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Pioneer Garden

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Situated under the shade of big, beautiful trees, this is an excellent lawn to host your event out of the summer heat. Tucked away in the upper Gardens near The Calyx, guests will love the easy access, secluded space and close amenities.  

Pioneer Garden is the perfect location to host your alfresco event, whether it’s a picnic, family gathering, birthday party, corporate party, or Christmas party. 

Price

$205 - $715
See 'Fees' below

Where

Pioneer Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden
Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney

Capacity

Up to 150 guests

Contact

For booking please contact
events@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au

Access Info

Closest gate: Morshead Fountain Gate
Public transport recommended. Limited parking available

ALFRESCO SITE 

RATE 

Australian Rockery
Fig Tree
Mare & Foal
Pioneer Garden
Flower Bed
Eucalypt Lawn

1 - 20 pax

Half Day (4 hours)

$205

Peak (20+) 

Oct - Feb 

Half Day (4 hours) 

$345

Full Day (9 hours) 

$715

Off-Peak (20+) 

March - Sept 

Half Day (4 hours) 

$320

Hourly Add on 

$121

Maiden Pavilion 

Peak  

Oct – Feb 

Half Day (4 hours) 

$495

Full Day (9 hours) 

$940

Off Peak 
March - Sept 

Half Day (4 hours) 

$495

Additional Hours 

$165 / hour 

Vista Pavilion 

Peak  

Oct – Feb 

Half Day (4 hours) 

$400 

Full Day (9 hours) 

$830

Off Peak 

March - Sept 

Half Day (4 hours) 

$400

Additional Hours 

$145 / hour 
 

Miscellaneous Charges 

Wedding Photography Permit (add-on if you book your ceremony at the Gardens) 

$250 

Wedding photography permit (if you don’t have your ceremony at the Gardens) 

$455

External Catering Surcharge 

Use of an External Caterer to provide catering services within the Garden will incur a surcharge in addition to the above rates. 

$150 

Ranger escort through Garden (vehicle access suppliers only). Fee per vehicle (inc. entry and exit). Max. 2 ranger escorts per booking 

$85 

Static ranger, per hour (4-hour minimum) 

$65 

Mobile ranger, per hour (4-hour minimum)  

$70

Ranger, public holidays, per hour (4-hour minimum) 

$95 

Administration fee per amendment 

$80

Notes:

  1. All fees are quoted GST inclusive. 
  2. ​The above rates include site hire only  
  3. Duration of function hire includes set up and pack up of the event. 
  4. Bookings outside of the Garden opening times will incur an additional security fee. 
  5. Additional miscellaneous charges may apply. 
  6. Fees valid 1 July 2022 - 30 June 2023 

October to February 
Session one: 10am – 2pm 
Session two: 3pm – 7pm 

March to September 
Session one: 10am – 2pm* 

* Additional hours can be added 

This site is a bare site hire. It includes exclusive use of your location, including set-up and pack-down time. 

No. Marquees and shade structures are not permitted at this site. The Maiden Pavilion and Vista Pavilion are great options if you’re looking for something with cover. 

  • Picnics 
  • Birthday party 
  • Corporate party 
  • Christmas party 
  • Wedding ceremony 
  • Wedding reception 
Opening times vary seasonally.   
     
Month / Days Open Close
     
October 7.00 am     7.30 pm       
November to February 7.00 am  8.00 pm 
March  7.00 am  6.30 pm 
April and September 7.00 am  6.00 pm
May and August 7.00 am  5.30 pm
June and July 7.00 am  5.00 pm
 
Bookings finish 30 minutes prior to the Garden closing times so you and your guests and suppliers are able to exit before the gates are locked.
We have put the following comparison together to help you decide what site or venue suits your event best. 

ALFRESCO SITES 

Booking Times available

Capacity 

Approx. distance to amenities 

Closest guest pedestrian gate 

Equipment Permitted 

Australian Rockery Lawn 

 October to February
  • 10am to 2pm
  • 3pm to 7pm
  • 10am to 7pm
March to September
  • 10am – 2pm
Note: additional hours can be added

100 

500m – Mare & Foal 

Opera House Gate 

  • Up to two tables 

  • Picnic blankets, carpets, runners (no rubber back on any mats) & cushions  

  • Seating for up to 20 people 

  • Lawn Games (strictly only the following games allowed; Giant Jenga, Giant Noughts & Crosses & Connect 4

 

 

 

 

 

Fig Tree Lawn 

200 

50m – The Visitor Centre 

Government House Gate 

Mare & Foal Lawn 

150  

10m – Mare & Foal 

Henry Lawson Gate 

Pioneer Garden 

150  

20m – The Calyx (open 10am – 4pm) 

Morshead Fountain Gate 

Flower Bed Lawn 

200 

20m – Mare & Foal  

Henry Lawson Gate 

Vista Pavilion 

 

50 

200m – The Visitor Centre 

Government House Gate 

Maiden Pavilion and Band Lawn 

300 

50m – Mare & Foal  

Henry Lawson Gate 

 

Looking for an event space with wow factor? Check out our premium venue options.   

PREMIUM SITES 

Booking Times available 

Capacity 

Approx. distance to amenities 

Closest guest pedestrian gate 

Venue Info 

The Calyx 
  • 7am – 10am 
  • 4pm – midnight 
  • Full day 

400 

Amenities within venue 

Morshead Fountain Gate 

  • All-inclusive space 

  • Exclusive caterer 

  • Private toilet facilities 

  • Indoor and outdoor spaces available 

 

Lion Gate Lodge 
  • 8am – midnight 
  • 8am – 4pm 
  • 5pm - midnight 

160 

Amenities within venue 

Lion Gate Lodge Gate (at venue) 

  • Private toilet facilities 

  • Catering facilities 

  • Option to add marquee 

  • Multi-day event hire available 

  • Wedding photography permit

Palm House 
  • 8am – 12pm
  • 1pm - 5pm
  • 6pm - midnight
  • 8am - midnight

120 

20m – Rathborne Lodge 

Woolloomooloo Gate 

  • Beautiful sandstone building  

  • Easy guest access 

  • Multi-day event hire available 

  • ​Wedding photography permit

Rose Garden  

 
  • 3 hours + 

 

  • Full day & multi day options available  

200 

Amenities within venue 

Palace Gates 

  • Private toilet facilities 

  • Catering facilities 

  • Option to add marquee 

  • Multi-day event hire available 

  • Wedding photography permit

Harbour View Lawn 
  • 3 hours + 

 

  • Additional hours available to add on 

150  

50m – Yurong 

Yurong Gate 

  • Exceptional harbour views 

  • Close amenities 

  • Easy guest access 

  • Wedding photography permit

Eucalypt Lawn 
  • 3 hours + 

 

  • Additional hours available to add on 

150 

20m – Mare & Foal  

Henry Lawson Gate 

  • Exceptional harbour views 

  • Close amenities 

  • Easy guest access 

  • Wedding photography permit

Herb Garden & Pavilion 
  • 3 hours + 

 

  • Additional hours available to add on 

80  

50m – The Visitor Centre 

Government House Gate 

  • Harbour views 

  • Manicured lawn 

  • Pavilion cover 

  • Wedding Photography permit

Tarpeian Lawn 
  • 3 hours + 

 

  • Full day & multi day options available  

300 

500m – The Visitor Centre 

Tarpeian Way 

  • Exceptional harbour views 

  • Easy guest access 

  • Option to add marquee 

  • Multi-day event hire available 

  • Wedding Photography permit

Bennelong Lawn 
  • 3 hours + 

 

  • Full day & multi day options available  

200 

500m – The Visitor Centre 

Tarpeian Way or Opera House Gate 

  • Exceptional harbour views 

  • Easy guest access 

  • Option to add marquee 

  • Multi-day event hire available 

  • Wedding photography permit

 

Yes, the Garden is a public space and other events may occur at the same time. However, your chosen event location will be reserved for your exclusive use. Should you encounter any problems on the day including occupation of your reserved site, please contact the Rangers on 0419 270 279.

Please complete our online application form and one of our team members will be in touch. Bookings open 18 months in advance.

We accept payment for event bookings via credit card (MasterCard or Visa) and electronic funds transfer.

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a unique and deceptively fragile environment. Your fees contribute to its upkeep and horticultural, scientific and educational programs.

Wedding photography permits are available to add on to your venue booking. Wedding photography permits allow you to take photos at any outdoor site within the Gardens that isn’t exclusively booked.  

Refer to 'fees'

Wedding photography doesn’t include access to our indoor venues; The Calyx, Palm House and Lion Gate Lodge

Please refer to Site Map. for closest access pedestrian gate to your site. 

Vehicles, including bridal vehicles, are not permitted to enter the Royal Botanic Garden or the Domain. Please advise all drivers of this condition. 
All equipment must be carried or wheeled to the event location. Alternatively, up to two Supplier Escorts can be pre-arranged for your supplier at an extra fee. Only one vehicle is permitted per escort. Please refer to 'fees' for details. 

If your suppliers require vehicle access to your event site, you can book a Supplier Escort into the Garden. You can make this booking at the time of booking your site, or email the Venue team at events@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au  

A maximum of two escorts can be booked for your event. Each escort allows access for 1 vehicle in and out of the garden for set up and pack down (total 4 trips).  

Escorted vehicles can stay on site for a maximum of 20 minutes.

Metered parking is available along Mrs Macquaries Road, Art Gallery Road and Macquarie Street. Secure undercover parking is available at The Domain Car Park.

Vehicle access to the event site is only available for suppliers and must be under Ranger escort.

We do not permit ranger escorts for bridal vehicles.

No, we are a bare venue so you will need to bring in furniture suitable for your event. 

  • Up to two tables 
  • Picnic blankets, carpets, runners (no rubber back on any mats), & cushions  
  • Seating for up to 60 people 
  • Cut flowers (no soil can be brought into the Gardens) 

No decorations can be attached to trees, buildings or other structures. No pegs or spikes in the lawn – all items must be weighted.

No stages, balloons, party streamers, sparklers, fireworks (any form), fires (including kerosene lamps) and bamboo torches.

Games are a great inclusion for events. You are able to have the following games:

  • Connect 4
  • Giant Jenga
  • Giant Noughts and Crosses

No bat and ball games or games that involve anything to be thrown.

Petals are permitted and must be collected afterwards. The throwing of confetti and rice is not permitted. Blowing bubbles is a great alternative as well.

Fire and/or flames are not permitted. Battery operated candles are a great alternative!

Power is not available on Alfresco lawns and generators are not permitted. 

You sure can!

The Trust operates under an On Premises Licence which means alcohol is permitted at your event. We do ask you assist with the responsible service of alcohol (RSA) to your guests by:

  • Not serving alcohol to minors
  • Not serving intoxicated persons
  • Ensuring food and water is available
  • Ensuring the quiet and good order of your Party
  • If using an external catering company to cater your event, provision of alcohol must be overseen by an RSA qualified person.

The Rangers will ensure RSA requirements are adhered to and will remove any intoxicated persons (so behave!).

The Calyx is the only venue within the Gardens that has an exclusive caterer that can offer catering packages. 

For your event, you will need to organise your own catering, or use one of the restaurants on-site. 

A surcharge will apply for external caterers. Please refer to 'fees'  for details. 

Yes! You can provide your own catering or use one of the restaurants on-site.

A surcharge will apply for external caterers. Please refer to 'fees'  for details. 
 
Yes! A surcharge will apply for external caterers. Please refer to 'fees' for details. 
 
All caterers must comply with statutory health and WH&S (Work, Health and Safety) requirements. Food must be cooked off-site, barbeques are not permitted. The caterer’s equipment is included in the furniture allowance. No food or drink can be sold. 
Yes, you can use a low-volume, battery-powered portable speaker or amplifier. Please position speakers towards your area to minimise impact on other visitors. Please note sound must be contained within the boundary line of your site. 
Yes, you may have a live acoustic ensemble of up to four people or low-volume pre-recorded music. Bagpipes, drums, pianos or other amplification systems (such as electric guitars or keyboards) are not permitted. Please note sound must be contained within the boundary line of your site.
Recycling and general garbage bins are available at various locations. Please ensure you leave the area clean and tidy with all rubbish removed from the site. Discharge of waste matter, fluid, oil, fat, ice or dry ice is prohibited. 

If rain is a concern, consider booking a lawn with a pavilion or alternatively one of our heritage indoor venues. Shade structures and marquees are not permitted to be erected on the day of your event. 

Please note; if you proceed with booking two venues and there is no rain on the day of your booking, you would not be eligible for a refund for your undercover venue and have paid for two venues. 

If you need to cancel because of inclement weather, we will offer a 50% refund of the venue hire fee. Please email the team at events@botanicgarden.nsw.gov.au on the day of your event, prior to the start of your booking time.  We require all cancellations to be in writing to process the refund.
Cancellations received more than one month prior to your booking will be given a 50% refund of the total fee received.
Cancellations received less than one month prior to your booking will not be given a refund.
No animals, including dogs, are permitted inside the Garden except for an assistance animal that is in harness.
The Trust reserves the right to cancel a booking and will refund any payments received in full. No further compensation will be payable. Any subsequent letter or email from the Trust notifying you of approved or prohibited items, will form part of your agreement with these conditions. All requests by Rangers and other Trust staff must be followed with regard to the set up and pack down of equipment. Any incidents or accidents must be reported immediately to the Ranger on duty. All regulations under the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust Act 1980 governing the use of the Garden and the Domain must be observed.

You can stay up to date with the evolving rules and restrictions via the NSW Government COVID-19 Rules webpage.