Functions & Venues
Cafés at Melbourne Gardens
The Terrace
Enjoy all day breakfast and seasonal lunches along with delicious coffee or something stronger next to the gorgeous surrounds of Ornamental Lake.
Café
Monday - Friday: 8am - 3pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8am - 4pm
Kiosk
Daily: 8am – 5pm
During Lightscape the Terrace tranforms into a Food Hall, half way along the trail. This is open during Lightscape hours. Find out more via the Lightscape event page.
The Observatory
A place for lingering breakfasts & long lunches whilst visiting the gardens. With a European menu that shifts with the seasons and an ambience that feels grand and inviting.
Open Daily from 8am - 4pm.
During Lightscape, opening hours vary:
You can book these dining sessions via Ticketek. Find out more on our Lightscape event page.
The Observatory Kiosk
Perfect for a quick grab-and-go, for when you wander the Gardens. Serving up barista coffee, decadent cakes plus home-made toasties and sandwiches. Come and see what the Kiosk has to offer.
Located next the Visitor Centre, just inside the Observatory Gate entrance.
Opening Hours
Functions at Melbourne Gardens
Melbourne Gardens is a beautiful place for your next function or special occasion. From weddings to baby showers, birthdays to your next work Christmas Party, Melbourne Gardens offers a unique environment to celebrate.
We are proud to partner with some of Melbourne's best function and hospitality operators to provide you with a range of options for your next event. Big or small, indoor or out, our partners will ensure your event meets your needs and is one to remember.
Please note that commercial operators and companies are not permitted to operate within Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne. Please note for evening events over Summer, irrigation works across Melbourne Gardens start at 7.45pm daily.
Gardens House
A stunning heritage house complete with a private garden.
Built in 1854 as the residence of one of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria's first Directors, Gardens House is a delightful jewel within Melbourne Gardens. Set amongst its own private garden, Gardens House offers a sophisticated setting, versatile in its potential and appropriate for formal seated dining, black tie cocktail dinners, alfresco garden events and scenic ceremony backdrops.
Managed by hospitality partner Atlantic Group.
Curtis Stone Events
Outdoor events and ceremonies in the Gardens themselves.
Outdoor events, pavilion ceremonies, stunning picnic locations and The Alto Structure on Dog Flat are managed by hospitality partner, Curtis Stone Events. In addition, Curtis Stone Events manage our meetings and conferences space in the unique Melbourne Observatory. Curtis Stone Events offer a range of packages and exclusive locations within the Gardens for your wedding or event.
Managed by hospitality partner Curtis Stone Events.
The Terrace
An iconic indoor venue with an undercover deck.
Located in the heart of Melbourne Gardens, with uninterrupted views across the Ornamental Lake and city beyond, guests can mingle in the covered alfresco area while taking in the beauty of their surrounds.
The Terrace is available exclusively for up to 150 guests seated, or 300 guests cocktail style. Whether you're planning a wedding, cocktail reception, corporate event or birthday celebration, The Terrace is the place to be.
Managed by hospitality partner Darling Group.