What types of corporate events can be hosted at Rippon Lea Estate, Melbourne?

Rippon Lea Estate accommodates a premium range of corporate functions, including high-profile product launches, brand activations, outdoor corporate garden parties, business lunches, and major milestone awards galas. Peter Rowland provides full-service, award-winning catering, climate-controlled interiors, and comprehensive event management across both the majestic indoor spaces and the sprawling 14-acre heritage grounds.

Is Peter Rowland the exclusive caterer for Rippon Lea Estate events, and can menus be customised?

Yes, Peter Rowland is the exclusive hospitality, catering, and event production partner for Rippon Lea Estate. All seasonal function packages can be custom-tailored to suit strict dietary preferences—delivering bespoke culinary configurations for vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, coeliac-safe, halal-friendly, and kosher requirements with world-class culinary execution.

Rippon Lea Estate

Q: How many event spaces are available for hire at Rippon Lea Estate, and what are their capacities?

Rippon Lea Estate offers three primary event zones managed exclusively by Peter Rowland: The Grand Ballroom, The Poolside Terrace, and The Pleasure Gardens. The historic Grand Ballroom hosts up to 180 guests for a formal seated banquet or 272 for an elegant cocktail party. For grand-scale outdoor festivals, garden ceremonies, or corporate family days, the 14 acres of manicured pleasure gardens comfortably accommodate up to 2,500 guests.

A grand heritage estate set amongst stunning gardens and a historic mansion, Rippon Lea Estate offers a timeless backdrop for weddings, galas and special events. Rich in Victorian elegance and old-world charm, it’s one of Melbourne’s most iconic event destinations.

Gardens, 192 Hotham Street,
Elsternwick, Victoria

Up to 2,500 guests

About the Venue

Victorian Elegance.
Remarkable Celebrations.

Rippon Lea Estate is one of Australia’s most treasured heritage properties.

This grand 19th-century mansion, set within 14 acres of picturesque gardens and sweeping lawns, provides an elegant backdrop for unforgettable occasions.

The estate combines timeless architecture with natural beauty, creating a unique and sophisticated setting for both private and corporate events. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration, Rippon Lea offers versatility and charm that few venues can match.

The venue features multiple event spaces, including the historic ballroom, manicured outdoor terraces, lakeside lawns, and enchanting gardens.
With modern facilities discreetly integrated into the estate and supported by Peter Rowland Group’s acclaimed catering, Rippon Lea Estate ensures a seamless experience for every guest.

Voted #01 Wedding Venue in Victoria

Finalist in the Australian Bridal Industry Academy (ABIA) Awards 2023 & 2024

What makes PRG menu special

Our menus at Rippon Lea Estate reflect timeless culinary refinement. From elegant garden champagne receptions featuring chic seasonal canapés on the pool terrace to opulent multi-course sit-down banquets within the grand ballroom, Peter Rowland delivers bespoke, world-class epicurean experiences that perfectly mirror the estate’s historic grandeur.

Explore the Venue

Perfect for

The Details

Everything you need to know

Features

Grand Ballroom: Boasting heritage details, chandeliers, parquet floors, and high-loft ceilings. It opens directly onto the art-deco pool terrace for seamless indoor–outdoor flow.
Expansive 14 acres featuring lawns, fernery, ornamental lake, orchard, and tennis court—offering both grand ceremony settings and tranquil alcoves
In-house Peter Rowland catering and professional event coordination
Climate control (heating & cooling)

Bridal or VIP suite with private amenities
Audio–visual essentials: microphones, lectern, optional projector/TV
Poolside Terrace: Art Deco charm ideal for pre-ceremony drinks, canapés, or a glamorous cocktail hour
Architecture & History: The venue showcases 19th-century Lombardic Romanesque design, heritage interiors (embossed wallpapers, stained glass), and a glamorous 1930s ballroom transformation.

Capacity

Ballroom
Seated

Up to 180 guests

Ballroom Cocktail
Standing

Up to 272 guests

Ballroom &
Pool Terrace

Up to 250 guests

Garden Outdoor
Ceremony & Receptions

Up to 2500 guests

Lane & Smaller Gardens

80 to 500 guests

Accessibility

Transport & Parking

Situated at 192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick, Rippon Lea Estate is located just 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD and is a short walking distance from Elsternwick railway station. The venue provides convenient on-site vehicle parking options, dedicated accessible drop-off zones, and step-free outdoor pathways across the expansive 14-acre garden grounds, ensuring frictionless guest arrivals for evening and weekend functions.

Parking

Public Transport

Train

Take the Sandringham line from Flinders Street Station to Ripponlea Station
From Ripponlea Station, it’s a short 5–7 minute walk (about 600 m) to Rippon Lea Estate.

Tram

Tram Route 67 (Melbourne University → Carnegie) from Swanston Street.
Alight at Stop 42 (Hotham Street/Brighton Road).
From there, the estate is approximately a 10-minute walk

Bus

Route 246 (Elsternwick – Clifton Hill via St Kilda) stops within walking distance.
Routes 603 (Brighton Beach – Burnley) and 623 (Glen Waverley – St Kilda) also pass nearby and stop close to the estate.

Location

FAQ

What wedding ceremony and reception options are available at Rippon Lea Estate, Melbourne?

Rippon Lea Estate offers a romantic, versatile range of settings for both wedding ceremonies and receptions. Couples can exchange vows amidst the 14 acres of heritage pleasure gardens, host a glamorous Art Deco poolside cocktail hour, and celebrate with an opulent reception inside the Grand Ballroom. Peter Rowland provides full-service wedding production, bespoke epicurean menus, and flawless coordination to bring your unique wedding vision to life.

Is there parking and public transport access available for event guests at Rippon Lea Estate?

Yes. Rippon Lea Estate features a convenient location in Elsternwick, just 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, and is highly accessible via public transport, sitting within a short walking distance of the Elsternwick railway station. The estate provides on-site parking for guests, including dedicated accessible parking options and step-free outdoor entry pathways across the flat terrace networks.

How many event spaces are available for hire at Rippon Lea Estate, and what are their capacities?

Rippon Lea Estate offers three primary event zones: The Grand Ballroom, The Poolside Terrace, and The Pleasure Gardens. The historic Grand Ballroom hosts up to 180 guests for a formal seated banquet or 272 for an elegant cocktail party. For grand-scale outdoor festivals, garden ceremonies, or corporate family days, the 14 acres of manicured pleasure gardens comfortably accommodate up to 2,500 guests.

Does Rippon Lea Estate provide audio-visual (AV) equipment for functions and weddings?

Absolutely. While preserving its majestic 19th-century National Heritage aesthetic, the venue integrates modern digital functionality seamlessly. The Grand Ballroom features full climate control, high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity, and built-in audio-visual essentials including roving microphones, a premium lectern, and optional projection layout configurations overseen by our technical production support team.