The Marion

Overlooking the serene waters of Lake Burley Griffin, The Marion provides an unforgettable backdrop for exceptional dining, elegant high teas, and grand celebrations in Parkes, Australian Capital Territory. Part of the prestigious Grand Pacific Group, the venue honors the artistic legacy of Marion Mahony Griffin, the visionary collaborator in the design of Canberra. Every detail, from the locally sourced menu to the panoramic views, reflects a commitment to quality and a deep respect for the city's heritage.

We offer a versatile space where history and modern hospitality converge, making it a premier destination for weddings, corporate events, and private functions. Whether you're joining us for a multi-course lunch or a celebratory afternoon tea, our team is dedicated to creating moments that linger long after the last bite. Discover a place where everything from the architecture to the plate tells a story of creativity and collaboration.

Services & Facilities

The Marion is designed to accommodate a wide range of dining and event needs, with distinct spaces tailored for different occasions. The main dining room captures abundant natural light and presents uninterrupted views of the lake and surrounding parklands. For more intimate gatherings, our private suite offers an exclusive setting with dedicated staff, perfect for bridal showers or milestone celebrations. The building itself, located within the historic Act Parks Depot, blends modern elegance with the charm of its original structure.

• Lakeside Dining Room: An airy, sophisticated space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a seasonal à la carte menu.
• Private Event Suite: A self-contained room with its own ambiance, ideal for high tea parties, corporate workshops, or private dining.
• Outdoor Terrace: Available for ceremonies and cocktail hours, offering a direct connection to the landscaped grounds of Regatta Point.
• On-Site Guest Parking: Complimentary parking accessible via Regatta Place for the convenience of all visitors.

What We Offer

Our culinary experiences are carefully curated to showcase the finest local produce and global flavors. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring each visit offers something new and exciting. Beyond our daily services, we specialize in fully customizable event packages that transform your vision into reality.

High Tea Experience

Served daily from 10:00 am, our high tea is a signature experience at The Marion. Guests can enjoy a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of petit fours, all presented on custom stands. We also offer a Bottomless High Tea package featuring free-flowing sparkling wine and mimosas for those looking to add a celebratory sparkle to their afternoon. It’s the perfect way to mark a birthday, bridal shower, or simply a reunion with friends.

À La Carte Lunch

Our lunch menu combines top-quality, sustainable ingredients with inspired culinary techniques. Guests can choose from one-course, two-course, or three-course options, with dishes that highlight the best of the region's meats, seafood, and vegetables. From delicate starters to decadent desserts, each plate is a work of art designed to complement the stunning lakeside panorama.

Weddings & Receptions

As a premiere wedding venue, The Marion offers a romantic canvas for both ceremonies and receptions. Our expert team handles every logistical detail, from custom menu creation to floral arrangements and event styling. The combination of elegant interiors and the natural beauty of Commonwealth Park provides a picture-perfect setting for your first dance and lifelong memories.

Functions & Corporate Events

We host a wide range of professional and personal events, including corporate dinners, cocktail parties, product launches, and milestone celebrations. Our scalable event spaces and dedicated planning team ensure everything runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on your guests. Tailored food and beverage packages, along with presentation equipment, can be arranged to meet your specific objectives.

Gift Cards

Sharing the experience is easy with our exclusive gift cards. Recipients can redeem them toward a decadent high tea affair or a sophisticated fine-dining lunch, making them a thoughtful and flexible gift for any special occasion.

Why Customers Choose Us

Our guests consistently highlight the unique blend of stunning location and attentive service. One recent reviewer noted, "We celebrated my baby shower at The Marion in the private suite with high tea. Tanya was our host for the whole event and was so accommodating and lovely. The event ran smoothly..." This level of personal care is a hallmark of every event at The Marion. Another couple reflected on their wedding day, saying, "We had our wedding here and it was simply beautiful. The venue is breathtaking and looks fantastic in photos. The food was also excellent!"

Marion’s deep connection to the design of Canberra itself provides a rich narrative that enhances every visit. By honoring Marion Mahony Griffin's underrepresented legacy, we offer more than a meal or an event space—we provide a meaningful experience rooted in the cultural fabric of the city.

Serving Parkes & the Australian Capital Territory

Nestled on Barrine Drive within Regatta Point, The Marion is a central part of the Parkes community and a landmark destination for residents across the ACT. Our position on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin puts us minutes from key cultural institutions like the National Capital Exhibition and the Parliamentary Zone. We are easily accessible from Civic, Kingston, and Barton, making us a convenient choice for a lakeside lunch, a business meeting, or a grand celebration. The team is proud to serve not only local Canberrans but also interstate and international visitors seeking an authentic taste of the capital’s renowned hospitality and design heritage.

Hours, Location & Directions

We welcome guests to our unique location at Act Parks Depot, Barrine Drive, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, Parkes ACT 2600. The venue is currently open for lunch and high tea on select days, and it is advisable to check our official website or call ahead for the most current opening times, as the last recorded schedule showed closure on Mondays and Tuesdays with an opening time of 10:00 am. Ample guest parking is available on-site via Regatta Place. For navigation, use the Plus Code P45J+RF, Parkes, Australian Capital Territory. For all dining reservations or event inquiries, please call us on +61 2 7252 7711 or use the dedicated enquiry forms on our website.