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Weddings

Goolabri offers a relaxed bushland setting where your whole wedding day can unfold in one place — from ceremony to reception and photography, a range of indoor and outdoor venues and across 180 acres of bushland, gardens and parkland just 10 minutes from Canberra.

Our Offering

Flexible spaces for your ceremony & reception

Choose from a range of ceremony and reception spaces across the Goolabri grounds. From open gardens to indoor venues, each space can be arranged to suit your plans and create a natural flow from ceremony through to reception.

A beautiful setting for photography

Take a quiet moment together to explore the grounds and enjoy a relaxed photography session. Goolabri offers gardens, parkland, bushland and dams, with native birdlife and animals often part of the scene.

A blank canvas to create your event

Start with the space and shape the day around your plans. We provide the venue while you choose the caterer, styling and entertainment, giving you the freedom to create a celebration that feels like your own.

Transparent, customisable quotes

Design your own quote online and see the results instantly. Adjust your plans in real time and only pay for what you choose. Our pricing is clear and transparent from the beginning.

Events at Goolabri bushland venue near Canberra with indoor and outdoor spaces

Discover how our spaces can be used

Across the grounds you’ll find several spaces for ceremonies, receptions and photography. Each offers a different atmosphere while allowing the natural surroundings to highlight the day.

Ceremony spaces

Ceremonies can take place in several locations across the Goolabri grounds, from open gardens to more secluded bushland settings. Each space offers a different atmosphere while keeping the natural surroundings at the centre of the day.

・The Ceremony Lawn
・The Garden Room & Chapel
・Goolabri Estate Grounds

Reception spaces

After the ceremony, celebrations can continue across a range of indoor and outdoor reception venues. From relaxed outdoor gatherings to more structured indoor celebrations, each space can be arranged to suit your plans.

・The Wren
・The Wedgetail Pavilion

Photography Locations

The grounds offer many natural backdrops for photography throughout the day. Gardens, bushland, parkland and waterways are all within easy reach of the main venues.

・Goolabri Estate Grounds

Explore our venues

Each venue at Goolabri has its own character and setting. Some are suited to ceremonies, others to receptions, while many can host several parts of your event.

The Wren

120 seated ・ 180 standing
Reception ・ Photography
A warm, rustic venue with terrace views across the bushland. An intimate indoor space with adjoining outdoor terrace, well suited to smaller receptions and relaxed celebrations.

  • ・Main dining 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 restrooms

  • 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

  • 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

    ・Complimentary rain check for photography on the grounds

The Wedgetail Pavilion

450 seated ・ 1000 standing
Ceremony ・ Reception ・ Photography
A spacious permanent marquee designed to sit naturally within the surrounding bushland landscape, offering a flexible indoor–outdoor layout for larger celebrations.

  • ・ 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 restrooms

  • Included

    ・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

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

・Complimentary rain check for photography on the 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 & Chapel

80 seated ・ 120 standing
Ceremony ・ Photography
An airy and light-filled indoor space with high ceilings and a calm atmosphere, overlooking the gardens. Suited to smaller ceremonies and canapé-style gatherings.

  • ・ Garden views across the grounds
    ・ Vaulted ceilings with exposed historic timber trusses
    ・ Patio and private lawn
    ・ Entrance foyer with refreshment bar
    ・ Restrooms

  • Included

    Optional

  • Included

    Optional

    ・Bluetooth

  • Optional

  • Optional

The Ceremony Lawn

80 seated ・ 160 standing
Ceremony ・Photography
An open garden ceremony space set within manicured gardens with views across the surrounding bushland. This is a relaxed and natural environment for wedding ceremonies.

  • ・Permanent shade canopy
    ・ Views across gardens and bushland
    ・ Paved access to The Wren a short walk away
    ・ Restrooms available at The Wren

  • Optional

    ・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.

Goolabri Estate Grounds

Flexible capacity 5000+
Ceremony ・ Photography
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 wedding, your way

What will your wedding look like?

At Goolabri we provide the venue while you shape the event around your plans. Weddings here work a little differently to traditional venues — there are no fixed packages and you only pay for what you actually need. Many couples tell us they love the freedom this approach gives them.

A guide to planning your event at Goolabri

It works best for couples who enjoy making their own choices and deciding where to invest in their day. While we don’t provide event planning or setup, we’re always happy to recommend trusted suppliers who know the venue well, which can make planning much easier.

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 these steps and you’ll be well prepared to build your quote and book a venue tour.

1

Choose your spaces

Start by choosing the spaces that suit your guest numbers and the style of wedding you’re planning

You may use just one of our venues, or include up to three on your quote. For your ceremony you might choose The Ceremony Lawn, while also booking and The Garden Room & Chapel as an alternative in case it rains. For your reception you might choose The Wren or The Wedgetail Pavilion. You'll be able to set up as early as you need to on the event day.

2

Choose your catering

Work with the caterer that suits your event.

Whether you’re planning a formal seated dinner, relaxed canapé reception 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, whether you would like to organise it yourself, or to have an alcohol-free event.

5

Choose your entertainment

Bring your celebration to life

Live music, DJs or curated playlists help shape the atmosphere of your celebration.

We can recommend bands, DJs and entertainers who have worked at Goolabri before, or you’re welcome to source your own.

Weddings 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: 10:30pm

    18.11

    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: 11:00pm

    19

    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.

Getting Here & Away

Goolabri is located just minutes from Canberra, with easy access by car and on-site parking available. See maps, directions, parking, venue access & transport tips. 

Visiting Goolabri

What couples are saying

The team at Goolabri went out of their way to make our wedding perfect.
We were the first clients to use their new marquee and our big Indian wedding had 300 guests and a 2 hour ceremony. They worked with us to bring our vision to life as the marquee was being built and made sure all the details were covered. They were so helpful in allowing us to bring our decorators and caterers in at any time. They just made the process really easy and stress free. On the day, the team was on the ground to ensure that the new marquee didn't have any problems. I can't speak highly enough of this venue and their team. They bring a personal touch to their events and make their clients feel very welcome and cared for. The marquee itself is a gorgeous white structure overlooking the bush. It felt open and airy. The rustic charm was perfect and provided a great backdrop for all the ceremony colours and decorations.
Shrujna
P
Amazing experience
My hubby and I got married here in 2011, and I contacted them about doing mums 60th birthday this year. Only small group but they catered for us so beautiful. Food was really amazing and came out with good timing, venue to ourselves and set up beautifully. Love the location. Really special evening. Great service. Thanks James and Joel for wondering evening.
Elizabeth
Williams
Went to a wedding once and now we want to get married here too
Went to a wedding once and now we want to get married here too.
Ben
Hawkins
It was a chapel wedding like no other and I have to say, I shed a few tears
It was one of the most beautiful emotional ones because their vows were amazingly wonderful and heartfelt. My friends couldn't have picked a more perfect place for their event; canapés were on offer for the starving hoards and, when we sat down for dinner, the food was excellent! I had the eggplant for entrée as well as the main (couldn't eat the pork as I don't eat pork at all) but from what I heard, it was to everyone's taste. The décor was really pretty too with swathes of white fabric and twinkling lights and lovely timber everywhere. Plenty of seating outside for those wanting to see the beautiful view and pretty grounds. We were given model aeroplanes to play with until the service so that was a lot of fun until they ended up on the roof!
Selina
Vulcano
Ben and the team at Goolabri were beyond incredible and made our night even more unforgettable!
Nothing was too much for Ben and he was so easy to talk to any time of the day. Thank you so much Ben and the Goolabri team for everything you did for us on our special day!
Emily
A
Beautiful venue, friendly staff, delicious food and reasonable prices
We recently got married at Goolabri and couldn't be happier. The location was very convenient for all guests to travel to and is naturally beautiful. I would highly recommend Ben and the team at Goolabri to anyone looking for event space.
MissBMW
​
They were great! We absolutely loved the venue, it was just perfect for us!
It was the perfect combination of what my husband and I wanted and they made everything very smooth for us and were so accommodating.
Jennifer
M
It was perfect! They were very accommodating with what we wanted to do.
We chose to have a cocktail style wedding and they were very flexible and wanted to help us in any way they could.
Damien
M
They were excellent!
The management were great to work with, we had a really great time.
Matt
L
Great!
The location is incredible and the staff were really accommodating and flexible.
Luke
O
Good!
The ease of everything was great.
Belinda
M
Goolabri was the all in one venue for the ceremony, reception and photography.
We were able to use some of the cottages on the property to get ready beforehand. It had a beautiful relaxed country vibe, and had the benefit of being so close to Canberra. The ceremony/chapel space was perfect for our exchanging of vows, it created an intimate vibe and we particularly loved the exposed beams and the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the bush. The lawns were lovely for pre-dinner drinks and canapes, and the rustic pub/restaurant was great to have the reception in. There was plenty of space for a live band and dance floor. The staff at Goolabri went above and beyond to help us set up the space with our own decorations and flowers, and the wait staff were 100% on top of several guests with special dietary requirements and actively sought them out with specially made canapés. Goolabri even helped organise a courtesy bus for our guests to get home safely at the end of the night. We had approximately 150 guests in total, and they accommodated that amount with ease.We look back on our wedding with such happy memories, mainly due to how wonderful everything at Goolabri was, and the professionalism of the staff.
Amber
G
Couldn’t have been more relaxed.
Danni
M
Fantastic Venue.
Extremely helpful wedding team who obviously enjoy what they do!!!
Robert
T
Cannot recommend Goolabri highly enough.
Ben and the team were absolutely wonderful - so flexible and easy going! Goolabri has a wonderful bush setting with lovely gardens and charming venues. The food was great too, and we weren't locked into a set package or minimum spend. Highly recommended.
Rebecca
K
Stunning food.
Definitely be using them again! Stunning venue absolutely beautiful!!!
Jasmine
M
I recently held my wedding at Goolabri and everything was perfect!
The venue was the perfect blend of rustic country and modern luxury, the staff were attentive, helpful and professional throughout the whole process, and the food and catering were well and truly above and beyond. We are so grateful to the whole team at Goolabri and strongly recommend them to anyone wanting to hold a perfect event.
Michael
Webeck
An amazing venue!
We had so many comments from our guests about their top service. Flawless service all night! Ben is great and we couldn’t have asked for any more!
Sam
C
Ben and the team made our day effortless.
They ensured we were fed, despite our crazy photo schedule and the food was delicious! The space was beautiful, the location was perfect and all staff were friendly. We highly recommend Goolabri.
Bridie
M
Ben and the team at Goolabri made our day special.
The venue is beautiful and despite moving into the garden room due to inclement weather, it was still stunning. The service was brilliant, the food is DIVINE and no-one went home hungry. Ben accommodated all our COVID changes, plus some last minute guest additions with a smile. Nothing was too much trouble. We would highly recommend them.
Meg
G
My husband and I just had our wedding reception at the Wedgetail Pavilion at Goolabri on Saturday August 1 2020.
James was extremely accommodating for us during what was a very stressful time to plan a wedding. James was very patient with us as we changed our date due to coronavirus, answered all my questions, arranged times to meet on several occasions and helped us throughout the whole experience. He truly made our wedding planning experience that much better with his excellent service and experience in event planning. The pavilion itself was wonderful, it looked amazing and was really picturesque. The food was plentiful and tasted amazing, all our guests loved everything and the table service was great. Our event did need to be seated to comply with state restrictions, but Goolabri staff ensured that this did not have overwhelming effects on the feel of our day. It was perfect.
Emma
H
The second time we've paid for a Wedding Reception here
Location, food, staff and facilities were superb. James and co a pleasure to deal with. Nothing was too much trouble and they're very flexible.
StorkyboyT
​
The bloke James who organised everything was really good, there were no dramas there with anything.
They put together food and drinks for us, all the staff were great and very organised. We had everything there, the ceremony on the lawn, and the reception at the Wedgetail pavilion. Anything we wanted them to get they got, easy!
Maddi
B
My husband and I decided on Goolabri the moment we arrived for our site visit.
The grounds are gorgeous and in Spring the gardens are full of colour. The team at Goolabri were incredibly patient and provided us with some brilliant advice along the way. At no point did they try and shape the day to fit them, it was always about what we wanted and how we could make it happen. Our package included use of the Garden room for the ceremony, the lawns and the Iron bar. We had quite a large wedding with 90 or so guests and found Goolabri to be very competitive with their pricing, especially compared to the Canberra area. Our package included a 5 course degustation menu with our cake served as the last course. The food was great, there was lots of it and our guests had a really great time. The only thing that could have made it better, was if they had accommodation available on site.
Megan
B
They were incredible!
They had everything in a package that suited us really well which was our favourite part, and the service was absolutely amazing. Our wedding coordinator was very prepared and very approachable.
Fiona
M
Excellent! Very simple process, stress free and it was a great experience.
Food was fantastic, catered to a wide range of dietary requirements and there were no hidden charges. Highly recommend!
Luke
P
We had a fantastic wedding at Goolabri
Dan and the team helped us put together just the wedding we were after. The service was great and food was absolutely 5 star
Alex
Spokes
Goolabri provides a casual, welcoming environment with excellent food and gorgeous surrounds
Charissa
D
I cannot rave enough about my experience with Goolabri for my wedding.
Dealing with Ben the event manager was not only hilarious but so wonderfully easy. He had fantastic ideas and worked so hard to bring my beautiful, but relaxed wedding seamlessly together, so much that not once on my night did I have to worry about "what comes next". I just danced, ate and laughed letting him lead the way! Dan is an amazing, innovative chef. He has created a way to serve a degustation menu, that is so unique and brilliant my guests have not stopped raving about it. And the location is to die for! Married in their chapel with sweeping views of the beautiful green landscape, perfect lawns and damns to have photos taken against and an amazing reception space with an updated, yet boutique, rustic feel. No travelling between venues. Everything you need and more! Love love love this venue. Thank you Goolabri so much, easily the best wedding venue in town!
B
Parker
Very beautiful place for a wedding ceremony and reception.
Friendly staff and great food.
Kylie
L
Magic location, especially the Wedgetail Pavilion
Enjoyed a stunning wedding there!
Ben
Motlop

Book your wedding at Goolabri today

Every wedding at Goolabri is a little different. Explore pricing by building a quote and book a venue tour to see the spaces in person.

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