The Ginger Group

The Ginger Group stands as a distinguished name in Canberra’s hospitality scene, delivering premium paddock-to-plate dining and event experiences from its stunning home at the National Arboretum Canberra. Known as a premier local caterer with over 20 years of established experience, the business has built a proud record of excellence since its founding in 2002. Creativity and professionalism shape every detail, from the finest seasonal produce to the finishing touches that make each gathering memorable.

What sets The Ginger Group apart is a genuine commitment to community, farmers, and the future. The team sources locally, champions sustainable and ethical produce, and lets the quality of ingredients speak with minimal intervention. This philosophy extends across all offerings—whether a relaxed café lunch, an intimate private party, or a large-scale corporate conference.

Services & Event Solutions at The Ginger Group

The Ginger Group provides a comprehensive range of hospitality services tailored to Canberra’s needs. With a strong focus on personalized events, the business operates across several key areas:

• Café at the Arboretum: The on-site café offers dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options with sweeping views of Canberra. The menu highlights fresh, seasonal dishes and is a popular stop for visitors exploring the Arboretum’s gardens.
• Weddings: From ceremony to reception, The Ginger Group crafts bespoke wedding experiences within the Arboretum’s breathtaking venues. Every menu is designed to reflect the couple’s tastes while upholding the paddock-to-plate ethos.
• Corporate Events: Preferred by high-profile corporate and public sector clients, the team manages conferences, product launches, awards nights, and more. Their portfolio includes contributions to landmark venues such as the National Gallery of Australia and Old Parliament House.
• Private Parties: Birthdays, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations receive the same meticulous attention as larger events. Custom menus and flexible venue options ensure a seamless experience.
• Offsite Catering: Beyond the Arboretum, The Ginger Group extends its services to private offsite venues, bringing its distinct culinary style anywhere in the Canberra region.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

With a 4.0-star rating on Google Maps based on over 300 reviews, The Ginger Group earns consistent praise for its food, service, and atmosphere. Reviewers frequently highlight the exceptional location and views as a standout feature. Thien Vuong, a prominent local guide, notes: “The food and drinks are good, but the experience of dining with a breathtaking view of Canberra from the Arboretum's rooftop makes it even better.”

Corporate clients often mention the seamless organization. Luton Marketing, reflecting on an annual awards ceremony, describes the experience as “absolutely exceptional” from start to finish, with service that was “warm, attentive, and seamless.”

While food quality receives positive marks, several reviews suggest the setting is the primary draw. The cafe is frequently described as a must-visit for anyone exploring the National Arboretum. Some guests recommend it as a perfect stop after a morning balloon ride or garden tour.

The Ginger Group in Canberra’s National Arboretum

The Ginger Group is uniquely positioned within the Village Centre of the National Arboretum Canberra on Forest Drive in the Molonglo Valley. This location places it at the heart of one of Canberra’s most celebrated attractions. The Arboretum features 94 forests of rare, endangered, and symbolic trees from around the world, and The Ginger Group’s venues overlook this vast living collection.

Visitors enjoy not only the café but also dedicated event spaces including the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion, the Terrace Room with its Discovery Garden, and several forest-side settings. Wheelchair accessibility and on-site parking are available, and the Arboretum is well-served by public transport links. The postal address is PO Box 264, Curtin ACT 2605, with all general enquiries directed to the team at the Arboretum.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

The café at the Arboretum operates from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. For event bookings, including weddings, corporate functions, and private parties, reservations are managed by phone at 02 6273 4366 or via the enquiry form on the website. The Ginger Group recommends reaching out well in advance to secure preferred dates, especially during Canberra’s peak event seasons. Takeaway and delivery are available for café patrons, while event catering is fully customizable.

Common Questions

What type of events does The Ginger Group cater?

The Ginger Group caters weddings, corporate events, conferences, private parties, birthday celebrations, and product launches, both at the National Arboretum Canberra and at offsite private venues across the region.

Does The Ginger Group offer dine-in options?

Yes, the café at the National Arboretum offers dine-in service alongside takeaway and delivery. The menu showcases seasonal, locally sourced produce in a relaxed setting with panoramic views.

Where is The Ginger Group located?

The Ginger Group operates from the Village Centre, National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley ACT 2611. The postal address is PO Box 264, Curtin ACT 2605.

How far in advance should I book an event?

While the team accommodates various timelines, contacting The Ginger Group as early as possible is advised to secure your preferred date and venue. Enquiries can be submitted through the website’s contact form.

Is The Ginger Group wheelchair accessible?

The National Arboretum Canberra and its venues provide wheelchair-accessible entrances and facilities. Contact The Ginger Group directly for any specific accessibility requirements.

Does The Ginger Group have on-site parking?

Yes, the National Arboretum Canberra offers visitor parking, making it convenient for café guests and event attendees alike.

What is the dining price range at the café?

The café falls within a moderate price range, reported by patrons as approximately $20–$40 per person. Event catering quotes are tailored to each occasion; contact The Ginger Group for a personalized proposal.

Is The Ginger Group veteran or family-owned?

The Ginger Group was founded by Janet Jeffs, whose culinary career began in Adelaide and the Barossa Valley. She leads a dedicated team that has shaped the business into a trusted, community-focused Canberra institution for over two decades.

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