Unusual Venues for Hire in Sydney

Your Guide to Hiring Unusual Venues in Sydney

Sydney is a huge city and offers almost every kind of venue imaginable. One of the benefits to so many choices is that you can choose from among a range of offbeat venues and studios – and Sydney has an amazing selection! If you’re interested in renting out a unique party venue like a museum, art gallery, or warehouse, you’ll find the best selections on this page!

How to choose an unusual venue in Sydney? 

Not sure how to find the perfect venue for your exciting event? Push all your worries away, because below you’ll find some of our favourite tips to help you choose the perfect unusual event space in Sydney: 

• Does it fit your theme? - When searching for unique party venues, you’ll want to make sure that the space you choose will be able to fit the style and theme of your party. For example, if your event is all about great interior design and art, you should consider an upscale restaurant or rooftop venue with sweeping views. Check for something that stands out and adds a unique touch to your event. An original interior can really make the event memorable and something to look forward to when you mention it in the invitation. 
• Services and amenities - A lot of alternative venues offer their space and nothing else. That’s why you should never assume that the venue will provide anything more than advertised. Ask the venue manager about which amenities and facilities they can provide, whether they charge extra for them. This should give you a clear idea of what you should take care of in order to make the event happen. Also, we suggest asking whether they have a list of preferred vendors that they have previously worked with. You’ll save some time searching for them on your own, and may succeed in getting some discounts. 
• Acoustics - Is the venue suited for playing music? If you plan on having a band/DJ or a presentation, you need to check if the sound system is good enough for the purpose and won’t cause any problems when you are trying to enjoy the event. If you’re not sure, discuss it with the venue manager, or check the venue’s reviews. 
• Price range - How much can you pay for the venue hire? If you don’t know, make sure to set a budget and include in your calculations all the important elements like venue hire, catering, decorations, entertainment, etc. Once you’ve nailed down the numbers, it’ll be much easier for you to choose a price range that won’t make you break the bank.  
• Guest number - To ensure that the venue will fit your guest number, make a guest list. Even an estimated number will help you avoid hiring a space that won’t accommodate everyone! 

A guide to venue hire prices in Sydney 

We know that budget is an important element when planning an event, so we prepared a list of the most common pricing models for unique party venues in Sydney:

•  Many venues will charge a hire fee which is one flat rate fee for the use of a venue alone. With hire fee pricing you can usually choose if you want to rent the space for a few hours or a whole night. Expect prices to range from $400 for a few hours to £12000 for an entire day.
• Per-person packages are a popular option for events where you may want to have food and beverages included in the offer. The per-person fee usually includes food, beverages and use of the event space. Expect per-person packages for venues in Sydney range from $25 to $70 per person.
• Venues charging a minimum spend are less common with alternative spaces. A minimum spend is the amount that you agree to pay a restaurant or bar for their food and services. By the end of your event, You must have spent at least that amount, but you can spend more! Venues offering minimum spend in Sydney range from $200-$2800 depending on the size of the space you are renting.

Where in Sydney can I find unusual venues? 

Wondering where you can find unusual venues? Here are our favourite spots that are waiting for you in Sydney:

• Surry Hills – Directly next to the CBD; this neighbourhood is filled with fun and unusual venues! Surry Hills has always been a fixture of the Sydney nightlife and event scene, and it has a lot of cool, unique venues to choose from.
• Barangaroo – This inner-city suburb of Sydney is located on the north-western edge of the CBD and is just south of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Barangaroo plays host to dozens of fresh, offbeat venues that you can rent out for your events.
• Blackwater Bay – What is more unusual than a venue on your own private boat?! Blackwater Bay contains several boat venue options that can cater to your every desire for your event. Leave your guests amazed at the luxury and the views!

FAQs about Unusual Venues in Sydney

Do unusual venues allow BYOB?

This will mainly depend on each venue’s individual policy. Spaces that don’t offer any catering and bar service, will likely comply and allow you to bring your own beverages. However, to make sure that you can bring your own, discuss it with the venue manager before signing the contract.

Can I decorate a venue on my own?

Just like with the BYOB, the decision on decorating will depend on the venue. Some spaces have a fixed setting that can’t be changed, while others are much more flexible in terms of decorations like balloons, flowers, candles and banners. It’s always best to discuss it with the venue manager.

How far in advance should I book an unusual venue in Sydney?

8 to 6 weeks in advance is the best time for booking an unusual venue. This period will allow you to thoroughly check the offers, contact the managers and decide which one offers the best deal. Keep in mind that you’re not the only one who wants their event to stand out with an unusual setting, so to book the best offer, don’t wait until the last minute. Otherwise, you may find yourself with fewer options to choose from.

Do unusual venues provide catering?

In most cases, they don’t, but again, it depends on the venue you choose. If the venue that has caught your eye doesn’t offer catering, ask if they can provide you with a list of preferred caterers that they have worked with in the past. That way, you won’t have to search for caterers on your own and may win some discounts.