Catalina
| Location | Rose Bay |
|---|---|
| Capacity (seated) | Up to 140 |
| Capacity (cocktail) | 300 |
Catalina
RealWeddings Guide
Catalina sits over the water in Lyne Park, Rose Bay, about seven kilometres by road from the Sydney CBD or five kilometres by water. Rose Bay was Australia's first international airport: from 1938 flying boats, among them Catalinas, operated from the bay. Judy McMahon and the late Michael McMahon took over the 1957 harbourside building in 1994, and the McMahon family still runs it: Judy with her son James, the restaurant manager, and daughter Kate, who looks after weddings and events.
The dining room faces north across Rose Bay to Shark Island and Point Piper, with glass doors running its full length. Couples who book the whole restaurant can hold their ceremony on the waterfront balcony at no charge; if it rains, the team moves it into the dining room. Lyne Park, a short walk away, is another option, booked through Woollahra Council.
Receptions seat up to 140 guests with a dance floor and DJ, or about 120 with a large band. Pre-dinner drinks, oysters and canapés are served on the balcony. Menus are contemporary Australian with a seafood focus and come as a plated meal, a roving 'travelling entrée' with main and dessert, or a cocktail reception. A complimentary lunchtime tasting for up to four people is held four to twelve weeks before the wedding.
There is no room hire fee. A minimum spend applies, covering food, drinks, crew meals and dance-floor hire, and couples can bring in any suppliers they choose. Guests can arrive by ferry at Rose Bay wharf next door, or by water taxi.
Catalina FAQs
Yes. Couples who book the whole restaurant can marry on the waterfront balcony at no extra charge, then move inside for the reception. If it rains, the events team moves the ceremony into the dining room.
Up to 140 guests with a dance floor and DJ. If you want a large band and more room on the floor, the venue suggests capping numbers at about 120.
No. There is no room hire fee, only a minimum spend that changes with the date and season. The minimum spend can cover all food and drinks, crew meals and dance-floor hire.
Yes. Lyne Park is a short walk from the restaurant. Ceremonies there are booked through Woollahra Council, not the venue, so allow time for the council booking.
Rose Bay ferry wharf is right next to the restaurant, with services to Circular Quay. Water taxis and private boats can also drop guests at the wharf.
Only in the Woollahra Council car park in Lyne Park, which is often full during the day and has posted time limits. There is no valet, so the venue suggests guests come by taxi, ferry or bus (routes 323 to 327 and L24 on New South Head Road).
Contemporary Australian menus with a seafood focus, served as a seated meal, a roving 'travelling entrée' followed by main and dessert, or canapés for a cocktail reception. Couples get a complimentary lunchtime tasting for up to four people four to twelve weeks before the wedding.
Yes. Catalina has a list of preferred suppliers, but couples can bring in any photographer, florist, stylist, celebrant or band they like. Suppliers can bump in from 9am for lunch or 5pm for dinner.
Good to Know
What's included
- Event coordinator
- PA / AV
- Linen
- Dance floor
- Wait staff
Awards & recognition
- One hat
- Three hats
- Three goblets
Accessibility
Wheelchair access
Parking
Woollahra Council car park in Lyne Park beside the restaurant; spaces are hard to find during the day, and there is no valet.
ABN 42 063 565 962
Testimonials
The venue was a dream – knock-out impressive without being gaudy, opulent yet also intimate.
Location
Ready to find out more about Catalina?
Exclusive-use harbourfront weddings with balcony ceremonies, award-winning dining, and Sydney Harbour views from every table.
Lyne Park, 596F New South Head Road, Rose Bay NSW 2029 Rose Bay NSW 2029
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