What is the venue's total capacity?
Located at 123 Queen Street on Levels 3, 9 and 12, Karstens Melbourne offers 16 versatile conference rooms across more than 2,000 square metres of premium event space. Total venue capacity depends on room setup and configuration, with the entire venue having successfully hosted events of up to 500 attendees.
What are the venue's rental rates?
Venue hire rates vary depending on room selection, layout, duration and day of the week. For a customised Karstens Melbourne quote, contact our team with your preferred date, time and expected attendee numbers.
What is included in the venue's rental fee?
The venue hire fee includes everything required for a professional, seamless event experience. Room hire at Karstens Melbourne includes use of a fully set-up conference room with natural light, room configuration to suit your requirements such as theatre, classroom, cabaret, U-shape or boardroom layouts, a ceiling-mounted data projector or large LCD screen with HDMI connection, presentation sound and a whiteboard with markers, complimentary Wi-Fi in breakout areas, notepads and pens for delegates, water on conference tables, a lolly bar in the breakout area, continuous Nespresso coffee and a selection of teas in the communal breakout space, event signage and meet-and-greet at the start of your event, on-site support including general technical assistance, and receiving and short-term storage of course materials.
What are the venue's payment and cancellation policies?
For events up to $5,000, no deposit is required. For events over $5,000, a 50% deposit is payable. Final payment is due within seven days after your event, as outlined on your invoice. Cancellations must be made in writing via email. No cancellation fee applies for events cancelled 15 days or more before the event date. Events cancelled 14 days or less prior to the event are charged at 100% of the quoted cost.
Does the venue offer in-house catering services?
Yes. Catering is served in the spacious breakout areas, with options available to accommodate common dietary requirements, noting that additional costs may apply. Individually plated options are available where needed. All room hire also includes continuous Nespresso coffee, a selection of teas and a lolly bar throughout the day. Catering packages include working conference catering with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, healthy conference options with lighter and health-focused selections, buffet packages with hot buffet lunches and sides, as well as breakfasts, snacks and post-event drinks and canapés.
Does the venue have a liquor license?
Yes. Karstens is a fully licensed venue and can provide alcoholic beverages for your event.
Is there a curfew for events at the venue?
There is no strict curfew, however all events must conclude at the pre-agreed end time listed on your booking.
What A/V equipment is included in room hire?
Standard room hire includes a ceiling-mounted data projector or large LCD screen, HDMI connectivity for laptops, sound for presentations and video, a whiteboard with markers, and complimentary Wi-Fi in breakout areas.
What additional A/V equipment is available on request?
Additional A/V equipment is available on request, with charges applying. This includes handheld or lapel microphones, lecterns, flipcharts, laptops, dedicated high-speed fibre internet in-room, hybrid and video conferencing setups, as well as additional data projectors and clickers.
Is on-site parking available for guests at the venue?
Karstens Melbourne does not operate its own on-site car park. However, there is convenient paid parking available within the building through Secure Parking, along with several nearby public car parks within a short walking distance. Guests are encouraged to check current rates and availability with parking providers or pre-book online where possible.
Does the venue have a preferred vendor list?
Yes. Karstens works with a range of trusted suppliers for services including A/V support, photographers, videographers and event stylists.
Is an event coordinator available at the venue to assist with planning and logistics?
Yes. Karstens provides a dedicated conference and events coordinator to support your booking from initial enquiry through to event day. They assist with room selection, setup, scheduling and overall event coordination.
What types of events are typically hosted at the venue?
Karstens Melbourne regularly hosts training sessions and workshops, conferences and seminars, board meetings and executive retreats, team meetings and planning days, mediation and arbitration sessions, product launches and presentations, as well as networking events and post-conference drinks.
How far in advance should I book an event at the venue?
Early booking is recommended, particularly for full-day events, larger groups or peak days from Tuesday to Thursday. Many clients secure their preferred dates between two and six months in advance.
Does the venue offer any unique features or experiences?
Karstens venues are located in premium CBD locations across major Australian cities, close to public transport and parking. Spaces feature large, pillar-less rooms with natural light and ergonomically designed furniture for all-day comfort. Breakout areas showcase local artwork alongside continuous Nespresso coffee, a selection of teas and the signature lolly bar. Flexible room sizing allows events to scale up or down based on final attendance, with hybrid conferencing and dedicated mediation rooms available at select locations.
Are there any nearby attractions or activities for guests near the Melbourne venue?
Nearby attractions include Bourke Street Mall, a major retail and dining precinct just a short walk away, Federation Square and the Southbank Arts Precinct with galleries, riverfront walks, bars and restaurants, Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex for dining and nightlife, and landmarks such as Melbourne Aquarium and Melbourne Town Hall, all within easy walking distance.
What are the accommodation options for overnight guests at or near the Melbourne venue?
Premium accommodation options include InterContinental, Crown Metropole and RACV Club. Quality four-star hotels nearby include Citiclub Hotel, located in the same building as Karstens, as well as Oaks on Market, Rendezvous Hotel and Adina Apartment Hotel.
Does the venue have any sustainable practices?
Karstens is committed to sustainable operations across its CBD venues. Initiatives include the use of ceramic crockery instead of single-use plastics, maximising natural light, encouraging the use of public transport, and supporting digital materials to reduce printing and waste.