What to know about Melbourne
- The City of Melbourne needs an event permit in a public place if you put up infrastructure such as a marquee, bring more than two barbecues, expect 50 or more people or need vehicle access to drop off equipment.Source: City of Melbourne, event permits and planning
- The City of Melbourne does not count chairs, tables and up to four market umbrellas as infrastructure.Source: City of Melbourne, event permits and planning
- A City of Melbourne private low impact event covers 50 to 200 people with no more than two 3 m by 3 m marquees or one 6 m by 3 m marquee, and needs at least 10 working days' notice.Source: City of Melbourne, event permits and planning
- No infrastructure is permitted for ceremonies in the heritage-listed Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, Kings Domain and Queen Victoria Gardens.Source: City of Melbourne, wedding permits
- The 2021 Census counted 4,817,843 people in the Melbourne Significant Urban Area.Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats, Melbourne SUA
Parties in City of Melbourne parks
A permit is needed as soon as a marquee goes up, more than two barbecues come out, 50 or more guests are expected or a van needs to drive in with the gear. Chairs, tables and up to four market umbrellas do not count. A birthday for 50 to 200 people with up to two 3 m by 3 m marquees is a private low impact event, with at least 10 working days' notice (City of Melbourne).
Heritage gardens
Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, Kings Domain and Queen Victoria Gardens allow no infrastructure for ceremonies, so a marquee there is out. The council suggests Treasury or Flagstaff Gardens for a bigger set-up (City of Melbourne wedding permits).
Melbourne suburbs
Most of Melbourne sits in other councils, each with its own park rules. Our local guides cover Brunswick, Richmond, St Kilda, Footscray, Box Hill, Glen Waverley, Werribee and Frankston.
Melbourne party hire FAQs
Can I put up a gazebo in a City of Melbourne park?
Only with an event permit: a marquee counts as infrastructure. Market umbrellas, chairs and tables do not.
How much notice does the City of Melbourne need?
At least 10 working days for a private low impact event of 50 to 200 people.