Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I hire the venues at Fort Scratchley?
Fort Scratchley Function Centre can be hired for any length of time (as per the Fees & Charges) however please note that events must cease by 10pm on Sunday to Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturdays.

Is a tunnel tour included in my venue hire?
Fort Tours are run by the Historical Society and are not included with venue hire. Please contact the Fort Scratchley Historical Society on 4929 3066 for more information on tour bookings.

What parking is available at Fort Scratchley?
Fort Scratchley has parking for approximately 30 vehicles in our event carpark located along Nobby's Road.

Are there any special events planned that may affect accessibility for my event?
Potential special events to consider when choosing your wedding date include Firing of the Guns Ceremony for commemorative events including cruise ship arrivals. Guns are fired to welcome and farewell the ships. For Cruise Ship movements visit the port of Newcastle website at www.portofnewcastle.com.au

How will the Newcastle 500 Supercars impact venue hire at Fort Scratchley?
During the Supercars bump in/out period there may be disruptions to traffic flow in the area due to the set up and pack down of barricades, fencing etc. Access to Fort Scratchley will remain open with the exception for the week of Supercars, the Supercars weekend and the Monday immediately following Supercars.

How long will you hold my booking for without a deposit?
A tentative booking may be held for up to seven business days. In the event that someone else challenges for the date within this period you will have 24 hours to confirm the booking and after this time the hold will be released.

What do I have to do to confirm my booking?
Bookings are considered as confirmed once you pay the full deposit amount (as inducated on your invoice) and sign and return the venue hire agreement to our Fort Scratchley Team.

When are final numbers and payment required?
Please refer to your venue hire agreement.

Am I allowed to bring my own alcohol?
BYO alcohol is not permitted.

When can I arrange to do a site inspection?
Site visits can be arranged Monday to Friday. Please contact our Fort Scratchley Team to schedule a time.

Does Fort Scratchley have an exclusive decorator?
No, we don’t have an exclusive decorator.

Can I use my own decorator?
Yes, you are welcome to use an external decorator. They will need to provide a copy of their public liability insurance our Fort Scratchley Team and you will need to ensure that they are able to complete the set up and pack down of all décor within the venue access times booked for your wedding.

Can I do my own decorating?
Yes, you are welcome to provide your own décor. Please see the restrictions on décor below. Any decorating done above head height needs to be completed by an insured decorator.

What time can I access the venue to set up my decorations?
Decorations need to be set up within the access time as written in your hiring agreement. This also applies to third party suppliers such as decorators, AV suppliers and/or entertainment.

Are there any restrictions around what types of decorations I can have in the venue?

  • Decorations hung above head height need to be installed by a professional decorator
  • Candles and tea lights must be contained in holders (glass votive)
  • Adhesives such as sticky tape should not be used on painted venue surfaces
  • You must receive written permission to include the following items: confetti, rice, rose petals, bubbles, floor standing candelabras, unweighted helium balloons (as they interfere with fire alarms), special effects, open flame
  • All electrical items such as fairy lights must be tagged and tested
  • The use of smoke/haze machines is not permitted
  • All decorations must be set up and removed within the access period of your venue hire as we do not have space to store decorations on the premises
  • Fort Scratchley staff are not responsible for the set up or pack down of decorations

What sort of entertainment am I allowed?
Most bands, DJ and entertainers are allowed within our venues. If you are engaging more 'out of the box' entertainers such as performers or live acts it is best to check this with our Team. All third party suppliers must provide a copy of their public liability insurance to our Team and depending on the nature of the activity may be required to submit a risk assessment.

Is there any security at the venue?
Please contact your event coordinator if you have any specific security concerns.

Do all venues have air-conditioning?
Only the Function Centre has air-conditioning and heating.

What accommodation options are there nearby?
Visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au for nearby accommodation options.

How much notice do I have to give to postpone my event if needed?
Please refer to your venue hire agreement.

How much notice do I have to give to cancel my confirmed event?
Please refer to your venue hire agreement.