Unexpected venues to wow your guests

By Kelly Collins /London Venue Expert

Mon 7th Jul 2025

unexpected venues

The most memorable brand activations, product launches, and corporate events often happen in the most unexpected venues. Think distilleries, contemporary galleries, or urban warehouses. Creative presentations demand unique spaces. If you want to make a statement with your next event, it’s time to look beyond conference centres and hotel function rooms. 

What does it take to impress your guests? From scenic locations to speakeasy entrances and edgy underground aesthetics, we’ve covered it all in our list of unique venues below. 

1.The Wool Mill

Address: 161 Donald Street, Brunswick East, Victoria

unexpected venues

A blank canvas venue located in Melbourne’s alternative suburb, bring your creative visions to life at The Wool Mill. The entryway is decorated with festoon lights and potted plants that guide you to a chic warehouse space with impressive vaulted ceilings, polished concrete floors, and black timber beams. 

The venue features multiple event spaces across several floors, including a main hall, cocktail lounge, bar area, ceremony space, and a private suite. If you’re planning a full-day event, you can utilise these spaces for seamless transition throughout the day. Don’t forget about the laneway, which is ideal for food trucks or breakout sessions.

The whole venue is customisable, so you’re welcome to style and decorate the space to your liking. To make things easier, the Wool Mill also supplies stylish decor and furnishings such as raw timber tables, lush plants in custom pots, cocktail furniture, lounge suites, and seating for up to 200 guests. 

2. Two Ton Max

Address: 124 Langford Street, North Melbourne, Victoria

unexpected venues

With a vine-clad entrance and industrial location, Two Ton Max is a classic Melbourne warehouse venue. What sets it apart are the open-plan layout, neutral colour palette, direct street access, and its versatility in hosting different event styles. From trade displays to corporate dinners, Two Ton Max is available for exclusive venue hire to host up to 300 guests. No matter the occasion, Two Ton Max offers a sophisticated feel with its overhead skylights, white brick walls, striking black beams, and polished concrete floors. 

The venue also works with Refresh Hospitality to provide fully customised menus that suit your event style, including grazing tables, canapes, and more. 

3. 12-Micron

Address: 100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo, New South Wales

unexpected venues

With a strategic location, stylish interiors, and state-of-the-art AV facilities, 12-Micron is a popular venue for corporate events and functions. The venue is located in the heart of Barangaroo, offering easy access to the Barangaroo business community and out-of-town attendees. The venue features three distinctive spaces inspired by Sydney’s native flora and urban life, accommodating between 30 and 300 guests. 

Expansive views of Darling Harbour from the Watermans Room create the perfect setting for large-scale events such as gala dinners, while a discreet entrance via Shipwright Walk leads to the Private Dining Room – an ideal choice for hosting exclusive clients. For meetings or cocktail-style gatherings, the Harbour Room is a boutique space that perfectly complements the other spaces. The venue also offers in-house catering and bartending services, elevating the experience with curated menus of modern Australian cuisine. 

4. Ampersand Estates

Address: 9883 Vasse Highway, Peerabeelup, Western Australia

unexpected venues

Home to an award-winning winery, distillery, cellar door, stunning event spaces, and three private guest houses, Ampersand Estates offers everything you need for a sophisticated affair. Located in a peaceful corner of Western Australia’s scenic Pemberton region, this private estate is ideal for refined celebrations in nature. 

Exclusive hire is available here, giving you full access to 140 acres of lush greenery, picturesque vines, and serene river frontage. The property also features a rustic 1940s barn and an outdoor terrace set along the bend of Donnelly River, providing a dreamy atmosphere for country-style wellness retreats. 

Ampersand Estates collaborates with a selection of catering suppliers that offer bespoke menus for private events. In addition, you’ll get to choose from a range of estate wines made on-site, including varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. With the boutique Rainfall Distillery on the estate, a range of incredible craft gin and vodka is also on the menu.

5. The Grand Room & Bromley Gallery

Address: 625 Chapel Street, South Yarra, Victoria

unexpected venues

Located in the heart of South Yarra, The Grand Room is an ideal destination for upscale, trendy events in Melbourne. Its central location ensures convenient access for guests, but the standout features? Bouquets of fresh flowers, gorgeous tableware, and stunning art displays by Australian artist David Bromley. As if the striking interiors weren’t enough, you’ll also have expansive views of the vibrant Chapel Street outside. 

This bold venue features four spaces with flexible layouts, accommodating up to 250 guests in various settings. With a darker colour palette and moody lighting, The Grand Room offers a sophisticated and atmospheric setting for events. Get cosy and enjoy mouth-watering dishes crafted under the guidance of renowned culinary director Stephen Nairn. Whether you’re planning an executive luncheon or disruptive product launch, the venue’s experienced team of hosts will ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish. 

6. Yallamundi Rooms

Address: Sydney, New South Wales 2000

unexpected venues

Hosting an unforgettable event starts with the right location, and for events in Sydney, what could be better than the Sydney Opera House? 

Set within Sydney’s iconic landmark, the Yallamundi Rooms offer a stunning waterfront setting for corporate functions, and other prestigious occasions. Use the entire space to host up to 350 guests, or divide it into three smaller areas for more intimate gatherings. The indoor facilities include a theatre-grade sound system, dimmable lighting, Wi-Fi access, projectors, screens, and lecterns, ensuring a seamless presentation for any event needs. 

Yallamundi Rooms feature full-length windows showcasing scenic harbour views and French doors that open onto a terrace and the Northern Broadwalk. With a refreshing atmosphere, these outdoor areas are perfect for breakout sessions or pre-dinner cocktails. 

7. uccello

Address: 320 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales

unexpected venues

With European-style interior and authentic Italian menus, uccello offers a unique event experience in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. The venue features an indoor restaurant and an outdoor terrace that connects directly to Jimmy’s Rooftop – a NYC-inspired bar ideal for expanding guest capacity or hosting an after-party. 

uccello offers a laid-back setting, perfect for relaxed corporate gatherings. Celebrate your special occasion with exquisite dishes crafted using traditional Italian techniques, paired with classic Italian cocktails or exceptional wines such as Catarratto and Barolo. After dinner, step outside for some fresh air and take in views of the surrounding city skyline, or move the party to Jimmy’s Rooftop for a more lovely atmosphere. 

8. Industry Beans Newstead

Address: 18 Proe Street, Newstead, Queensland

unexpected venues

Polished and minimalistic, Industry Beans Newstead provides an elegant setting for stylish events and celebrations. The venue features abundant greenery and natural light, creating a calming and refreshing atmosphere for a wide range of events, including Christmas parties, business meetings, training workshops, staff celebrations, and more. 

Industry Beans is available for exclusive hire for up to 200 guests. For smaller gatherings, you can either book the Courtyard, the Dining Room, the Raised Area, or the Mezzanine – all of which can be configured into different settings. With exceptional AV facilities, bespoke menu selections, and a dedicated coordinator, Industry Beans offers tailored solutions to meet any event needs. 

9. Ballers Clubhouse Adelaide

Address: 21 Pulteney Street, Adelaide

unexpected venues

Following its success in Melbourne CBD and Carlton, Ballers Clubhouse has now expanded to Adelaide. A premier spot for celebrating good times in a fun atmosphere, Ballers Clubhouse features seven high-tech darts lanes, four NeoShuffle tables with automated scoring, classic ping pong and pool, and birdcage karaoke. 

Taking a break from the games? Nourish yourself with delicious food prepared fresh in the onsite kitchen, or try unique cocktails made across two bars. With a relaxed atmosphere, this venue is perfect for informal team-bonding sessions, milestone celebrations, or after-work socials. Meanwhile, the funky decor provides plenty of photo opportunities for your company’s social media. 

Find a remarkable space for your next corporate event with Venue Crew

We’re here to streamline your event planning with one brief, one invoice, and endless possibilities. Get in touch with our team, and we’ll match you with top venues in Australia.

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