Estate
Private Functions
Just 15 minutes from Canberra, Goolabri offers a relaxed bushland setting for birthdays, anniversaries and private celebrations. With a range of indoor and outdoor venues across 180 acres of gardens, parkland and bushland, it provides a unique setting for gatherings of all kinds.
Whether you're planning a long lunch, evening celebration or milestone birthday, Goolabri offers spaces where friends and family can come together and enjoy the occasion.
Our Offering
Flexible spaces for your celebration
Choose from a range of indoor and outdoor venues suited to different styles of gatherings, from long lunches to evening celebrations.
A relaxed bushland setting
The natural surroundings create an easy, welcoming atmosphere for bringing people together.
A blank canvas for your event
Start with the space and shape the celebration around your plans, with the freedom to choose your own catering, styling and entertainment.
Easy to plan, easy to enjoy
With a straightforward approach and flexible options, you can create a celebration that suits your style without unnecessary complexity.
Discover how our spaces can be used
Across the grounds you'll find several spaces suited to celebrations, dining and social gatherings. Each offers a different atmosphere while allowing the natural surroundings to be part of the experience.
Celebration Spaces
Choose from indoor and outdoor venues suited to different styles of gatherings, from relaxed to more structured events.
・The Wren
・The Wedgetail Pavilion
Outdoor Spaces
Open areas across the grounds provide space for guests to gather, relax and move between different parts of the event.
・Goolabri Estate Grounds
Photo & Moment Spaces
Natural areas around the property offer opportunities for photos and quiet moments throughout the event.
・Goolabri Estate Grounds
Explore our venues
Each venue at Goolabri has its own character and setting. Some work well for relaxed gatherings, others for larger celebrations, while many can host different parts of your event.
The Wren
120 seated ・ 180 standing
Celebration ・Indoor ・ Events
An intimate venue suited to smaller celebrations. A warm indoor venue with character, ideal for smaller gatherings and celebrations.
・ Indoor space with warm atmosphere
・ Lounge and dining areas
・ Bar room and terrace
・ Stage for music or speeches
・ Restrooms
The Wedgetail Pavilion
450 seated ・ 1000 standing
Celebration ・ Reception ・ Events
A spacious venue suited to larger celebrations and gatherings. A flexible indoor–outdoor venue suited to larger parties, with space for dining, music and socialising.
・ Indoor–outdoor layout for celebrations
・ Space for dining and entertainment
・ Stage and dance floor area
・ Lighting and sound available
・ Bar and breakout spaces
・ Restrooms
The Garden Room
80 seated ・ 120 standing
Celebration ・ Indoor ・ Events
300 acres of gardens and bushland for relaxed outdoor celebrations. An airy indoor venue suited to smaller celebrations or daytime events.
・ Indoor space with natural light
・ Suitable for smaller gatherings
・ P.A. system available
・ Restrooms
The Lawn
80 seated ・ 160 standing
Celebration ・ Outdoor ・ Events
An open outdoor space suited to relaxed gatherings. A relaxed outdoor setting suited to informal celebrations and gatherings.
・ Open space for relaxed gatherings
・ Suitable for outdoor celebrations
・ Flexible layout for seating and movement
Goolabri Estate Grounds
Flexible capacity 5000+
Celebration ・ Outdoor ・ Events
300 acres of gardens and bushland for relaxed outdoor celebrations. The wider grounds offer space for outdoor celebrations in a natural setting.
・ Outdoor areas for celebrations
・ Flexible use of gardens and lawns
・ Natural bushland setting
We do things differently at Goolabri. That's what people love. We provide the space for you to create your vision as you like.
Your celebration, your way
What will your event look like?
At Goolabri we provide the venue while you shape the event around your plans. Celebrations here work a little differently to traditional venues — there are no fixed packages and you only pay for what you actually need.
This approach works well for hosts who enjoy choosing their own catering, styling and entertainment. While we don’t provide event planning or setup, we’re always happy to recommend trusted suppliers who know the venue well.
Most of the information you need is already here on our website, and during your venue tour we’re happy to answer any remaining questions.
Take a look through the steps below and you’ll be well prepared to build your quote and book a venue visit.
A guide to planning your event at Goolabri
1
Choose your spaces
Select the spaces and timing for your event
2
Choose your catering
Work with the caterer that suits your event
3
Choose your styling
Create the atmosphere you want for the day
4
Choose your beverage service
Decide how your bar will operate
5
Choose your entertainment
Bring your celebration to life
Private Function Venue Hire Inclusions
Goolabri provides the venue and the essentials, with the flexibility to add what you need and choose what suits your event.
1. Venue Hire Inclusions
Your selected venue space
House furnishings
The Wren
- Chesterfield lounges
- Tall timber bar tables
The Wedgetail Pavilion
- Cocktail bar
- Stone top hutch
- Wine barrel
- Dancefloor
- Stage
Ambient venue lighting
Access to gardens and surrounding areas for photography
Complimentary rain check for photography
Free on-site parking
Restroom facilities
Waste and recycling bins
Wi-Fi
2. Optional Extras from Goolabri
Beverage bar — managed by Goolabri
Furniture
- Round tables
- Trestle tables, 1800 x 700mm
- Timber folding chairs
- Bar tables, round 400mm
- Cane Lounge — Single Seat
- Cane Lounge — Two Seater
Finishing kitchen
- The Wren
- The Wedgetail Pavilion
Tall fridges
P.A. System
Bluetooth
Outdoor gas heaters
3. Your Suppliers
Event planning
Beverage bar — Self-managed
Entertainment
Catering & Dinnerware
Event styling & decor
4. Your Essentials
A single nominated event contact
Cleaning
Event insurance
5. Your Essentials for Large Events
Removal of excessive waste
Parking attendants
Security staff
Your selected venue space
The spaces you’ve chosen for each part of your event.
House furnishings
The Wren
- Chesterfield lounges
- Tall timber bar tables
The Wedgetail Pavilion
- Cocktail bar
- Stone top hutch
- Wine barrel
- Dancefloor
- Stage
Ambient venue lighting
Soft lighting throughout the venue to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Access to gardens and surrounding areas for photography
Plenty of natural locations across the property for photos throughout the day.
Complimentary rain check for photography
If weather impacts your photos, you’re welcome to return for a follow-up session.
Free on-site parking
Ample parking available within the property for guests.
Restroom facilities
Accessible facilities located within or near your venue.
Waste and recycling bins
A set number of bins is provided for general use during your event.
Wi-Fi
Frequently Asked Questions
Events at Goolabri are flexible and self-directed. A few key things to keep in mind:
・ We provide the venue, while you shape the event around your plans
・ There are no fixed packages — you choose what to include
・ You’re free to work with your own suppliers
・ We’re happy to recommend trusted professionals who know the venue well
The FAQs below cover the practical details to help you plan your event.
1
Does Goolabri provide event planning?
Goolabri is a venue hire space, which means you have the flexibility to organise your event in your own way.
2
Is this a dry-hire venue?
Yes — Goolabri operates as a flexible venue hire space. You choose how your event comes together and only pay for what you need.
3
What’s included with venue hire?
Venue hire includes access to your chosen space along with essential facilities such as:
• the venue itself
• ambient house lighting
• a professional P.A. system
• restroom facilities
Additional items and services can be added depending on your needs.4
Which items are included and which are optional?
Venue hire covers the essentials, while furniture, styling elements and additional equipment can be added as optional extras depending on your plans.
5
Will I be paying for anything I don’t need?
No — the pricing model is designed so you only pay for what you choose to include. You can adjust your quote at any time to suit your plans and budget.
6
How can I access your preferred suppliers?
We’re happy to share recommendations for trusted suppliers who know the venue well. These are typically provided once you begin planning or during your venue tour.
7
What’s the next step?
Once you’ve explored the website and built a quote, the next step is to book a venue tour. This gives you a chance to see the spaces in person and ask any remaining questions.
8
Does Goolabri provide catering?
Goolabri does not provide catering. This allows you to choose a catering style that suits your event, whether that’s a formal dinner, shared plates or food vans.
8.1
Can we choose our own caterer?
Yes — you’re welcome to choose the caterer that suits your event. Many couples use food vans or mobile caterers for a more relaxed style of celebration.
9
Who provides and serves drinks?
You have two options:
• Goolabri can run the bar. This means we provide the drinks and our staff sell them from our bar to your guests at your event. You can use a bar tab or pay-as-you-go.
• You provide the drinks and set up your own bar, and your own RSA-certified staff can serve (not sell) them to guests at your event.9.2
Do I need to pay for drinks packages for all guests?
No — there are no fixed drink packages. You can choose how drinks are served based on your event and your guests.
9.3
What if some of my guests don’t drink?
You’re free to structure your beverage service to suit your guests, including offering a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
10
Is the P.A. system included with venue hire?
The P.A. system is available to hire as an optional extra, but not included with venue hire. The benefit of using our in house system is that it is already tuned to the venue for optimum sound quality.
10.1
Does the P.A. system come with someone to operate it?
No. The P.A. system does not come with a sound technician or operator.
For simple use such as speeches or background music, a sound technician or operator is not required.
If your event involves live music or more complex audio, we recommend engaging a professional sound technician. We’re happy to suggest providers who are familiar with the venue.10.2
Is the P.A. system suitable for live bands?
Yes. Our P.A. systems in both The Wren and The Wedgetail Pavilion are suitable for live bands.
If artists have specific technical sound requirements, talk to us and we will be happy to provide more detail.10.3
Can I bring my own P.A. system?
Yes — you’re welcome to use your own equipment if it suits your event.
11
Why does Bluetooth need to be booked in advance?
Bluetooth access is scheduled to ensure reliable use during your event. Booking in advance helps make sure everything is ready when you need it.
13.3
If I’m using multiple venues and I want to use all the bars, how does that work with the quote?
Your quote can be customised to include multiple spaces and any associated equipment or services. Each element can be adjusted to suit how you plan to use the venues.
15
Will there be Goolabri staff on the day?
Goolabri staff will be present at key times to support the operation of the venue and ensure everything runs smoothly.
16
Do you provide security?
Security is required for larger events (typically over 180 guests). We can help you arrange suitable security staff if needed.
16.1
Why is security required for larger events?
Security helps ensure the safety and smooth operation of larger gatherings, particularly where guest numbers are higher.
17
What parking is available?
Ample free parking is available on site. For larger events, it’s helpful to arrange attendants to guide guests on arrival.
18
How late can music go?
To maintain a positive relationship with our local community, music finish times are
• Saturday: 11:00pm
• Sunday–Friday: 10:30pm19
How late can the event continue?
Event finish times are slightly later than music cut-off to allow time for guests to wind down:
• Saturday: 11:30pm
• Sunday–Friday: 11:00pm20
Who is responsible for cleaning?
You’re responsible for leaving the venue as you found it. This can be done by hiring a cleaner or organising it yourselves. A cleaning deposit is required at booking.
21
Who is responsible for rubbish removal?
A limited number of bins are provided. Any additional waste will need to be removed, so it’s helpful to plan ahead depending on your event size.
21.1
Why is there a limit on waste?
Waste limits help protect the venue and surrounding environment, and encourage more thoughtful event planning.
21.2
How do people usually manage excess waste?
Many couples work with their caterer or suppliers to minimise waste or arrange additional removal if needed.
23
Do we need insurance?
Yes — you’ll need to arrange one-off Event Public & Products Liability insurance. This is usually straightforward and typically costs between $220 and $450.
24
Where is Goolabri and how do guests get there?
Goolabri is located just 15 minutes from Canberra. Guests typically arrive by car, taxi or rideshare depending on the event.
24.1
Can guests get taxis or rideshares to and from Goolabri?
Yes — taxis and rideshare services are available, although availability may vary later in the evening.
25
Is everywhere accessible by wheelchair?
All venues are accessible.There are easy paved surfaces to The Wren, Garden Room & Ceremony Lawn. To access the Wedgetail Pavilion we provide accessible parking next to the venue. See our Visiting Goolabri page for more detail.
What our guests say
Amazing experience
Elizabeth
Williams
Great venue. Out of the city amongst a quiet bush setting
James
Lucy
Book your function at Goolabri today
Every celebration at Goolabri is a little different. Explore pricing by building a quote and book a venue tour to see the spaces in person.
1
Build your quote
Get an accurate quote instantly
Select your venues and booking times, then add any optional extras to your quote.
You’ll see your itemised, transparent quote straight away — and you can adjust it live as many times as you like.
When you’re ready to book, all your details carry through automatically, so you only need to enter them once.
All in as little as five minutes!
2
Tour the venue
Come and see for yourself
Once you’ve explored the venue information and built your quote, you’re ready to come and see Goolabri for yourself.
Book a tour to take a closer look at the spaces, grounds and facilities, and get a feel for how your event could come together. We’ll also be there to answer any remaining questions you may have.