Melbourne’s Top School Formal Venues

With panoramic views over Albert Park Lake and floor-to-ceiling windows, Lakeside Pavilion is a showstopper for school formals that want to make a statement. The expansive, light-filled space suits everything from sleek cocktail events to large-scale seated dinners, comfortably hosting sizeable year levels with ease. Cocktail holds up to 900, while a formal seated dinner with room for the dancefloor seats up to 400.

Students can enjoy a structured formal program — including entrances, dinner, and speeches — before the room transitions effortlessly into a high-energy dancefloor for the remainder of the night. With flexible layouts, tailored menus, and a professional events team experienced in school formals, Lakeside Pavilion delivers a polished and memorable celebration.

Key details:

• Capacity: Up to 900 guests
• Spaces: Grand indoor event space with lakeside balcony
• Dancefloor: Dancefloor with flexible layout and adjustable size
• AV: In-house audiovisual; two projector screens, two cordless microphones, lectern, PA
  system
• Catering: Alternate drop, grazing or canapé menus

Explore Lakeside Pavilion →

Set right on the Yarra River, River’s Edge brings modern city glamour to school formal celebrations. With uninterrupted river and skyline views, this contemporary venue feels elevated and exciting — perfect for students wanting a formal that feels grown-up without being overdone.

The versatile space works beautifully for both seated dinners and cocktail-style events, with room for a dancefloor, DJ setup, and late-night energy. Hosting up to 180 guests seated or 450 cocktail, this venuee also offers complimentary use of all in-house audio visual, feature lounge and dining furniture and centrepieces.

As the sun sets and the city lights reflect on the water, River’s Edge transforms into a stunning backdrop for photos and memories that last long after graduation.

Key details:

• Capacity: 50–450 guests

• Spaces: Main riverfront room with private deck

• Dancefloor: Central dancefloor with space for DJ and lighting

• AV: In- house audio visual; three projector screens, two LCD Screens 86″, two cordless
  microphones, lectern, PA system

• Catering: Alternate drop, grazing or canapé menus

View River’s Edge →

For a school formal with a relaxed coastal edge, West Beach Pavilion offers unrivalled panoramic views of the St Kilda foreshore. Located directly on the bay, this venue combines ocean views, a waterfront deck, and contemporary interiors — ideal for sunset arrivals and golden-hour photos.

The open layout allows for flexible event styling, whether you’re planning a cocktail-style formal or a more traditional seated event. The Grand Beach Hall host up to 150 seated or 350 standing, with plenty of room for the speeches, DJ and dancefloor too.

With the beach just steps away and St Kilda as your backdrop, West Beach Pavilion offers a formal night that feels fun, fresh, and distinctly Melbourne.

Key details:

• Capacity: Up to 350 guests in Grand Beach Hall

• Spaces: Beachfront pavilion and outdoor deck

• Dancefloor: Dedicated dancefloor and DJ zone

• AV: AV sound system and microphone setup

• Catering: Cocktail, buffet, plated or sharing style

Discover West Beach Pavilion →

Nestled along the Maribyrnong River, Angler’s Tavern offers a relaxed yet refined setting for school formals looking for something slightly different. The venue’s riverside location creates a calm, scenic atmosphere, while the modern interior spaces allow for dancing, dining, and celebrating with ease.

Ideal for both smaller cohorts and full year-level events, Angler’s Tavern provides flexible packages, dedicated event coordination, and plenty of room for entertainment. Accommodating up to 300 guests, the friendly team will help guide you through planning the most outstanding event of the school year.

The combination of river views and contemporary design makes it a standout option for a memorable end-of-school celebration.

Key details:

• Capacity: Up to 200 guests

• Spaces: Riverside dining room and terrace

• Dancefloor: Allocated dancefloor space for DJs and dancing

• AV: Microphone and AV facilities for speeches and music

• Catering: Custom plated or share-style menus

Explore Angler’s Tavern →