George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
List of function areas
There are several areas you can reserve for holding function at the gardens.
Read below information on function areas or get a printable copy of book the perfect Gardens venue brochure PDF (7.4 MB).
You can also go to hold a function at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.
Map of function areas
The function areas listed below are numbered to correspond with the numbers on this map PDF (6.8 MB).
Visitor and event centre - includes mini amphitheatre
The centre is an air conditioned space with verandas and grassed terraces.
It is suitable for a variety of events including:
- corporate functions
- exhibitions
- presentations
- music and theatre productions
- weddings
- parties.
| Visitor and event centre (19 on map) | |
|---|---|
| Area use | All size events |
| Capacity | Up to 500 people banquet style in event space an decking areas. Larger number can be accommodated using full centre and surrounds. Up to 500 in mini amphitheatre |
| Facilities | Cool room and food preparation area available with limited catering equipment. Delivery area and ramps available |
| Electricity | Power available for most functions. Contact the events coordinator to discuss your needs |
| Lighting | Throughout the centre |
| Toilets | Ladies, gents, unisex accessible including baby change table |
| Water | Various points throughout the centre |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Via Gardens Road |
| Car parking | Gardens Road car park and overflow parking at Geranium Street or Mindil Beach |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator for all requests and questions |
Holtze Lawn
This area features an attractive circle of large golden canes in the central area and a border of colourful evergreen shrubs, ground cover and palms.
| Holtze Lawn (11 on map) | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to medium size events |
| Capacity | Up to 200 people |
| Electricity | Yes - 2x3 phase and 6x15 amp |
| Lighting | Partial - you need to organise extra lighting |
| Toilets | Located in the orientation centre |
| Water | Located in the orientation centre |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access |
Via Geranium Street entrance off the Stuart Highway You must get a key to get through bollards and onto the lawn The only vehicles allowed to enter are for bridal cars, caterers and decorators |
| Car parking | Via Geranium Street entrance off of the Stuart Highway |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need a dance floor, marquee, cool room, extra lighting, or you want to inspect the site. Where possible no stakes or star pickets may be used. |
Secret Moonlight Garden
Secret Moonlight Garden (8 on map) | |
|---|---|
Area use | Small events |
Capacity | 150 people standing |
Electricity | Yes |
Lighting | Minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn. |
Toilets | Located in the orientation centre |
Water | Located in the orientation centre |
Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
Access | Via Geranium Street |
Car parking | Geranium Street car park |
Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need a dance floor, marquee, cool room, extra lighting, or you want to inspect the site - where possible no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Heritage Lawn
This is a large grass area surrounded by a creek bed, gardens and a boab tree.
This area suits large functions and has catered for corporate events and wedding receptions.
| Heritage Lawn (7 on map) | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to large events |
| Capacity | 700 to 800 people |
| Electricity |
Yes - a large power box is at the left of the garden area - 6 x 15 amp 2 x general outlets are on each light pole, available after 7.00pm |
| Lighting | Yes |
| Toilets | Option 1 - in the orientation centre up the hill, closes at 4pm, get a key from the events coordinator You will need to check with the events coordinator about the best option for your booking |
| Water - not drinking water |
On site, get a water riser from the events coordinator There is also water in the orientation centre |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access |
Geranium Street entrance off the Stuart Highway: get a key to remove bollards to enter the lawn Gardens Road entrance: get a bollard-puller to remove bollards to enter the lawn Vehicles allowed to enter are bridal cars, caterers and decorators only Parking for vehicles is short-term only - they are not allowed on the grass Discuss your plans with the events coordinator |
| Car parking | Either Geranium Street or Gardens Road car parks |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need a dance floor, marquee, cool room, extra lighting, or you want to inspect the site - where possible no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Shade Garden
This secluded and peaceful area is at the north side between the rainforest and the open woodlands.
A large stand of tropical trees provides a cool shady atmosphere.
The entrance to this area is via a bridge and boardwalk.
This site provides an ideal venue for small wedding ceremonies, small plays and poetry reading.
| Shade Garden (4 on map) | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to medium events |
| Capacity | 50 people standing |
| Electricity | No |
| Lighting | No |
| Toilets | At the orientation centre up the hill – key required after 4pm, or behind Eva’s Cafe - former Wesleyan Church |
| Water | None onsite - at the orientation centre |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Via main path towards the rainforest, Geranium Street or Gardens Road entrance |
| Car parking | Via either Geranium Street or Gardens Road entrances |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need a dance floor, marquee, cool room, extra lighting, or you want to inspect the site - where possible no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Borassus Lawn
Borassus Lawn (20 on map) | |
|---|---|
Area use | Small to large events |
Capacity | 500 people depending on the area you use |
Electricity | Yes, depending on the area you use |
Lighting | Minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn – you will need to organise additional lighting |
Toilets | Behind Eva's Cafe - former Wesleyan Church |
Water | None onsite |
Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
Access | Via Gardens Road |
Car parking | Gardens Road car park |
Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need a dance floor, marquee, cool room, extra lighting, or you want to inspect the site - where possible no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Fountain area
The fountain is a popular area in the gardens.
A beautiful manicured lawn and paved area are in front and many trees and palms grow behind the fountain.
Bridges at each end of the large pond are perfect for 'fairy tale' wedding photos.
The fountain can be loud so consider holding your ceremony when the fountain is off - times are below.
| Fountain area (24 on map) | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to medium events |
| Capacity | Up to 100 people, standing room only |
| Electricity | There is no electricity onsite but discuss what is possible with the events coordinator |
| Lighting | Yes, minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn |
| Toilets | Behind Eva's Cafe - former Wesleyan Church |
| Water - not drinking water |
Near Eva’s Cafe - former Wesleyan Church At the barbecue area, you will need a tap key |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Via Gardens Road |
| Car parking | Gardens Road car parks |
| Special instructions |
The fountain operates at different times of the day in the wet season than in the dry season Operating times are on a plaque near the fountain or get them from the events coordinator Fountain operating times cannot be changed Contact the events coordinator if you need a dance floor, marquee, cool room, extra lighting, or you want to inspect the site - where possible no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Fountain times in the dry season
1 May – 31 October | |
|---|---|
Fountain is turned on | Fountain is turned off |
9am | 9:30am |
10:15am | 11am |
11:45am | 12:30pm |
1:15pm | 2pm |
2:45pm | 3:30pm |
4:15pm | 5pm |
5:45pm | 6:30pm |
| 7:15pm | 8pm |
Fountain times in the wet season
1 November – 30 April | |
|---|---|
Fountain is turned on | Fountain is turned off |
9am | 9:45am |
10:45am | 11:30am |
12:30pm | 1:15pm |
2:15pm | 3pm |
4pm | 4:45pm |
Coconut Grove
This site is ideal for large gatherings and corporate balls or functions.
| Coconut Grove (27 on map) | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Large events |
| Capacity | 500 to 1000 people banquet style |
| Electricity |
Yes 12 x 15 amp general power outlets on light poles 4 x 3 phase power is available, a C-form plug is available |
| Lighting | Yes, minimal street lighting and lights on ground only from dusk until dawn |
| Toilets | Behind Eva's Cafe - former Wesleyan Church |
| Water - not drinking water | Various points on site – ask the events coordinator for a tap key |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Via Gardens Road |
| Car parking | Via Gardens Road car park |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need a dance floor, marquee, cool room, extra lighting, or you want to inspect the site - where possible no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Central Green - car park
This area is for the light-hearted and fun-seeking and is popular for weddings and parties.
It is partially covered by rain trees and is extremely open, so privacy is not assured.
| Central Green - car park (25 on map) | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to medium events |
| Capacity | 80 people+ |
| Electricity | Yes, 3 x 15 amp general power outlets |
| Lighting | Yes, minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn |
| Toilets | Behind Eva's Cafè - former Wesleyan Church |
| Water - not drinking water |
Near Eva’s Cafè - former Wesleyan Church At the BBQ area On the Coconut Grove lawn, you will need a tap key |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Via Gardens Road |
| Car parking | Gardens Road car park |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need a dance floor, marquee, cool room, extra lighting, or you want to inspect the site - where possible no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Eva's Cafe
Once heritage listed, the former Wesleyan church is near the west entrance to the gardens.
Its vintage and rustic interior provides the perfect environment for private functions.
Offering its own catering for both internal or external events, this site is ideally suited for wedding receptions after ceremonies in the gardens, birthday celebrations, corporate functions and more.
It features an exterior wooden deck under a shade sail, an internal area and front and side outdoor space with shading, all for hire individually or together.
To make a booking at Eva's Cafe, contact functions@botanicgardenscafe.com.au
| Eva's Cafe (26 on map) | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Medium to large events |
| Capacity |
50 to 250 people for a standing event Approximate maximum 80 people seated for dinner on the decking, depending on table layouts |
| Electricity | On the decking, interior and side lawn |
| Lighting | Yes |
| Toilets | Next to the venue |
| Water | Yes |
| Site fees | Different minimum spends apply for weekdays and weekends |
| Opening hours |
Monday to Sunday 7am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday 7am to 3pm Wet Season Monday to Friday 8am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday 7am to 3pm Private functions are available outside these hours |
| Access | Via Gardens Road |
| Car parking | Gardens Road car park |
| Special instructions | Ensure dance floors, marquees, extra lighting, etc. are compliant - discuss this with Eva’s Cafe’s function manager: functions@botanicgardenscafe.com.au |
Eco House
This is a true two storey Darwin house complete with ceiling fans, full louvres, kitchen and bathroom facilities with a lovely under-house area.
Currently operating as The Conservatory & Co Creative Studios and retail hub.
You can find it near the Geranium Street car park in the Snakebean Community Garden area.
Perfect for exhibitions - all rooms have picture hanging rails. Also suitable for community group meetings, training groups and workshops.
| Eco House (16 on map) | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small events |
| Capacity | Up to 20 people seated in lounge room |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Lighting | Yes, minimal |
| Toilets | Internal |
| Water | Internal |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Geranium Street entrance off the Stuart Highway |
| Car parking | Geranium Street car park off the Stuart Highway |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need a dance floor, marquee, cool room, extra lighting, or you want to inspect the site - where possible no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Cycad Garden
This unusual private area features several large and small intimate spots with surprising views and shade.
It’s easily accessible and is quite different from other function areas if you want to create something special.
The area boasts a complete collection of NT cycads.
| Cycad Garden (23 on map) | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to large events |
| Capacity | Up to 500 people depending on the are |
| Electricity |
Yes – 2 x 10 amp general power outlets 2 x 3 phase power |
| Lighting | Minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn – you will need to organise additional lighting |
| Toilets | In the orientation centre down the hill, closes at 4pm, get a key from the events coordinator |
| Water - not drinking water |
On site, get a water riser from the events coordinator There is also water in the orientation centre |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Geranium Street entrance off the Stuart Highway |
| Car parking | Geranium Street car park off the Stuart Highway |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need a dance floor, marquee, cool room, extra lighting, or you want to inspect the site - where possible no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Other function areas
There are other sites in the gardens that may be used for functions.
Most of these don’t have ready access to power or water.
Ask the events coordinator if one of these or any other area or venue may suit your event.
The Triangle
A compact area close to Heritage Lawn.
Frangipani Hill
A large, flat area rising sharply to the right of the main path from Gardens Road car park and opposite Borassus Lawn.
Sensory Immersion Garden
A compact area near the boardwalk.
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Last updated: 23 July 2020
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