– CHRISTMAS 2023 –
Welcome to the tastiest, loveliest, most delicious festive theme The Grounds has ever seen!
Our dining precinct has transformed into something spectacularly festive to celebrate the holiday season!
With our gorgeous gingerbread house-inspired laneway display, festive special menu items, Santa photo sessions and tons of activities across the holiday period, The Grounds of Alexandria has transformed into a tasty winter wonderland for all to enjoy.
Nestled in the laneways of The Grounds is a gingerbread world of quaint cobblestone streets, snow-capped gingerbread houses and hot air balloons being whisked through the winter air!
VISIT NOW!
Entry to our Gingerbread Lane display is reserved for dining & takeaway customers of The Cafe, The Potting Shed, The Garden, or guests attending an event. Please note proof of purchase (e.g. receipt or dining bill) may be requested upon entry.
THE GROUNDS CAFE
Join us in the Cafe for brekkie, bunch or lunch (and a tasty treat or two!). We accept bookings and walk-ins daily.
THE POTTING SHED
Plant yourself in The Potting Shed for some alfresco restaurant dining, available lunch and dinner! We accept bookings and walk-ins daily.
Special Edition Christmas Treats
‘Tis the season to be indulgent!
Throughout the Christmas season, we’re offering some limited-time-only menu specials including some festive desserts & delicious drinks.

The Snowy Lodge
Hazelnut sponge cake with soft-salted caramel, buttercream & white chocolate ganache.
AVAILABLE AT THE CAFE

Gingerbread Forest
Black forest yule log dessert bowl with cherry confit, dark chocolate, ganache & marscapone, cocoa strussel & fresh cherries.
EXCLUSIVELY AT THE POTTING SHED
Cafe Drink Specials

GINGER ALL THE WAY MILKSHAKE
Available in Biscoff, Caramel or Vanilla flavours

GINGERBREAD MAN MILKSHAKE
Available in Biscoff, Caramel or Vanilla flavours, and take the bottle home!
Potting Shed Drink Specials

GINGER ALL THE WAY MILKSHAKE
Available in Chocolate, Caramel or Vanilla flavours

GINGERBREAD MAN MILKSHAKE
Available in Chocolate, Caramel or Vanilla flavours, and take the bottle home!
HANDY LINKS
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW CAN I VISIT?
Our Gingerbread Lane display is open exclusively to customers of The Grounds of Alexandria. To visit, you need to be dining at The Grounds Cafe, The Potting Shed or The Garden, purchasing takeaway or attending a private event (including Santa Photo sessions).
WHERE IS GINGERBREAD LANE?
Gingerbread Lane is our new themed display located in the laneways between The Cafe and The Potting Shed.
IS THERE FREE ENTRY?
There are no entry fees to enter our complex, however please note proof of purchase (e.g. receipts or bills) may be requested on entry.
WHY ARE WE REQUIRED TO BE CUSTOMERS TO VISIT?
Over the years we have loved putting on special events and creating elaborate displays for our customers. As we are a dining precinct and not a public space, we are limiting access to our displays exclusively to our customers to ensure they get the best experience when they visit.
While this has always been something that we have requested visitors keep in mind, it is a policy that we actively implement during peak periods (such as Christmas).
IS THE CHRISTMAS DISPLAY OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC?
No, our Christmas display is open only to customers of The Grounds.
HOW DO I VISIT DURING THE DAY?
To experience our Christmas display by day, you can dine at The Cafe, The Potting Shed or The Garden BBQ. We encourage making a reservation for a table where possible, but we also accept walk-ins daily. We also offer takeaway from our Cafe and Garden BBQ, and takeaway desserts from our donut stand and candy cart.
HOW DO I VISIT AT NIGHT TIME?
To experience the Gingerbread Christmas display by night, you just need to dine at The Potting Shed. Please note a minimum purchase of a main meal applies during evening service.
While we accept walk-ins in the evenings, we recommend making a reservation where possible to avoid disappointment if we’re at capacity.
You’ll be able to access the Gingerbread Lane display after you’ve dined.
CAN WE TAKE PHOTOS?
Youβre absolutely allowed to take photos through the laneways! Smartphones or personal cameras are allowed and encouraged –Β some of the best photos may even get featured on our social media, so be sure to tag us when posting!
Our incredible displays and experiences are lovingly and painstakingly created by our Creative Team & our Grounds staff. We politely ask that you respect your surroundings when you visit and do not touch, climb on, break or remove any items.
Please note that professional photoshoots are not allowed, and any that take place will be asked to stop.
Are the laneways wheelchair & pram accessible?
Yes! The recommended entry points are via our gate on Huntley Street near the Cafe, or the laneway from the rear car park, as these are wider and allow easy step-free access through The Grounds.
Some parts of the laneways can be narrow, so we ask all guests to be respectful of each other and mindful of the decorations when moving through the lanes.
Are the laneways covered?
The Gingerbread Christmas display is open to air with limited cover, however we are always open rain, hail or shine, 7 days a week!
If itβs raining, we recommend bringing a poncho or small umbrella.
What’s the best way of getting to The Grounds?
With plenty of public transport options and driving recommendations, we’ve got you covered – check out our handy guide here.
NEED SOME ASSISTANCE?
Got any further questions or need assistance? Our friendly reception staff will be happy to help. You can contact us directly on (02) 9699 2225, or by submitting a general enquiry form here.
Reception Operating Hours
Monday – Saturday: 9am – 8pm
Sunday: 9am – 5pm
Please note that we are not able to answer any enquiries outside of these hours.
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