with Chinese décor and a painted wooden ceiling.
- The Victoria Hotel 📍 CBD – Miss Morgan is a modern art-deco-inspired private dining room for parties of up to 24 people.
- Homemade Pasta 📍 Northcote – Piccolino is a small 35-seat Italian Restaurant specialising in woodfired pizza and homemade pasta.
🏠Indoor Party Ideas in Melbourne
Beat the weather blues! When Melbourne’s weather decides to play tricks, whether it’s the scorching January heat or chilly June winds, we’ve got you covered with the best indoor party activities and venues. From cosy hideouts to fun activities, we’ve rounded up the hottest indoor ideas for an epic time with your group!
5. Hit Up the Bowling Alleys
What’s great about a bowling bash is that it’s beginner-friendly, so everyone can jump right in and start rolling strikes.
You don’t need fancy skills to enjoy it – bowling is for everyone, regardless of age or size. It’s the perfect activity for any group looking to have a blast.
With 12 bowling lanes, a VR arena, delectable cocktails, and mouthwatering bites, Kingpin Crown is the ultimate destination for a fantastic time!
👍Tagvenue also recommends:
- Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq 📍 Docklands – This venue offers circus-themed cocktails, bowling, arcade games, and dodgem cars, among other things.
- Strike Bowling 📍 CBD – This spot offers a range of games such as escape rooms, arcade games and activities such as karaoke for a night of entertainment.
6. Get Your Hands Dirty with Pottery Making
Why not try pottery making if you’re craving something more creative than the usual bar or restaurant scene? It’s a fantastic way to learn new skills while bonding with friends.
At Mud Flame Studio, you’ll find everything you need to turn your clay creations into works of art.
Watching clay transform into beautiful cups, vases, or plates is soul-satisfying and inspiring for anyone. Get ready for some pottery!
👍Tagvenue also recommends:
- Slow Clay Centre📍 Collingwood – Specialising in Japanese techniques, this studio promotes efficient and ergonomic pottery practices.
- The Wheelhouse 📍 South Melbourne – Explore the art of wheel throwing and learn basic hand-building techniques in a welcoming studio environment.
7. Get Crafty with Scrapbooking
When you and your crew are in the mood for a cosy night in, why not try something new, like scrapbooking?
Start by stocking up on scrapbooking supplies, easily available on Amazon, and have them delivered right to your door for convenience. Choose your scrapbook paper or albums, and then each person can select a topic or theme or collectively agree on a theme for the day’s event.
Gather your photos, decide on your layout, and let your creativity flow! And don’t forget to add some journaling to your pages for a touch of storytelling and mindfulness – a creative and meaningful way to party with friends and family.
Psst! You don’t need to be a scrapbooking pro to dive in! Simple tutorials can help you get started in no time!
8. Sip and Paint at Pinot Picasso
It’s no secret that a few glasses of wine bring out the artists in all of us! Gather your pals and head to Pinot Picasso for a night of painting and sipping –even the name screams creativity.
Mixing painting with wine has a special way of sparking chats and making new friends.
You might leave with more than just a painting – maybe some awesome new pals, too!
9. Have a Board Game Night
Get ready for a laid-back party with friends and family – it’s board game night!
Board games are perfect for a chill hangout. Not everyone is up for a big shindig, right?
Some of you want to kick back and enjoy good old-fashioned fun with the folks you like. And what better way to do that than with a little friendly competition?
Whether you’re into Catan, Monopoly, Wingspan, or classic Yahtzee, grab some snacks and drinks and let the games begin!
10. Magicians Unite at The Wizard’s Den Room
Have you ever wondered what happens when witches and wizards have a few too many? Do they turn their pals into frogs or make everything sparkle?
Well, now you can find out at The Wizard’s Den Room.
It’s decked out with magical objects and enchanting lighting and it’s the perfect spot for Instagram selfies.
The room can host up to 25 people. You can mix up your own boozy potions here as well! Just a word of caution: keep your spells in check – do not summon Voldemort while you’re stirring up those drinks!
🌱Outdoor Party Ideas in Melbourne
The sun’s shining; you’re ready to soak up the fun! Why limit the excitement to indoor spaces when you can double the enjoyment outdoors? With Melbourne’s endless natural attractions, it would be a shame not to embrace the great outdoors for your next bash. So, if you’re up for your next adventure, let’s dive into some outdoor party ideas in Melbourne!
💁🏽♀️You may like: 16 Top Outdoor Party Ideas for 2024
11. Explore Yarra Valley
There’s something truly magical about exploring Yarra Valley. You might have checked it off your list before, but trust us – it never gets old! This Melbourne gem is always ready to welcome you and your crew for an unforgettable adventure.
Savour a wine-tasting escapade at renowned vineyards like Domaine Chandon or De Bortoli. Treat your taste buds to farm-to-table dining, and savour the freshest local ingredients.
Pedal through vineyard trails or bask in the valley’s breathtaking beauty. And if you’re craving some wildlife encounters, Healesville Sanctuary is the place to be, if you want to meet koalas, kangaroos, and more!
Whether you’re a foodie, a nature enthusiast, or a culture buff, the Yarra Valley promises an adventure filled with culinary delights, cultural discovery, and natural wonders at every turn.
12. Plan a Picnic Party in Melbourne Botanical Gardens
Ah, the timeless picnic! Loved by all, it’s the epitome of simplicity – easy to plan and enjoyed by friends and family alike in the glorious weather.
Plus, where else can you gather in spots like the Melbourne Botanical Gardens around free electric barbecues, roasting marshmallows and snags, and feast at scenic tables surrounded by nature?
But wait, there’s more! Dive into the Gardens’ lineup of events, from cultural explorations to discovering endemic plants, and make your picnic party an even more memorable affair.
💁🏽♀️You may like: 10 Easy Birthday Picnic Ideas for Adults.
13. Visit a Beer Garden
Beer gardens offer the perfect setting for those craving social interaction and a relaxed party atmosphere.
Plus, you can enjoy it without an elaborate plan. With plenty of options available, you can sip a brew and savour a BBQ by the Yarra River or unwind on a lush green lawn while enjoying crisp beers and stunning bayside views.
Upgrade your event with a venue like The Secret Garden Bar. This venue offers fantastic beers, and beautiful décor – including sunflower ceilings that will leave your guests in awe!
👍Tagvenue also recommends:
- Aviary Hotel 📍 Richemond – This modern pub is loved for its casual dining and light, airy space. The versatile event spaces and sunny beer gardens are perfect for a large group event.
- The Precinct Hotel 📍 Richmond – A pub that celebrates the best and finest of Melbourne – live music, sports action, pub classics and Australian dishes, you’ll find it all here!
💁🏽♀️You may like: 25 Cocktail Party Ideas for a Splendid Evening.
14. Rooftop Dining at Onesixone
Being above street level offers a feeling of seclusion and privacy, creating an intimate and memorable experience. It’s a refreshing escape from the city buzz, providing a serene retreat.
Rooftop venues like Onesixone are perfect for socialising and gathering with friends, family, or coworkers.
The open-air setting and chilled atmosphere foster lively conversations, laughter, and camaraderie among guests.
👍Tagvenue also recommends:
- Blossom Rooftop Bar 📍 CBD – Perfect for small bites, great drinks and uninterrupted breathtaking 270-degree views of Melbourne city.
- The Emerald Peacock 📍 CBD – Discover a serene oasis within the city with glowing lanterns, rustic wooden décor, and lush greenery – an awesome spot for large gatherings!
Conclusion
Melbourne truly has something for everyone regarding celebrations, no matter the hour. With its diverse array of party venues catering to so many types of events – from intimate gatherings to large-scale events – the city makes it a breeze for party planners like you to organise memorable occasions without losing your sanity! Whether you’re planning a birthday bash or a corporate affair, careful budgeting and clear event goals will help ensure successful outcomes.
FAQ
What are some fun activities for a party in Melbourne?
Melbourne offers a wide range of options to suit every taste. Adults looking for a relaxed gathering can opt for a pub or pizzeria outing. If you’re planning a birthday celebration or a special event for a friend, consider renting a private dining room at a restaurant for a memorable meal with VIP service. For those seeking adventure, why not try an escape room, a hiking excursion, or a cocktail-making class? Families looking for party ideas can explore options like zoos, picnics, or visits to a trampoline park.
What are some budget-friendly party venues in Melbourne?
Parks are among the most affordable venues for picnics, gatherings, playdates, and socialising with friends and family. For those seeking inexpensive party venues, consider blank canvas spaces and small event venues. You can also book venues on weekdays when the prices are lower.
What do I need to prepare for a party?
Here are some tips when planning your next event:
1. Decide on the date, time, and guest list.
2. Choose a suitable venue for your party.
3. Select a party theme and dress code.
4. Arrange decorations and party favours.
5. Decide on the menu and beverages.
6. Send out the invitations and ask guests to confirm their attendance at least two weeks before the event.
If you need more guidance on party planning, check out our Party Planning Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to Putting on an Awesome Event.
Related articles
See all
