Gordon Darling Hall is one of Canberra’s most recommended function venues. Photo: National Portrait Gallery.
A special occasion calls for a special venue. The good news is that there’s no shortage of great places in which to hold your next event in Canberra. Whether you’re planning a wedding, milestone birthday, engagement party or corporate dinner, chances are there’s a function venue in Canberra to suit your needs and budget.
In this article, we’ll show you what to look for in a function venue and list some of Canberra’s best. Let’s get started.
What makes a great function venue?
From decorations to catering and seating arrangements, there’s a lot to consider when planning an event. Getting the basics right, and enlisting professional help at the start (such as your venue’s events manager), can help ensure your special day is a success.
But what should you look for when choosing a function venue in Canberra? We recommend keeping the following points in mind:
- Location. Location will set the tone for your event, so choose carefully. Do you need a formal space for a corporate function, or a relaxed space with a cosy, intimate atmosphere? In addition to aesthetics, consider practical requirements such as accessibility, parking and amenities. It’s all about making your guests’ experience as memorable as possible.
- Food and drinks. It’s no secret that delicious food and quality drinks make for happier guests. Many venues will have in-house chefs and catering staff, while others engage external caterers for events. Either way, they shouldn’t mind if you sample the menu beforehand – though it may cost extra. Read reviews to confirm the quality of the catering, and double-check that the venue can cater to people with dietary requirements.
- Experience and reliability. With practice comes perfection. An experienced and reliable staff – from the manager to the caterers – will help your event run smoothly. From planning to handling problems on the day, an experienced team will be able to put your mind at ease, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special occasion.
- A customised approach. Look for a function venue that is willing to customise your event to suit your needs and your vision. You shouldn’t feel pressured into adopting a cookie-cutter approach if that’s not your style.
The best function venues in Canberra
Region Canberra's editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Canberra and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is a dramatic and culturally rich venue for special functions and events. An elegant building flooded with natural light, the Gallery is like no other in the capital, with guests coming face-to-face with famous, infamous and sometimes forgotten icons of Australian history.
With multiple flexible event spaces, the Gallery caters to all styles of events – breakfasts, seminars, conferences, workshops, meetings, cocktail receptions, gala and conference dinners, as well as wedding ceremonies and receptions. Gorgeous, adaptable spaces can be combined to create vibrant, memorable events.
The impressive Gordon Darling Hall features a soaring ceiling, an abundance of natural light and beautiful drop-down pendant lights. When booking the Gordon Darling Hall for an evening event, the Tim Fairfax Forecourt, Western Courtyard and Terrace Rooms are all included. Evening events at the National Portrait Gallery can start with a private gallery viewing, adding an exclusive, special touch.
The Terrace Room opens onto a North facing, outdoor-heated terrace with iconic views of Lake Burley Griffin, the High Court and Reconciliation Place. Terrace Room One, on the western side of the main Terrace Room, is perfect for a breakfast, lunch, conference or planning day. Terrace Room Two, on the eastern side is just as suitable.
The National Portrait Gallery also has the lovely Liangis Theatre for conferences, film screenings or keynote addresses. This lecture theatre features a small foyer space ideal for catering and registration.
Events are supported with facilities including audio-visual, in-house sound, projectors and wireless internet.
The Fresh Collective are the in-house caterers that operate at the National Portrait Gallery. The Fresh Collective has a reputation for crafting exceptional event experiences with premium food and beverage in venues throughout Australia. With a team of dedicated chefs and knowledgeable wait staff, Fresh delivers a range of event experiences to suit any brief ranging from intimate dinners, corporate conferences, weddings, cocktail events and grand banquet feasts.
Alistair Nitz wrote on Google, “Out of all the national institutions located in Canberra, this is my favourite.”
Hyatt Hotel Canberra
The Hyatt Hotel Canberra is well known as the capital's premier accommodation destination, but did you know the high-class venue also provides some of the city's most elegant event and function spaces?
This century-old hotel maintains a versatile service offering to host occasions of all kinds, from 10-person meetings in flexible corporate spaces, through to ballroom weddings with up to 600 guests.
The Hyatt's federation and centenary ballrooms provide ideal spaces for weddings, while the business centre and assembly room are best for a corporate events. Garden parties, birthdays, engagement parties and more are hosted perfectly by the stunning lavender courtyard, which provides a spacious outdoor area bordered by lush foliage.
An elegant art deco style permeates the entire hotel, making every room something to remember.
Even catering is covered - experienced chefs create culinary delights to suit a range of tastes and styles. Wedding catering gives the bride and groom a chance to meet one-on-one with their chef, to craft a bespoke menu that is truly one-of-a-kind.
The Hyatt Hotel's event management team delivers personalised and flexible planning for every kind of event, working with clients to bring any atmosphere they desire to life.
Professional meetings can rely on the hotel’s audio-visual and information/communication technology, as well as their high-speed internet, for next level presentations and seminars.
Brad Donda says on Google, "Have had several functions here, both as a guest and host, and have always been highly satisfied with the service!"
Canberra Southern Cross Club
Since first opening its doors in 1972, the Canberra Southern Cross Club has grown to become a mainstay in the local recreational scene. Now, boasting five unique venues throughout the region, the Canberra Southern Cross Club is also a name synonymous with events.
With a multitude of glorious spaces across it's prestigious locations - Woden, Tuggeranong and the picturesque Yacht Club - the club makes an excellent choice for your next event. Boasting a range of versatile function rooms the club caters well to groups of any size. From intimate gatherings all the way through to large gala dinners of 1,000 guests, they offer unforgettable settings both indoor and out.
When it comes to the main event, Canberra Southern Cross Club’s award-winning chefs offer extensive dining and beverage options, all customisable to suit individual tastes. Be it roaming canapes, seated three course delights, or grazing share plates, their culinary expertise is sure to impress. Moreover, their carefully considered beverage packages pay a nod to classic cocktails whilst highlight the region’s best wineries and premium breweries.
All venues are conveniently located in close to public transport and offer free on-site parking, making attending a breeze. And should help be needed, their dedicated events team will gladly assist in creating a memorable experience for all guests.
For a seamless soiree run by consummate industry professionals, look no further than Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Brooke Hall shared her event experience on Google, "We just had our wedding at this location and it was absolutely beyond our expectations and so beautiful.... Thank you again for making our day so perfect".
Thoroughbred Park
While many think Thoroughbred Park is solely for racing functions and events, this special spot is so much more. Thoroughbred Park is perfect for a wide range of private functions, from Christmas parties, weddings, training days, conferences, special events, trade shows, and corporate dinners of all sizes and styles.
With the tranquillity of a park setting, views of the Brindabella and Majura mountain ranges, and only five minutes from the city, Thoroughbred Park offers versatile, light-filled function rooms and free parking.
Thoroughbred Park has multiple spaces available. The Winning Post Bar, ideal for cocktail functions or buffet-style events, can handle up to 800 guests. The Black Opal Room and Silks Room – with floor-to-ceiling windows – fit up to 250 guests. The Rich Reward room has capacity for up to 150 and marquee spaces are available for race days and non-race days. For large events, the Exhibition Pavilion handles up to 2,000 and is ideal for trade shows. Private rooms and lounge areas are great for small groups.
Menu and function packages are available, including canapes, entrees, mains, desserts and buffet options. Food and beverage packages are tailored by Thoroughbred Park’s in-house chef.
On Google, Benny Gee wrote, “Awesome facilities, friendly staff and good service.”
The Alby
The Alby, spanning almost 1,000 square metres, offers flexible function spaces. The Ground Floor, with bar and Chef’s Table, can be split into small areas. The Bar and Dining area suits sit-down dining or cocktail functions. Another unique space is The Alby’s undercover Beer Garden. Or book the Games Basement, with bar, Duckpin bowling, pinball and pool. Canape, platter and beverage packages are available.
On Google, Merrilyn Cuschieri wrote, “We had a work Christmas party. The Alby has fantastic customer service and great food …”
Dickson Taphouse
The Dickson Taphouse is a great functions venue. With two function spaces to choose from, clients have flexibility for work functions, significant milestone celebrations or gatherings with family or friends. The Lounge Room, which seats up to 50 guests, is cosy and relaxing. The Dining Room accommodates up to 30 guests. Hire is free for both spaces and functions menus are available.
David Melrose wrote on Google, “Great selection of beer. Good food. Lovely staff.”
National Film and Sound Archive
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) is Australia’s national audiovisual cultural institution, located in Acton’s cultural precinct. This 'hidden gem' of Australian culture and history doubles as an elegant venue for groups of 10 to 385 people.
There are no less than 10 venues to choose from. They include the popular Arc Cinema, heritage Theatrette, sunny 1930s courtyard, multi-purpose Studio and Mediatheque, and The Library, which features over 280 collection artefacts.
Venue hire includes the use of high-quality audiovisual equipment such as sound systems and digital screens. Some spaces also offer customisable lighting for to really captivate guests.
Jeremy Riley said online, "A beautiful and well-maintained art-deco building with a passionate team curating excellent events."
Ainslie + Gorman
Ainslie + Gorman offer heritage-listed facilities for arts activities, conferences, weddings, lectures, meetings, performances and other functions. Events can be held at either Ainslie Arts Centre or Gorman Arts Centre. Over 10 unique inside spaces are available and Ainslie + Gorman can accommodate over 150 people. Events can also be held in internal courtyards and smaller forecourts.
Kate Mitchell wrote on Google, “My husband and I got married at Ainslie + Gorman in the courtyard under the Hawthorne tree last month and it was absolutely beautiful.”
To assist with planning your function, check out our list of the best event planners in Canberra. You might also like our list of the best catering services Canberra has to offer.
Or, if you’re planning a child’s birthday, our article on the best kids’ birthday party venues in Canberra may be helpful for you.
Your experience with function venues in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the function venues listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I provide the venue with my own decor for my function?
Absolutely, but within reason. Venue managers should have no trouble with you bringing your own table decorations, such as flowers or candles, and some smaller things like balloons. However, if you want to bring some big decorations or reorganise the space, communicate with your venue manager and see what he or she can do for you.
What info do venue managers need ahead of the function?
The most important information is how many people will be attending your event. After that, it depends on whether your venue is providing food and drinks as well - and if so, you will need to talk to them about any dietary requirements that need to be accommodated.
Can I organise entertainment for my function?
Usually, yes. This will take some coordination between the venue and your entertainment - live bands, for example, will require space and easy access to power. As long as you give all parties enough notice, this should be fine.
What extra service can venues provide for my function?
Besides just the space for your event, venues can provide catering and decoration. Most venues will have event packages from which you can choose, to help make the logistics of putting on your function that much easier.
Can I make special menu requests of the venue's caterers?
Absolutely! Any caterer will want to know - with plenty of notice - about dietary requirements and allergies. If you want them to make specific dishes, or perhaps you're thinking of providing your own dessert, just make sure you give them plenty of notice to see whether they are capable of making those kinds of changes.
