Birthday Party Venues for Hire in Sydney

Your Guide to Hiring Birthday Party Venues in Sydney

A guide to hosting a fantastic birthday party in Sydney

We know that organising a birthday party to remember is complicated. Planning an event and bringing your ideas to life can be challenging.   Luckily, you’ve got us to help ensure the birthday is a fun and meaningful celebration! Apart from curated listings of all the best birthday party venues in Sydney, we’re also happy to share some expert birthday party-planning tips and ideas. Check them out below!

• Create a guest list - Will you invite 15 or 150 people? Once you have a fair idea of the number of people you will invite, you can plan your budget and search for a location.
• Figure out how much you want to spend. This may seem obvious, but it's a crucial first step in your party planning journey. Once you've created a budget, you can focus on venues that you can afford. This step not only makes the selection process easier but also helps keep you from overspending.
• Search for a venue - Once you have a rough idea of the number of guests and your budget, you can search for a venue. Start your search early, as the venue hire cost can account for up to 10% of your overall budget. Focus your venue search within your budget to save time. Also, choosing the type of venue, such as birthday party function rooms, community centres, or outdoor party spaces, can help streamline your search for the perfect location.
• Use a party planning checklist – A checklist can help ensure that you don't overlook any important details. If you don’t know where to begin, don’t stress! You can use our ultimate party planning checklist, which will take you through the entire birthday party planning process from start to finish.
• Include a contingency plan for outdoor events - No matter how good the weather in Sydney is, it's always wise to be prepared. Discuss your backup options with the venue manager when making your booking. They are the ones who can guide you on the available options in case of inclement weather, such as roofs, tents, blankets, and electric heaters.
• Review your catering options – Does your chosen venue provide catering, or is external catering permitted? Can you bring your alcohol (BYO)? Discussing this matter with the venue manager will allow you to plan and pick an option that matches your budget. You can always ask the management for drink specials or ask guests to pay for their drinks instead. Alternatively, try looking for venues that offer event packages that include food and beverages. In Sydney, the per-person prices start from as low as $20!
• Optimise your use of the space – How will you organise the room? Create a seating plan to improve the atmosphere and ensure everyone is happy with the arrangements. For instance, if you’re organising a small engagement party in a restaurant, choose one big table to keep all the guests close together. Or if you have hired a birthday function room with a DJ, scatter cocktail tables around the room and leave room for dancing. Not sure what the best option is for your party? Check out our expert tips about seating arrangements for inspiration.

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

Luckily, we've created a handy guide to help you. Check it out below and decide which option best suits you! 

• Many private party venues in Sydney charge a hire fee, which includes the use of the venue only. The typical rates start from $275 for small party spaces in the suburbs and can go up to $1500 for luxury venues in the CBD.
• If you want to have a good time without going over budget, a venue with a minimum spend is the way to go. You simply need to meet a certain spending threshold on food and/or drinks, and the venue hire is on the house. It's a win-win! The minimum spend rates in Sydney typically range between $500 and $2000.
• Last but not least, many Sydney venues offer special birthday party packages! These usually cost between $20 and $80 per person and typically include food, drinks and use of the event space. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Where can I host a birthday party in Sydney?

Still not sure which part of Sydney would work best for your next birthday party? We’re stoked to share some of our favourite picks with you:

• Sydney CBD – There’s much more to the Central Business District than corporate matters. The abundance of excellent restaurants, clubs and bars makes it an amazing place to find an ideal place for your birthday in the middle of Sydney!
• The Rocks – The Rocks has a history as rich as the variety of amazing spaces available for hire. Bonus points for the iconic landscapes – perfect if you’re keen on hosting a birthday party with a view of Sydney Harbour!
• Potts Point – Love all things art deco? You’ll love Potts Point, then! The area is packed with chic private cocktail bars, stylish lounges and charming outdoor venues. What’s the best part? All of them are keen on hosting your next fantastic birthday party.

How to choose a menu for your birthday party in Sydney?

The best way to ensure a delicious and enjoyable guest experience is to consider several essential factors. Here are a few insights to help you navigate the process:

• Catering Options - Most hired venues have in-house catering options or partner with preferred caterers. You can also ask if you can bring your own food and beverages (BYO).
• Menu Flexibility - You should always ask if they offer pre-set menus or allow customisation. For children's parties, finger foods, mini pizzas, and fun desserts might be more popular than a sit-down meal. For adults, you can include a mix of hot and cold options as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices.
• Type of Venue - Will you be having a sit-down meal in a dining room or a birthday party in a function room? The venue type may impact your choice of shared plates, fixed menus, or buffet dishes.
• Time of Day - Is it a breakfast, lunch, dinner, or cocktail birthday party? You should tailor the menu to suit the time of day.
• Dietary Restrictions - You want all your guests to enjoy the food and feel included. So make sure the caterer can accommodate any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.). Also, instruct the caterer to label dishes clearly so guests can make informed choices.
• Set a Realistic Budget -Discuss menu options and pricing with the caterer to ensure they align with your budget. 
• Request a Tasting - Request a tasting with the caterer to sample menu items before finalising the menu.
• Finalise the menu - Once you've made your choices, confirm the menu with the caterer, and follow up with the venue about any specific needs. This ensures all details are in place and the caterer is fully prepared.

FAQs about Birthday Party Venues in Sydney

Can I decorate a hired venue for a birthday party?

Every venue's policy will be different. Some allow decorations, while others do not. If a private venue is already intricately decorated, chances are you may not have the freedom to add your own touches. However, it's always best to discuss this with the venue manager directly. They may make exceptions and permit you to personalise the space with your preferred decorations.

How far ahead should I book a venue for my birthday party in Sydney?

We recommend starting your search at least 8 to 12 weeks in advance and finalising the booking at least 6 to 8 weeks before the date. This will give you plenty of time to browse the offers, reach out to the venue manager, and compare and discuss your options. If you wait until the last minute, you may have fewer offers that could host your party on your preferred date.

Can you recommend some great birthday party venues in Sydney?

Here are some excellent options that are recommended by our users:

• The Glenmore Room at The Occidental - Located near Wynyard Station, this function room accommodates up to 120 people and features a fully equipped and stocked bar, along with free-to-use AV and audio equipment facilities. It uniquely offers both a spacious dance floor and ample seating, making it ideal for birthday parties. The venue can be hired with a minimum spend of $1000.
• Rooftop at Burdekin Hotel - Located near Museum Station, this venue accommodates up to 90 guests and offers an alcohol license until 4:00 am. Highlights include the ability to play your own music with a PA system, panoramic views overlooking Oxford Street, and great seasonal cocktails. Event packages are available. The venue can be hired for $4,000 to $12,000 minimum spend depending on the day of the week.
• Saga Bar - Located near Central Station, this restaurant accommodates up to 65 guests and offers an alcohol license until 12:00 am. Enjoy an international menu featuring flavors from Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond. The venue can be hired with a minimum spend ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the day of the week.

Can I find a cheap birthday party venue in Sydney?

Of course you can! birthday party packages start from as low as $30 per-person in the areas of The Rocks, Thai Town and Wynyard. And in case you’d like to have a potluck party (which is a fantastic budget-friendly option!) and take care of everything on your own, you can hire blank canvas private venues in the city that charge from $50 per hour. (All data from Tagvenue.)