Event guidelines

Tents, marquees and other similar structures are not allowed in Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, Speakers Corner (in Birrarung Marr) and Queen Victoria Gardens.
Structures maybe permitted in other parks with prior written approval, in accordance with City of Melbourne park guidelines. Please refer to page 20 of the Melbourne Event Planning Guide.
Please provide the dimensions of all structures associated with your event, and we will advise of any further permits you may require such as an occupancy permit.
Limited use of market umbrellas is allowed providing they do not need to be pegged or staked into the ground

If you are planning any kind of amusements or rides, such as jumping castles, you will need to refer to page 25 of the Melbourne Event Planning Guide.

Only gas operated barbeques and spit roast appliances are allowed. These must not operate within 4.5 m of any foliage.
Protective matting must be placed on the ground under the barbecue or spit roast appliance to prevent scorching of the grass and to collect any waste.
Barbeques and spit roast appliances may not be lit on a declared Total Fire Ban day.
Barbeques located within parks, gardens and reserves cannot be booked.
Liquor is allowed for BYO functions; however alcohol can only be consumed in conjunction with food. If you are planning to serve alcohol you may require a liquor licence. For more information please refer to page 40 of the Melbourne Event Planning Guide.

In some city locations, it is possible to use City of Melbourne mains power. If you need this and it is available at your event location your coordinator will provide you with the details of the City of Melbourne electrician to arrange access. You can then source your own reputable event electrician to manage power requirements during your event. Please note fees apply and the event organiser is responsible for ensuring that any independent operators must comply with the appropriate health and safety regulations.
Amplified music is permitted, provided sound levels are kept down to a level that does not disturb other users of the park or garden (72 decibels). If you are planning a musical event you will need to refer to page 41 of the Melbourne Event Management Planning Guide.

Event organisers are responsible for ensuring adequate toilet facilities are available for event participants. If public park toilets are not available or not adequate, event organisers need to make arrangements to hire portable toilets. More information on the provision of toilets is included on page 23 of the Melbourne Event Planning Guide.

Vehicle access to parks is for drop-off and pick-up of essential equipment only and vehicles must not remain in the park. Please provide a list of vehicles and registration numbers that will require entry to the park for this purpose. The permit will reflect vehicle registrations once permission is granted for vehicle access into the parks.
Please note: all heavy vehicles, if permitted access rights, must remain on the paths and roadways when dropping off equipment.
You may wish to consider reserving car parking spaces by telephoning Permits and Review on 9658 9658 or apply for a Reserved Parking permit. Visit Parking for more information. Please note however, that parking spaces cannot be guaranteed.
Car parking in proximity to parks and gardens is limited and you may wish to advise guests to use alternative modes of transport.

For smaller park activities and functions the City of Melbourne has an open public liability insurance policy, which provides cover for claims arising from the specified event.
For larger events the use of Council managed land cannot occur unless you have a minimum $10 million coverage and a Certificate of Currency has been lodged. As the conditions regarding insurance differ, according to type of event you are planning, your insurance requirements will be assessed by an Event Coordinator.

The possibility of inclement weather needs to be taken into account when making a booking.
The City of Melbourne does not provide wet weather alternatives and it is not permitted to set up marquees at late notice. As per the Terms and conditions, refunds are not issued in the case of wet weather.

All litter generated by your activity is to be removed from the site.
The distribution of flyers and handbills is not permitted in any park, garden or reserve.
Pedestrian access by the public must be maintained at all times to all areas of the parks and gardens.
All directions issued by park rangers, authorised council officers or members of the Victoria Police must be adhered to at all times.