George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Function Locations
- Holtze Lawn
- Heritage Lawn
- Wesleyan Church
- Fountain Area
- Borassus Lawn
- Shade Garden
- Coconut Grove
- Central Carpark
Holtze Lawn
This expanse of slightly undulating lawn area features an attractive circle of large Golden Canes in the central area of the lawn, and a border of colourful, evergreen shrubs, ground covers and palms etc, located around the perimeter of the lawn area.
View the map location. (pdf 58Kb)
| Area use: | Small to medium size events. |
| Capacity: | 100 - 120 people. |
| Power: | Yes. There is 2x3 phase and 6x15 amp. |
| Lighting: | Partial. Will need to organise additional lighting. |
| Toilets: | Orientation Centre. |
| Water: | Orientation Centre. |
| Site fees: | $100.00 non-refundable. |
| Bond: | $400.00 refundable. |
| Key fee: | $50.00 refundable - access to toilets via Orientation Centre. |
| Access: | Via the main entrance boom gate at Geranium Street. However there are bollards in place and a key must be obtained to gain entry. Vehicles allowed to enter through here would be the bridal car, catering or any disabled people with vehicles. |
| Car Parking: | Via Geranium Street entrance. |
| Special instructions: | Dance floors must be placed on the bitumen area only. |
Heritage Lawn
A large expanse of grassed areas, fronting a bitumen roadway at the front, two sides are cordoned by a creek bed and the rest is surrounded by garden beds and a Kimberly Boab Tree. This garden is one of the most popular with many large private functions being held here.
View the map location. (pdf 58 Kb)
| Area use: | Large events. |
| Capacity: | 700-800 people. |
| Power: | Yes. Located on a 3 phase outlet to the front left of the garden area. Single phase or 240 volt power is also available but only after 7:00pm, these are located on each light pole. |
| Lighting: | Yes. |
| Toilets: | Orientation Centre (up the hill – close at 4pm) or returning to the front entrance near the Wesleyan Church. |
| Site fees: | $100.00 non-refundable. |
| Bond: | $400.00 refundable. |
| Key fee: | $50.00 refundable – access through Fountain Area. |
| Access: | Via Gardens Road usually, if not Geranium Street entrance maybe used, up to the discretion of the Curator. |
| Parking: | Parking can be at either Geranium Street or Gardens Road entry. |
| Special instructions: | Dance floors to be placed after site meeting with Botanic Gardens Curator. |
Wesleyan Church
This is an ideal area for functions such as weddings, wedding receptions and balls, etc. Poetry / word readings and rehearsals are also popular. The building has had extensive renovations and is in immaculate condition. There is a large spacious decking attached on the back of the church, which allows for entertainment under the stars.
View the map location. (pdf 58 Kb)
| Area use: | Small to medium size events. |
| Capacity: | 100 people can stand up in the church. |
| Power: | Yes, there is 4 double 240 volt power points situated inside the church. Lights and fans are also located inside. |
| Lighting: | Yes. |
| Toilets: | Near the Wesleyan Church. |
| Water: | Near the Wesleyan Church. |
| Site fees: | $100.00 non-refundable. |
| Bond: | $400.00 refundable. |
| Key fee: | $50.00 refundable. |
| Access: | Via the Gardens Road entrance to main carpark. |
| Parking: | Gardens Road carpark. |
| Special instructions: | Dance floors can be placed on the existing decking only. |
Fountain Area
The fountain is the most popular area in the Gardens. A beautiful manicured lawn and paved area is situated directly in front of the fountain. The backdrop to the fountain is highlighted with numerous tall trees and palms. There are bridges situated at each end of the large pond and are perfect for those "fairytale" wedding shots. The fountain is lit each night and highlights each jet with an individual light.
View the map location. (pdf 58 Kb)
| Area use: | Small to medium size events. |
| Capacity: | Up to 100 people (standing room only). |
| Power: | Yes, via the BBQ area or the Wesleyan Church, depending on the event. |
| Lighting: | Yes - minimal. |
| Toilets: | Next to the Wesleyan Church. |
| Water: | Near the Wesleyan Church. |
| Site fees: | $100.00 non-refundable. |
| Bond: | $400.00 refundable. |
| Key fee: | $50.00 refundable. |
| Access: | Via Gardens Road. |
| Parking: | Via Gardens Road. |
| Special instructions: | The Fountain has different times for both the wet and dry season. Details are available on a plaque near the fountain or in the Wedding Functions Information Kit. These times cannot be changed. |
Borassus Lawn
This large open area is situated up from the fountain area. Its name is because it has large Borassus trees planted in the area which is the feature of the lawn. It is shaded by a variety of trees including raintrees.
View the map location. (pdf 58 Kb)
| Area use: | Small to medium size events. |
| Capacity: | 80 to 100 people. |
| Power: | Power is very limited and the closest outlets would be the BBQ area or the church. Consult with the curator about this topic. |
| Lighting: | There is no immediate lighting in the vicinity although floodlights shine on the carpark. |
| Toilets: | Near the church, across the carpark. |
| Site fees: | $100.00 non-refundable. |
| Bond: | $400.00 refundable. |
| Key fee: | $50.00 refundable. |
| Access: | Via Gardens Road entrance. |
| Parking: | Via Gardens Road entrance. |
| Special instructions: | Dance floors can be placed on the grass but consult with the Curator when booking your function. |
Shade Garden
This secluded, peaceful, private area of the Gardens is located at the northern side (St John's College) between the rainforest and the open woodlands area. A large strand of tropical shade trees provide a cool shady atmosphere. The entrance to this area is via a bridge/boardwalk leading down the steps to two round circles of pavers set off by two porcelinite stone walls surrounded by pastel and white-coloured scented flowering plants. This site provides an ideal venue for wedding ceremonies, small plays and poetry reading.
View the map location. (pdf 58 Kb)
| Area use: | Small to medium size events. |
| Capacity: | 50 people standing. |
| Power: | No. |
| Lighting: | No. |
| Toilets: | Orientation Centre. |
| Water: | Orientation Centre. |
| Site fees: | $100.00 non-refundable. |
| Bond: | $400.00 refundable. |
| Key fee: | $50.00 refundable. |
| Access: | Via walkway towards Rainforest, Geranium Street or Gardens Road entrance. |
| Parking: | Via either Geranium Street or Gardens Road entrances. |
| Special instructions: | Receptions can be held on the surrounding grassed areas. Our most popular is the Holtze Lawn Area. |
Coconut Grove
This large, sunny, level lawn area is located on the left hand side of the Gardens Road entrance and the Central Car Park. This site is ideal for large gatherings and corporate balls / functions.
View the map location. (pdf 58 Kb)
| Area use: | Large events. |
| Capacity: | 500 - 1000 people banquet style. |
| Power: | Yes. |
| Lighting: | Yes. |
| Toilets: | Next to Wesleyan Church. |
| Water: | On site. |
| Site fees: | $100.00 non-refundable. |
| Bond: | $400.00 refundable. |
| Key fee: | $50.00 refundable. |
| Access: | Via Gardens Road entrance. |
| Parking: | Via Gardens Road entrance. |
| Special instructions: | Dance floors must be placed near the power board. |
Central Carpark
This area is for the light hearted and fun seeking. It is quite popular with weddings and parties. This area is partially covered by four Rain Trees and is extremely open. Privacy is definitely not assured.
View the map location. (pdf 58 Kb)
| Area use: | Small to medium size events. |
| Capacity: | 80 people. |
| Power: | Yes. |
| Lighting: | Yes - minimal. |
| Toilets: | Next to the Wesleyan Church. |
| Water: | On site. |
| Site fees: | $100.00 non-refundable. |
| Bond: | $400.00 refundable. |
| Key fee: | A key is not really necessary with this area. |
| Access: | Via Gardens Road. |
| Parking: | Via Gardens Road. |
