Outdoor Celebrations Reimagined

Once the summer residence for Queensland’s governors in the 19th century, Gabbinbar holds a storied history of evenings filled with laughter, feasting, and moments of celebration under starlit skies. Today, we honour this rich legacy by reimagining these timeless gatherings with our outdoor reception offering, blending hospitality, warmth, and charm with the natural beauty of the estate’s gardens.

A NEW CHAPTER IN GABBINBAR’S LEGACY

There is an enduring magic that lingers in the evenings at Gabbinbar.  Steeped in rich history, the estate is a place where century-old trees and serene gardens create an atmosphere of timeless charm and quiet grandeur. Established in 1863, Gabbinbar was once the summer resort house for Queensland’s governors, offering a cool, elevated respite from Brisbane’s heat. 

Gabbinbar became more than just a residence; it was a retreat where the pace of life slowed, laughter filled the homestead, and the gardens bore witness to countless moments of celebration. Guests gathered under starlit skies to share meals, toast friendships, and dance the night away in the ballroom. Days were filled with lawn games, shared stories in the gardens, and an unhurried enjoyment of each moment.

REIMAGINING TIMELESS TRADITIONS

Today, this rich legacy has been reimagined in the form of an outdoor reception hosted on Homestead Lawn — a modern offering inspired by a time-honoured tradition. Designed to capture the magic of those unforgettable evenings, this experience brings together the warmth of hospitality and a love for life’s most cherished moments. 

Available from November through March, Homestead Lawn provides a tranquil and picturesque backdrop, allowing you to craft an outdoor wedding reception that reflects your unique story and style.

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TEMPERATE CONDITIONS AND AN ABUNDANCE OF BLOOMS

From November, the gardens of Gabbinbar enter their most vibrant flowering months of the year. With a temperate climate averaging 24-26 degrees during ceremony times and an elevated location, the estate comes alive with vibrant jacarandas, mauve and white agapanthus, fragrant white star jasmine, and delicate blooms of hydrangeas, foxgloves, and creeping roses.

As summer progresses, the gardens flourish, showcasing dusty pink hydrangeas, cream and peach English roses, and fragrant Murraya and magnolia blooms. Established Moreton Bay fig, cedar, maple, and magnolia trees provide ample shade, creating a cool and inviting setting for extended garden party celebrations. The longer afternoons and later sunsets add to the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with loved ones. 

GARDEN PARTY & EVENING CELEBRATIONS

Following your ceremony, you and your guests will enjoy an extended garden party amidst the lawns and grounds of Gabbinbar. This is a time to mingle, relax, and share moments with family and friends while you wander the gardens capturing your portraits. As the sun sets, we will begin ushering your guests to your outdoor reception location, where your main meal and celebrations will commence. Speeches and formalities will follow, blending seamlessly into an evening of celebration.

For your first dance, choose to begin under the stars at various locations throughout the estate, or move into the Conservatory, set in a cocktail-style layout. Your evening continues with dancing in The Conservatory or The Ballroom beneath the chandeliers, creating a perfect balance between time spent outdoors and indoors for the evening. 

From Homestead Lawn, where your reception takes place, guests will enjoy the soft glow of the Night Garden. Thousands of fairy lights drape across the towering branches of the Moreton Bay fig tree, jacarandas, and maples, while lanterns hang gracefully from the Magnolia tree, which blooms in December and fills the air with its delicate fragrance. Festoon lights highlight the Bunya and hoop pines in The Woods.

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING & EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

At Gabbinbar, we offer an experienced and comprehensive planning service with a dedicated and passionate team that brings your vision to life. Every detail is meticulously curated to create a wedding that is personal, unique, and reflective of your story. Our unwavering commitment to service is at the heart of every experience we create. Hosted on Homestead Lawn, this high level of service ensures your outdoor reception is a harmonised blend of seamlessness and sophistication.

A MENU THAT COMBINES ARTISTRY AND PASSION

Our culinary philosophy combines artistry and passion to take you and your guests on a gastronomic journey that celebrates the Darling Downs region. Gabbinbar’s menu reflects the abundance of fresh produce and bold flavours that define the region by highlighting the fertile soils, specialty growers, and rich farming heritage.

Our chef team, led by Head Chef Jennifer Blashak, sources ingredients from regional producers to craft the dishes included in our Modern Australian Menu. This sustainable food philosophy is paired with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every plate is a masterpiece. We offer a thoughtfully curated beverage selection to complement the menu, featuring sommelier-chosen fine wines from renowned Australian regions, craft beers, ciders, and an exceptional range of non-alcoholic options.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE OUTDOOR WEDDING RECEPTION PACKAGE

To make your evening truly seamless, in addition to our comprehensive package inclusions, the Outdoor Reception Package includes:

1. Additional Outdoor Lighting
   Warm festoon string lights will be supplied and installed above your open-air reception space, creating a soft and inviting ambience for your celebration.
2. Exceptional Staffing
   We provide additional set-up and service staff to ensure your outdoor reception is flawlessly executed. From start to finish, your dining experience will be as impeccable as it would be inside the homestead.
3. Outdoor Equipment
   An outdoor bar and a portable sound system for speeches will be set up to enhance the evening. The surrounding garden sound system will complement the atmosphere, while The Conservatory and Ballroom will be prepared in a cocktail-style layout for evening celebrations and dancing inside.

A CELEBRATION UNDER THE STARS

An outdoor reception at Gabbinbar brings together enduring elegance with the natural beauty of our gardens, providing an exceptional canvas for your wedding celebration. 

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* Please note that hosting an outdoor reception incurs an additional cost. For further details or to request our Outdoor Reception Package, please reach out to our team here.