George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

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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 08 8941 8110.

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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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: 14 November 2024

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