George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

List of function areas

There are several areas you can reserve for holding function at the gardens.

See information on how 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.

Holtze lawn area

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	From $350, non-refundable for individuals
Bond	$450 signed bond authority invoked only if the area is not returned in good order
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. Floodlight option for area – you may need to organise additional lighting
Toilets	Located in the Orientation Centre
Water	Located in the Orientation Centre
Site fees	From $350, non-refundable for individuals
Bond	$450 signed bond authority invoked only if the area is not returned in good order
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 - 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 Option 2 - behind Eva's Cafe - the former Wesleyan Church 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	From $350, non-refundable for individuals
Bond	$450 signed bond authority invoked only if the area is not returned in good order
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 Discuss this with the events coordinator
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 rain forest 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	From $350, non-refundable for individuals
Bond	$450 signed bond authority invoked only if the area is not returned in good order
Access	Via main path towards the rain forest, Geranium Street or Gardens Road entrance 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 these vehicle is short-term only - they are not allowed on the grass Discuss your plans with the events coordinator
Car parking	Via either Geranium Street or Gardens Road entrances Discuss this with the events coordinator
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	From $350, non-refundable for individuals
Bond	$450 signed bond authority invoked only if the area is not returned in good order
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 Cafè - former Wesleyan Church At the BBQ area, you will need a tap key
Site fees	From $350, non-refundable for individuals
Bond	$450 signed bond authority invoked only if the area is not returned in good order
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 can not 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
9.00am	9.30am
10.15am	11.00am
11.45am	12.30pm
1.15pm	2.00pm
2.45pm	3.30pm
4.15pm	5.00pm
5.45pm	6.30pm
7.15pm	8.00pm

Fountain times in the wet season

1 November – 30 April
Fountain is turned on	Fountain is turned off
9.00am	9.45am
10.45am	11.30am
12.30pm	1.15pm
2.15pm	3.00pm
4.00pm	4.45pm

Coconut grove

This large, sunny, level lawn area is on the left side of the Gardens Road entrance and the central car park.

This site is ideal for large gatherings and corporate balls or functions.

	Coconut Grove (27 on map)
Area use	Large events
Capacity	500 - 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 till 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	From $350, non-refundable for individuals
Bond	$450 signed bond authority invoked only if the area is not returned in good order
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

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	From $350, non-refundable for individual
Bond	$450 signed bond authority invoked only if the area is not returned in good order
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

Evas 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	50-250 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
Bond	$1,000 deposit to secure booking
Opening hours	Monday to Sunday 7am - 3pm Saturday and Sunday 7am - 3pm Wet Season Monday to Friday 8am - 2pm Saturday and Sunday 7am - 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 A liquor licence requires special permission

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.

Near the Geranium Street car park in the Snakebeaners Community Gardens area.

Perfect for exhibitions - all rooms with picture hanging rails - 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	$100 per day non-refundable, $600 per seven days non-refundable for individuals
Bond	$450 signed bond authority invoked only if the area is not returned in good order
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	From $350, non-refundable for individuals
Bond	$450 signed bond authority invoked only if the area is not returned in good order
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: 20 June 2018