We’ve put together 22 of our ultimate hens party ideas in Melbourne that are sure to give your bride a good time before the wedding day. There’s a mix of both the naughty type of activity and the wholesome, innocent activity.
If you want something original and suited to your hen and the whole troop of best friends, you’ll definitely find a great activity on this list.
Enjoy!
1. House Of Hens
Hen’s party planners are quickly becoming every maid of honours new favourite thing. Take the stress out of sorting out different activity bookings and the perfect place for those events, and having to manage some pretty high expectations from the group. House of hens is giving brides across Australia one last great big adventure with their best girlfriends before their special day. They take care of everything for you, just let their team of experienced events managers know what you want to do and they will make sure your hens big send-off is one to remember.
Check out their top 5 activities below for your next Melbourne bridal party.
- Male Revue Show
Relive your favourite moments from Magic Mike, except this time, your hen gets to experience it up close and personal when she gets brought up on stage! A male revue show is a classic hens night party activity. No hens night out is complete without some cheeky, hot, dancing men.
- Bottomless Brunch
The bottomless brunch is quickly becoming a favourite among friend groups across the country, and who can blame them? With bottomless drinks, a tasty breakfast, and good laughs with your besties, there is no better way to pass the time. This is the perfect activity to launch your hen’s big day out.
- Cocktail Masterclass
Learn to make 2-3 classic cocktails from your personal bartender, while snacking on some delicious platters of food, in your own reserved area of the bar. This activity is perfect for the hen who is always trying to mix up new cocktails at home, this cocktail making class is a great activity to shake it up at your hens party.
- Life Drawing
Life drawing is a great option for when the hen has explicitly said no to male strippers, topless waiter, penis private parties, or other “tasteless” hens party exploits (her words, not ours). The life drawing class is something a little classier, yet still has the hot, and cheeky, male nude model. Have a giggle, drink some champagne, and bring your cameras for a fun photo session with the model at the end of the class!
- Boat Cruise
There isn’t anything better than a day in the sunshine, out on the water, with a drink in your hand. Throw in a couple of topless waiters, and your hens day is complete. With exclusive use of the vessel, it’s just you on board! So you can play whatever tunes you like, run some great hens party games, or just sit out on the deck and sunbathe.
If you want to go away for the weekend and treat your hen to a couple of days away from the big smoke, House of Hens has 9 destinations across Australia. For big-city adventure, they can sort you out in Melbourne or Sydney. If the girls want something a little more relaxed by the beach, they have activities and beautiful accommodations in Byron Bay, Airlie Beach, and the Gold Coast. They can also plan your event in Adelaide, Perth and Cairns! Take your pick for your hen’s last great big adventure.
Phone Number: 1800 901 885
Website: houseofhens.com.au
2. Sophisticated Readings with Top Hat Tarot
One unique hen’s party experience that we love is a completely new take on tarot reading with Melbourne’s most popular and sophisticated reader ‘Julia’, the founder of Top Hat Tarot. As a fun, fresh, joyful, and interactive experience, Julia’s readings bring a modern approach to tarot reading and she also posts reels so you can see exactly what to expect!
Diving deep into the realms of love, life, and self-discovery, having Julia at your event will be something everyone will treasure for years to come. Top Hat Tarot can cater to intimate gatherings at home, elegant garden parties, or a sophisticated soiree in a plush restaurant or bar. Various hens packages are available and up to 25 attendees can indulge in individual readings, later transcending into a group workshop game filled with laughter and shared stories. This not only adds a whimsical touch but also fosters a deeper bond among attendees.
Top Hat Tarot brings 10 years of experience and finely tuned cultural sensitivities. You’re sure to have a memorable and meaningful experience with this activity!
Website: tophattarot.com.au
3. Magic Men
Voted Australia’s best male strip show 5 years running, spend a night of laughter & fun with the Magic Men. Situated in the heart of Chapel St, Magic Men is a must-see experience for bridal showers who want to send their hen out with the hooray!
Their all-inclusive hen’s packages start from just $45 per head and you can always make sure you enquire to ask what else they can offer your hen to make it a night she won’t forget.
You’ll spend the night cheering, throwing some money, and asking for more when you join in their live show. This fun experience plus all your friends together is the perfect combination to making a truly memorable hens party.
Magic Men takes pride in putting a full-package, amazing, interactive show so you get the best girls-only experience way more than your money’s worth.
To book in give them a call or visit their website below;
Phone Number: 1300 624 426
Website: magicmen.com.au
4. Do It Yourself with DIY Hens
If you’re looking for something more on the economical side, then doing it yourself might be a better option. But that doesn’t mean you have to figure out the whole hens party on your own. You can buy templates online that should make the planning and preparation a whole lot easier.
If this is the route you want to take, we recommend checking out DIY Hens Party Games. They have several games plus templates for tickets and invitations so you don’t have to rack your brains thinking about those details.
Check out their website to see if you’d like to buy their templates instead. You’ll get all the files in high-resolution PDFs.
Website: diyhens.com.au
5. Bottomless Brunch
Many Melbourne hotspots are now offering bottomless brunches but our pick is Bodega on Little Bourke St. A 90-minute session gets you 5 courses (all gluten-free and can be made vegan friendly) and bottomless drinks including bloody ‘Marias’, Mexi-mimosas, Micheladas, Palomas. It’ll only cost you $59pp with weekend sittings at 11.30, 1.30 and 3.30. Bring on the fiesta!
Address: 55 Little Bourke St Melbourne 3000
Phone Number: (03) 9650 9979
Website: bodegaunderground.com.au
6. Urban Winery
Rather than heading out to one of the Peninsula for a winery romp, why not head to Melbourne’s very own urban winery; Noisy Ritual. This business was founded by two mates after discovering a wine fermenter in one of their basements. This fantastic winery offers beautiful premium drops, cheese, pate and dips; a lovely way to chill out and celebrate the relaxed, booze-loving hen.
Address: 249 Lygon St Brunswick East
Phone Number: (03) 8394 2772
Website: noisyritual.com.au
7. Milk The Cow
Cheese and wine; made for each other like Romeo and Juliet. And what better spot to start your hen do than Milk the cow, a licensed fromagerie. Our pick is their custom cheese and wine flights – 4 wines matched to perfection with 4 accompanying kinds of cheese. If wine isn’t your thing they also have flights of gin, cider, beer, whisky or sake with matched cheeses, as well as individual fondues, hot pots or signature cocktails.
Address: 1/157 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9537 2225
Website: milkthecow.com.au
8. Cocktail Making Class
Head to one of Melbourne’s coolest establishments, Garden State Hotel, where they’ll host your hen party with a cocktail making class. From $74pp; receive sparkling on arrival and learn 2 create two signature cocktails with their specialist mixologist whilst their chef serves up some beautiful seasonal canapes.
Address: 101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000
Phone Number: 03 8396 5777
Website: gardenstatehotel.com.au
9. Mini Golf
Are you and your closest friends up for some fun competition? A night or day of mini golf seems like the perfect choice, if that’s the case. Melbourne comes with no shortage of mini golf courses for fun nights for the bride tribe.
Some places you should check out include:
- Holey Moley
- Yarra Bend Adventure
- Albert Park Mini Golf
For more mini golf courses around Melbourne, check out this list of 10 great mini golf courses to play a few holes at with the ladies.
10. Pole Dancing
The Pole Room on Flinders Lane offers hens party packages that include private room hire with an instructor who teaches you the fundamentals of the pole and helps you master a mini routine to a song you choose. Packages start from $30pp and can include additions such as champagne on arrival for an additional cost (highly recommended to get everyone in the zone!)
Address: 10/1-3 Southfork Drive, Kilsyth South
Phone Number: (03) 9761 5027
Website: thepoleroom.com.au
11. Karoke
Can’t get your girl off the mic on a night out? Sounds like a karaoke hens do is just what she’ll love. Start with a dinner party at Rice Queen (389 Brunswick St, Fitzroy), then head to their Karaoke Room to belt out some tunes in a 90-minute singing sesh.
Address:389 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 3065
Phone Number: 03 9419 6624
Website: ricequeen.com.au
12. Hoola Hoop Class
Head to Hoopsparx for an unforgettable experience. With a hoop game, hula hoop moves, a hoop dance and a keepsake hoop for the hen, this is guaranteed to be a party that people won’t forget. Prices start from $275 for up to 10 people.
Phone Number: (04) 04 291 425
Website: hoopsparx.com
13. Go Boat
Hire a picnic boat from the guys at go boat and sail around the waters of our beautiful city. Boats can be hired for 1, 2 or 3 hours, starting at $109 for one hour. Each boat can take 8 people, and you can BYO food and beverages (everyone except the person in your party nominated to drive the boat can drink alcohol whilst aboard).
Address: Sandridge Wharf (Adjacent Southbank Promenade), Southbank, Victoria 3006
Phone Number: (03) 8372 0664
Website: goboatmelbourne.com.au
14. Cooking Class
Free to Feed is a not-for-profit social enterprise where the cooking teachers are people who are seeking asylum or new migrants, sharing much-loved dishes from their homeland. If your hen is looking for something more wholesome, this one is for her. You can book into a class where the teacher will guide you through a number of traditional dishes, and then share a meal at the end with everyone in attendance.
Address: 539 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia
Website: freetofeed.org.au
15. Yoga class
Get grounded and connected with a blissful yoga class from Kula Yoga. This 1.5 hour class will provide gentle vinyasa, flow, pranayama breathing exercises, as well as incorporating visualization and positive manifestation for the happy couple and their future together. Priced at $30 per person for a minimum of 15 people.
Phone Number: 1300 992 133
Website: kulayoga.com.au
16. Laneway Learning
Laneway Learning is a not-for-profit community-based organization started in Melbourne in 2012. It hosts informal, accessible evening classes on a diverse range of topics. Better yet, laneway learning is also available to host private hens parties – from flower crowns to DIY perfume to polymer clay creations, it’s got everything to get your creative juices flowing. Their private events packages start to cater for a minimum of 10 people and are conveniently centrally located at 37 Swanston St.
Address: 37 Swanston St.
Website: lanewaylearning.com
Other Great Ideas
- Get some target practice at MANIAX Axe Throwing
- Spend a night at the Sugar Blue Burlesque
- Have an afternoon of kitchen tea at Mary Eats Cake or The Cocktail Queen
- Try out a Hens Party at Runway Room Melbourne
- Check out Real Escapes’ fun hens party ideas
- Hire a party bus for your hen and the rest of the crew
- Cocktails and a flower crown workshop
The perfect way to plan a hens day is to start with something that everyone can share in – from little cousin Emma to the Brides’ granny – such as a craft, afternoon tea or a Melbourne boat cruise. Then lead into something spicier to get the mood going (think pole dancing, cocktail making, life drawing) and then escalate things further from there.
How to Get Around Melbourne
Getting around Melbourne during a hens party is an important of the planning process. You want to make sure the group can move seamlessly from one activity to the next and do so safely.
Melbourne’s generally a safe and seamless city to get around. Here are some of the best ways to do that:
1) Public Transport
Melbourne’s public transport is not only extensive but also an adventure in itself. Using trams, trains, and buses can be an efficient way to explore different parts of the city, making it easier to access various venues and attractions planned for the day.
2) Ride-Sharing and Taxis
For flexibility and convenience, ride-sharing services and taxis are readily available throughout Melbourne.
They offer a straightforward way to travel between locations, especially when the schedule or destination changes last minute. You can book from any of these ride sharing apps in Melbourne:
- Uber
- Ola
- Shebah (we highly recommend this for Hen’s night since it’s all woman owned. Girl power!)
- Ingogo
3) Luxury Options
Adding a luxury element to the transportation can make the hens party feel more special and exclusive. Try any of these two options:
- Limousine Hire — Hire a limousine to arrive at your destination in style and comfort, offering a private space for celebrations between stops. Check out 1800 Limo City for limo hires.
- Party Bus — For larger groups looking to keep the party going even on the road, a party bus is an excellent choice. They often come with music systems, lights, and sometimes even a bar.
Some Cultural Things to Remember
Melbourne’s cultural scene is as diverse as it is vibrant. Incorporating these elements into a hens party can add depth and uniqueness to the celebration. So, when planning
1) Embrace Local Culture
Melbourne’s art, music, and culinary scenes offer rich unique experiences that can be woven into the fabric of the hens party, providing a taste of the city’s cultural diversity.
2) Visit Art Galleries and Live Music Venues
Exploring local art galleries and catching live music performances can offer a sophisticated twist to the party, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Melbourne’s renowned cultural landscape.
3) Mind Local Etiquette
Being aware of and respecting local customs and etiquette ensures that the party’s activities are enjoyable for both the participants and those around them.
4) Dress Codes and Behavior
Understanding and adhering to dress codes, especially in upscale venues, and maintaining respectful noise levels in public spaces, are important considerations that help in creating a harmonious experience.
5) Check Opening Hours and Book in Advance
Verify the opening hours of bars, clubs, and other venues, and booking in advance where possiblE. That will help avoid disappointment so the night flows smoothly from one activity to the next.
3 Tips For Putting Together An Amazing Hens Day
The most important thing though – is to make sure the day suits YOUR bride to be – not what you think a hen’s party should be. Some examples:
1) Escalate gradually
Pack a picnic with your hen’s favourite nibbles and hire a Go Boat for a few hours and cruise the Yarra. Then head to the Garden State Hotel for a cocktail making masterclass, and follow up by dancing the night away in Melbourne
2) Intensity from go to woah
Start with a bottomless brunch at Bodega to limber up or some high tea Hopetoun Tea Rooms, then head to the Pole Room to get moving and shaking. Possibly consider heading over to Crown Melbourne for some high-rolling bets to try out the luck of the night. Head on down to dinner at Rice Queen, and top things off by singing your heart out at Karaoke.
3) Here’s something for wine lovers
Pack some snacks and some wine and start off with a cork and canvas painting, then head to Milk the Cow for a cheese and wine flight. After this, mosey on down the road to Noisy Ritual for some wine tasting, turning a tasting into a glass, a glass into a bottle.
Finally, some bachelorette party planning etiquette:
DO
- Be clear with everyone attending as to what the costs will be
- Consider budgets (and non-alcoholic options for any non-drinkers or pregnant friends!)
- Make sure you have food if you have alcohol
DON’T
- Expect everyone attending will assume they are splitting the costs if you don’t explicitly tell them
- Expect your Hen to pay for anything (she’s already sold her left kidney to pay for her wedding)
- Freak out if something doesn’t go exactly to plan – go with the flow and look after your hen!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is it called a hen party?
The origins of the term are somewhat debated, but it’s widely believed to stem from the word “henna,” which has significant cultural importance in many pre-wedding ceremonies across various cultures, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.
Henna ceremonies involve applying henna designs to the bride’s hands and feet as part of the pre-wedding rituals, symbolizing fertility and protection. Over time, the term evolved in different cultures.
In the UK and many other English-speaking countries, “hen” also historically refers to a female bird, primarily domesticated fowl, and by extension came to be used colloquially to refer to women.
The “hen party” then, is a playful term used to denote a gathering of women, akin to a “bachelorette party” in the United States, celebrating the bride-to-be’s final days of singledom.
Who pays for hens night?
It can vary widely depending on traditions, personal preferences, and the specific activities planned.
Generally, there are a few common approaches to handling the costs:
- Guests Pay Their Way: It’s quite common for the attendees to cover their own expenses during the event. This might include their food, drinks, transportation, and any activity fees. If there’s a significant activity planned that has a high cos, it’s better to communicate this well in advance.
- Bride Covers Special Activities: In some cases, the bride or her family might choose to cover specific costs of the hens night, such as a private dinner, accommodation if staying overnight, or a particular activity that she wants everyone to participate in. This is more common for smaller, more intimate gatherings.
- Organizer or Maid of Honor Pays: Sometimes, the organizer or the maid of honor might take on the responsibility of covering the cost of certain activities, especially if they are keen on hosting a specific event. This could include things like booking a venue, arranging transportation, or providing decorations and party favors.
- Shared Costs: For more expensive hens nights, costs might be split among all participants, including the bride. This approach helps to manage the financial burden and allows for more elaborate celebrations.
In Closing
We hope you give your hen the time of her life before the big day. Questions, comments, feedback? I’d love to hear from you. If you’ve got some other ideas for Melbourne Hens Parties, pop them in the comments below.
Whilst you’re here, you might want to check out our guides on the best wedding photographers and marriage celebrants in Melbourne to be able to help your bride!
Happy henning!
