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The National Arboretum offers unique indoor and outdoor venues for hire for a variety of functions and events:
View the Map of Venues.
We can usually organise a venue to suit your special event. Whether indoors or outdoors, most of our venues offer panoramic views over the Arboretum and Canberra.
Ginger Catering (chef Janet Jeffs) are the official caterers at the National Arboretum Canberra. They offer a range of menus and packages for events and functions, whether large or small.
For all function venue enquiries and bookings at the National Arboretum, call Ginger Catering on 02 6273 4366 or email info@gingercatering.com.au.
There are three meeting room venues to choose from:
2018 Venue Hire Prices
2019 Venue Hire Prices
Venue and Site Hire | Deposit | Cancellation fee | Timing |
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Corporate Event | 100% of venue hire, payable on booking confirmation | 100% of deposit | Deposit is transferable to an alternative date but is not refundable |
25% total value of the booked event | 90 - 30 days prior to event | ||
50% total value of booked event | 29 - 8 days prior to event | ||
100% of total value of booked event | 7 days or less | ||
Weddings and Private Events | Initial deposit = 25% of estimated total cost, payable on booking confirmation. Second deposit = a further 25% of estimated total cost, due a minimum of 60 days prior to event. | 100% of initial deposit | Initial deposit is not refundable or transferable |
50% of estimated total cost | 60 - 30 days prior to event | ||
100% of total value of booked event | 30 days or less |
Phone 02 6273 4366 or email info@gingercatering.com.au.
Venue and Site Hire | Mon - Thu Fees GST Inc | Fri - Sun Fees GST Inc | 2018 Flat Fees GST Inc | Notes | ||
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Village Centre Available 4pm - 12am (Not available 9am to 4pm). Post 12am by arrangement and charged at hourly rate. | $1,643 | $2,105 | N/A | Booking fee covers venue access by negotiation, dependant on venue set up requirements. An additional hourly fee is payable if venue is not vacated by the hirer and their suppliers by midnight. Fee includes deck outside for pre-dinner drinks. Function space is presented as at time of booking and will require accommodating permanent interpretive displays, with additional costs for removal of these if required. No cost for removal of temporary displays. Venue hire rates for the low season winter months of June, July and August 2018 will be reduced by 20%. Venue hire rates for wedding receptions booked in the Village Centre on Monday-Thursday year round will be reduced by 20% (winter discount does not apply in addition). An additional mandatory charge for security applies to all wedding receptions and engagement parties in all venues. Refer to Security and static guard current rates | ||
Conservatory Restaurant group bookings | $551 | $717 | N/A | Only available when Village Centre is not booked for functions. Restricted to northern end of the Village Centre and a maximum of 120 pax. On a trial basis to 31/12/2018 venue hire does not apply to breakfast events of less than 60 pax. An additional mandatory charge for security applies to all wedding receptions and engagement parties in all venues. Refer to Security and static guard current rates | ||
Margaret Whitlam Pavilion | 8am to 5pm $105 per hour, minimum 4 hours (half day). $630 for the full day (8am to 5pm). $154 per hour from 5pm to 12am. Max 4hr charge. $237 per hour post 12am, by arrangement | 8am to 5pm $132 per hour, minimum 4 hours (half day). $794 for the full day (8am to 5pm). $265 per hour from 5pm to 12am. Max 4hr charge. $397 per hour post 12am, by arrangement | Weddings $1,100 for 2 hour wedding ceremony including audio system. | Max 80 seated theatre style or 138 standing. Wedding flat rate includes use of in-house audio equipment. Additional AV for all functions may be arranged through the preferred supplier for an additional charge. Catering and other inclusions may be negotiated with Ginger Catering. Maximum 4hr charge between 5pm - Midnight. An additional mandatory charge for security applies to all after hours functions in all venues. Refer to Security and static guard current rates | ||
Terrace Room and Discovery Garden - limited daytime access | 8am to 5pm $95 per hour, minimum 4 hours (half day). $560 for the full day (8am to 5pm). $110 per hour from 5pm to 12am. Max 4hr charge. $205 per hour post 12am, by arrangement | 8am to 5pm $105 per hour, minimum 4 hours (half day). $733 for the full day (8am to 5pm). $155 per hour from 5pm to 12am. Max 4hr charge. $330 per hour post 12am, by arrangement | The Terrace Room is available (indoor) and Discovery Garden (outdoor) for functions and events - 40pax seated indoors only and up to 120pax combining both indoor and outdoor areas. Prior inspection is essential. Limited use for seated dinners. During general visiting hours- 9.00am-4.00pm- the Discovery Garden remains accessible to the general public . Please note: The Terrace Room is also used for Arboretum facilitated educational and school holiday programs, children's facilitated birthday parties and Arboretum community based activities. | |||
Additional venues and services | ||||||
Outdoor Weddings and special ceremonies | quote to be supplied | All wedding ceremonies of any size must be pre-booked, minimum fees apply. Event infrastructure or external suppliers is not permitted without prior approval. Groups of 30 or more must book a forest site. Public Use Policy and site conditions apply Enquiries; info@gingercatering.com | ||||
Bonsai Collection venue hire with guided tour after hours 4pm to 9pm | $551 | $717 | Restricted to Bonsai area with supervised after-visiting hours viewings and guided tour of Bonsai collections. A maximum 100 people allowed in viewing area at on time. Booking of the Village Centre or the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion as wet weather alternatives is recommended. | |||
Bonsai viewing in association with booked private functions after 4pm until latest 8pm | $280 | $360 | Supervised after-hours limited access to viewing the Bonsai collection - no interpretation. Max 100pax access at any one time. Can only be booked in conjunction with a catered function booking of the Village Centre or other areas or as otherwise negotiated | |||
Arboretum pre-dinner Guest speaker - 30minutes | $105 | Trained Arboretum guide with strong public speaker skills to give an overview of the Arboretum and highlight special areas. Ideal for conference delegates and those interested in the vision and mission of the Arboretum. | ||||
Audio and AV hire | VC 3 x drop-down screens $250 | Screens are 5.2metres wide and drop from ceiling. Requires high powered projectors on stands | ||||
MWP PA system $200 | In-built system with speakers. May also take plug-in music. For additional audio or visual equipment - access the panel of AV providers for a quotation | |||||
VC Grove HD Screens $100 each | Three x 2.4 meter high double portrait HD screens available to show corporate messages or other images. Must be booked no later than 3 weeks prior to a function and all content submitted in correct format. | |||||
Whiteboard and flip charges $55 | Must be booked no later than 2 weeks prior to a function | |||||
Amphitheatre | - | - | $5,250 plus $2625 per additional day | Large outdoor venue, not suitable for half day hire. Base Rates include one day bump in and one day bump out. Power is available | ||
Main Events Terrace Lawn | - | - | $1575 first 36 hours, $788 per 24 hours thereafter | All day use. Includes North Event Terrace use. Price includes allowance for bump in and out within 36 hours. Power and potable water is available | ||
South Event Terrace | - | - | $1250 first 36 hours, $625 per 24 hours thereafter | All day use. Price includes allowance for bump in and out within 36 hours. Power and potable water is available. | ||
Gallery of Gardens | - | - | $210 first 2 hours (minimum charge) $84 per hour thereafter | There are four gardens available for hire. The capacity varies but is estimated at a maximum 100persons. Three Gardens can accommodate a medium sized 12 x 6metre marquee- additional charge or self supplied. Power and potable water are available for each garden | ||
Cork Oak Forest and Dairy Farmers Hill | N/A | N/A | $210 first 2 hours (minimum charge) $84 per hour thereafter | Bookings required for groups of more than 30. As exclusive use of the outdoor spaces cannot be guaranteed, through consultation with Arboretum management a suitable space can be arranged and the booked area will be signposted as reserved for a function. Additional costs may apply for public events or larger functions. | ||
Venues Booked Through The Arboretum Visitor Services TeamPhone: 6207 8484 or Email: arboretum@act.gov.au | ||||||
Venue and Site Hire | Mon - Thu Fees GST Inc | Fri- Sun Fees GSt Inc | 2018 Flat Fees GST Inc | Notes | ||
Green Room | $88 hourly rate, minimum 4 hours, maximum charge $440 | Available during business hours 9am - 4pm and weekend days by arrangement. Includes use of whiteboard, flip charts and in ceiling projector. Users must bring their own laptop to connect. | ||||
Green Room Exhibitions | 9am -4 pm | 9am - 4pm | $770 min. 2 week period. Additional weeks @$220 per week | Exhibitions in the Green Room are a minimum of two weeks and includes 3 weekends.Fee includes bump-in and use of the gallery hanging system. Exhibitors are responsible for all works and need to be in attendance throughout the exhibition. Access to the Green Room by other parties for meetings and after-hours function storage forms part of the exhibition agreement. Works for sale must be processed through an agency agreement with the Curatoreum gift shop. Further terms and conditions available on application. | ||
Exhibitions in the Village Centre south area | - | - | $1,654 | Exhibitions to be minimum four weeks including 5 weekends or by negotiation. Includes use of the 5 box screens 1500 x 500 x 2500 high, 6 flood lights and positioning thereof, basic midweek 2 hr early evening opening event (use of space). Catering not included and required to be arranged through Ginger Catering. Exhibition may be moved to accommodate evening functions. Further terms and conditions available on application. Works for sale must be processed through an agency agreement with the Curatoreum gift shop. | ||
Himalayan Cedars - BBQ and tables area | - | - | - | This venue is ONLY available for general public use on a first come-first served basis. Suitable for small family groups of less than 30people during the day and early evening. No lighting available. Groups of 30 or more are required to book a forest area. All wedding ceremonies of any size must be pre-booked, fees apply. Enquiries; info@gingercatering.com | ||
Hire of other irrigated grass areas for regular exercise/recreational training use | - | - | $29 per hour | Applies to irrigated grass areas on Events Terrace when there are no other booked events, during gate opening hours. Exclusive use not guaranteed. Max group size 30. | ||
Use of all other areas including roads and trails | - | - | $4.30 per participant. | Includes competitive or non-competitive cycling, running, walking, equestrian or other events. No charge for events that traverse the Arboretum as part of a longer route and which have already incurred a use charge from Parks and Territory Services. Additional event facilitation fees may apply. |
Note: Tours and activities are booked direct with the Arboretum Visitor Services team or via online ticketing system as shown. Enquiries: 6207 8484 or Email: arboretumbookings@act.gov.au
Notice given | Cancellation fee |
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Greater than 30 days | No fees apply |
7-29 days | 25% of quoted fee |
6 days to 48 hours | 50% of quoted fee |
If noticed provided is less than 48 hours | 100% of quoted fee |
VENUE and | Mon-Thu Fees GST Inc. | Fri – Sun Fees GST Inc. | 2018 Flat Fees GST Inc. | Notes | ||
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Description | ||||||
Introductory Free 20 min talks AM and PM | - | - | Free of charge | Provided by Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra trained guides at scheduled times | ||
Twice weekly free 1hr guided walks | - | - | Free of charge | Provided by Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra trained guides Wednesdays and Saturdays | ||
Monthly Special themed long walks. Bookings required | - | - | $7.00 | Mostly 3rd Sunday of the month. Online Bookings required Places limited to 20 per group. https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/visit/whats_on | ||
Group Bookings / Specialist Tours / Other | ||||||
Walking group guided tours | - | - | $9.25 full $7.00 concession | Booking required. Minimum number is 10 people. Catering packages available by arrangement through Ginger Catering. No charge for Friends of the Arboretum. | ||
Bus Group Guided Tour | - | - | $9.25 full $7.00 concession | Booking required with minimum 1 week notice - minimum number is 20 people. Approx 1 hour tour, provided to groups arriving by bus, onboard microphone required. | ||
School; Self guided tours (with short introduction) | - | - | Free of charge | Provided by Friends of the Arboretum Canberra guides at scheduled times, bookings required. | ||
Facilitated Education Program (domestic only) | N/A | N/A | $7.00 per person | Minimum 10 participants. Program vary by arrangement. Curriculum relevant available. Booking required. Catering packages available by arrangement through Ginger Catering. | ||
Mini guided schools bus tour | N/A | N/A | $4.85 per person | Minimum 10 participants. Program vary by arrangement. Booking required. Catering packages available by arrangement through Ginger Catering. | ||
School Holiday Programs | N/A | N/A | $10 - $90 per child depending on program | Maximum 20 participants per group session. Programs vary and cost includes all materials. Bookings required. | ||
Children's Facilitated Birthday Parties Kite Party Forest Adventure Party | - | - | $367.50 for up to 15 children | Maximum 15 participants per group facilitator per session. Programs vary and cost includes all materials. Bookings required minimum 2 weeks prior.From 2018 - all bookings to be made on-line www.stickytickets.com.au | ||
After hours Education Programs Mon - Fri 4 - 8:30pm Daylight Saving period only | - | - | $9.40 per child for up to 1.5hrs | Minimum 40, maximum 75 participants with 2 facilitators. Other conditions apply. Bookings minimum 4 weeks in advance. Catering packages by separate arrangement | ||
Specialist VIP tour/event | $121 per hour up to 10 participants weekdays 9-5pm plus $12.10 per additional person/hr | $243 per hour up to 10 participants after-hours & weekends plus $24 per additional person/hr | Ticketed event fee | By arrangement or bespoke guided tours during business hours or on weekends. Flat fee applies to ticketed events arranged by the Arboretum- prices vary according to nature of event. | ||
Bonsai Tours during normal VC hours | N/A | N/A | $8.30 full $7.20 concession, $6.20 when booked in conjunction with another tour. | 30 minute guided group tour of Bonsai display area during normal visiting hours 9am-4pm, by special arrangement only. Min 10 and max 25 people. Not available on weekends. | ||
Bonsai workshops and masterclasses | - | - | Various | From March 2018, there will be various workshops and masterclasses available for beginners to advanced . Bookings essential. Enquiries; arboretum@act.gov.au |
Item | Fee or charge | Comment |
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Flat Fees | ||
Bond for Events | Varies | Determined based on assessment of risk to property of a particular event. |
Paid parking fees | $2.20 per hour to a daily max of $8.20* | Fee has been determined following comparison to parking fees across the ACT. Fees apply 7 days a week from 9.00am-5.00pm |
Overflow car parking fees by arrangement | $551 per level or part thereof / day | This rate does not include night lighting beyond the first 2 tiers. This rate applies regardless of whether the area is used for parking or for another purpose. |
Event Supervision, facilitation and planning | $108 per hour | This rate covers staff costs and will be discussed with proponents in advance. The rate will be used 7 days a week between the hours of 7am and 7pm as required. Afterhours rates quoted on request |
Security/static guard costs for functions and events | $185 for the first four hours or part thereof, plus $46 per hour thereafter. | Mandatory for wedding receptions and engagement parties and as determined by Arboretum Management |
Lock In Release Fee | $65 | Cost recovery of the fee charged by the Security Company to release visitors who fail to comply with the gate closure time and are locked in. |
Annual Parking Pass – Friends of the National Arboretum | $27.50 per car | Purchase with Friends membership. |
Annual Parking Pass | $49.60 per car | Purchase through Friends as a single product. |
Foundation Member | $10,000 | A Foundation membership is a lifelong membership. The membership fee is tax deductible if paid in the Arboretum's gift fund. Benefits include:
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Lifetime Member | No charge. By appointment only. | Appointed by ACT Chief Minister for individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of the National Arboretum Canberra. Benefits as per Foundation Membership. |
Private or public use of a venue for which entry/participation fees are charged will normally be subject to the full fee as above. Waiving or discounting of fees may occur in the following circumstances. In all cases where venue hire fees are waived or discounted, the Arboretum may nonetheless charge the approved Event Supervision, Facilitation and Planning fee where appropriate to meet some or all costs incurred.