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
A relaxed bushland setting
The natural surroundings create an easy, welcoming atmosphere for bringing people together.
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 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.
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.
Intimate gatherings
We have venues to suit gatherings with no minimum number to well over 100 standing.
・The Wren
・The Garden Room
Large gatherings
We can accommodate large events with up to 450 seated or 1000 standing.
・The Wedgetail Pavilion
Canapés & drinks
We have venues with bar facilities to suit either smaller or larger gatherings.
・The Wren
・The Wedgetail Pavilion
Formal dining
We have venues to suit smaller or larger events with seated dining and catering facilities.
・The Wren
・The Wedgetail Pavilion
Alcohol-free gatherings
For acohol-free events or smaller family friendly gatherings we have indoor and outdoor spaces that are free from any alcohol related facilities.
・Garden Room
・The Lawn
Entertainment & dancing
For smaller or larger events with live music, DJ's, performance and dancing space for guests we have two venues we recommend.
・The Wren
・The Wedgetail Pavilion
Outdoor gatherings
Our smaller venues both have adjoining outdoor spaces, or if no indoor space is required we have The Lawn. You can also use other spaces on the grounds.
・The Lawn
・The Garden Room — with adjoining lawn
・The Wren — with adjoining terrace
・Goolabri Estate Grounds
Photography locations
Included with all venue hire is access to the grounds, where you can roam to find idyllic locations for private photography sessions.
・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
Parties ・
A warm, rustic venue with terrace views across the bushland. An intimate indoor space with adjoining outdoor terrace, well suited smaller functions.
・Main hall with vaulted ceilings and quintessential exposed timber trusses
・Open fireplace with brick chimney and leather chesterfield lounges
・Bar room with furnished bar and bushland valley views
・Outdoor terrace with built-in seating and sunset views
・Stage opening to both indoor and outdoor areas
・Permanent restroomsIncluded
・Chesterfield lounges
・Contemporary lounges
・Handcrafted tall timber rectangular bar tables & stools
・Built-in tables & bench seats on the terrace
Optional
・Large round dining tables
・Tall round bar tables & stools
・Trestle tables
Included
・Warm ambient lighting scheme
・String lights above exposed trusses
Optional
・P.A. system
Optional
・Goolabri can manage the bar
・You can self-manage the bar in The Wren
Optional
・You can hire our finishing kitchen in The Wren if your chosen caterer requires it
・Set up as early as you need to on your event day
・Access to Goolabri Estate grounds
・See FAQs for essential detail
The Wedgetail Pavilion
450 seated ・ 1000 standing
Private Functions
A spacious permanent marquee designed to sit naturally within the surrounding bushland landscape, offering a flexible indoor–outdoor layout for larger events.
・ Grand masonry entrance staircase
・ Large stage
・ Dance floor
・ Ambient canopy lighting
・ Timber deck overlooking bushland and water
・ Open-air breakout area
・ Indoor–outdoor design with full weather protection
・ All-weather faux grass flooring
・ Permanent restroomsIncluded
・Stone top hutch/ signing table
Optional
・Timber folding chairs
・Vintage rattan lounge — single seater
・Vintage rattan lounge — two seater
・Trestle tables
・Outdoor gas heaters
Included
・Wi-Fi
Optional
・Stage lighting
・P.A. system
・Mixing desk
・Bluetooth
Optional
Optional
・Tall fridges
・See FAQs for essential detail
Furnishing
Included
・Chesterfield lounges
・Contemporary lounges
・Handcrafted tall timber rectangular bar tables & stools
・Built-in tables & bench seats on the terrace
Optional
・Large round dining tables
・Tall round bar tables & stools
・Trestle tables
Sound & Lighting
Included
・Warm ambient lighting scheme
・String lights above exposed trusses
Bar
Catering
Venue Access
・Set up as early as you need to on your event day
・Access to Goolabri Estate grounds
Optional
・P.A. system
Optional
・Goolabri can manage the bar
・You can self-manage the bar in The Wren
Optional
・You can hire our finishing kitchen in The Wren if your chosen caterer requires it
The Garden Room
80 seated ・ 120 standing
Private Functions
An airy and light-filled indoor space with high ceilings and a calm atmosphere, overlooking the gardens. Suited to smaller gatherings.
・ Garden views across the grounds
・ Vaulted ceilings with exposed historic timber trusses
・ Patio and private lawn
・ Entrance foyer with refreshment bar
・ RestroomsIncluded
Optional
Included
Optional
・Bluetooth
Optional
Optional
・See FAQs for essential detail
The Lawn
80 seated ・ 160 standing
Private Functions
An open garden space set within manicured gardens with views across the surrounding bushland. This is a relaxed and natural environment for gathering.
・Permanent shade canopy
・ Views across gardens and bushland
・ Paved access to The Wren a short walk away
・ Restrooms available at The WrenOptional
・Tall round bar tables & stools
・Trestle tables
Optional
Optional
・Usually not required, but let us know if we can provide more information for you.
Optional
・Usually not required, but let us know if we can provide more information for you.
・See FAQs for essential detail
Goolabri Estate Grounds
Flexible capacity 5000+
Private Functions
180 acres of gardens, parkland and bushland nature reserve offer a variety of natural settings for outdoor ceremonies and photography throughout the day.
・ Access to the grounds included with venue hire
・ Rain check for photography
・ Vehicle and pedestrian access
・ Dams, springs and waterways
・ Gardens and open lawns
・ Nature reserve and bushland areas
・ Retired fairways and greens
・ Native birdlife and vegetation
We do things differently at Goolabri. That's what people love. We provide the space for you to create your vision as you see it.
Your event, 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.
A guide to planning your event at Goolabri
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.
1
Choose your spaces
Select the spaces and timing for your event
Start by choosing the spaces that suit your guest numbers and the style of event you’re planning.
2
Choose your catering
Work with the caterer that suits your event
Whether you’re planning a formal seated dinner, relaxed canapé event or festive food vans, you’re free to choose the catering style that suits your event.
We’re happy to share a list of trusted catering professionals who know the venue well, which can make planning much simpler. If you’re using a self-contained caterer such as a food truck you may not need our kitchen, while traditional caterers may choose to use our finishing kitchen.
3
Choose your styling
Create the atmosphere you want for the day
Your dining, furniture and styling choices usually follow your catering plans. A relaxed food-van event may only need simple seating, while a formal dinner may include full table settings.
Goolabri can provide tables, chairs and dinnerware, or you may prefer to work with an event stylist. We’re also happy to recommend stylists and hire companies who are familiar with the venue.
4
Choose your beverage service
Decide how your bar will operate
You can choose whether Goolabri manages the bar or whether you would like to organise it yourself.
5
Choose your entertainment
Bring your celebration to life
Live music, DJs or curated playlists can help shape the atmosphere of your celebration.
We can recommend several professional bands, DJs and entertainment providers who have worked at Goolabri before, or you’re welcome to bring your own.
Private Functions FAQ
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.
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
・select furnishings listed with venue
・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, additional equipment and bar services 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
I love the venue, what’s the next step towards booking?
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 festive mobile caterers.
8.1
Can we choose our own caterer?
Yes — you’re welcome to choose the caterer that suits your event. Many guests use mobile caterers for a more relaxed style of event.
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. The Garden Room does come with a small P.A. System suited to speeches or background music only.
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.
For simple use such as speeches or background music, a sound technician 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.
15
Will there be Goolabri staff on the day?
Goolabri staff will be present at key times to support the basic operation of the venue itself, however we leave you the space to manage your event in your own way. If you have arranged for Goolabri to run the bar, we will provide bar staff.
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.
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
When can I set up my event?
You may set up your event as early as you like on the event day
18.1
How late can music go?
To maintain a positive relationship with our local community, music finish times are
・ Saturday: 11:00pm
・ Sunday–Friday: 10:30pm18.11
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: 11:00pm19
Do we need insurance?
Yes — you’ll need to arrange one-off Event Public & Products Liability insurance. This is very straightforward and typically costs between $220 and $450.
20
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.
20.1
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
Why is there a limit on waste?
Waste limits help protect the venue and surrounding environment, and encourage more thoughtful event planning. Goolabri also has a limited number of waste bins on site.
21.1
How do people usually manage excess waste?
Many guests work with their caterer or suppliers to minimise waste or arrange additional removal if needed.
22
Where is Goolabri and how do guests get there?
Goolabri is located just 15 minutes from Canberra. Guests typically arrive by car or taxi, depending on the event.
23
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 Contact & Visit Goolabri page for more detail.
