Where to hold a work Christmas party in Parramatta when every restaurant is booked
Church Street is booked out. The function rooms want a minimum spend. Here’s a different kind of venue that’s 15 minutes away, rain-proof and a lot more fun.
Every November, office managers across Parramatta hit the same wall. The good restaurants are full. The function rooms want a huge minimum spend. And nobody wants another long table where people only talk to their neighbour.
An indoor sports venue solves all three. Here’s how it works at Camellia Indoor Sports Centre.
Why a sports venue works for a Christmas party
- Nobody gets stuck in one seat. Mixed teams move around and meet people from other departments.
- Anyone can play. Formats like pickleball and relay games need no skill or fitness.
- Weather can’t ruin it. Everything is indoors.
- Food and fun in one place. Courts, function rooms and an on-site cafe under one roof.
- Easy to get to. Free parking on site and about 400 metres from the Rosehill Gardens light rail stop.
Christmas party formats that work
| Format | What happens | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| The Christmas Cup | Teams play short games of futsal, netball or basketball, then a final | Competitive teams |
| Pickleball social | Round-robin doubles, rotate partners, crown a winner | Mixed ages and fitness |
| Futsal showdown | Fast five-a-side games with team names and a trophy | Sport lovers |
| Festive challenge course | Relays and silly challenges in mixed teams | Everyone |
| Trivia and games night | Quiz rounds and games in a function room | Teams who prefer brains over sweat |
See every format on our corporate Christmas parties in Parramatta page.
Two simple run sheets
Lunchtime celebration (12pm to 3pm)
- Arrive, grab a drink and get your team colours
- Warm-up game and team announcements
- Pickleball social or Christmas Cup games
- Lunch from the cafe
- Awards and thank-yous
After-work party (4pm to 7pm)
- Arrive and settle in
- Festive challenge course or futsal showdown
- Food and drinks in the function room
- Awards for everything, from best tackle to loudest supporter
What it costs
| Space | Size | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Training court | 23.8 m x 15 m | From $120 per hour |
| FIBA court | 28 m x 15 m | $240 per hour |
| Large activity room | 17.3 m x 10 m | $110 per hour |
| Dance room | 14 m x 8.4 m | $110 per hour |
| Full venue takeover | Whole centre | Custom pricing |
Catering from the on-site cafe and a licensed bar are quoted separately. A group of 30 sharing two courts for two hours is often far cheaper than a restaurant minimum spend.
Food, drinks and the fine print
- The on-site cafe can cater from simple platters to a full lunch. Ask about dietary needs when you book.
- Licensed events are available, subject to approval. Book at least 20 days ahead if you want a bar.
- Christmas jumpers, Secret Santa between games and festive team names are all welcome.
December dates go fast. Lock in your preferred date now and sort the details later.
Close to your office
Camellia sits just off James Ruse Drive. It’s an easy trip from Parramatta CBD, Harris Park, Rosehill, Clyde, Granville, Merrylands and Sydney Olympic Park.
Planning a bigger event across Sydney with a full host team? Our sister brand Anderson Events runs Christmas parties at 15+ venues.
Check December dates
Tell us your team size and preferred date. We’ll suggest a format and send a quote.
Lock in your dateFAQs
Is there parking at Camellia Indoor Sports Centre?
Yes. There’s free parking on site. The venue is also about 400 metres from the Rosehill Gardens light rail stop, so staff coming from Parramatta CBD can leave the car at home if they want a drink.
Can we have alcohol at our Christmas party?
Yes, licensed events are available subject to approval. You’ll need to book at least 20 days ahead so the licence can be arranged. Many teams keep the games alcohol-free and serve drinks with the food afterwards.
What if some of our team don’t play sport?
That’s fine. Pickleball, relay games and trivia need no skill or fitness. Mixed teams mean everyone has a role, and anyone who’d rather cheer can join the supporters’ table and still win an award.
Keep reading
Camellia Indoor Sports Centre is an indoor sports venue near Parramatta, managed by Sydney Sports Management Group. Planning a corporate event across Sydney? Our sister brand Anderson Events runs team building and corporate sport at 15+ venues.