36 Ideas For Your 40th Birthday Party
Turning the big 4-0 is a milestone worth celebrating, and what better way to mark this momentous occasion than with bash tailored to your personality and style. Whether you’re envisioning a glamorous rooftop cocktail party, a relaxed beach gathering, or a retro ’80s dance party, the possibilities are endless! Based on recent trends and popular choices across Australia, we’ve gathered 36 exciting ideas to help you plan your perfect celebration, including real-world costs and insights to guide your planning.
For example, rooftop cocktail parties are among the most popular and luxurious options, with an average cost ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the venue and guest count. On the other hand, a laid-back beach bash with a permit and setup could be more budget-friendly, with costs between $150 and $500. Whether you’re after a high-energy dance-off or a relaxed wine-tasting adventure, this guide has everything you need to throw a party that will make your 40th truly unforgettable.
Explore the best 40th birthday party ideas, complete with useful data to ensure your celebration is both memorable and within budget!
Cost Breakdown for Popular 40th Birthday Party Ideas
1. Rooftop Cocktail Party
Average Cost: $2,000 – $5,000
2. Wine Tasting Adventure
Average Cost: $75 – $150 per person
3. 80s Dance Party
Average Cost: $1,000 – $3,000 (Venue + DJ)
4. Beach Bash
Average Cost: $150 – $500 (Permit and Setup)
5. Bush Dance Bash
Average Cost: $1,000 – $3,000 (Live Band)
6. Retro Arcade Party
Average Cost: $150 – $300 (Machine Rental)
Turning 40 is a milestone worth celebrating in style! Whether you’re dreaming of a chic rooftop soirée or a nostalgic ’80s dance party, we’ve curated 36 exciting ideas to make your 40th truly special. Drawing from popular trends across Australia, this guide offers a range of options to suit every personality and budget.
From luxurious cocktail parties averaging $2,000-$5,000 to budget-friendly beach bashes at $150-$500, we’ve got you covered. Each idea comes with real-world costs and practical insights to help you plan the perfect celebration.
Ready to discover the ultimate 40th birthday party? Dive into our comprehensive list and find the inspiration you need to create lasting memories!
1. 40th Birthday Idea: Bad Taste Party
If you want your guests to leave their inhibitions at the door, there’s nothing as liberating as a Bad Taste 40th party. From daggy food to terrible music and trashy décor, you can really have fun with the theming here.
Expect to see plenty of mullets, muffin tops, and Donald Trumps shaking it to Barbie Girl on the dance floor. Plus, over-inflated lips chowing down on cabana-topped Jatz and mini cocktail onions.
We draw the line at goon bags though. You’re not total animals.
2. 40th Birthday Idea: Foodie Feast
If you’re way past the days when you thought ‘eating was cheating’, a sit-down meal’s always a great 40th birthday party idea. A long-table feast with good quality wine is the perfect way for the foodie guy or gal to celebrate. Did you know? Hosting a private dining experience in cities like Melbourne or Sydney can cost anywhere from $50 to $75 per person on average, meaning a 100-guest party could set you back between $5,000 and $7,500 depending on the venue (Tagvenue).
Just make sure you ask for everyone’s dietary requirements in advance. And move around between courses so you get to chat to all your guests.
3. 40th Birthday Idea: Letter Party
Your birthday party is all about you, so why not give a nod to your name with a letter-themed bash? Ask guests to come dressed as something starting with your first initial, and extend the theme to drinks, snacks, and décor.
Bear in mind that some letters work better than others, and maybe give it a miss if your name’s Zoe or Xavier.
4. 40th Birthday Idea: 90s Sitcom Theme
With all the hype around a slated Friends reunion, it’s the perfect time to throw a ’90s sitcom-themed bash! Either choose your favourite show or keep the theme open and see who rocks up with ‘The Rachel’ or throws an Elaine on the dance floor.
As for the 40th birthday catering? Carbalicious pretzels and muffin tops will mop up the booze.
5. 40th Birthday Idea: 80s Dance Party
If you’re a child of the ’80s whose biggest joy in life is dancing around her handbag to All Night Long, then you do you. For your birthday bash, pop on your fluoro scrunchie, off-the-shoulder top and leg warmers, and throw an epic ’80s dance party! According to recent trends, retro-themed parties, particularly ’80s and ’90s, have surged in popularity, with many venues in cities like Brisbane and Melbourne offering custom packages for such events (VenueNow)
6. 40th Birthday Idea: Colour Theme
Stuck for 40th birthday party ideas? A colour theme is always a winner. Even the simplest styling looks great in coordinated, tone-on-tone colour, and we promise your photos will look AHmazing.
7. Aussie BBQ Bonanza
Throw a classic Aussie barbie to celebrate the big 4-0! Fire up the grill, put on some snags and steaks, and enjoy a relaxed outdoor gathering with your mates. Don’t forget to include some ice-cold tinnies and a pavlova for dessert. Fun fact: Outdoor venues for BBQ-themed parties in Sydney and Brisbane range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the location and amenities provided (Tagvenue)
8. 80’s Flashback Party
Take a trip down memory lane and celebrate your 40th birthday party with an 80s-themed party. Have your guests dress up in their best 80s gear, play classic hits from the decade, and serve up some retro snacks like fairy bread and lamingtons.
9. Bush Tucker Feast
Treat your guests to a unique dining experience with a bush tucker-inspired menu. Serve up delicious dishes made from native Australian ingredients like kangaroo, emu, and finger limes. Australia’s native food experiences have gained popularity in recent years, with a noticeable rise in bush tucker-inspired events across the country (VenueNow).
10. Pub Trivia Night
Host a pub trivia night at your local watering hole or at home to celebrate your 40th. Come up with Aussie-themed trivia questions, organise some fun prizes, and enjoy a night of laughs and friendly competition with your mates.
11. Beach Bash
Organise a 40th birthday beach bash at your favourite Aussie beach. Spend the day soaking up the sun, playing beach cricket, and firing up a portable barbie. As the sun sets, gather around a bonfire for a sing-along to some classic Aussie tunes. Outdoor beach venues in Australia, particularly in coastal areas like Sydney and Queensland, often require permits. Beach party permits can range from $150 to $500 depending on the size and amenities required (Tagvenue)
12. BYO Art Workshop
Unleash your inner artist and host a paint-and-sip party for your 40th. Hire a local artist to guide you and your guests in creating your masterpieces, while you enjoy some top-notch Aussie wines and nibbles. Everyone will have a ripper time and a keepsake to remember the day. Art workshops are increasingly popular for milestone birthdays, with costs for group classes ranging from $50 to $100 per person across major Australian cities (Tagvenue).
13. G’Day Sports Day
If you’re a sports enthusiast, host a 40th birthday sports day with your favourite Aussie games. Set up a backyard cricket match, a footy game, or even a thong-throwing competition. Finish off the day with a sausage sizzle and some cold brews. Backyard sports setups and DIY sports parties have seen an uptick, with some party planners offering custom sports day experiences for milestone events at a price range of $500 to $2,000 depending on the scale
14. Aussie Wine Tasting
Take your mates on a wine-tasting adventure to celebrate your 40th. Visit a local winery or host your wine tasting at home, sampling some of Australia’s finest drops. Pair the wines with a delicious spread of Aussie cheeses and gourmet nibbles. Wineries across regions like Hunter Valley or Barossa Valley offer packages that range from $75 to $150 per person for private tastings (Tagvenue)
15. Outback Adventure
Embrace the rugged beauty of the Australian outback with a 40th birthday camping trip. Spend your days exploring the bush, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the great outdoors. At night, cook up a campfire feast and share stories under the stars. Outback camping trips, including guided tours, start from $200 per person for group experiences, depending on the location and duration (VenueNow).
16. Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Host a quirky and fun Mad Hatter’s tea party with an Aussie twist. Serve up an array of bush tucker treats alongside traditional scones and sandwiches. Encourage guests to dress up in their most eccentric attire and enjoy a day of laughter and silliness to mark your milestone birthday. High tea experiences are in demand for milestone birthdays, costing an average of $45 to $85 per person, with venues offering curated packages (Tagvenue).
17. Retro Arcade Party
Bring back the nostalgia of your youth with a retro arcade party for your 40th. Hire some classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and pinball machines. Encourage guests to dress up in 80s attire and enjoy a night of gaming fun with your mates. Retro arcade rentals are gaining popularity, with machines costing around $150 to $300 per day to hire (VenueNow).
18. True Blue Aussie Picnic
Grab your picnic rugs and head to a local park or beach for a laid-back Aussie picnic. Pack a hamper filled with classic Aussie treats like meat pies, sausage rolls, and Tim Tams. Enjoy some backyard games like totem tennis and bocce for an arvo of fun in the sun. Picnic packages in public parks or venues can be organized for around $200 to $600 depending on the number of guests and catering involved (VenueNow)
19. Bush Dance Bash
Get your boots stomping and host a traditional Aussie bush dance for your 40th. Hire a bush band and a dance caller to guide you and your guests through some classic dances like the Heel and Toe Polka or the Stockyards. Complete the experience with a tasty Aussie damper and billy tea. A live bush band can cost from $1,000 to $3,000 for an event, depending on the size of the band and event duration (Tagvenue).
20. Rooftop Cocktails
Celebrate your 40th in style with a swanky rooftop cocktail party. Choose a venue with stunning views of the city skyline, and serve up Aussie-inspired cocktails like the Melbourne Mule or the Sydney Sling. Don’t forget some delicious gourmet finger food to keep your guests satisfied. Rooftop venues in cities like Sydney and Melbourne are increasingly popular, with minimum spends starting from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on guest numbers and services (VenueNow)
21. Film Night Under the Stars
Set up an outdoor cinema in your backyard or at a local park to enjoy a movie night under the stars. Pick a classic Aussie film like Crocodile Dundee, The Castle, or Muriel’s Wedding. Provide comfy seating, popcorn, and some bevvies for a relaxing night of entertainment. Outdoor cinema setups with projector rentals can cost between $300 to $1,000 depending on screen size and equipment needs (Tagvenue)
22. DIY MasterChef Challenge
Inspired by the popular TV show, host a DIY MasterChef challenge for your 40th birthday party. Divide your mates into teams and challenge them to create a delicious meal using a set of mystery ingredients. Set a time limit and have everyone taste and judge the dishes at the end of the night.
23. Karaoke Knockout
Unleash your inner rockstar with a karaoke knockout party. Rent a karaoke machine, set up a stage, and let your guests belt out their favourite tunes. Add some Aussie classics to the playlist like “You’re the Voice,” “Down Under,” and “Khe Sanh” for a true-blue singalong. Karaoke machine rentals can range from $150 to $500 depending on the equipment and duration (VenueNow).
24. Dress to Impress Costume Party
Host a dress to impress costume party and ask your guests to come as their favourite Aussie icon, from famous celebrities to legendary characters. Award prizes for the best costumes and enjoy a night of laughs as everyone shows off their creative outfits.
25. DIY Beer Tasting
Organise a DIY beer tasting with a selection of Aussie craft brews for your 40th birthday. Set up a tasting station with various local beers and provide tasting notes for guests to rate each brew. Pair the beers with classic pub grub like chicken parmigiana, fish and chips, or a hearty meat pie.
26. Treasure Hunt Adventure
Get your mates together for a treasure hunt adventure around your local area. Create a series of clues, riddles, and challenges that lead to a final treasure—perhaps a hidden esky filled with coldies or a delicious BBQ feast. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt and celebrate your 40th birthday with an exciting day of teamwork and adventure.
27. Backyard Lawn Bowls
Transform your backyard into a lawn bowls green and host a laid-back, fun-filled afternoon of lawn bowls. Serve up classic Aussie snacks, play some tunes, and enjoy friendly competition with your mates as you celebrate your 40th in true Australian style.
28. Vintage High Tea
Throw a sophisticated vintage high tea party to celebrate your milestone birthday. Decorate your space with antique crockery, floral arrangements, and lace tablecloths. Serve a selection of sweet and savoury treats, like scones with jam and cream, finger sandwiches, and mini quiches. Offer a variety of teas and even some sparkling wine for an elegant affair. High tea parties typically range from $45 to $85 per person in premium venues (Tagvenue).
29. Pool Party & BBQ
Host a classic Aussie pool party and BBQ for your 40th birthday. Set up a barbie by the pool, and serve up snags, burgers, and seafood. Offer plenty of pool floats, games, and upbeat music for a splashing good time with your mates.
30. Comedy Club Night
Bring the laughs to your 40th birthday party by hosting a comedy club night. Hire a local comedian or two to perform, or let your funniest friends take the stage for a night of hilarity. Serve up some nibbles and drinks for guests to enjoy while they chuckle the night away.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some unique 40th birthday party themes? Unique themes include a Bush Tucker Feast with native Australian dishes, an 80s Dance Party, or a Wine Tasting Adventure. For something nostalgic, try a Retro Arcade Party or a ’90s Sitcom Theme. These ideas offer a mix of fun and personalization that can make your celebration truly memorable. 2. How much does it cost to throw a 40th birthday party in Australia? The cost depends on the type of party. A rooftop cocktail party may cost between $2,000 and $5,000, while a simple beach bash with permits could range from $150 to $500. Wine tastings typically cost $75 to $150 per person, and themed parties like an 80s dance party can be around $1,000 to $3,000. 3. What are the most popular venues for 40th birthday parties? Popular venues include rooftop bars, private dining rooms, and beachfront locations. Other trendy options are wineries for a tasting experience or renting unique spaces like retro arcades or function rooms. Venues in cities like Sydney and Melbourne tend to offer a wide range of options to suit any theme. 4. How can I plan a 40th birthday party on a budget? To save costs, consider hosting the party at home, in a park, or on the beach. Opt for DIY activities like a Backyard BBQ or DIY Beer Tasting to keep costs low. You can also limit the guest list or choose cost-effective entertainment like a karaoke machine rental instead of live performers. 5. What are some fun activities for a 40th birthday party? Activities like karaoke knockouts, pub trivia, treasure hunts, and sports days are fun and interactive options. For something unique, try a DIY MasterChef Challenge or a BYO Art Workshop where guests can unleash their creativity while celebrating. These activities add a memorable and entertaining touch to the party.Unique 40th Birthday Party Venues
