Macalister Rise
A lakeside wedding venue on 60 private acres in Gippsland
There is something quietly extraordinary about having an entire property to yourselves. At Macalister Rise, sixty acres of private lakefront countryside unfold above Lake Glenmaggie, with the mountains rising beyond the water and not another soul in sight. From the moment you arrive, the place is entirely yours.
Privately owned and operated, and hosting just one wedding at a time, Macalister Rise includes exclusive use of the whole estate with every package. You might exchange vows at the water’s edge, beneath the established gums or out on the open lawn, before your reception unfolds across a dedicated marquee lawn. The property welcomes celebrations of up to 150 guests, or hosts an intimate elopement just as beautifully.
Wedding catering and BYO drinks at Macalister Rise
Here, your menu is entirely your own. Macalister Rise welcomes external caterers, private chefs and mobile catering, so you can serve an elegant seated dinner, a beautifully styled grazing table, roaming canapés, a generous shared feast, or the food truck you have been quietly obsessed with for years. Their BYO beverage policy means your own wine, champagne and beer, chosen by you rather than selected from a set list. And if you would rather not begin with a blank page, the team will share a curated list of local suppliers they know and love.
Ceremony and reception spaces at Macalister Rise
There are three ceremony settings here, each with its own feeling. The Point sits right at the lake’s edge, with Lake Glenmaggie before you and the mountains behind. The Gums offers something more sheltered and intimate, beneath beautifully established trees. The Lawn looks back across the manicured grounds and the countryside beyond.
Receptions take shape on a dedicated marquee lawn, where the marquee is arranged through your own preferred supplier so the space is styled entirely to your wedding. The courtyard and surrounding gardens make lovely settings for cocktail hour and canapés, and the property flows naturally from one moment to the next. As an outdoor venue without a dedicated indoor reception space, a wet weather plan is worth putting in place early, with a marquee covering your reception and ceremony arrangements adapted if the day turns.
On-site accommodation for wedding guests in Gippsland
A spacious four-bedroom farmhouse sleeps up to 13 of your favourite people, with an additional sunroom sleeping area, and it comes included in your wedding package. It means slow mornings getting ready with the lake outside the window, and an unhurried breakfast together the day after, when the best stories from the night before start surfacing. For guests who would like to stay on, designated camping areas for caravans and campers are available by prior arrangement.
Cost: From $3,000
Capacity: Up to 150 guests
Ceremony options: Outdoor
Wedding styles that suit this venue
Macalister Rise is suited to romantic, timeless and effortlessly elegant celebrations, where natural beauty offers opportunities for stunning styling and an unhurried country atmosphere. European-inspired long tables, a romantic garden party, a sophisticated marquee reception or a relaxed cocktail celebration all find a natural home here, on a property offering sweeping lake and mountain views, established gums and manicured lawns to build upon.
It is a venue for couples who value exclusivity, individuality and the freedom to create something entirely their own. More than just a venue, it’s a place to slow down, gather your favourite people and create memories that extend well beyond your wedding day.
Macalister Rise wedding packages start from $3,000 and are tailored to each couple’s guest numbers and plans. Packages can include exclusive use of the 60-acre lakeside property, on-site accommodation, ceremony and reception spaces, furniture hire and wedding coordination. A wedding brochure and personalised quote are available on enquiry.
Yes. Macalister Rise welcomes external caterers, private chefs, mobile catering and food trucks, so couples can build their own dining experience from a seated dinner to a grazing table or shared feast. A BYO beverage policy applies, so you choose your own wine, champagne and beer rather than working to a set package, and a curated list of recommended local suppliers is available if you’d like a starting point.
Yes. Macalister Rise has a four-bedroom farmhouse sleeping up to 13 guests, with an additional sunroom sleeping area, included in the wedding packages. Designated on-site camping areas for caravans and campers are also available by prior arrangement.
