Retford Park
ProHighlights
- Garden site hire for outdoor private events of up to 100 guests
- Wedding ceremonies for 80, with the verandah as a wet weather option
- Weekday corporate hire for 30, with an optional guided house tour
About Retford Park
Retford Park is a heritage estate on Old South Road, Bowral, cared for by the National Trust. Its pink Victorian Italianate mansion was built for Samuel Hordern in the 1880s and later reworked by James Fairfax, who left the property to the Trust. The grounds cover about thirty hectares of garden rooms, open parkland and towering mature trees. Highlights include a knot garden, an orchard, the Round Yard and a sleek pool pavilion by architect Guilford Bell, with sculptures scattered through the lawns. The estate is hired for outdoor events rather than receptions. Wedding ceremonies take up to 80 guests for up to three hours in the afternoon, with the verandah as the wet weather option, and micro weddings suit groups of 35. Private outdoor functions of up to 100 guests can hire the gardens for three hours during the day. This is site hire only, so there is no marquee or wet weather cover, and you bring in your own setup. Corporate groups of up to 30 can book the estate for up to six hours from Monday to Wednesday, with chairs and trestle tables supplied. An outside caterer is needed, phone and internet coverage is limited, and a guided tour of the house can be added. The gardens stay open to visitors during events, though their size gives plenty of quiet corners. There is no accommodation on site, so send an enquiry to check your date.
Inclusions & amenities
Venue type
Budget
Features
Pricing
Private outdoor functions for up to 100 guests cost $2,380 for three hours of site hire. Photography sessions for up to 20 people cost $710.
Food
Beverages
Availability
Frequently asked questions
Can we hold a wedding reception at Retford Park?
No. The estate hosts wedding ceremonies, micro weddings and photography in the gardens, but it does not host receptions.
What does venue hire cost?
Corporate events of up to 30 guests cost $1,080, micro weddings of up to 35 cost $1,785, private outdoor functions of up to 100 cost $2,380 and wedding ceremonies of up to 80 cost $3,565. Photography sessions for up to 20 people are $710.
What happens if it rains?
Wedding ceremonies and micro weddings can move to the verandah of the house. Private outdoor functions are site hire only, with no marquee or wet weather alternative.
Do we get the gardens to ourselves?
No. Event areas are not exclusive and the estate stays open to the public during bookings. The grounds are large enough that most groups find a private corner.
Is catering provided for corporate events?
No. Corporate groups need to bring an external caterer. Up to 30 chairs and four trestle tables are supplied, and a guided tour of the house can be added for $25 per person.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
rosemary sutherland
a month ago
The garden was magnificent. So worth the visit. Easy parking easy discovery tour following the paths.
Jacinta179
5 months ago
Excellent day out. Enjoying our new National Trust membership we visited the Retford Park and joined the house tour. Excellent and very knowledgeable guide. Beautiful gardens. Two small art gallery spaces plus the larger…
Wendy N
8 months ago
A haven for lovers of history and the arts only a short scenic drive away from Sydney!! My partner and I decided on a whim to make a day trip to Bowral and fortunately secured tickets the morning of the tour. I would sa…
Susan Lengyel
9 months ago
The house at Retford Park was built in 1887 by the Hodern family and lavishly redesigned for James Fairfax AC in the 1960s. This Victorian Italianate homestead painted in a delightful Portuguese pink is situated in Bowra…
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