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Central Gardens – garden area

Hawthorn

Central Gardens is suitable for weddings, picnics, end-of-year gatherings and celebrations.

It features meandering paths, lush foliage plants and a tropical-style border. The collection of mature trees provides plenty of shade.

Central Gardens is also known as 'Rocket Park' as the playground is known for its iconic 1960s rocket climbing feature (recently restored in 2022).

For more information about the gardens, visit our Central Gardens page.

Before you book
You can book a grass area in the garden for your exclusive use.

We require at least 5 full business day notice.

You can apply to bring: 
– up to 20 chairs and 2 tables for events. 

You can't bring a marquee, arbour or other shade structure.

Visit our Before you book an outdoor space page for more information.

Public facilities

  • Barbecue
  • Drinking fountains
  • Playground
  • Seating and tables
  • Toilets including an accessible toilet.

Public facilities are free for all park visitors to use. They are not included as part of a booking.

Capacity

100 people

Book garden area
Playground with rocket-shaped climbing feature and slide, and small carousel and park bench. There are several trees in the playing area and the background.
Curving concrete path with grass and large trees casting shadows on either side. There is a house-shaped building is in the distance.
Grass area with large trees on the right and and a thick garden of plants on the left. There are shadows are on the grass and a multi-storey building in the distance.
Grass area with several large scattered trees. There is a small hedge to the left, a house-shaped building to the right and a multi-storey building is in the distance.
Aerial view of playground with rocket-shaped climbing feature and slide, and three other features with round tops. Grass and several large trees surround the area.
Aerial view of grass area with many scattered green trees. There is a large playground with surrounding footpaths to the left.
Aerial view of small grass area with scattered green trees. There are footpaths to the right and bottom and a road with a pedestrian crossing to the left.

Parking and transport

Street parking is available on the adjacent William Street and Henry Street. The gardens are within easy walking distance of Glenferrie and Auburn train stations.

Booking times

7 days including public holidays.

April to October: 8 am to 6 pm.

November to March: 8 am to 8:30 pm.

Accessibility

The playground at Central Gardens has a number of accessible features, including a variety of swings for young and old, a water-play zone, shade canopies and paved pathways between play items suitable for users with limited mobility. 

The gardens also have a wheelchair-accessible drinking fountain.

 

View all bookable spaces

Find other nearby services and facilities

Booking information

Booking fees

SpaceFee
Alexandra Gardens, Canterbury Gardens, Surrey Gardens$164.50 per hour (includes exclusive use of the rotunda)
Central Gardens and Maranoa Botanic Gardens$164.50 per hour 
All other parks and gardens$164.50 per 4-hour block
Event bondminimum $200

Terms and conditions

Please read our terms and conditions of hire before booking. 

See Before you book an outdoor space for more information about: 

  • general booking information
  • fees and bonds
  • marquees and other temporary structures. 

If a vendor is supplying any equipment, they need to provide public liability insurance.

Visit our Weddings in our gardens page for information about wedding bookings.

Contact us

If you have any difficulties using our online booking portal, please contact us on (03) 9278 4444 or email [email protected].

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