Our Favourite New Venue Openings This Year

The first half of this year has been jam-packed with an exciting wave of new venue openings. From long-anticipated launches to bold new bars and restaurants, there’s no shortage of fresh spaces to spark ideas for your next event. We’ve curated our favourite new venues from across the country to keep you inspired. 

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Sydney 

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ILUMINA 

Sydney CBD

Capacity: 800 

One of this year’s most anticipated launches, ILUMINA opened its doors in late March. Another gem from The Big Group, this beautiful venue sits within the newly built 1 Elizabeth Street building right in the heart of the city. Whilst the space itself operates as a blank canvas, each detail adds a touch of sophistication, from silver highlights and concrete columns to floor-to-ceiling windows offering views over Chifley Square. Retractable tiered seating, operable walls and state-of-the-art AV provide all the flexibility required for large-scale events, whether you’re after a grand gala dinner, conference or networking soirée. 

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Atki 

Woolloomooloo 

Capacity: 300 

A recent addition to Woolloomooloo’s impressive line-up of restaurants, Atki offers an escape to a Grecian summer. The latest restaurant from Sydney Restaurant Group, Atki is a fresh launch, having opened its doors on the iconic Finger Wharf in June. Views over the wharf frame peach-toned, coastal-inspired interiors, complete with a delicious selection of grilled seafood and vibrant mezze. You can dine indoors or unwind alfresco-style under charming umbrellas; no matter your preference, your event is sure to feel equally as picturesque. 

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Melbourne

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1 Hotel Melbourne 

Docklands 

Capacity: 940 

Australia’s first 1 Hotel is finally here, opening in late June. Offering sustainable luxury set along the Yarra River, 1 Hotel Melbourne was certainly worth the wait. The hotel offers over 1,700 square meters of meeting and conference spaces, alongside a selection of sleek restaurants and bars. Seafarers Ballroom is the largest of the event spaces, boasting riverside views amidst 10 metre-high ceilings and an abundance of natural light. The Upstairs Lounge is a stylish option for cocktail and networking events, with a curated selection of local cocktails, wines and beers alongside artisan bites. The ethos of sustainability can be seen throughout the hotel, from energy efficiency right through to the ‘1 Less Thing’ initiative, prompting guests to leave behind an item or two to donate to their local charity partner. If your event requires a space that looks good (and does good), 1 Hotel does it all. 

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Baix 

Brighton 

Capacity: 200 

Five years in the making, Baix opened its restaurant in July, bringing delicious European dining to Brighton. Just over 30 mins from the city, the restaurant and wine bar is worth the trip. Moody and intimate, recline in leather booths within Baix Dining and enjoy a rotating three-course menu, paired perfectly with the curated wine menu from local and international makers. The Vasari Room offers sleek private dining for up to 20 guests, with rich wooden and marble detailing adding a chic touch. If you’re looking for something bespoke and refined, Baix is a standout. 

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Brisbane

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Intercontinental Brisbane

Brisbane City 

Capacity: 1000

Opening its doors in July, this hotel is the first Intercontinental property in Brisbane. With a prime CBD location in Elizabeth Street, Intercontinental Brisbane boasts 2,500 square metres of meeting and conference spaces, with the Grand Ballroom hosting up to 1,000 guests. Fitted with the latest AV, soaring ceilings and flexible layouts primed for grand occasions, the hotel is well-equipped to tackle any corporate event. With 15 function rooms to choose from, the hotel combines impressive functionality with Intercontinental’s renowned sophistication. 

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Penelope 

Fortitude Valley 

Capacity: 90 

Perched on the vibrant James Street in Fortitude Valley, Penelope offers a unique oasis away from the bustle of the infamous dining precinct. Another gem from the Coats Group, the bistro and supper club combination has already become a local favourite since its opening in late March. The interiors are moody and chic, inspired by old grand hotel lobbies with touches of wood and gold throughout. A mix of small and large plates are designed to be shared, alongside a signature selection of martinis and a Euro-centric wine list. If you’re after a space that oozes character, Penelope ticks all the boxes. 

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Gold Coast

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Mondrian Gold Coast 

Burleigh Heads 

Capacity: 500 

If you’re looking for beachside luxury, it’s hard to go past the new Mondrian Gold Coast. The luxury hotel group’s first property in Australia, Mondrian Gold Coast opened in early June. With three levels of event spaces, restaurants and bars, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. The Mondrian Ballroom is the largest event space, with a capacity for up to 500 guests and sunlit views over Burleigh’s iconic Norfolk Pines. Expect state-of-the-art AV, versatile layouts and interiors that blend coastal chic with Mondrian’s infamous touch of luxury. 

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Perth

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Light Years 

Perth CBD 

Capacity: 200 

With restaurants in Burleigh, Newcastle, Noosa and Byron Bay, Perth is now the latest addition to the Light Years lineup. Nestled within the iconic Gordon Stephenson House, expect a bold, modern twist on Asian cuisine inside an equally impressive restaurant interior. Soft pink hues and modular furniture add an instantly stylish backdrop to your dining or cocktail event. If you require something more private, step behind the curtains of the dedicated Private Dining Space, perfect for intimate dinners of up to 10 guests. 

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Venue Openings to Watch

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The Lands by Capella

Sydney CBD

Capacity: 250

Opening in February 2026, The Lands by Capella promises to impress. Situated just steps away from Capella Sydney, The Lands will be situated within the Department of Lands building, echoing the stylish blend of luxury and heritage charm Capella Sydney is already renowned for. Boasting two ballrooms bathed in natural light and a range of meeting suites, The Lands will be primed for any corporate event, from conferences and gala-dinners to workshops and sleek networking.

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