Lion Gate Lodge

Notes:

1. All fees are quoted GST inclusive.
2. The Trust recommends engaging a professional event organiser to assist with marquee events.
3. The above rates include site hire only – Marquee, furniture and equipment to be arranged by the Hirer.
4. Duration of function hire includes set up and pack up of the event.
5. Bookings outside of the Garden opening times will incur an additional security fee.
6. Additional miscellaneous charges may apply.
7. Fees valid 1 July 2022 - 30 June 2023

• Exclusive use of your indoor venue for your booking period, including set-up and pack-down time
• Large covered outdoor area
• Private garden
• Fully equipped commercial kitchen
• Internal bathroom with shower
• Rubbish and recycling bins
• Up to 3 x ranger escorts
• Wedding photography permit
• Option to add marquee (up to 6m x 9m - on approval)

Lion Gate Lodge is bare hire (empty venue with no furniture). This means that you will need to hire all event services and infrastructure required to run your event (such as staging, audio, lighting, catering, fencing, décor etc.).

• Cocktail Functions
• Product & Media Launches
• Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions
• Seated Lunch or Dinner
• Christmas & Birthday Parties
• Wakes

Downstairs
Main function room, additional preparation room and kitchen.

Upstairs
There is one toilet and a shower. There are two unfurnished rooms. One further meeting room may be made available by prior arrangement with your Events and Venues Officer. Fees may apply.

Outdoor
Courtyard with large covered awning, private garden and toilet. Option available to add a marquee.

• 8am – 4pm
• 5pm – midnight
• 8am – midnight (full day)

You can submit your application on our website. Bookings open 18 months in advance.

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

All bookings at Lion Gate Lodge will need to pay a bond of $1,000

All indoor events will need to pay a bond of $1,000 to cover any potential damage to the venue. The bond will be processed as a pre-authorisation on your chosen credit or debit card. The amount withheld will be released once an inspection has been undertaken to confirm no damages were made during your booking.

Absolutely! All bookings at the Lion Gate Lodge also include a photography permit to take wedding photos in any other area of the Royal Botanic Garden and the Domain during your booking times, pending availability.

Wedding photography doesn’t include access to our other indoor venues; The Calyx and Palm House.

Vehicle access is via Stoneyard Gate off Mrs Macquaries Road (next to Lion Gate Lodge).

Vehicles entering the Gardens for event deliveries must be under escort by Rangers and have pre-approval by your Events and Venue Officer. Only one vehicle is permitted to enter at any one time and can stay on site for a maximum of 20 minutes.

Three supplier escorts are included in each booking at the Lion Gate Lodge. Each supplier escort allows access for 1 vehicle in and out of the garden for set up and pack down (total 6 trips). Additional supplier escorts can be booked for an additional fee.

Confirm your requirements with your Events and Venues Officer via events@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au

Closest guest access is via the pedestrian gate at the Lodge on Mrs Macquaries Road. Refer to Site Map for further information.

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.

Rangers will open and close the venue for you as required. Prior to the event date, a schedule of your access requirements will need to be provided to your Events & Venues Officer.

A security guard can be provided for the duration of your event. Security is optional while the Garden is open, but mandatory once closed. Please refer to 'fees'.

The Trust will clean your site immediately prior to your event. The site must be left clean and tidy with all furniture, equipment and rubbish removed. It is your responsibility to tidy and remove any waste from site, including bottle tops and cigarette butts.

There is no furniture in Lion Gate Lodge, so you will be able to provide furniture that suit your event needs.

Furniture placed on the lawn is limited to:

• 2 tables and seating for 60 people or 10 tables and seating for 30 people.
• Picnic blankets, carpets, runners, cushions
• Cut flowers and foliage (no soil can be brought into the Gardens)
• A bridal arch, chuppah, mandap or similar ceremony cover. Structures must be weighted (not pegged) and the maximum size is 3m x 3m

All event decorations need to be planned and installed as free-standing items. 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!

With written approval from your Events & Venues Officer, a small contained flame may be permitted for cultural exceptions.

Yes! The maximum marquee size that can fit at Lion Gate Lodge lawn is 6m x 9m. Discuss your requirements with your Events and Function Officer. Additional fees apply.

The installation of any marquee or temporary structure must be approved in advance with your Events and Venues Officer. All temporary structures must abide by our terms and conditions.

Power points available are marked on the floor plan. External power is available.
All extension leads and electrical appliances brought on site should be tagged and tested.

For larger events, you can bring in a generator to supply additional power if required. All extension leads and cables need to be securely covered with cable trays or mats.

Indoor: The main function room is lit with down lights on a dimmer switch.

Outdoor: The awning, courtyard and garden are lit with spotlights.

• Two commercial ovens
• One cook top
• Microwave
• Refrigerator only (no freezer)
• Dishwasher
• Water is available in the kitchen (no external taps)

Please note this facility is designed as a food warming and preparation space only. Detergent, tea towels, sponges etc to be provided by the Hirer. Deep frying or barbeques 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!).

• Site and / or Venue Plan
  • Indicating the placement of marquees, external catering facilities, furniture, and other associated structures.
• Production schedule
  • Complete timetable and order of events and vehicle movements from bump in, during and bump out of the Event. 
• Alcohol Licence (caterers only)
  • The Trust’s On Premises Licence for private functions. 
• Public Liability Insurance (PLI)
  • Public Liability Insurance certificate of currency to the value of A$20 million

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