Estate
Workshops & Retreats
Just 15 minutes from Canberra, Goolabri offers a peaceful bushland setting for workshops, retreats and small group gatherings. With a range of indoor and outdoor venues across 180 acres of gardens, parkland and bushland, it provides an inspiring environment for learning, creativity and reflection.
Whether you're hosting a yoga retreat, art workshop, music gathering or outdoor learning experience, Goolabri offers spaces where people can step away from everyday distractions and focus on the experience.
Our Offering
Flexible spaces for group sessions
Choose from indoor and outdoor areas suited to workshops, movement, creative sessions or group discussions.
A setting that supports focus and reflection
The quiet bushland environment provides space to step away from distractions and engage more deeply in the experience.
A blank canvas for your workshop
Start with the space and shape your session around your plans, whether you're running a one-day workshop or a retreat-style event.
A calm and considered environment
Goolabri offers a setting that supports learning, creativity and connection without feeling overly structured or commercial.
Discover how our spaces can be used
Across the grounds you'll find several spaces suited to workshops, group sessions and retreat-style gatherings. Each offers a different atmosphere while allowing the natural surroundings to support focus and connection.
Group Session Spaces
Workshops and group sessions can take place across a range of indoor and outdoor environments.
・The Garden Room & Chapel
・The Wren
Outdoor Practice Areas
Open spaces across the grounds are suited to movement, reflection and outdoor sessions.
・Goolabri Estate Grounds
Breakout & Reflection Spaces
Quieter areas allow participants to step away, reflect or connect in smaller groups.
・Gardens and surrounding areas
Explore our venues
Each venue at Goolabri has its own character and setting. Some are suited to quiet indoor sessions, while others provide open outdoor spaces for movement, creativity or group activities.
The Wren
120 seated ・ 180 standing
Workshops ・ Indoors ・ Group Sessions
An intimate venue suited to smaller workshops and discussions. A warm indoor space suited to smaller workshops, discussions and group work.
・ Indoor space for workshops and discussion
・ Lounge areas for smaller groups
・ Terrace for breakout sessions
・ Restrooms
The Wedgetail Pavilion
450 seated ・ 1000 standing
Workshop ・ Retreats ・ Group Sessions
A spacious venue suited to larger workshops and group sessions. A flexible indoor–outdoor venue suited to larger workshops, group sessions and retreat-style gatherings.
・ Large open space for group sessions
・ Indoor–outdoor flexibility
・ Stage or focal area for facilitation
・ Sound system available
・ Breakout areas nearby
・ Restrooms
The Garden Room
80 seated ・ 120 standing
Workshops ・ Indoors ・ Group Sessions
A light-filled indoor space suited to focused sessions. An airy indoor venue suited to focused sessions and small group work.
・ Indoor space with natural light
・ Suitable for seated or movement sessions
・ P.A. system available
・ Restrooms
The Lawn
80 seated ・ 160 standing
Workshops ・ Outdoors ・ Group Sessions
An open outdoor space suited to movement and group activities. A natural outdoor setting suited to movement, reflection and group activities.
・ Open space for movement or outdoor sessions
・ Suitable for group activities
・ Natural, quiet setting
Goolabri Estate Grounds
Flexible capacity 5000+
Workshop ・ Outdoor ・ Retreats
180 acres of bushland and gardens for retreats and outdoor sessions. The wider grounds offer space for outdoor sessions, reflection and retreat-style experiences.
・ Extensive outdoor areas for retreat use
・ Quiet spaces for reflection
・ Natural bushland environment
・ Flexible use across the property
・ Camping available for multi-day events
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 workshop, your way
What will your event look like?
At Goolabri we provide the venue while facilitators shape the workshop around their plans. Events 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 facilitators who prefer flexibility in how their workshop is structured. 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 we’re always happy to answer any additional questions.
Take a look through the steps below and you’ll be well prepared to build your quote and plan your event.
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
Workshop & Retreat 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 Goolabri Estate Grounds
Free on-site parking
Restroom facilities
Waste and recycling bins
Wi-Fi
2. Optional Extras from 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
Tea & coffee facilities
Catering packages
P.A. System
Bluetooth
Data projector
Outdoor gas heaters
3. Your Suppliers
Event planning
4. Your Essentials
A single nominated event contact
Cleaning
Event insurance
5. Your Essentials for Large Events
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 Goolabri Estate Grounds
Enjoy the use of the surrounding gardens, bushland and open areas. If you book the entire venue, talk to us about securing exclusive access to the property.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 facilitators say
Excellent venue nestled in nature
Swiftwalker
Wonderful hosts!
Michell
Brigdens
A beautiful venue run by great people
Andrew
Downs
Great service, beautiful venue
Prue
McCormack
A cozy and intimate venue for functions
Jen
Blake
Absolutely beautiful!
Melissa
Britten
Top location. Owners have turned it on
Chris
Atkinson
Beautiful setting
Chaz
Lewis
An incredible location for any event
Capoiera Angola
Canberra
A great wedding and function venue just at the ACT/NSW border
Boban
Vadakkayil
An amazing venue
Bec
M
Five stars is not enough to give our experience at Goolabri
David
Strickland
Goolabri's wedding and conference centre is brilliant
Mike
Marshall
Very spacious and clean place with a big sitting area and peaceful environment
Kulwinder
Kaur
Book your workshop or retreat at Goolabri today
Every workshop at Goolabri is a little different. Explore pricing by building a quote and book a venue tour to start planning your event.
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.