All events, including tours and photography sessions must be booked, even if they do not use the Cottage.

The Arboretum requires two event organiser contact details so there is alternative contact in an emergency.

Prospective hirers should arrange an inspection with the Event Manager to ensure the Arboretum is suitable for their event.

Hirers are reminded that the Arboretum is not fenced and is maintained on a voluntary basis for public use and is native bushland complete with windblown tree debris, birds and animals, and the occasional walker or jogger.

Access is from either Opal Close or from the end of Crystal Avenue. The largest car parking area is near the Opal Close entrance. We suggest users put up temporary signs for the day to assist their guests if they feel they may have difficulty finding the Arboretum or the event within the Arboretum.

There is a limited bus service to Pearl Beach from Woy Woy Station via Umina. The closest bus stop is a 15-minute walk away.

There is no “Arboretum Only” parking. The Tennis Courts and Crystal Ave car parks have limited capacity and are shared with bush walkers, tennis club users and others.

Parking is not permitted in the Arboretum. However small to medium vehicles can enter to deliver event equipment (avoiding the ‘Open Area’ where the septic filtration system is situated. A key to the boom gate can be provided if required.

Any large vehicles, such as buses and coaches, are advised to use the Opal Close access only as Crystal Ave is narrow with limited ability to turn.

The Crystal Avenue boom gate access and driveway into the Arboretum is an emergency gate and must be kept clear at all times.

Users agree to use the Arboretum in an “as you find it on the day” basis and will make good any mess or damage after the event (or pay a $100 post event cleaning fee).

All rubbish generated by any function must be removed by the user.

No dogs or other pets are allowed in the Arboretum.

Noise must be kept to reasonable levels at all times.

Smoking is not permitted in the Arboretum or in the Arboretum Cottage or in the Carparks.

Events must not commence before 9am and must cease by 6pm (7pm during Daylight Saving).

Balloons, confetti and plastic decorations etc. are not to be used in the Arboretum, but natural biodegradable confetti materials, e.g. flower petals or punched eucalyptus leaves, may be considered.

There is only one WC in the Cottage for use during approved events. There are no public lavatories in the Arboretum. For events over 60 people the hirer must make arrangements with the Pearl Beach Tennis Courts (a 5 min walk form the cottage) or hire their own additional portaloos (placement to be approved).

The Cottage seats only 10 people inside in meeting mode and a maximum 20 people in lecture mode, therefore larger events will be mostly outdoor events. The external Cottage verandah/pavilion seats 80 in lecture mode and 60 around tables.

No fires (including wood fired BBQs) are permitted. Access to electricity may be provided by special request. Other cooking can only be carried out with permission.

Use of the Cottage will normally include exclusive use of the verandah/pavilion, kitchenette, WC, electricity, water, tables & chairs.

All breakages or missing items must be paid for.

All lights and the hot water services must be turned off on completion of the event and the site securely locked and any keys returned.

The Arboretum bears no responsibility for elements bought onto the site by the hirer or their guests.

No fixings must be made into the Arboretum structures, trees, or other vegetation.

The Event Conditions and Pricing can be negotiated if there are special circumstances.