Big days out
Lovely out-of-town venues at which to tie the knot.
OUR PICK OF BEAUTIFUL OUT-OF-TOWN VENUES FOR WEDDING CELEBRATIONS.
SATELLITE ISLAND, TASMANIA Despite its remote location off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania, the island is easily accessible from Hobart, and Bruny Island is a five-minute boat ride away. The island has two accommodation options, the Summer House and the Boathouse, with the latter featured on Country Style’s award-winning March 2014 cover. Couples can exchange vows on the jetty at the water’s edge, or make use of any of the island’s other picture-perfect locations. Guests staying in Hobart can round out their weekend with a trip to the acclaimed MONA Gallery; those on Bruny Island can spend a day sampling the delicious local wine, cheese and oysters. For parties of up to 100. 0400 336 444; satelliteisland.com.au See page 114 for a wedding on Satellite Island.
VILLA PARMA, HEPBURN SPRINGS, VICTORIA For rustic European charm, it’s hard to go past Villa Parma in Victoria’s spa country. Located within the manicured grounds of Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel, the villa dates back to 1864, when it was used as a stately family home. Lovingly restored and furnished, it sleeps up to eight. Exchange vows under vines or in the topiary gardens, then head to one of three reception areas, with room for up to 100. Before or after the big day, guests can indulge in a treatment at one of the region’s health and day spas — the Mineral Spa at Peppers offers bathing under the stars on Friday and Saturday nights. (03) 5321 6200; villaparma.com.au
SPRING SPUR STAY, TAWONGA, VICTORIA The home of Bogong Horseback Adventures, which runs guided trail and pack rides through the Kiewa Valley and the Alpine National Park. Couples can say ‘I do’ in the gardens or paddocks, then celebrate in the Rider’s Lounge, where the restaurant and bar will hold up to 50. The property can accommodate 12, with more options in nearby Mount Beauty. Round out celebrations with a ride for up to 30 of your guests, or simply revel in the High Country scenery on one of the marked trails or mountain-bike tracks in the surrounding region. (03) 5754 4849, springspurstay.com.au POACHER’S PANTRY, HALL, ACT Once a grazing property, this award-winning smokehouse and vineyard is just beyond the outskirts of Canberra. Most couples marry on the lawn under a giant golden elm tree, but there’s also a rose arbour that’s covered in blooms come spring. Intimate receptions can be held at the Smokehouse Café — a weatherboard cottage — and there’s a marquee for larger parties of up to 300. Guests staying in Canberra can spend the rest of the weekend exploring galleries, cafés and the New Acton design precinct. (02) 6230 2487; poacherspantry.com.au
BYRON VIEW FARM, BYRON BAY, NSW Marry under an arbour in the garden, then enjoy cocktails on the verandah. For parties of more than 60, you’ll have to erect a marquee on the grounds. The cottage has accommodation for the bridal couple only with guests able to base themselves closer to the beaches and buzz of Byron or the charming — and quieter — surrounding region. Everything in Byron is within easy reach. (02) 6684 7260, byronviewfarm.com
THE HYDRO MAJESTIC, BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW Dating back to 1904, this iconic hotel, with its sweeping views across the Megalong Valley, has long been one of the Blue Mountains’ best-loved wedding venues. Recently revamped, the hotel now features lush interiors that pay homage to a bygone era. venues include the Majestic Ballroom, with vaulted ceilings and an open fireplace or, for smaller celebrations, the opulent, oriental-themed Salon
du Thé. After the wedding, the wedding party could enjoy high tea at the hotel, or explore the sights and café strips of nearby Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath. For weddings of up to 400. (02) 4782 6885; hydromajestic.com.au
HIDDEN GROVE, NOOSA, QUEENSLAND Want to marry barefoot on the beach? The Noosa Beach Boardwalk offers four splendid locales at different points along the shore. Our favourite is Hidden Grove (in front of the Sandcastles Resort), where couples can make their vows in front of up to 100 guests shaded by a grove of casuarinas. A short walk away is popular Hastings Street, where restaurants such as Bistro C and Berardo’s can host your reception. Spend the rest of the weekend soaking in the sun, surf and sights of the Sunshine Coast. To inquire about a council permit, visit noosa.qld.gov.au /weddings ceremonies
ST MARY’S BY THE SEA, PORT DOUGLAS, QUEENSLAND Framed by palms and tropical gardens, this weatherboard church is one of Port Douglas’s oldest and most memorable buildings. Inside, stained glass and a large altar window provide a celebratory feel and views of the Coral Sea. The venue is for ceremonies only, but there are plenty of reception venues in the Port Douglas region. There are also the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, which provide plenty to explore and enjoy after the big day. For parties of up to 110. 0418 456 880; portdouglasweddings.com.au
FOREST HILL VINEYARD, DENMARK, WA The oldest cool-climate vineyard in Western Australia, Forest Hill Winery — an easy four kilometres from Denmark’s town centre — sits high on a hillside, capturing panoramic views across towering karri forests.the building is a mix of rustic and contemporary, with a range of reception venues for parties of up to 170. Our pick: upstairs, overlooking the vineyard in the Pepper & Salt restaurant where chef Silas Masih creates dishes that display his expertise with herbs and spices. Guests can round off the celebrations with walks through the region’s rugged coastline and national parks. For parties of up to 200. (08) 9848 000; foresthillwines.com.au
CHATEAU TANUNDA, BAROSSA, SA Dating back to 1890 (when it was the largest building in South Australia), Chateau Tanunda is a favourite wedding venue in the Barossa Valley –—and with good reason.the bluestone building is elegant, and surrounded by lawns and pretty wisteria walkways to make your photographs sing. Marry in the gardens overlooking the vineyards and Barossa Ranges, then host a sit-down meal: the Long Room is a narrow and intimate space that seats up to 80, while the Grand Ballroom can host up to 450.With no accommodation on site, guests can base themselves elsewhere in the region and spend time exploring the many vineyards, farm gates and shops on offer. (08) 8563 3888; chateautanunda.com