How much does mobile bar hire cost in Melbourne?
By Samantha · Silverwood Station · Updated June 2026 · 6 min read
Mobile bar hire in Melbourne and on the Mornington Peninsula generally starts at around $1,200 for a staffed horse-float bar covering up to 80 guests for three hours, or roughly $60 per person for a smaller satellite cocktail bar. Champagne towers begin at $350, and if you just need staff, bartender hire is $70 per person, per hour. Your final price depends on guest numbers, hours, what's poured and travel.
A useful way to think about it: you're not just paying for drinks. You're paying for a fully equipped bar, licensed and insured staff, glassware, ice, a custom menu and someone else handling setup and pack-down while you enjoy your own event.
What drives the price of mobile bar hire?
Four things move the number up or down more than anything else:
- Guest count: more guests means more glassware, more pouring and, past a point, an extra staff member.
- Hours of service: a three-hour package costs less than a five-hour one. Longer events need more staff time and more ice.
- What's being served: BYO (you supply the alcohol) is usually the most economical; having us supply premium spirits and mixers costs more.
- Location and access: a travel fee applies based on distance, and tricky access or no mains power can add a generator fee.
Mobile bar hire prices in 2026
Here's how our own packages break down, which is broadly representative of quality mobile bar hire across the region:
Staffed float, BYO: from $1,200
Our restored horse float, "Connie", arrives stocked with everything but the alcohol. The three-hour Shetland package is $1,200 and the five-hour Horse package is $1,500, both for up to 80 guests with two RSA-certified bartenders, a custom cocktail menu, glassware, garnishes and an esky of ice. You provide the drinks, which keeps costs down and lets you serve exactly what you love.
Satellite cocktail bar: from $60 per person
For hens and bucks parties or more intimate functions of 20 or more, our "Misty" satellite bar is priced per head at $60, including three hours of service and four cocktails per guest. Per-person pricing often suits smaller, cocktail-focused events better than a flat float fee.
Champagne & cocktail tower: from $350
A four-tier tower of 22 glasses is a showpiece moment. Glassware and the wine barrel start at $350 (BYO), $750 with champagne included, or $850 with cocktails, and those last two prices include the alcohol.
Bartenders only: $70 per hour, each
If you have the space and just want skilled hands, RSA-certified staff are $70 per hour each, including bar equipment. Alcohol and glassware can be added on request.
Is it cheaper to BYO your own alcohol?
Usually yes, and it's about more than money. BYO lets you buy at your own pace, return what you don't open at many bottle shops, and serve the specific wines, beers and spirits you actually want. We hold our own liquor licence too, so if you'd rather not think about it, we can supply the drinks instead. Many couples do a mix: BYO wine and beer, with us handling the cocktails. We break the whole decision down in our guide to BYO vs a fully stocked bar, and there's a fuller comparison on our services page.
What extra costs should I budget for?
Honest quotes name the extras up front. The common ones are:
- Travel fee: based on your event location; always confirmed in writing.
- Extra staff: events over 80 guests add one bartender at $60 per hour.
- Extra glassware: $2 per person for guests beyond 80.
- Generator: a fee applies if there's no 10 or 15 amp power on site.
- Public holidays: a 25% surcharge applies.
- Breakages: lost or broken glasses are $7 each, invoiced after the event.
How do I get an accurate quote?
Because every event is different, the only truly accurate number is a custom quote. To prepare one quickly, we need three things: your date, your guest count and your location. From there we'll recommend the right package and lay out any extras, all in writing before you commit.