George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Function areas
There are several areas you can reserve for a function at the gardens.
The function areas below are numbered and match the numbers on the George Brown Botanic Gardens map PDF (4.8 MB) .
You can also get a printable copy of the areas by emailing events@botanicgardenscatering.com.au or calling 0448 950 355.
Read more about how to hold a function at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.
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 |
240 people inside. Up to 500 people banquet style in the event space and decking areas. Larger numbers 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 | Only authorised vehicles can access via Gardens Road. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| 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 a flat grassed lawn surrounded by a border of evergreen shrubs, ground covers and palms.
| Holtze Lawn (11 on map) | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to medium size events |
| Capacity | Up to 200 people |
| Electricity | Yes - 10x15 amp |
| Lighting | Partial - you may need to organise extra lighting |
| Toilets | Located behind the Holtze lawn |
| Water | two bubblers nearby |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Geranium Street entrance off the Stuart Highway. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Via Geranium Street entrance off of the Stuart Highway |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site - 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 | Available on Holtze lawn nearby |
| Lighting |
Minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn. Floodlight option for area – you may need to organise additional lighting |
| Toilets | Adjacent to Holtze lawn |
| Water | Bubbler |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Geranium Street. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Geranium Street car park |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site - 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 in the middle garden bed - 6 x 10 amp |
| Lighting | Limited |
| Toilets | Next to the event centre |
| Water - not drinking water |
Non potable only. There is also water at the event centre |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Geranium Street. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking |
Either Geranium Street or Gardens Road car parks Discuss this with the events coordinator |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site - 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 event centre |
| Water | None onsite |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Geranium Street or Gardens Road entrance. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking |
Via either Geranium Street or Gardens Road entrances. Discuss with the events coordinator |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site. 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 | 1 x 3 phase and 1 x 10 amp |
| 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 |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Gardens Road. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Gardens Road car park |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site. No stakes or star pickets may be used. |
Fountain area
The fountain is a popular area in the gardens. It has a manicured lawn and paved area and is surrounded by trees and palms.
There is a bridge at each end of the pond which is ideal to take photos on.
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 | Available from the pump shed. 1 x 3 phase and 3 x 15 amp |
| Lighting | Yes, minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn |
| Toilets | Behind Eva's Cafe or at the Visitor and Event Centre |
| 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 | Only authorised vehicles can access via Gardens Road. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Gardens Road car parks |
| Special instructions | If you need equipment or want to inspect the site, contact the events coordinator - where possible no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Fountain times
The fountain runs from 7:30am to 7pm on a 30 minute cycle and can't be changed.
- 7:30 - 8am
- 8:30 - 9am
- 9:30 - 10am
- 10:30 - 11am
- 11:30 - 12 noon
- 12:30 - 1pm
- 1:30 - 2pm
- 2:30 - 3pm
- 3:30 - 4pm
- 4:30 - 5pm
- 5:30 - 6pm
- 6:30 - 7pm
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 9 x 15 amp and 5 x 10 amp general power outlets on light poles 3 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 | Opposite Eva's Cafe |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Gardens Road. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Via Gardens Road car park |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site. 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 |
| Water | Opposite Eva’s Cafè |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Gardens Road. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Gardens Road car park |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site. No stakes or star pickets may be used |
Eva's Café
Eva's Café is in the former Wesleyan church near the west entrance to the gardens. It was heritage listed and is now available for private functions such as wedding receptions, birthdays and corporate functions. The café can provide catering for events.
To make a booking at Eva's Café, email 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 See menus and contact details Also available for hire without catering and staff |
| 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 |
You must ensure dance floors, marquees and extra lighting are compliant - discuss this with Eva’s Cafe’s function manager by emailing functions@botanicgardenscafe.com.au A liquor licence also requires special permission |
Cycad Garden
The garden has a complete collection of NT cycads in small and large private shaded areas.
It is easily accessible and is different to other function areas if you want to create a unique event.
| Cycad Garden (23 on map) | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to large events |
| Capacity | Up to 500 people depending on the area |
| Electricity |
Yes – 2 x 10 amp general power outlets 1 x 3 phase power |
| Lighting | Minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn – you will need to organise additional lighting |
| Toilets | Adjacent to the Holtze lawn |
| Water | None available |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via 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 equipment or want to inspect the site - 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.
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Last updated: 22 November 2021
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