POD Playground will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance from Monday, 3 February 2025. All going well, we expect to have it open again by mid-February. Thank you for your understanding.

Venue hire


This video promotes the National Arboertum Canberra as a function and event venue. The Margaret Whitlam Pavilion is an ideal wedding venue and the Village Centre with sweeping views across the city is an ideal venue for a wedding reception, formals or gala dinners.

Our venues

The National Arboretum Canberra has a range of unique venues to suit your special event. Whether indoors or outdoors, our venues are flexible and offer panoramic views over the National Arboretum and Canberra.

The National Arboretum Canberra is managed by the ACT Government and takes care of children’s facilitated parties, sporting, music and community events. Enquiries should be directed to: arboretum@act.gov.au

Our onsite caterer, The Ginger Group, manage all other bookings. Enquiries should be directed to: hello@thegingergroup.com.au

For all events:

  • All pre-planned onsite events must be approved by the National Arboretum Canberra. This includes both indoor and outdoor weddings, christenings, family celebrations, community get togethers, outdoor sporting events, commercial photography and video filming. Fees may apply.
  • Decorations are not allowed to be hung from any of the trees, plants or infrastructure unless pre-approved by the National Arboretum Canberra.
  • The Arboretum is a flame-free site. This means no gas BBQs and no smoking anywhere on site.
  • Due to the nature of the Arboretum site, please be mindful of wearing suitable footwear and clothing.
    For further clarification please refer to the Public Use Policy.
  • For more information on venues please email arboretum@act.gov.au for a copy of the Events Prospectus.

Deposits and cancellations

Deposits are required for all bookings.

Cancellation fees:

90-30 days prior: 25% of quoted event total
28-8 days: 50% of quoted event total
7 days prior: 100% of total function costs payable

­For more information contact The Ginger Group on 02 6273 4366 or email hello@thegingergroup.com.au.

Solo cellist playing music in the forests
Formal vehicle arriving at main entrance of visitors centre
Mountain biker riding on gravel track through forests with black mountain visible in the background
Table set for large dinner event with rows of dinnerware and cocktails
Large screens featuring images of AFL players
large crowd of people seated on arboretum grassy events area
adults in suits looking at large bonsai tree display
well dressed adults seated at decorated tables watching a presentation on a small stage
a bride and groom standing at the hilltop lookout with the arboretum forests in the background