Turning 40 is huge. Your life so far has been practice and now the real deal is here, life is properly beginning and you’re going to start with a bang! A big milestone deserves a big celebration and where better to celebrate than in the vibrant South Melbourne. Tucked between the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay, South Melbourne is a picturesque and exciting area to mark the occasion. It can be overwhelming to research and plan a party but sit back, relax, and read on to find the perfect birthday plans to suit you.
Birthday party in style
There are plenty of 40th birthday venues to choose from in South Melbourne but you want to make sure you have the best. To spare you unnecessary stress, look for a venue that has everything you need:
- An event planner who can build a party based on your ideas or, if you have no idea where to start, can design it from scratch
- In-house catering or a commercial kitchen for external caterers
- A bar to whip up your favourite drinks
- A variety of spaces (i.e. a dance floor to bust out your sick moves and a courtyard to get your breath back in the fresh air)
- Heating and cooling to keep you and your guests comfortable no matter what Melbourne’s weather throws at you
- DJ facilities – there’s nothing worse than a dodgy sound system, make sure the AV is top notch
- Versatility to have a sit-down dinner or a standing cocktail party
Armed with your ‘must haves’ you’ll have no trouble choosing a 40th birthday venue that will make this year’s birthday certainly a birthday to remember!
Creative celebrations
Whether you’re looking for an additional way to celebrate, or you’re having more of a birthday week packed full of fun activities to lap up that birthday attention, South Melbourne has what you need.
Always wanted to learn how to tie a balloon sausage dog? Fancy dabbling in some pottery? Want to have a drink or two with your friends whilst painting a masterpiece? Why not combine a hobby with a birthday celebration! You’re spoilt for choice in the South Melbourne surrounds with fun hobby classes to suit everyone’s interests.
Make your day unique with knife-making, glass blowing, jewellery making, resin painting or floral arranging classes, and more. You’ll have great fun and come away with a unique creation as a birthday present to yourself.
Shopping spree and feed
You don’t need to be a foodie to enjoy the South Melbourne Market. Alongside the delis and seafood shops, you’ll find stalls selling bespoke clothing, shoes and jewellery (hello new party outfit!), and florists with stunning arrangements on display ready to go home with you.
If you pick the right Saturday and have time before the main event at your venue, you could also peruse the Gasworks Farmers Market for food and creativity.
A busy day shopping needs a few scheduled refreshment breaks. There are places to eat a-plenty; from hotels to cafes to formal restaurants, you will find your favourite cuisine in the heart of South Melbourne.
Out and about
Wanting more of an outdoor vibe? Have a day out with your special people enjoying the attractions that the South Melbourne area has to offer before heading to your party.
With the beach and the Yarra sandwiching South Melbourne, you’re spoilt for choice if you fancy a picnic. If you want to take your picnic game to the next level, there are luxury picnics for hire, some catering for over 100 people.
At dusk, head over to the Breakwater to see the Little Penguins waddle their way along their rookeries. It’s tempting to slip one into your bag but you definitely have to leave the penguins alone, there are a number of guidelines to make sure the little cuties stay safe.
You’re never too old to enjoy a fun park, and with Luna Park around the corner you can celebrate being 40 years young by hurtling through the sky on a rollercoaster.
There is also the beautiful Albert Park nearby with picnic areas, amenities and an 18-hole golf course and minigolf area. The lake suits a variety of watersports, including kayaking, canoeing and sailing.
Have a bit o’ fun
If you’re really stuck on how to celebrate before your party, there are plenty of ideas out there. Spice up the fun by arranging with your 40th birthday venue to have a photo booth or magician. Or work with the planner to choose a theme for the event and choose your outfit to suit.
Whether you make a day of it, or stretch it out to a week (or two), the most important thing is gathering with the people you love at your 40th birthday venue so you can be celebrated and adored. South Melbourne, with its beautiful streetscape and vibrant population, can meet your birthday needs so all you need to do is enjoy,
