The Event Planner's Guide to Melbourne's Top 10 Sustainable Venues (2025 Edition)
Updated 2 July 2025
Planning an event in Melbourne means navigating a world of choices. But for the discerning event planner, office manager, or sustainability officer, the challenge is more specific: finding a green venue that doesn't just talk the talk, but genuinely walks the walk. You need a space that aligns with your corporate sustainability goals, delights your attendees, and streamlines your logistics.
But where do you start? A venue’s "green" claims can be hard to verify. And it’s not just the venue; every element of your event has a footprint. Many planners are shocked to learn that the environmental impact of traditional conference name tags alone can be equivalent to running a household fridge for a year.
That's where this guide comes in. We’ve done the research for you
1. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
Best For:
Large-scale conferences, international exhibitions, and gala dinners.
Location:
South Wharf
A titan in the events industry, MCEC holds the coveted 6-Star Green Star rating and is one of only five convention centres in the world to achieve EarthCheck Platinum Certification. Their commitment is backed by concrete data: in 2023-24 alone, they rescued over 9,000 kg of food and served nearly 900,000 people with reusable cups.
Key Sustainable Features:
A 5-year strategy to divert over 90% of waste from landfill.
Commitment to be powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2028.
Partnership with OzHarvest for large-scale food rescue.
Elimination of single-use plastic cups from all catered events.
Website: https://www.mcec.com.au/
2. CERES Community Environment Park
Best For:
Sustainability workshops, community festivals, and brand events with a deep-green ethos.
Location:
Brunswick East
CERES is more than a venue; it's an experience. As a non-profit environmental education centre, its event spaces are nestled within thriving urban farms and community gardens. Hosting here means your event becomes part of a story of authentic, grassroots sustainability and community impact.
Key Sustainable Features:
Venues integrated into a working permaculture farm.
Catering often sourced directly from on-site organic gardens.
Focus on environmental education and hands-on learning.
Supports a hub of local, eco-focused social enterprises.
Website: https://ceres.org.au/about-ceres/
Terra Tag Pro-Tip: The earthy, authentic vibe of CERES calls for event materials that match. Complement the setting with seeded paper name tags that guests can plant, turning your event's first impression into a living gift.
3. The Abbotsford Convent
Best For:
Artistic events, creative workshops, weddings, and boutique conferences.
Location:
Abbotsford
Steeped in history and culture, the Abbotsford Convent is Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct. Set among 16 acres of heritage gardens, it provides a stunning backdrop with a genuine commitment to community and environment. Its sprawling green spaces offer a serene escape just 4km from the CBD.
Key Sustainable Features:
Extensive heritage gardens and open green spaces.
Home to a community of artists, wellness practitioners, and makers.
Focus on preserving heritage architecture with eco-aware practices.
Multiple unique indoor and outdoor spaces reduce the need for extensive decor.
Website: https://abbotsfordconvent.com.au/
4. East Elevation
Best For:
Intimate corporate dinners, product launches, and foodie-focused gatherings.
Location:
Brunswick East
Housed in a light-filled warehouse that's also home to the Shrub and Shutter chocolate factory, East Elevation exudes industrial chic with a green heart. Their philosophy is built around local sourcing, a seasonal menu, and minimising waste, offering a uniquely Melbourne experience.
Key Sustainable Features:
Strong focus on a hyper-local, seasonal menu.
In-house urban garden supplies herbs and produce.
Minimal waste practices integrated into their catering and operations.
Unique, character-filled space that requires minimal styling.
Website: https://www.eastelevation.com.au/
Terra Tag Pro-Tip: When the food menu is this considered, the event materials should be too. Choose name tags made from earthy, recycled paper to complement the rustic-chic aesthetic and the venue's commitment to natural ingredients.
5. The Commons Collective
Best For:
Elegant weddings, sophisticated corporate events, and stylish social gatherings.
Location:
St Kilda Road
The Commons Collective offers a blend of historic charm and modern elegance. Housed in the beautifully restored W.H. Gaunt building, the venue is surrounded by lush gardens and provides a range of versatile spaces that prioritise sustainability without sacrificing style.
Key Sustainable Features:
Commitment to waste reduction and energy-efficient operations.
Menu focuses on locally and ethically sourced ingredients.
Offers both indoor and outdoor settings, utilizing natural light and ventilation.
Partners with eco-conscious local suppliers for event needs.
Website: https://thecommonscollective.com.au/
6. Library at The Dock
Best For:
Community events, forward-thinking workshops, and corporate meetings.
Location:
Docklands
A marvel of sustainable architecture, Library at The Dock is one of Australia’s most eco-friendly public buildings, holding a 6-Star Green Star rating. Built from engineered timber and reclaimed hardwood, it offers stunning waterfront views and versatile spaces for hire.
Key Sustainable Features:
Passive ventilation, heating, and cooling systems.
On-site rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling.
Constructed with renewable and recycled materials.
Designed to maximise natural light and reduce energy consumption.
Website: https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/library-at-the-dock
7. The University of Melbourne
Best For:
Academic conferences, seminars, and professional development workshops.
Location:
Parkville
The University of Melbourne has numerous venues with strong green credentials, including buildings with Green Star ratings for design and operation. It provides a scholarly atmosphere combined with a robust, university-wide commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
Key Sustainable Features:
Multiple Green Star-rated buildings available for hire.
University-wide sustainability plan targeting carbon neutrality and waste reduction.
Access to state-of-the-art AV technology, reducing the need for printed materials.
Centrally located and accessible via public transport.
Website: https://www.unimelb.edu.au/
8. The Wheeler Centre
Best For:
Literary events, panel discussions, lectures, and thought-leadership forums.
Location:
Little Lonsdale Street
As Melbourne’s home for literature and ideas, The Wheeler Centre is a hub of intellectual energy. Situated within the State Library Victoria, it integrates sustainable practices into its daily operations and provides an inspiring venue for events that are all about sharing knowledge.
Key Sustainable Features:
Focus on reducing paper waste through digital promotion.
Energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems.
Promotes public transport access due to its central CBD location.
Fosters community and intellectual capital.
Website: https://www.wheelercentre.com/
9. Melbourne Showgrounds
Best For:
Large-scale trade shows, festivals, and major exhibitions.
Location:
Flemington
Operated by Melbourne Royal, the Showgrounds is a massive venue that has implemented significant measures to handle the environmental impact of large crowds. It’s a practical choice for when you need scale and sustainability to go hand-in-hand.
Key Sustainable Features:
Comprehensive waste management plans for large events.
Water-sensitive urban design features across the precinct.
Increasing use of energy-efficient lighting and infrastructure.
Accessible by train, reducing the carbon footprint of attendees.
Website: https://www.melbourneshowgrounds.com/
10. The Grain Store
Best For:
Catered breakfast meetings, corporate lunches, and intimate celebrations.
Location:
Melbourne CBD
The Grain Store has been a champion of sustainable dining since its inception. The core of its philosophy is a radical commitment to local sourcing, with a menu that changes daily based on what their nearby farmers and producers supply.
Key Sustainable Features:
Hyper-local menu with ingredients sourced from within Victoria.
Reduces food miles to an absolute minimum.
Focus on seasonal eating and nose-to-tail philosophy to minimize waste.
Promotes relationships with small-scale, ethical Victorian farmers.
Website: https://www.grainstore.com.au/
Once you've chosen your venue, your sustainable event planning journey has just begun. For more ideas on making your event greener, explore our guides for hosting sustainable events in Brisbane and planning a zero-waste event in Sydney—the tips apply perfectly to Melbourne, too!
You've Secured Your Green Venue. What's Next?
Choosing a sustainable venue is the most significant step toward hosting a green event. But the journey doesn't end there. The small details are what create a truly cohesive and impactful experience. A plastic name badge at an eco-venue sends a mixed message.
This is where Terra Tag becomes your partner.
Your attendees will hold our eco-friendly name badges in their hands. They'll notice that it's not plastic, that it feels different, that it's made from handmade paper. And when you tell them it's plantable, you create a memorable, positive story that reinforces your event's core message long after the day is over.
We handle everything from badge design to final delivery. Your badges arrive in Australia, fully assembled, alphabetised, and ready to go. No plastic. No stress. No landfill.
Ready to complete your sustainable event plan?
Explore Our Eco-Friendly Name Badges and Lanyards
Your Questions Answered
Q: With so many venues claiming to be "green," how do I know if they are actually sustainable?
A: This is a critical question and a major cause of stress for planners fearing "greenwashing." The key is to look for tangible proof. Our list prioritises venues with official certifications like a 6-Star Green Star rating or EarthCheck Platinum Certification. We also focus on venues with transparent, published data on their waste diversion rates, renewable energy use, and food rescue programs. This guide has done the initial vetting for you.
Q: We have a strict budget. Are sustainable venues in Melbourne more expensive than traditional ones?
A: Not necessarily. While some premium green venues have a higher upfront cost, many can lead to savings elsewhere. Venues with integrated, efficient waste management can reduce your disposal fees. Those with energy-efficient systems can lower utility costs. More importantly, choosing a venue with strong sustainability credentials is a powerful brand statement that adds significant value, enhancing your reputation with stakeholders and attendees alike.
Q: My event is a large, complex conference with specific technical needs. Can a "green" venue handle it?
A: Absolutely. This is a common concern—that "eco-friendly" means "low-tech" or "small-scale." This is a myth. A venue like the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is one of the most technologically advanced and logistically capable venues in the world, while also being a global leader in sustainability. You don't have to compromise on scale or professionalism to be sustainable.
Q: I've booked my sustainable venue. What is the most impactful next step to make the rest of my event eco-friendly?
A: Once the venue is secured, focus on your highest-impact supplies. Before looking at minor details, tackle the major sources of waste: food service and attendee materials. Work with the caterer on a low-waste menu and ensure your name badges and lanyards are not single-use plastic destined for landfill. Choosing a plantable or recyclable paper badge system is the single most visible, tangible sustainable choice you can make after the venue itself.
