Nestled in Docklands among the surrounding concrete playground and the breathtaking harbour views, sits The Woolshed – the newly refurbished fine dining and function experience. Starting its journey in 1916 as a part of Australia’s busiest port, The Woolshed now plays home to a restaurant, a live entertainment spot and a function venue like no other- a far cry from its docking and shipping roots.

When redesigning the space, the main focus was on every aspect of the venue itself to ensure every part can be sectioned off specific to the client’s needs, but then can also be opened up to incorporate events of up to 720 guests. Another major focus when redeveloping the location was to acknowledge the historic features of the building, a concept that has been beautifully managed with original cargo doors used in the main bar area and authentic factory lighting scattered throughout the venue.

It is clear that The Woolshed remains proud of its heritage with various black and white vintage photos detailing the evolution of the shed itself, displayed in The Harbour View Room that can be viewed from the main bar area as well. This vintage vibe is then juxtaposed with the modern furnishings and textured detail of the space itself, featuring reclaimed timber, polished concrete floors and tall exposed ceilings.

All of these features come together to create an atmosphere that encourages relaxation while maintaining a welcoming environment that anyone will feel comfortable in.

One look around this place and we’d forgive you for not believing that it used to be a wool storage facility -hence the name- before being converted into a setting that houses events of any and every size.

This multi-faceted waterfront space offers the absolute best in providing the perfect location for your engagement party, 30th birthday or end-of-year Christmas celebration.

One of the main function spaces on offer is The Harbour View Room, located upstairs and over the main dining area with million dollar views of, you guessed it, the harbour. This area is completely private so that no sound travels to other parts of the venue (dad can make that embarrassing 21st birthday speech if he wants), and features new designs such as a hexagonal print displayed on the private bar, walls splashed with cracked paint and polished wooden floors perfect for dancing the night away on.

Seating up to 84 and providing enough space for a cocktail party of 150, look no further than this charming combination of rustic and heritage detailing, set against the backdrop of Melbourne’s finest view.

If that spot hasn’t already tickled your fancy (it’s tickled ours), another space that encourages fun and certifies unforgettable memories is the The Fire Side Room. Featuring an open plan layout sectioned off by the main bar, this expansive area can include use of the Mezzanine and not one, but two outdoor gardens that hug each side of the venue.  Watch this space transform from casual bar-like seating and comfy couches to the room of your dreams, with the area able to hold 120 people for a sit down dinner or 420 standing.

When it’s not being used for impressive events, this space becomes the spot to watch footy and other sporting games from the two massive TV’s positioned on either side of the roaring fireplace that never fails to keep you warm during those colder months.

Add that to the fact that on Friday and Saturday night’s, as well as Sunday afternoons, live music is played so that you can entertain the idea of dancing to your heart’s content with that cute person across the room, and this venue really does have a little bit for everyone.

Feel hungry after reading all that? We sure do, but don’t worry because this venue also houses a premium restaurant whose menu boasts aged meats (that you can actually see drying out from the cabinet beside the open kitchen) and fresh seafood, that can be paired with a wide variety of Australian and New Zealand wines.

No excuses right? We’ll see you there.

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By Kate Gazzard 

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