The Merribee is one of those venues that makes you stop and stare. Set on 7 acres of meticulously maintained gardens in Numbaa, just outside Nowra on the NSW South Coast, this 19th-century farmhouse and its extraordinary grounds are a garden lover’s paradise turned wedding venue.

What sets The Merribee apart is the sheer variety of its outdoor spaces — 30 separate garden rooms connected by over two kilometres of granite paths, each with its own character and charm. Seasonal vegetables, herbs, fruits, extensive flowering plants, manicured hedges, and towering trees create a living, breathing backdrop that changes with the seasons and rewards every photograph.

My Experience Here

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Venue Highlights

7 acres of stunning farm grounds and manicured gardens
30 separate outdoor garden rooms connected by 2+ kilometres of granite paths
The Barn — a 160 sqm timber and corrugated iron reception space with trestle tables, bentwood chairs, crockery, cutlery, linen, and lighting included
19th-century farmhouse with character and charm
On-site accommodation for up to 20 guests
Gardens featuring seasonal vegetables, herbs, fruits, and extensive flowering plants
Multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options

Is This Venue Right for You?

Best for: Couples who love gardens, nature, and outdoor beauty — and want a venue with genuine character rather than a blank canvas. The Merribee suits mid-to-large weddings of 80–140 guests perfectly, with The Barn providing a ready-made reception space complete with furniture, crockery, and lighting. If you want a venue where the gardens do the styling for you, this is it.

The vibe: Garden party meets rustic barn charm. There’s a handmade, artisan quality to The Merribee that feels personal rather than polished. The 30 distinct garden rooms mean every couple’s ceremony feels different, and the timber and corrugated iron Barn for the reception has a warm, convivial atmosphere. It’s the kind of venue that suits couples who’d rather long table dinners and garden cocktails over formal ballrooms.

Getting there: About 2 hours south of Sydney CBD via the Princes Highway, in the Shoalhaven near Nowra. Sydney Airport (SYD) is the nearest major airport at around 2–2.5 hours’ drive. The venue is in a rural setting at Numbaa, just outside Nowra — there’s no public transport, so guest buses or organised transport is essential for the evening.

Where guests stay: 20 guests can stay on-site in the accommodation units. For everyone else, Nowra (10 min) has a range of hotels and motels, while Berry (20 min) is the more charming option with boutique B&Bs, holiday rentals, and excellent cafes and restaurants.

Nearby amenities: Nowra is the closest town for essentials. Berry (20 min) is the destination town guests will enjoy — it’s a village full of excellent cafes, bakeries, boutiques, and pubs. Jervis Bay (30 min) has stunning beaches for a pre- or post-wedding beach day. Shoalhaven wineries and breweries are scattered throughout the region.

Weather & Seasonal Guide

The Shoalhaven coast is mild year-round with warm summers and cool winters. The gardens at The Merribee transform dramatically with the seasons — which is part of their magic.

Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm days of 25–28°C. February is the wettest month (~125mm). Humidity can build, and summer storms can roll in. The gardens are lush and green, and long evenings mean outdoor receptions on the verandah work beautifully. Plan for shade during daytime ceremonies.
Autumn (Mar–May): The photographer’s dream season. Days around 20–23°C, drier and more comfortable. The garden tones shift to warm golds and russets. April and May are particularly reliable for outdoor ceremonies. Many wedding photographers will tell you this is the best time to shoot at The Merribee.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Cool but not harsh. Days around 15–17°C, nights 7–8°C. Lowest rainfall (~49mm in July). The gardens take on a quieter, structural beauty — bare branches, evergreen hedges, frost on the lawns. The Barn is cosy for receptions. A good off-peak option.
Spring (Sep–Nov): When The Merribee is at its absolute best. The gardens explode into bloom — flowering plants, fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables all at their peak. Days warm from 18°C to 24°C. This is the season the gardeners have been working toward, and it shows. October–November is prime time.

The key thing to know: The gardens are the star of this venue. Spring and autumn maximise their impact. If the gardens matter to you (and they should — it’s why you’re here), choose your season carefully.

Planning Tips

Capacity: The Barn seats up to 140 guests inside with room for another 40 on the verandah.
Garden ceremonies: With 30 distinct garden rooms, walk the property with your planner to find the one that speaks to you.
The Barn inclusions: Tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, linen, and lighting are all included — which can save significantly on hire costs.
Photography: Allow generous time in your schedule for portraits. Every path, hedge, and garden room is a new backdrop.
Transport: Guest buses are recommended for the evening — rideshare options are limited in rural Numbaa.