Where to host your next private function
Whether it’s gathering with friends and family to celebrate all of life’s big and little moments, or you’ve been tasked with organising this years office Christmas party; we’ve rounded up 9 spots that’ll take your event to the next level, no matter the occasion.
Updated November 2022
Written by Nicola Clark
Photography by Morgan Smith
Great food, great company, and great food are all important to making your special day that much more memorable. But the right venue can be the cherry on top to take that day from great to perfect.
Gabbinbar Homestead
It’s probably the wedding destination in the region: pristine lawns, towering ancient trees, and a breathtaking 150-year-old-plus residence all make for the complete package for your special day. Head chef Bernhard Kohlhuber celebrates regional ingredients with his luxurious menu, with something divine for any taste – including a cheese wheel wedding cake (you read that correctly!). Lucky for us all, Gabbinbar also hosts corporate and private functions.
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Fitzy’s
Fitzy’s has a variety of rooms to choose from, such as their deck with outdoor heating and high tables to share drinks over, and their Gaelic Bar decked out with TV, microphone, and private bar and toilets. You’ll be able to share a special moment with loved ones, but still enjoy an afterparty in the next room with the dance floor and live music.
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The Finch
This downtown, modern venue transforms from an earthy cafe in the day to an intimate space at night. Book a sit-down dining experience for that birthday dinner, or a standing cocktail evening for a networking night, catered for by the talented kitchen crew. It’s BYO drinks, so choose what you love most!
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Cafe Valetta
Overlooking Queens Park, this venue is perfect for refined functions, such as private high teas. For $51 per person, your ensemble can dine on unlimited tea and coffee, a glass of champagne, sandwiches, scones and lots of sweet and savoury bites. The historic building makes for the perfect backdrop.
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Ortem
This industrial café in the old railway precinct is a local favourite, known for its inventive menu: think fairy floss stacked on pancakes for breakfast, or charcoal bao buns for lunch. But tucked upstairs above the cafe, you’ll find the classy events space that’s perfect for work parties or private dinners with close friends and family. You can opt-in for a three-course meal for your group, as well as make use of the fully-licensed bar on-site.
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Urban Grounds
Urban Grounds can comfortably accommodate up to 260 people standing or 200 people seated, so no one is left out here. With multiple spaces to choose from including the al fresco deck or Drawing Room (complete with fireplace), you can tailor your experience to suit exactly what you’re after. They take bar tabs of any dollar amount, as well as standard and premium beverage packages. Keep your guests fed with high teas, canapes, banquets or an alternate drop.
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DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum
One of the more unique function venues in Toowoomba, the DownsSteam Musuem offers an intimate, authentic locomotive dining car as a conversation starter. Your guests can sit back and relax as they dine on breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. Plus, you’ll even get a complimentary site tour to explore what the museum has to offer.
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Clifford Park Racecourse
This large venues offers not one, not two, but six rooms to choose from to suit your needs, whether it’s a small dinner or community event. The Grande Atrium can hold 1000 guests, which sounds frankly terrifying. The second storey deck has a perfect view of the track.
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Kingfishers Cafe Restaurant
The lush gardens of Kingfishers make for a dreamy outdoor function venue. Add a stellar kitchen team on top of that and you’re looking at the perfect wedding or birthday function. Kingfishers can also hook you up with a photobooth, live music, and table settings, so that’s one less thing to stress about.
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Muller Bros
Famous for their Brazilian BBQ, or churrasco, this restaurant is the ultimate dining experience to impress your guests. Book ahead for larger groups, then take a seat and let the food just keep on coming. They’ve also got a rooftop bar, if that’s more your style.
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The Royal on Ruthven
The Royal has been serving up pub feeds since 1866. Book The Verandah Room for private dinners, or The Courtyard beer garden for a Sunday sesh with mates. The new renovation has turned this pub into one of the prettiest courtyards in town, strung with fairy lights and greenery everywhere.
Know a great function venue we’ve missed? Let us know, and we’ll add it to our list!
