Estate
Ticketed & Public Events
Just 15 minutes from Canberra, Goolabri offers a unique bushland setting for live and electronic music, performances, workshops and retreats. With indoor and outdoor venues across 180 acres of gardens, parkland and bushland, it provides an atmosphere enhanced by a connection to nature. It's a place where artists and presenters come to find authentic connection with audiences and guests connect with community.
Our Offering
We're here to support our artistic and entrepreneurial community
Our goal is to provide an opportunity for you to create a successful event
A place for artists and audiences to connect
Goolabri offers a relaxed and immersive setting where events feel personal and memorable for artists, presenters and audiences.
Flexible spaces
Choose from a range of indoor and outdoor venues suited to different styles of performance, from intimate acoustic gigs to multi-band events, movement classes or day retreats.
An atmospheric bushland setting
The bushland surroundings and open-air environment offer a unique backdrop that offers an audience experience enhanced by nature.
Discover how our spaces can be used
Across the grounds you'll find several spaces suited to music performances, gatherings, retreats and workshops. Each offers a different atmosphere, from intimate indoor shows or presentations, to larger outdoor events.
All day multi-artist events
Maximise your Goolabri experience by by hosting a daylight event that makes the most of our stunning natural setting. The Wedgetail Pavilion can host large events with an outdoor feel whilst remaining fully sheltered from the elements, and more stages can be added with The Wren and The Garden Room.
・The Wedgetail Pavilion
・The Wren
・The Garden Room
Intimate gigs
The Wren is the venue of choice for intimate gigs. A small stage opens to both the interior and exterior terrace, depending on the weather. A variety of layouts can be accommodated, from standing room and dancefloor to cabaret style seating and anything in between.
The Garden Room is an alternative option if you don't want to be restricted by a dedicated stage and don't need a bar.
・The Wren
・The Garden Room
Large events
The Wedgetail Pavilion is our venue best suited to large events like festival style events, food & wine expos and markets.
・The Wedgetail Pavilion
Day retreats
Our tranquil bushland setting just 10 minutes from Canberra provides the perfect escape for a day retreat. The most appropriate venue will depend on the size and elements of your event. It's possible that more than one venue would be ideal for a larger event to allow a variety of spaces.
・The Wren
・The Garden Room
・The Ceremony Lawn
・The Wedgetail Pavilion
・Goolabri Estate Grounds
Movement sessions
Our venues are all suitable for movement sessions, but the tranquil Garden Room with its bushland vista is the most popular.
・The Wren
・The Garden Room
・The Wedgetail Pavilion
Regular classes
You can book our spaces for regular classes on an ongoing basis. Have a chat to us about how we can make it work for you.
・The Garden Room
・The Wren
Explore our venues
Each venue at Goolabri has its own character and stage setup. Some are ideal for smaller acoustic performances, while others are suited to full lineups and larger audiences.
The Wren
120 seated ・ 180 standing
Intimate Gigs
A warm, rustic venue with terrace views across the bushland. An intimate indoor space with adjoining outdoor terrace, well suited to smaller gigs.
・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
・Timber folding chairs
・Tall round bar tables & stools
・Trestle tables
Included
・Warm ambient lighting scheme
・String lights above exposed trusses
・Wi-Fi
Optional
・Stage lighting
・P.A. system
・Mixing desk
・Data projector
・Bluetooth
Optional
・Goolabri can manage the bar
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
・Free on-site parking
・See FAQs for essential detail
The Wedgetail Pavilion
450 seated ・ 1000 standing
Large Events
A spacious permanent marquee designed to sit naturally within the surrounding bushland landscape, offering a flexible 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
・Wine barrels
・Cocktail bar (structure only)
Optional
・Large round dining tables
・Timber folding chairs
・Vintage rattan lounge — single seater
・Vintage rattan lounge — two seater
・Tall round bar tables & stools
・Trestle tables
・Outdoor gas heaters
Included
・Warm ambient lighting scheme
・Wi-Fi
Optional
・Stage lighting
・P.A. system
・Mixing desk
・Data projector
・Bluetooth
Optional
・Goolabri can manage the bar
Optional
・You can hire our finishing kitchen in The Wedgetail Pavilion if your your chosen caterer requires it
・See FAQs for essential detail
The Garden Room
80 seated ・ 120 standing
Smaller events ・ Alcohol-free events
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
・Handcrafted timber pews
Optional
・Timber folding chairs
・Tall round bar tables & stools
・Trestle tables
Included
・Warm ambient lighting scheme
・Small P.A. System
・Wi-Fi
Optional
・P.A. system
・Data projector
・Bluetooth
Optional
・Usually not required, but let us know if we can provide more information for you.
Optional
・Tea & coffee facilities
・See FAQs for essential detail
The Lawn
80 seated ・ 160 standing
Transitional space
An open garden space set within manicured gardens with views across the surrounding bushland. It is situated between The Wren, The Wedgetail Pavilion and The Garden Room.
・Permanent shade canopy
・ Views across gardens and bushland
・ Paved access to The Wren a short walk away
・ Restrooms available at The WrenOptional
・Timber folding chairs
・Trestle tables
Optional
・P.A. system
・Bluetooth
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+
Large Events
180 acres of gardens, parkland and bushland offer a variety of natural settings for outdoor events.
・ 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 have the freedom to be flexible in our approach to putting on events. Every event is unique, so the best approach is to have a chat to us about what you want to achieve and we'll try and find a way to come to a mutually beneficial arrangement. Here are a few things to consider;
A guide to planning your event at Goolabri
We’re happy to recommend trusted sound technicians, event staff and suppliers who know the venue well.
You'll find a lot of practical information here on our website, which we're always updating.
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
Give us a call
Let's have a chat
You'll find most information you need on our website, but this is the best way for us to get to understand your needs.
3
Let's discuss finances
We want everyone to do well
We'll figure out what the most equitable financial arrangement is going to be.
4
Lock in your promotional strategy
We're happy to help where we can
Our primary role is to provide the venue, while you are free to promote using your usual methods. This is factored into our pricing agreement.
Ticketed & Public Events 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’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
・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
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
Will there be catering at ticketed events?
Yes, usually Goolabri is happy to arrange mobile caterers to sell to food to guests at the event. There may be other options too, so talk to us about your unique event and we'll figure out a plan that works.
9
Who runs the bar at ticketed events?
Usually Goolabri runs the bar at ticketed and public events. This means we provide the drinks and our staff sell them from our bar to your guests at your event. However, each event is unique so this arrangement is tailored accordingly.
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.
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
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 couples 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.
What people are saying
Di
Hodge
Great place to have a party and chill with your friends and family
Matt
Dent
Adam
O'Mara
Find out about hosting your event at Goolabri
Every event at Goolabri is unique. Getting in touch to talk about how we can work together is your next step.
1
Discuss costs & booking
Dan will talk with you to find a strategy that will work for everyone
Contact Dan at dan@strangehours.com.au or call 0411 112 075 to discuss your options