Venues With A Past

The Old Melbourne Gaol; a unique venue with a colourful history. Image Credit: Showtime Events.

If you’re looking for a venue seeped in charm and character, you can’t pass by a gorgeous historic venue. Think beautiful architecture, historic charm and the history of the venue already gives guests something to talk about on arrival.

Using a historic venue lets your attendees enjoy a venue outside a traditional hotel ballroom and experience something a bit more memorable. Need some inspiration? These historic event spaces all come with a bit of a past that’s certain to get your guests talking.

Here are just a few, get in touch with us today to discuss more unique venue ideas for your upcoming event.

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Melbourne- Old Melbourne Gaol: Built in the mid 1800s and located in central Melbourne, this historic gaol is possibly best known for locking up some of Australia’s most infamous inmates including Ned Kelly.

The venue still contains the original cells and many historic features and offers a capacity for 120 guests for a seated dinner, or 350 for a cocktail reception. Popular entertainment options often include roving performers such as guest appearances from Ned Kelly to gaol governors as well as DJs and bands.

The Governor Bourke Ballroom within Sydney's Q Station is just one space ideal for events. Image credit: Kat Stanley Photography

Sydney- Q Station: Located in Manly on the edge of Sydney Harbour, this unique venue was once the Quarantine Station for the mass arrival of overseas workers arriving during the Australian gold rush. While some arrived with Yellow Fever, the station served as a quarantine for sick passengers.

Today the 33 hectare National Park is the full package for events with 84 accommodation rooms, 12 function spaces, 2 restaurants and a variety of unique indoor and outdoor event spaces including plenty of outdoor team building areas. Popular group activities include ghost tours, history tours and outdoor garden games such as giant dominoes, connect four and more.

Planners can choose from venue spaces (each with their own character and charm) such as the Former Ladies Sewing Room or Former Men’s Smoking Room, the Engine House and more.

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The Powerhouse Brisbane's theatre makes for a dramatic event space with plenty of character. Image credit: Powerhouse Brisbane.

Queensland- Powerhouse Brisbane: What was once a literal powerhouse for Brisbane’s trams has been re-purposed into a hub for the arts and entertainment. The red brick building offers an industrial feel with its bright graffiti artwork, interior steel beams, gantry and cement floors. Located next to New Farm Park and offering river views, the venue is a popular choice for conferences and cocktail functions alike.

With a variety of spaces on offer, planners can choose from rooftop areas suitable for up to 150 cocktail style to theatre seating for up to 740 (ideal for lectures and presentations) to smaller studio spaces perfect for intimate meetings of up to 25 and outdoor lawn areas. It’s edgy, artsy and industrial and there’s also plenty of parking on hand.

Canberra- Old Parliament House: This venue has literally created history within its elegant spaces. Event planners love the bursts of natural light that fill the rooms and views across to Parliament House. It’s ideal for stylish dining events, corporate conferences and gala dinners with seven spaces to choose from, all restored to their original glamour.

Perfect for larger sized events, the Kings Hall and Member’s Dining Room  each can accommodate up to 500 cocktail style. It’s also located right in the heart of Canberra so it’s close to all the attractions of the region. 

Canberra's Old Parliament House offers sophistication and heritage right in the heart of Canberra. Image credit: Old Parliamnt House.