Your 40th Birthday is a huge occasion for a lot of people and it is important it goes off right. Whether you are thinking about your own upcoming birthday or planning someone else’s, you want an epic party that will reflect the soon-to-be 40-year-old’s personality and sense of fun. Seeing out your 30s and getting ready for the next decade of adventures deserves a party to remember, so here are a few suggestions to help you get planning!
The Best 40th birthday party ideas for men in Australia
There are plenty of great ways to ring in your birthday from a nice dinner to an intimate gathering and a wilder party. Here we will look at some of our top suggestions for Australian men turning 40 from trips to activities to adventures. Remember though, the best parties involve the people you love, plenty of laughter, and a drink or two!
What to do for men when they turn 40
Take a trip
Nothing says a big birthday quite like getting away! Some of the most amazing spots in the world to visit are right here in Australia. If you have never got round to ticking some of these off your bucket list, or want to go again, think about heading to one of these spots with your nearest and dearest for a wonderful birthday.
- The Great Barrier Reef
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- Whitsunday Islands
- The Gold Coast
- Or go and spend some time in one of the amazing cities near you
Tour a Brewery or Winery
There are many delicious beverages made each day in Australia and it would be rude not to go check one out! Whatever your favourite tipple, taking a tour, a tasting, and having your 40th somewhere like this is a nice way to do something a bit different than just drinking at home.
Go Go-Karting
You are never too old to enjoy tearing around a track with your mates. Wear special vests or print out stickers for your helmets so you know who it is you are over-taking – or is over-taking you! There are lots of circuits to choose from and once you are done make sure you get that podium photo.
Go and see some sports
One great and memorable way to do a 40th birthday right is to pair it with your favourite sport. Get tickets to the cricket, watch some boxing, or have a lavish day out at the races, whatever you prefer. The Melbourne Cup is always exciting viewing and plenty of these activities involve the opportunity to rent out an area or bar, get some food and enjoy yourselves in style.
The best 40th birthday party ideas for women in Australia
There are plenty of women who would also enjoy a day of cricket or go-karting, and others who would prefer something a little different. Here we will have a look at a few suggestions for how Australian women might like to celebrate their 40th. Again whether it is your party or you are planning one for a loved one, you know them best, so think about what they would like best out of these and other options available. Some of these ideas can also be helpful to those looking for the right gift, and if not have a look here for our best 40th birthday present ideas.
What to do for women when they turn 40
Take a boat ride
Who doesn’t like boats? The only thing better than a party is a party on the water, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cross into your 40s!
Have a spa experience
Rather than just getting a massage, make your 40th really special with a day or weekend of treatments, relaxation in the bubbles and a few glasses of bubbly! There are loads of packages and venues to choose from if you think this might be the ideal way to say goodbye to 39.
Get a private Karaoke room
If relaxing isn’t your thing how about singing some classic tunes at the top of your lungs with your nearest and dearest? A private room is the best way to ensure it is just you lot there having fun and hopefully soothe any nerves and stage fright from any of the guests.
Have a cocktail party
Getting cocktail bartenders to come in especially, showing off their flairing skills, can really set a night off. To make it more birthday-specific, many places will create a signature cocktail for the birthday girl!
Tick something off your bucket list when you turn 40
We all have things that we want to do, that we say we will get around to eventually. Well, why not make “eventually”, right now? From trips to adventures and activities, there are loads of great themes and ideas to base your 40th party on here.
- Go Skydiving
- Go Scuba diving
- See the Great Barrier Reef
- Go Paragliding
- Visit Kangaroo Island
- Swim with the dolphins
- Go rock climbing
- Go go-karting
- Go car racing
- See your favourite artist
- Try a dance class
- Go ice skating
- Go rollerblading
- Learn to cook from a professional chef for the evening
- Go to cable beach
There are far too many potential experiences to list here, so whatever it is you have always wanted to do, see, or learn, why not give it a go and make it a 40th to remember?
The best unisex 40th Birthday Party Ideas for Australians
Most of the ideas already mentioned will work well for men and women depending on their own preferences for their 40th. There is no perfect party that everyone would enjoy, the birthday boy or girl should get their perfect party their way. However, here are a few more that could work for everyone, some classic and some a little more random for those who want a party that really is to die for!
Rent out a pub
Adding a relaxed air to many parties, going with a pub venue can be a great choice. Choose the kind that suits you, that has the pub sports of your choice, the drinks you might most want to drink – and enjoy not having to clean up!
Get a band
Or go see one you love. Music so often guides our memories, and the right songs can remind you of so many amazing bits of the last 40 years.
Have an intimate dinner
Not every 40th has to be huge and hectic! If what you really want is to spend the evening with family and close friends then it is up to you. Do make sure the menu reflects the birthday boy or girl’s favourites and that you have plenty of drinks and games to keep you entertained if needed.
Have a game night
Whether you prefer poker, charades, or Catan, there are tons of great games you can play with lots of people to celebrate your birthday how you want. There is no reason you couldn’t have several parties with each group of loved ones and friends, it’s your birthday!
Rent a marquee
It really does make a party memorable when it is outside! Getting a marquee and having the option of in or out, rain or shine is a good way to have a fun and relaxed party that is still elegant and classy. Plus it can be nice to get out of the house for your party to make it more special.
Have a classic house party
For those who don’t feel the need to get out of the house, a classic house party is a retro and successful way to celebrate any birthday! We all remember those key birthdays as we became adults, had our first drinks and had so much fun with our friends. Recreate these memories with a house party chock full of good food, drinks, and the people you most want to spend the evening with.
Have a costume party
Much like above, some of the best parties that you have had in the past may well have been in fancy dress! You can pick any theme from classics like a casino or the 1920s to your favourite films and anything in between. Particularly popular is to pick things from the year you were born including the songs, movies, and even current events. It is a great way to link your history with your future – and have lots of fun!
Have a murder mystery party
Nothing says happy birthday like all your friends questioning each other to find out who the killer is among you! Similarly, escape rooms and other activities can be an exciting and different way to celebrate than a more traditional affair.
Our conclusion on 40th birthday party ideas
All of these are just a few ideas to get you thinking about the kind of party you want to have or throw for your soon to be 40 year old. Whether you want something elegant and timeless or retro and silly there are plenty of options to choose from, and ways to make the party truly you. Think about how you, or they, really want to spend this birthday and celebrate the last 40 years, and you are sure to have a wonderful night. And here’s to the next 40+!