Mad Cow Tavern
ProHighlights
- Three bars for hire, from the 20 to 40 guest Outlaws Bar to a level that holds up to 500
- Udder Bar mixes indoor and outdoor space with a dance floor and city and river views
- No booking fee and no bar minimum spend, with shared platters from $110
About Mad Cow Tavern
Mad Cow Tavern has traded on Flinders Street in Townsville City since 1997, running as a late-night bar in the middle of the city. Its functions team hires out three separate bars for birthday parties and big nights out. The Level 1 Bar takes the most guests, an open floor with a dance floor that suits 250 to 500 guests. The Udder Bar takes 50 to 250 and moves between indoor and outdoor areas, with its own dance floor and views over the city and the river. For a smaller group, the Outlaws Bar is a private room for 20 to 40 people. Each space can be styled around the event, and the venue can add balloon garlands, neon signs, a DJ or a photographer. Food is ordered as shared platters sized for 12 or 20 guests and up. Choices run from cheese grazing boards and bread with dips to party pies, sliders, seafood bites, dumplings and a vegetarian selection, and a $500 minimum applies to food orders. Drinks are bought at bar prices, starting at $8 for standard spirits and beers, with cocktails at $15. There is no booking fee and no minimum spend on the bar, and functions are 18+ unless the venue approves otherwise beforehand.
Inclusions & amenities
Venue type
Budget
Food & drinks
Features
Facilities
Pricing
Platters range from $110 to $220, with slider selections at $205 for 30 pieces or $385 for 60. Party styling packages cost $590, $860 or $1,220, DJ hire is $80 an hour and a photographer is $400 for two hours.
Food
Beverages
Availability
Frequently asked questions
How many guests can each bar hold?
The Outlaws Bar suits 20 to 40 guests, the Udder Bar 50 to 250, and the Level 1 Bar 250 to 500 with a dance floor.
Is there a minimum spend or booking fee?
There is no booking fee and no minimum spend on the bar. Food orders have a $500 minimum. If a second enquiry arrives for the same date, a $250 hold fee may be asked for, and it is returned as bar credit.
Can we hold an 18th or 21st here?
Yes, under house rules. A responsible adult aged 25 or over must be there throughout, IDs are checked and no alcohol is served to minors. Security may be required for these events, with the cost paid by the host before the night.
Can the venue decorate the space for us?
Yes. Party packages cost $590, $860 or $1,220 and include delivery and set-up of items such as balloon garlands, backdrops and neon signs. Confetti and glitter are not allowed, and other decorations need the venue's approval.
When is payment due?
A non-refundable deposit of 50% for food and services is due 28 days before the event. The full amount is due 21 days before, and bookings can be released if payments are missed.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Chris Zweigle
3 years ago
Been to plenty of bars around the world and I had a good time the 3-4 times we’ve stopped by the Mad Cow now. Security is there to keep the people safe since the town is flooded currently by military types. Had a bit of…
Joel Rankine
4 months ago
wouldn’t let me in because i had crocs on but let a guy in sandels with his toes out in and told me to go buy shoes
Jhooky_ Gaming
6 months ago
I went to mad cow on Anzac day I was stopped before I could even join the line then when they let me in the line I showed them my ID and they said it wasn't good enough it wasn't expired or anything mind you so I showed…
Poor_socialskills
9 months ago
I went to Mad Cow on New Year's Day 2026 and was charged $50 to enter the venue — that's correct, 50 Australian dollars. I had been informed by a few locals that the typical entry fee was $25 (which is already slightly o…
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