Ahhhh Tasmania – you have it all – gourmet food and wines, great markets, beautiful scenery and to top it all off – Quamby Estate. If you’ve ever wanted to visit Tasmania from interstate, your wedding might just be the perfect time to do it, making a week or a weekend celebration with your guests, of all that this region has to offer. Today we talk to Jo Da Silva who is the wedding co-ordinator at Quamby Estate. Jo and her team can arrange your whole wedding, or offer flexible packages to accommodate your wishes. And who wouldn’t want to be married here – on a grand estate with old trees and sweeping vistas!
Where is Quamby Estate situated?
In the picturesque town of Hagley just 20 minutes from Launceston in Tasmania.
What are the unique qualities of Quamby Estate?
Quamby Estate is one of Tasmania’s most prestigious and historically significant properties dating back to 1828. The iconic 10-bedroom country manor is situated on stunning picture book landscape and was the ancestral home of Tasmania’s first-born Premier, Sir Richard Dry. Quamby offers extensive entertaining areas including the beautiful Sir Richard Dry function pavilion. The estate has breathtaking panoramic views, gourmet cuisine and a range of activities including golf, bike riding, tennis and picnics. It is also the official base for Cradle Mountain and Bay of Fires Walks.
Please describe some ceremony locations on the Estate?
Quamby is situated on 150 acres of countryside so saying ‘I do’ offers endless possibilities for brides… but here are just some of our favourites:
- Our spectacular Hornbeam tree creates a romantic canopy for a garden ceremony at the Quamby Homestead
- An outdoor ceremony on the lawns provide a picture postcard setting with dappled sunlight shining through the old English trees
- The natural light streaming through the full-length windows and lush country surrounds of the Ante Room in the Sir Richard Dry Pavilion provides the perfect indoor option for your ceremony
Please describe some reception locations available at Quamby Estate?
- Panoramic views of the beautifully manicured golf course and estate grounds create an impressive backdrop your reception whether you’re looking for a black tie dinner for up to 150 guests or a more relaxed luncheon. The Sir Richard Dry Pavilion is a fusion of Georgian and contemporary architecture featuring private rooms and a restaurant with bar and dance floor.
- Dine under the stars with a moonlit first dance as husband and wife on the Quamby Homestead lawns.
- Entertain your guests with a garden party like no other. The Quamby Lawns are the perfect setting for sundowner cocktails.
- For a more intimate affair a reception luncheon or candlelit dinner in the Homestead Dining Room is a wonderful option for up to 30 guests or a cocktail party for up to 80 guests.
Is there accommodation on the Estate or close by for guests who are from interstate?
Quamby Estate’s homestead features ten beautifully restored guestrooms comprising 5 deluxe, 3 superior and 2 standard rooms. Providing the homely ambience of a boutique country inn, Quamby’s charming Anglo-Indian designed architecture, period antiques and marble fireplaces combine with modern luxuries to offer complete tranquility and opulence.
Do you offer wedding packages?
We offer flexible wedding packages with a selection of menus ranging from BBQ and cocktail style to 3-course seated dinners. We also tailor weddings according to bride’s desires and budget.
You have a team of wedding and event specialists on site. Can you describe a popular wedding package and what your wedding specialist would do to help the couple?
Quamby has a complete wedding service team led by myself. We have extensive experience and love the challenge of creating a bride’s dream day. Our weddings are unique and I work with each bride to create a beautiful wedding based on their personal requirements and desires.
What can the bridal couple bring in to the venue?
We are very flexible with use of external suppliers and decorations. We love seeing the wonderful creations some of our brides bring to Quamby whilst of course providing great options ourselves.
You serve local gourmet Tasmanian produce on the menu. Can you describe for us, a typical summer wedding menu?
Our menus highlight the gourmet cuisine Tasmania is famous for. Here is one of our favourites this season. Our brides are also welcome to work with our chef to create a personal menu for their special day.
All menus are served with house made dinner rolls and farm house butter.
ENTREE
Confit Pork Belly Encroute (Pastry Case)
Green Pea Purée|Brandied Raisins|Apple Balsamic Glacé
Salt & Pepper Calamari
Tomato & Chilli Napoli|Homemade Potato Gnocchi|Torn Basil (NF)
MAIN
Crispy Skin Atlantic Salmon
Roasted Dutch Carrots|Wilted Bok Choy|Cauliflower Purée|Tarragon Butter (GF)
Rosemary & Garlic Marinated Lamb Rump
Country Style Hassle Back Potatoes|Pumpkin Purée |Broccollini|Shiraz Jus (GF) (NF)
DESSERT
Kaffir Lime Panna Cotta
Strawberry Soup|Pistachio Nut Praline|Brandied Citrus Segments (GF)
Sinapius Pinot Noir Poached Pear
Meander Valley Double Cream|Caramelised Hazelnuts (GF)
What is the nicest time of year in Tasmania (for a wedding)?
The wedding season is traditionally during the warmer months with strong bookings from September until May. Our deciduous trees offer an autumn palette that is simply breathtaking and wonderful for photography. We are however seeing an increasing trend in winter weddings. Perhaps it’s the romantic cosy fires and mulled wine! Winter weddings do offer a discounted rate which does make it appealing to our brides-to-be.
If the couple wanted to make their wedding a ‘wedding weekend’ what activities do you suggest for guests to participate in?
Quamby has a golf course, tennis court and expansive grounds for bike riding, picnics and beautiful walks. The region is well known for gourmet touring which is a must!
What is it about Tasmania that you love?
Tasmania has been my home for the best part of 25 years and find it easy to relate to our brides having married here a couple of years ago myself. A major drawcard would have to be the extensive range of gourmet local produce and showcasing this is a priority of our chef at Quamby Estate. It is also fantastic to see our local vineyards recognised for their high quality wines internationally.
I find it very rewarding working at a venue which has such a grand setting and as Quamby becomes more and more popular with our Interstate and International brides, I feel such a sense of pride showcasing this stunning part of Tasmania.
Thank you Jo for joining us on Polka Dot Bride today. To find out more about Quamby Estate please visit the website.
All images courtesy of Jonathan Wherrett
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