Please review the most commonly-asked questions when planning an outdoor event within our municipality.
Events FAQ
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Do I need a permit?
Event permits ensure public safety and amenity in public spaces and assist in the sustainable management of our parks and gardens.
You will need a permit if your event involves
- 50 attendees or more.
- Ticketing for the participants
- Amplified sound
- Catering by an external supplier.
- A wedding ceremony
- A reservation of a specific location.
- You plan to erect large structures (small 3x3 marquees are permitted without a permit: must be weighted down and secured safely. Spikes or pegs are strictly prohibited.)
If you do not meet any of the criteria above, and are happy to choose a location when you arrive at the park, please go ahead and enjoy yourself- a booking/permit is not required.
If you are worried that another large event may already be booked into the park you can contact us to check this.
Event permits ensure public safety and amenity in public spaces and assist in the sustainable management of our parks and gardens.
You will need a permit if your event involves
- 50 attendees or more.
- Ticketing for the participants
- Amplified sound
- Catering by an external supplier.
- A wedding ceremony
- A reservation of a specific location.
- You plan to erect large structures (small 3x3 marquees are permitted without a permit: must be weighted down and secured safely. Spikes or pegs are strictly prohibited.)
If you do not meet any of the criteria above, and are happy to choose a location when you arrive at the park, please go ahead and enjoy yourself- a booking/permit is not required.
If you are worried that another large event may already be booked into the park you can contact us to check this.
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How do I request a booking?
Step 1: Read the Conditions of Hire and all relevant information.
- Please ensure that you have read, understood and accepted our Conditions of Hire
- Visit our Events in Public Spaces Permit page.
- Take a look at the online park information and choose your preferred location.
- You may wish to visit the location in person so that you have a clear idea of what would suit your event.
Step 2: Log in or register with our booking system.
Log on to our online booking system to register your interest and secure your space.
If you’re a registered user and have booked a venue with us before, you can log on to make a new booking.
If you’re a first-time user, please register with us and then make your booking.
Step 3: Your request is reviewed
We will review your request and, if approved, we will send you the appropriate application form/s and initial invoice of payment.
Step 4: Submit your application
- You need to submit your application forms and pay your invoice by the nominated deadline.
- This will conditionally approve your event and you may send your invitations at this point.
- If we do not receive these items within the nominated timeframe your tentative hold will expire and the site may be booked by another hirer.
Step Five: Provide required documents
Depending on the scope of your event, further permits/details may be required such as:
- Mobile Food Vendor permit
- Minor/Major sound permit
- POPE permit
- Contact details for your contractor/s (band/DJ, caterer, celebrant, security guards etc)
- Equipment list of items being brought into the park (such as marquees, structures, decorations etc)
- Final payment of your hire fees
- Site plan
- Public liability insurance
More information
If all relevant details are not received by the deadline it may lead to specific items not being approved or cancellation of your event.
You can log into your account to view, change and cancel your event at any time.
Please note that a different process applies for Major Events.
Step 1: Read the Conditions of Hire and all relevant information.
- Please ensure that you have read, understood and accepted our Conditions of Hire
- Visit our Events in Public Spaces Permit page.
- Take a look at the online park information and choose your preferred location.
- You may wish to visit the location in person so that you have a clear idea of what would suit your event.
Step 2: Log in or register with our booking system.
Log on to our online booking system to register your interest and secure your space.
If you’re a registered user and have booked a venue with us before, you can log on to make a new booking.
If you’re a first-time user, please register with us and then make your booking.
Step 3: Your request is reviewed
We will review your request and, if approved, we will send you the appropriate application form/s and initial invoice of payment.
Step 4: Submit your application
- You need to submit your application forms and pay your invoice by the nominated deadline.
- This will conditionally approve your event and you may send your invitations at this point.
- If we do not receive these items within the nominated timeframe your tentative hold will expire and the site may be booked by another hirer.
Step Five: Provide required documents
Depending on the scope of your event, further permits/details may be required such as:
- Mobile Food Vendor permit
- Minor/Major sound permit
- POPE permit
- Contact details for your contractor/s (band/DJ, caterer, celebrant, security guards etc)
- Equipment list of items being brought into the park (such as marquees, structures, decorations etc)
- Final payment of your hire fees
- Site plan
- Public liability insurance
More information
If all relevant details are not received by the deadline it may lead to specific items not being approved or cancellation of your event.
You can log into your account to view, change and cancel your event at any time.
Please note that a different process applies for Major Events.
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How much notice is required?
Please discuss your event timelines with us. We can decline an event application if insufficient notice or information is provided.
Notice required depends on the type of event
Please refer to the table below to get a better idea of how much notice we need in order to process your event application.
Event type Description Notice Required Simple Simple events are those which do not involve any additional permits (such as mobile food vendor or major sound.) 2 weeks Medium Medium complexity events are those which involve multiple permits and assessment by Council officers. 6 weeks Major/Complex Major and/or complex events will require significant notice in order to process your application and to assist you in delivering a safe and successful event. These applications are generally managed through an Expression of Interest process. EOI process Promoting your event
We recommend that you don’t advertise your event or send invitations until you have gained written conditional approval from us that your event can go ahead.
Please discuss your event timelines with us. We can decline an event application if insufficient notice or information is provided.
Notice required depends on the type of event
Please refer to the table below to get a better idea of how much notice we need in order to process your event application.
Event type Description Notice Required Simple Simple events are those which do not involve any additional permits (such as mobile food vendor or major sound.) 2 weeks Medium Medium complexity events are those which involve multiple permits and assessment by Council officers. 6 weeks Major/Complex Major and/or complex events will require significant notice in order to process your application and to assist you in delivering a safe and successful event. These applications are generally managed through an Expression of Interest process. EOI process Promoting your event
We recommend that you don’t advertise your event or send invitations until you have gained written conditional approval from us that your event can go ahead.
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How much will my event permit cost?
Event fees
The table below indicates the event fees. Fees will vary depending on the scope of your event.
All fees include GST unless otherwise noted.
Fee type
Full
Not for Profit
Event Application Fee (small to medium events)
$69.89
$69.89
Event Application Fee (major event or late application)
$274.05
$274.05
Small Event Permit
$120.63
$41.00
Medium Event Permit
$298.48
$120.63
Major Event Permit
$825.00
$125.84
Site Fee
$178.36
$57.00
Fairfield Amphitheatre Site Fee *, **
$401.96
$125.84
Burnley Circus Site Fee Day Rate **
$1,716.00
$572.00
Burnley Circus Site Fee Weekly Rate **
$8,580.00
$2,860.00
Minor Sound Permit
$57.10
$19.00
Major Sound Permit
$356.00
$123.40
Access to power - per day (available at limited sites)
$115.44
$115.44
Occupation of public land (roads, footpaths etc) for events
$4.60 per 5m2
no charge
Temporary Road Closure Inspection Fee
TBC (Generally from $165.90 depending on day of week and time of day.)
no charge
Stalls/BBQs/Promotional Activity
$76.00 per stall
no charge
Mobile Food Vendor (Small Private Event)
$120.00
no charge
Mobile Food Vendor Permit (Medium/Major Public Events) - Up to 5 vendors
$373.00
no charge
Temporary Public Space License (Medium/Major Public Events) - Up to 5 vendors
$113.50
no charge
Place of Public Entertainment (POPE) - fee includes permit application and inspection by Municipal Building Surveyor
TBC (dependent on the event)
no charge
Mobile Food Vendor Permit-on Road or out of event site
$373.00
no charge
Site Inspection Fee (if applicable)
$263.63
$263.63
* Additional fees may apply for use of facilities
**Bond payments may be required depending on the nature of the eventEvent fees
The table below indicates the event fees. Fees will vary depending on the scope of your event.
All fees include GST unless otherwise noted.
Fee type
Full
Not for Profit
Event Application Fee (small to medium events)
$69.89
$69.89
Event Application Fee (major event or late application)
$274.05
$274.05
Small Event Permit
$120.63
$41.00
Medium Event Permit
$298.48
$120.63
Major Event Permit
$825.00
$125.84
Site Fee
$178.36
$57.00
Fairfield Amphitheatre Site Fee *, **
$401.96
$125.84
Burnley Circus Site Fee Day Rate **
$1,716.00
$572.00
Burnley Circus Site Fee Weekly Rate **
$8,580.00
$2,860.00
Minor Sound Permit
$57.10
$19.00
Major Sound Permit
$356.00
$123.40
Access to power - per day (available at limited sites)
$115.44
$115.44
Occupation of public land (roads, footpaths etc) for events
$4.60 per 5m2
no charge
Temporary Road Closure Inspection Fee
TBC (Generally from $165.90 depending on day of week and time of day.)
no charge
Stalls/BBQs/Promotional Activity
$76.00 per stall
no charge
Mobile Food Vendor (Small Private Event)
$120.00
no charge
Mobile Food Vendor Permit (Medium/Major Public Events) - Up to 5 vendors
$373.00
no charge
Temporary Public Space License (Medium/Major Public Events) - Up to 5 vendors
$113.50
no charge
Place of Public Entertainment (POPE) - fee includes permit application and inspection by Municipal Building Surveyor
TBC (dependent on the event)
no charge
Mobile Food Vendor Permit-on Road or out of event site
$373.00
no charge
Site Inspection Fee (if applicable)
$263.63
$263.63
* Additional fees may apply for use of facilities
**Bond payments may be required depending on the nature of the event
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Where can I hold my event?
When submitting an application you will need to select the park of your choice. The choice of venue may restrict the type of event that can be held.
Popular locations include:
- Edinburgh Gardens Circle of Trees
- Edinburgh Gardens Rotunda
- Darling Gardens Rotunda
- Barkly Gardens
- O’Connell Reserve Rotundas
- Fairfield Amphitheatre
- Burnley Park & Circus Site
I want to use a different park
While there are many other parks in Yarra, not all parks are suitable for events (such as Curtain Square Rotunda and Quarries Park Rotunda.)
If you have a preferred location that isn’t on the list above, you can call us on 9205 5555 to discuss your options.
Or you can check our booking system to view other locations.
More information
Please note that completing an online booking does not guarantee availability or booking of the site or give approval for the event.
As our parks are public shared spaces, you will only be permitted to reserve a designated section/area of the park- you will not be permitted exclusive hire of an entire park.When submitting an application you will need to select the park of your choice. The choice of venue may restrict the type of event that can be held.Popular locations include:
- Edinburgh Gardens Circle of Trees
- Edinburgh Gardens Rotunda
- Darling Gardens Rotunda
- Barkly Gardens
- O’Connell Reserve Rotundas
- Fairfield Amphitheatre
- Burnley Park & Circus Site
I want to use a different park
While there are many other parks in Yarra, not all parks are suitable for events (such as Curtain Square Rotunda and Quarries Park Rotunda.)
If you have a preferred location that isn’t on the list above, you can call us on 9205 5555 to discuss your options.
Or you can check our booking system to view other locations.
More information
Please note that completing an online booking does not guarantee availability or booking of the site or give approval for the event.
As our parks are public shared spaces, you will only be permitted to reserve a designated section/area of the park- you will not be permitted exclusive hire of an entire park.
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Do I need insurance?
Every event permit requires public liability insurance coverage of $20 million.
All companies and organisations are required to hold their own public liability insurance coverage and provide a certificate of currency as part of their application.
What if I don't have insurance?
We acknowledge that small family events such as wedding ceremonies and children’s parties are organised by individuals who may not have their own insurance policy.
Yarra offers coverage under our community policy for these low-risk events. Please see here if you are covered under our policy.
Every event permit requires public liability insurance coverage of $20 million.
All companies and organisations are required to hold their own public liability insurance coverage and provide a certificate of currency as part of their application.
What if I don't have insurance?
We acknowledge that small family events such as wedding ceremonies and children’s parties are organised by individuals who may not have their own insurance policy.
Yarra offers coverage under our community policy for these low-risk events. Please see here if you are covered under our policy.
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Can we have music or amplified equipment?
If you are planning to have music or amplified sound at your event, you will require a minor/major sound permit (in addition to your event permit.)
You must submit a separate application form to assess what type of permit is suitable. An additional permit fee will apply.
If you are planning to have music or amplified sound at your event, you will require a minor/major sound permit (in addition to your event permit.)
You must submit a separate application form to assess what type of permit is suitable. An additional permit fee will apply.
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Can I consume/serve/sell alcohol at my event?
You are legally allowed to consume alcohol within the City of Yarra’s parks between the hours of 9am-9pm. This covers BYO alcohol.
If you intend to sell alcohol at your event, or if your event is ticketed, you may require a temporary liquor license which is issued by VCGLR and approved by the City of Yarra.
You are legally allowed to consume alcohol within the City of Yarra’s parks between the hours of 9am-9pm. This covers BYO alcohol.
If you intend to sell alcohol at your event, or if your event is ticketed, you may require a temporary liquor license which is issued by VCGLR and approved by the City of Yarra.
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Can I discharge fireworks or have firepits or a bonfire at my event?
Refer to the Fireworks section on our Council and other permits page.Refer to the Fireworks section on our Council and other permits page.
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Can I book the public BBQs/playground/skate-ramp?
No, these are considered public assets and are unable to be reserved for exclusive use.
All of our designated event spaces are located away from these public facilities.
If you wish to use them, you are welcome to do so, but you will be sharing them with the wider community.
No, these are considered public assets and are unable to be reserved for exclusive use.
All of our designated event spaces are located away from these public facilities.
If you wish to use them, you are welcome to do so, but you will be sharing them with the wider community.
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What if my event requires a sporting facility such as an oval?
You need to contact our Recreation team.
- call 9205 5555
- submit an online request
Sporting facilities are in high demand and we need to check availability before you start the event application process.
You need to contact our Recreation team.
- call 9205 5555
- submit an online request
Sporting facilities are in high demand and we need to check availability before you start the event application process.
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Can I use the park bins for my rubbish from the event?
- You must dispose of all rubbish generated by your event.
- Any extra rubbish which exceeds the capacity of bins in the park must be taken away.
- If you need extra rubbish bins you must provide them yourself through a private waste management company.
- You must dispose of all rubbish generated by your event.
- Any extra rubbish which exceeds the capacity of bins in the park must be taken away.
- If you need extra rubbish bins you must provide them yourself through a private waste management company.
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Can I get vehicle access to the park for my event?
Permission for vehicle access into the park may be provided in certain circumstances. Please request your requirements with the Event Permits Officer- requests are assessed on a case by case basis.
If vehicle access is granted, vehicles are not permitted to remain on the grassed area during the event. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that any access gates are immediately locked after entry or exit, to ensure other members of the public do not gain unauthorised entry into the park.
Permission for vehicle access into the park may be provided in certain circumstances. Please request your requirements with the Event Permits Officer- requests are assessed on a case by case basis.
If vehicle access is granted, vehicles are not permitted to remain on the grassed area during the event. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that any access gates are immediately locked after entry or exit, to ensure other members of the public do not gain unauthorised entry into the park.
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What happens if it rains and I want to cancel my event?
Event permits are issued with the knowledge that Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable! If an event permit has been issued and rain or extreme weather is forecast, the Events Permits Officer can try to move you to a shaded Rotunda if possible within the timeframe.
If no Rotunda is available or if that is not suitable for your event, you may choose to cancel your event. Your bond will be refunded as per standard practice but any permit/event hire fees will be not be refunded.
Event permits are issued with the knowledge that Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable! If an event permit has been issued and rain or extreme weather is forecast, the Events Permits Officer can try to move you to a shaded Rotunda if possible within the timeframe.
If no Rotunda is available or if that is not suitable for your event, you may choose to cancel your event. Your bond will be refunded as per standard practice but any permit/event hire fees will be not be refunded.
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What can I bring into the park?
Can I bring a BBQ into a park?
Public BBQs cannot be reserved or the space directly around them as they are seen as public amenities.
People are able to bring their own BBQ's as long as it is not a total fire ban day and the BBQ is gas and not coal.
Things to keep in mind:
- must be operated at least 4.5 metres away from foliage
- protective matting must be used to prevent damage to the grass
- must not be used on a declared Total Fire Ban day
Can I have a jumping castle?
Council are currently reviewing this. At this stage, no jumping castles are permitted for events.
Can I have bubble/zorb soccer?
No, these are not permitted within the City of Yarra’s parks and sporting facilities.Can I have marquees and other structures?
- A 3m x 3m or 6m x 3m marquee can be included as part of your event permit at no additional charge.
- These marquees must be weighted not pegged into the ground.
- Items may not be secured to other Council assets such as trees.
- Furniture such as foldout chairs and tables are generally also permitted.
This information is captured on your event application form, and may not be added once the permit has been issued.
Other structures are assessed on a case by case basis- please note this may trigger an additional permit & cost.
Can I bring a BBQ into a park?
Public BBQs cannot be reserved or the space directly around them as they are seen as public amenities.
People are able to bring their own BBQ's as long as it is not a total fire ban day and the BBQ is gas and not coal.
Things to keep in mind:
- must be operated at least 4.5 metres away from foliage
- protective matting must be used to prevent damage to the grass
- must not be used on a declared Total Fire Ban day
Can I have a jumping castle?
Council are currently reviewing this. At this stage, no jumping castles are permitted for events.
Can I have bubble/zorb soccer?
No, these are not permitted within the City of Yarra’s parks and sporting facilities.Can I have marquees and other structures?
- A 3m x 3m or 6m x 3m marquee can be included as part of your event permit at no additional charge.
- These marquees must be weighted not pegged into the ground.
- Items may not be secured to other Council assets such as trees.
- Furniture such as foldout chairs and tables are generally also permitted.
This information is captured on your event application form, and may not be added once the permit has been issued.
Other structures are assessed on a case by case basis- please note this may trigger an additional permit & cost.
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