Birthday Party Venues for Hire in Melbourne

Your Guide to Hiring Birthday Party Venues in Melbourne

At Tagvenue, we know what it takes to organise a memorable private birthday party in Melbourne. The first step is finding a private space that perfectly aligns with your needs. Sounds challenging? Don't worry! With our platform, discovering a special venue in Melbourne is just a few clicks away. From beautiful bars hidden in the alleyways of the CBD and waterside venues in the Docklands to laid-back beachside spots in Elwood and Port Melbourne, we have it all. Take a look at our handy guide on

How to find a spectacular birthday party venue in Melbourne

• Create a Guest List - Once you know who you want to invite, you can plan your budget and search for a venue.
• Figure Out the Budget - Decide how much you can spend to narrow down venue options and ensure you stay within your financial limits.
• Search for a Venue - Venue hire can be a significant percentage of your party budget, so start your search early to get the best rates.
• Decide on the Type of Venue - Are you looking for birthday party function rooms, rooftop bars, or outdoor spaces? Decide on your preferred type to streamline your search.
• Use a Birthday Party Planning Checklist - Organising a birthday bash can get a little overwhelming, but you don’t need to stress about it! With our ultimate party planning checklist, hosting a birthday party becomes hassle-free, and you’re much less likely to forget about something really important!
• Choose Your Catering - What type of catering do you need? Are you planning a huge private feast, a barbecue on the beach or just a selection of nibbles to snack on? Speak with the venue about their catering options or using a preferred vendor. And don’t forget to check if any of your guests have special dietary requirements.
• Decorations - The kind of venue you select will significantly impact your decorations. Lights, torches, and marquises will do the job if it is an outdoor birthday space. If you use a birthday party function room, you have a bit more freedom to decorate.
• Select a Date, Time, and Location - Choose a birthday party venue you love. Once you do, ensure it is available on your chosen date. The best time to search for private venues is about 8 weeks before the event. This period should give you just enough time to make sure the venue is free or to choose a different one if it is not.
• Send Invites - Once you set the date, hour, and location of the birthday party, let people know it is happening. Send out invitations and ask those invited to provide you with feedback about whether they will be able to attend.
• Choose a Theme - It doesn’t matter if you’re throwing a birthday party for a kid or an adult, themes can make your party more fun!

Popular Birthday Themes for Kids

• Character Themes - These themes revolve around popular characters from movies, TV shows, or books. This is a classic choice for kids who adore a particular character.
• Superheroes: Choose from options like Batman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, or even a generic "superhero" theme.
• Disney Princesses: For those who love Disney magic, themes based on princesses like Elsa, Moana, or Ariel can be a hit.
• Cartoon Characters: Popular cartoon characters like Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, or Bluey can be a fun choice for younger children.

Activity-Based Themes: These are focused on a specific activity that kids enjoy. 

• Sports Party: Choose their favourite sport like soccer, basketball, or gymnastics, and organise games and activities related to that sport.
• Art Party: A fun theme for creative kids! Provide art supplies and let them paint, draw, sculpt, or create whatever their imaginations come up with.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Party: This exciting theme incorporates glow sticks, black lights, and neon decorations for a unique party

Fun Birthday Themes for Adults

• A party inspired by TV shows, series or films – Bridgerton, The Crown, Friends or perhaps The Kardashians? Choose whichever suits your taste, dress up like the characters and hit the dance floor in your own distinctive style.
• Party themes inspired by history–  Dress up like the ancient Romans, historical figures, time travellers or simply dress up like you did in high school. If you want to try harder, you can even prepare food and drinks connected with the time of your chosen theme! Whether you choose ambrosia or another godly beverage - use your imagination and have fun.
• Pajama party – Imagine not having to dress up in high heels, dresses or a fancy shirt and tie. Why not simply get out of bed and go to a party?

If you're looking for more adult birthday party themes, check out these 170 ideas!

Party Must-Haves

For a successful birthday party, you need the following items:

Partyware – Disposable plates and cups are a crucial part of the party. Of course, everything must match the theme!

Balloons - Balloons make the party! And we don’t exaggerate on this one! They enhance the atmosphere of any event.

Party Favours – Thank your guests for coming to your party with small gifts. Whether it’s muffins, jars with candies, goodie bags with crayons or paints for kids, be creative! When preparing favours for adults, consider mini succulents, hangover kits, or thank-you candy bars. 

Entertainment Essentials

When throwing any kind of party, birthday party included, you should have a plan for entertaining the guests. There are plenty of ideas on how to do it, whether you hire a birthday venue with entertainment or provide your own fun:

Photobooth – Encourage your guests to have fun by making goofy photos!  

Piñata – Do you feel angry? Stressed? Take it all out on a piñata as you fill your stomach with candies. Whoever invented the piñata must have been a genius!

Games and puzzles – These will keep your guests on their toes at a birthday party! 

Music – Make sure you add the latest hits and timeless hits to your playlist. Good music can really help you trip the light fantastically.

Professional Entertainers & DJs – You can hire professional entertainment for your party, including magicians, clowns, and musicians. DJs are another great option, but always check with the venue first, as some have preferred suppliers.

Don't Forget the Cake!

Choosing a cake for a birthday party at a hired venue requires considering a few factors to ensure it complements the overall celebration. Here's a few expert tips to help you select the perfect cake:

• Theme & Birthday Person's Preferences - If you have a theme, consider a cake that reflects it. For example, a superhero cake for a superhero party. Choose a flavour and style that the birthday person will enjoy. Consider their favourite colors, or even hobbies for inspiration.
• Dietary Needs - Ensure the cake adheres to any dietary restrictions among your guests (nut allergies, gluten intolerance, vegan needs). Many bakeries offer allergy-friendly options. Consider the number of guests and desired serving size when choosing the cake size.
• Logistics & Presentation - Order your cake at least a week (or even two) in advance, especially for weekends. Factor in delivery fees or the convenience of picking up the cake yourself from the bakery. If the venue doesn't provide cake stands or cutting utensils, inquire about these beforehand.

FAQs about Birthday Party Venues in Melbourne

What is the average cost of affordable birthday party venue hire in Melbourne?

Private venues in Melbourne, particularly bars, pubs, and birthday restaurants, often require a minimum spend on food and drinks. Rates typically start from $800 for small private dining rooms and can escalate to several thousand dollars for larger birthday celebrations. If you opt to hire a venue outright, private hire fees in Melbourne range between $300 and $1000 per session, depending on the venue's size and location. Alternatively, for convenient birthday parties in Sydney, consider selecting an all-inclusive birthday party package, available at prices ranging from $21 to $80 per guest. This range of options ensures there's a suitable venue and package for every budget and event type in Melbourne and Sydney.

What are some of the top birthday function rooms in Melbourne?

Here are a few birthday party function rooms recommended by our users:

• Basement at La Di Da - Located near Flagstaff Station, this room has capacity for up to 150 standing or 60 seated guests with an alcohol license until 5:00 am. It features a DJ setup, a dedicated fully stocked bar, and private bathrooms. It is available for hire for a minimum spend of $2500.
• Upstairs Private Room at Rice Paper Scissors Fitzroy - Located in Fitzroy, this function space accommodates up to 30 seated or 45 standing guests for a shared eating experience. An alcohol license is available until 11:00 pm. Available for a minimum spend from $2000 to $3500.
• Gaming Room at Banzai Bar - Located near Flagstaff Station, this function space fits up to 35 seated to 80 standing guests with an alcohol license until 5:00 am. It charges a minimum spend of $1500 and allows guests to play their own music. Birthday packages are available. 

How early should I book a private venue for my birthday party in Melbourne?

The best time to hire a small birthday party venue is about a month or even more before the event. If you're planning a larger private celebration or looking for one of Melbourne's most popular party spaces, starting the search between 3 and 6 months beforehand is a good idea. The faster, the better, and you will be sure that your favourite spot will be available!

Can I bring my own drinks and snacks to a birthday party event space in Melbourne?

We recommend contacting the venue manager to discuss the details of the hire. Each private venue will have different policies regarding external beverages or catering. However, if you are planning a party on a budget, it is a good option to explore! There are many great BYO party venues in Melbourne, so use our search filters to find one that allows you to provide our own drinks or food.