The Complete Guide to Finding Coworking Space in Melbourne

ofir891
Aug 15
4 min read

Choosing where you work shapes productivity, inspiration, and professional growth. In Melbourne, coworking spaces offer flexibility and connection without the burden of traditional leases. With the city's strong startup scene and rising demand for adaptable work environments, coworking suits freelancers, remote teams, and entrepreneurs alike.

This guide explores why coworking is growing in Melbourne, the types of spaces available, key locations, local price insights, what to look for, and how to make your decision. It also links to useful resources including pricing breakdowns, event venue choices, and office rental trends to support your research.

Why Choose a Coworking Space in Melbourne?

Melbourne as a Hub for Startups and Innovation

Melbourne’s reputation for creativity and tech is well-established. Areas like Cremorne, often called “Silicon Yarra”, are thriving with digital agencies and startups. These neighbourhoods favour flexible coworking arrangements over long leases.

Better Than Traditional Office Rentals

Unlike conventional offices, coworking spaces eliminate hefty upfront costs and inflexibility. You can scale as needed, from hot desks for solo users to private offices for growing teams.

You might also want to compare with traditional office rental models. Try our detailed guide on office rentals in Melbourne, which outlines lease costs, utility considerations, and fit-out investments.

Networking and Community Perks

The best coworking environments spark connections. Whether through informal chats or structured events, these spaces nurture collaboration. For perspective, check insights from our guide on networking and building business connections.

Types of Coworking Spaces Available

Melbourne coworking caters to diverse needs:

Hot desks: Flexible, low-cost options for irregular users.
Dedicated desks: Reserved spots with personal storage.
Private offices: Enclosed spaces for small teams seeking privacy while staying within a coworking ecosystem.
Niche offerings: Industry-focused spaces like creative studios, tech hubs, or women-led environments.
Day passes / Casual memberships: Great for occasional use or testing a space before committing.

Key Locations for Coworking in Melbourne

Each neighbourhood offers a unique flavour:

Melbourne CBD: Ideal for professionals needing proximity to clients, transport, and prestige.
Fitzroy & Collingwood: Creatives and early-stage startups flock here for its artisanal vibe.
Southbank & Docklands: Sleek, professional spaces with riverside appeal.
Richmond & Cremorne: Home to digital agencies and tech startups.
St Kilda: Coastal, relaxed, and lifestyle-driven, perfect for freelancers seeking balance.

When selecting a location, consider your audience, commute, and work environment preference.

5. What to Look for When Choosing a Coworking Space

Here’s what matters most:

Amenities: Reliable Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, breakout zones, printing, kitchens, plus extras like wellness spaces or event rooms.
Accessibility: Close to trams, trains, parking or bike storage. Suburbs like Richmond and St Kilda often balance affordability with convenience.
Cost & memberships: Some include meeting room credits; others add charges, review carefully.
Community culture: Visit spaces and assess whether the environment energises or distracts you.
Business support: Some hubs offer mentoring programs, small startup support, and events. For coworking spaces that also host events, explore our post on choosing business event venues in Melbourne.

Costs of Coworking Spaces in Melbourne

Based on updated market data:

Hot desks: $150–$500/month or $25–$45/day.
Dedicated desks: $400–$800/month.
Private offices: Starting at $1,200/month for a two-person office; larger team offices can reach $3,000–$6,000+ depending on size and location.

Premium providers like WeWork, Hub Australia, and Spaces are at the higher end, while suburbs like Brunswick, St Kilda, and Richmond often offer budget-friendly alternatives. For a more detailed breakdown of what impacts price, visit our post on Melbourne coworking prices.

Top Coworking Space Providers in Melbourne

Some standout options:

WeWork: Centrally located with modern facilities and a global network.
Spaces: Blends corporate polish with creative flair in places like Collins Street and Richmond.
Hub Australia: Premium Australian-owned brand with a focus on sustainability.
The Commons: Known for design-focused suites and supportive culture.
Inspire9 (Richmond): Startup-friendly with vibrant community programming.
The Cluster (CBD): Central riverside location with professional feel.
Specialty hubs: Examples include creative or eco-focused workspaces that resonate with niche professionals.

Tips for Finding the Right Space

Strategy matters:

Take a trial: Understand the atmosphere and reliability before signing up.
Read reviews: Hear from current members about internet, management, and community.
Match work style: If you need quiet focus, steer clear of social hubs. If collaboration energises, choose lively communities.
Plan for growth: Aim for spaces offering flexible expansion options to avoid repeated moves.

Future of Coworking in Melbourne

Key trends to watch:

Hybrid working models: Businesses are reducing leased office space and using coworking for occasional team days.
Sustainability: Expect more providers with energy-efficient design, low-waste services, and green credentials.
Specialised communities: Women-led, creative, or eco-centric hubs are growing.
Wellbeing: From standing desks to wellbeing rooms and healthy catering, coworking is evolving into holistic workspaces.

Conclusion

Coworking in Melbourne combines flexibility, community, and professional facilities in a way that makes sense for freelancers, startups, and growth-focused teams. By understanding your work needs, budget, and preferred environment, you can choose a space that supports both productivity and business growth.

Start your coworking journey today in Melbourne, book a tour a few spaces, ask questions, and pick the one that feels like the best fit.