Botanic Gardens Catering Company

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Welcome to the Botanic Gardens Catering Company FAQ. This page answers the most common questions about catering, venues, bookings, and event planning at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please contact our events team.

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What is Botanic Gardens Catering Company?

 

Botanic Gardens Catering Company is a professional catering and event service located within the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. We specialise in weddings, corporate events, cocktail parties, private celebrations and large outdoor garden events.

Our team provides catering services across several Botanic Gardens venues, including the Events Centre, Eva's Café and garden lawn locations.

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Where are you located?

 

Botanic Gardens Catering Company operates from the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.

Address: 200 Gardens Road, The Gardens NT 0820, Darwin, Northern Territory.

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Do you only cater events in the Botanic Gardens?

While many of our events take place within the Botanic Gardens, we can also cater offsite events in Darwin and surrounding areas. Additional transport, equipment and logistics fees may apply for catering outside the Gardens.

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What types of events do you cater?

We cater a wide range of events, including:

• Weddings and wedding receptions
• Corporate functions and conferences
• Cocktail parties and networking events
• Private celebrations and birthdays
• Engagement parties
• Community and cultural events
• Formal dinners and gala events

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Booking an Event

How do I book catering for an event?

To book catering with Botanic Gardens Catering Company, please email our events team with the following details:

• Preferred event date

• Venue or location

• Estimated guest numbers

• Event type (wedding, corporate event, party, etc.)

• Approximate start and finish time

• Book Here

Once availability is confirmed, we will provide a proposal and issue a deposit invoice to secure the booking.

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Is a deposit required to secure a booking?

Yes. A booking is confirmed once the required deposit has been paid. Dates cannot be guaranteed until a deposit is received.

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When is the final payment due?

Final payment is required prior to the event. The payment due date will be listed on the final invoice issued before the event.

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Can I hold a date without paying a deposit?

Dates cannot be held without a deposit. Availability may change until a booking deposit has been received and processed.

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Can guest numbers change after booking?

Yes. Guest numbers can be adjusted during the planning process. Final guest numbers must be confirmed prior to the event and catering quantities will be based on the confirmed numbers.

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Catering Options

What catering styles do you offer?

Botanic Gardens Catering Company offers a range of catering styles suitable for different event formats, including:

• Buffet catering

• Cocktail food and canapé service

• Platter catering

• Formal plated (Alternate Drop Menu) meals

Our catering menus are designed to suit weddings, corporate events, cocktail functions and private celebrations.

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Do catering packages include drinks?

No. Food packages do not include beverages. Drinks can be arranged separately through beverage packages, bar tabs or beverage service options.

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How long does buffet service run?

Buffet service typically runs for approximately one to two hours depending on guest numbers and event format. Staff will replenish dishes and clear plates during service.

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Do platter orders include plates and cutlery?

Yes. Platter catering includes disposable plates and disposable cutlery. Ceramic plates can be provided if requested for an additional hire fee.

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Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes. We can cater for most dietary requirements, including:

• Vegetarian

• Vegan

• Gluten-free

•  Dairy-free

• Allergy considerations

Please notify our team of dietary requirements when confirming your event details.

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Beverage Service

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Do you offer beverage packages?

Yes. Beverage packages are available and can include beer, wine, soft drinks and other beverage options depending on the event style.

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What is included in beverage service?

Beverage service typically includes:

• Bar setup

• Glassware

• Ice and water

• Eskies and cooling equipment

• Bar staff

• Waste management and disposal

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Are bar tabs available?

Yes. Bar tabs can be arranged for events and allow hosts to set a spending limit for beverages during the function.

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Is BYO alcohol allowed?

BYO alcohol is permitted at Botanic Gardens venues except for the Event Centre, Holtze Lawn, or Eva’s Café, which requires the use of our in-house food and beverage services catered by Botanic Gardens Catering Company.

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Can spirits be served at events?

Yes. Spirits can be purchased by the bottle when a beverage package is selected for your event.

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Botanic Gardens Event Venues

 

Which venues do you cater within the Darwin Botanic Gardens?

Popular Botanic Gardens event venues include:

• Events Centre

• Eva's Café

• Holtze Lawn

• Various garden lawn ceremony and reception locations

These venues are commonly used for weddings, corporate events and outdoor garden functions.

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Do venue hire fees apply?

Yes. Botanic Gardens site fees apply and are separate from catering costs. Venue hire fees are required to secure the event space.

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What time can events run until?

The Botanic Gardens event curfew is midnight. Loud music may be restricted earlier depending on the day of the week and venue conditions.

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Is furniture included with venue hire?

Some venues include existing furniture. Additional furniture, equipment and styling items can be hired through external suppliers if required.

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Event Planning and Suppliers

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Do you provide event styling or decorations?

No. Botanic Gardens Catering Company focuses on catering and beverage services. Styling and decoration services are not provided by BGCC. Clients may arrange external suppliers for décor, florals, furniture and styling.

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Can suppliers access the venue before the event?

Standard event setup time is generally two hours prior to the event unless alternative arrangements are approved.

Suppliers such as stylists, florists, musicians and photographers may access the venue within the approved setup period.

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Is storage available for hired furniture or décor?

Storage is generally not available for client-hired items. Limited storage may be possible for consecutive day bookings at the Events Centre if no other events are scheduled between bookings.

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Outdoor Events and Weather

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What happens if it rains during an outdoor event?

Outdoor bookings operate on a rain or shine basis. Clients are responsible for arranging weather contingency options such as marquees or alternate plans.

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Can we move the event indoors if the weather changes?

Venue changes may be possible depending on availability and operational requirements. However indoor alternatives cannot be guaranteed at short notice.

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Licensing and Food Safety

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Are you licensed to serve alcohol?

Yes. Botanic Gardens Catering Company operates under an official liquor licence that allows the sale and service of alcohol at licensed venues and catered events.

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Are you registered with health authorities?

Yes. Botanic Gardens Catering Company is a registered catering business and complies with food safety regulations and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

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Contact Botanic Gardens Catering Company

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How can I contact the events team?

For event enquiries, please email our team with your event details.

Email: events@botanicgardenscatering.com.au

Please include your preferred event date, venue, estimated guest numbers and event type so we can assist you quickly.

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Darwin Catering and Wedding Catering Services

Botanic Gardens Catering Company is one of Darwin's leading garden wedding and event catering providers. Located within the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, we specialise in wedding catering, corporate event catering, cocktail functions and private celebrations in one of Darwin's most iconic venues.

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If you are planning a wedding, corporate function or private event in Darwin, our experienced team can help create a memorable event with professional catering and beverage service.