22 Brisbane hen’s party ideas for every type of bride

The lavish style of Bacchus at Rydges South Bank creates an idyllic setting for a hen’s party luncheon. Depending on your style, you can opt for degustation dining, a la carte or even high tea, and all options guarantee a feast fit for a queen. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, for a small minimum spend you can reserve an area of Soleil Pool Bar and pop some champers by the pool, Vegas-style.

Fragrance bar

Head to Libertine Parfumerie in New Farm for a group-bonding session at one of their perfume masterclasses. You’ll learn about fragrances from all over the world and spritz and spray to find your perfect scent as you sip champagne (French, of course).

Cocktail cruise

Wine and dine on the Brisbane River for a bachelorette boat bash under the stars with Kookaburra Queens Showboat Cruises. Enjoy dinner and cocktails as you cruise under the Story Bridge and get snap-happy as the neighbouring inner-city precincts provide the ultimate backdrop for your hen’s party photos. You can hire the private dining area or get amongst the action on the main deck. Regardless of where you base yourself, you can be sure the live entertainment will get your whole squad on the dance floor.

High tea

Enjoy high tea under the frangipanis at The Balfour Kitchen at Spicers Balfour in New Farm. Although centrally located with views of the Story Bridge, this exclusive space feels like a mini-retreat far away from the hustle and bustle of New Farm. High tea starts at $79 per person and you can stay on to watch the sunset and indulge in their killer cocktail menu.

Rather than sipping on tea while you dine on canapes, Emporium’s Piano Bar has something else in mind for the drinks menu. Their High Tini session swaps tea and bubbles for cocktails and mocktails that have been paired to match your dainty menu of classic finger sandwiches and next-level sweets like rose tea-soaked scones and pina colada macarons.

A spa day

For the ultimate pre-wedding R&R, take a small group to One Wybelenna for a spa day. You can work with One Wybelenna to design an exclusive treatment package for the bride tribe to really relax and indulge before the big day.

This stunning two-acre Brookfield property provides a nurturing retreat for guests, including private use of the outdoor magnesium spa and pool before and after treatments. It’s the perfect way to wind down before the big day.

The active hen

Pole dancing classes

If there’s one thing you’ve got to try before you say goodbye to singledom, it’s pole dancing. Brisbane has a few studios you can choose from, like Hanger 66 and The Pole Gym, and you can structure the class how you like. Generally, you will be taught a routine, play some fun games and watch one of the pros in action.

Abseling adventure

Your bride-to-be is about to take the biggest plunge of her life so why not warm her up and overcome any fears with a session of abseiling down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

Riverlife will get you kitted up with all the gear you need and provide a strong instructor to help get everyone over the edge.

A dance-off

Loosen up and laugh the night away with a hen’s party dance class. Whether you’re feeling crazy in love like Beyonce, want to turn back time and rock fluoro Lycra, 80s-style, or fancy going full glam and releasing your inner burlesque star, there is a range of different dance class options at Next Step Co. to get the party started.

The biggest benefit? Your crew can repeat the moves flash mob-style at the wedding reception.

Mini golf and more

Tee off the hen’s party with a multi-sensory game of putt putt at Holey Moley. Your group can split into teams of four as you competitively putt your way around the nine-hole course.

Cocktails, tunes and a portable drinks cart are on hand to keep the good times rolling at every hole. Golf attire is encouraged; the quirkier the better.

The party-loving hen

Karaoke night

Nothing breaks the ice or builds comraderie better than a shared chorus of Livin’ on a Prayer. Karaoke is fun at any time of the day. It can be a great way to loosen the squad up at the beginning of the night, or a momentous way to keep the party going well into the early hours of the morning.

Little Big House at South Bank is a heritage-listed Queenslander with free karaoke for up to 25 of your BFFs. The spotlight will be on the bride on her big day, so it is only fair you warm her up with a surprise karaoke solo at the hen’s.

Need a place for the hen to stay the night? Check in to one of Brisbane’s hottest new hotels or for more options, see our Brisbane accommodation guide.

Party on a fire engine

The Hire Engine is a no-brainer for the bride who has a thing for uniforms. This chauffeur-driven fire engine provides you with an Esky so you can BYO drinks, play your favourite tunes and cruise around the river city for your allotted time. Oh, and did we mention that the two drivers are dressed as firemen?

Dinner and a “show”

If drinks, dancing and a ‘show’ ticks every box for your bride’s hen’s party in Brisbane wish list, jump aboard this cruise. Wildboys Afloat offers three-and-a-half hour cruises leaving from Pontoon A South Bank, with dinner included and free drinks flowing all night. This is a recipe that will ensure your party has a lifetime of memories.

The Culinary Hen

Cooking lessons

Golden Pig Food and Wine School offers cooking classes in a variety of different cuisines; think Thai, Mexican street food, Italian and even French Decadence. You’ll be split into groups of four to prepare, cook and plate up a range of entrees, then the Golden Pig chefs take over so your group can kick back and concentrate on the party part of the day. Canapes are included, and you can order some bottles of wine to loosen up before and after hitting the kitchen.

If you’re looking for a more remote escape, head west to the Scenic Rim for a cooking class at the Wild Lime Cooking School. Using native bush ingredients in fusion with other cuisines, you’ll indulge in a two-hour class followed by a three-course lunch with local wine. Your foodie bride and her entourage will then be given afternoon tea as well as recipes and menus from the day to practice on the groom at home.

Cocktail masterclasses

Rock down to Electric Avenue at Woolloongabba for a cocktail-making and tasting class. Your group will have exclusive use of the Mrs J. Rabbits Speakeasy, and you’ll be welcomed with an arrival cocktail and nibbles for only $55pp. If whisky or wine tasting is more your cup of tea, they do those, too.

Winery tours

The stunning surrounds of Sirromet Winery is the perfect place to wine and dine the bride. There are three restaurant options for you to hold the most picturesque ladies luncheon and if your hen is a wine connoisseur, go behind the scenes with a winery tour and tasting for only $20 per person.

Or, winery-hop your way through Mount Tamborine’s unique wine trail in The Vino Bus with a full or half day tour from Brisbane. If you have a booking of eight or more, you’ll receive your own private bus and you can work with The Vino Bus to develop a customised itinerary to suit your hen and her guests.

If you want to stretch your wine tour into a girl’s weekend, Cork ‘n Fork Wine Tours combine a winery tour around Tamborine Mountain with two nights’ accommodation at Witches Falls Holiday House for the bride and up to seven of her closest friends.

The creative hen

Creative workshops

Bid single life adieu in the most creative way possible with a class for the crew at Workshop Brisbane. Try your hand at a life drawing (nude male model included) or for something a little less confronting, opt for a flower crown workshop, jewellery making, cocktail mixology or watercolour and wine. You can choose from any available classes at Workshop Brisbane or work with the team to tailor one to your needs.

Nude drawing classes

Drink champagne and flex your drawing muscles with chiselled lads sporting their birthday suits in the name of art. Art4Play Life Drawing is tasteful enough for your mum and mother-in-law to get involved, and you can head to their New Farm studio or they can bring the party to you. They have packages designed especially for hen’s parties, which include champagne, food, teacher, topless waiters, shoulder massages and more.

Sip and paint

If you prefer the drawing without the masculine energy, Cork and Chroma at West End, and Brush and Barrel in Fortitude Valley are a little more PG. You can book your group into a public session or secure the studio for a private event for $55pp with either company. Sessions run for three hours and you can BYO beverages and nibbles.

The social hen

Plan your day

If you want a (not-quite) blank canvas to plan her day your way, the pretty space at el’ rosa by Arc + Family is the perfect backdrop. The multipurpose pink courtyard can be transformed how you want it and is ideal for a carefree afternoon of mingling and games. From gourmet grazing tables to cocktails and sweets, el’ rosa takes care of the catering.

Hire a venue

Sometimes, something as simple as good friends gathering over good food is all you need for a good time. At Darling & Co, choose from three spaces, depending on numbers and the mood you’re after. Prosecco fountains, high tea, photobooths, gourmet 1.5-metre platters and gold lettering can all be easily arranged.

Or, for a quiet mid-morning affair, gather over a five-course vegan brunch while sipping on Cinzano Spritzes and Kombucha Moscow Mules.

A girls’ night out

You bring the girls; Mr Percivals will provide the buzzing atmosphere, Instagrammable setting and stunning water views. This chic bar down on Howard Smith Wharves is the ideal way to farewell single life without making too much fuss. Reserve an area, order an aperitivo menu of oysters, prawn cocktails, calamari and zucchini flowers, and celebrate with jugs of Pimm’s or glasses of rosé.

For more girl’s night out options, take a look at this list of Brisbane’s best bars. If you’re after a hen’s party with a view, reserve an area at one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars.

Want to go all out? Rent one of these luxury holiday homes in Queensland.

If the bride still trying to decide on a wedding venue, send her this list of Queensland’s best wedding venues, or for something by the ocean, these are the best beach wedding locations in the Queensland.