Bunjil Place: The Ultimate Visitor Guide

Discover Narre Warren’s cultural heart — what to see, how to plan your visit, and everything locals and visitors need to know.

Why Bunjil Place belongs on your Victoria itinerary

If you’re exploring Melbourne’s outer south-east, Bunjil Place is a cultural anchor that deserves a full morning or afternoon on your itinerary. This multi-use precinct in Narre Warren brings together an 800+ seat theatre, contemporary art gallery, three-level library, flexible studio spaces, and a bustling public plaza — all sheltered beneath a sweeping roof inspired by the Aboriginal creator figure Bunjil (often represented as a wedge-tailed eagle). The result is part civic centre, part cultural engine room, and entirely welcoming for families, art-lovers and eventgoers alike. (Bunjil Place)

Quick facts at a glance

Address: 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren, VIC 3805. (Bunjil Place)
Theatre capacity: auditorium seating up to the mid-800s depending on configuration (technical spec lists 846 as full capacity; some seats are removed when the orchestra pit or apron is used). (Bunjil Place)
Main facilities: theatre, gallery, library, black-box studio, meeting/function rooms and outdoor plaza. (Bunjil Place)
Nearest landmark: Westfield Fountain Gate (walking distance) — handy for parking, food and shopping. (Bunjil Place)

A short history & cultural meaning

Bunjil Place opened as a purpose-built civic and arts precinct for the City of Casey, reflecting the region’s rapid growth and the council’s ambition to create a public space for arts, learning and community services. The name and the building’s design deliberately honour the Kulin nation creation being — Bunjil — and the architecture seeks to echo the protective wings of the wedge-tailed eagle, blending cultural storytelling with civic function. The project was designed by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT), an architecture practice known for cultural buildings that balance form and public life. (ArchDaily)

What to do at Bunjil Place — the best experiences

1. See a show in the main theatre

From family musicals and community productions to touring theatre and concerts, the theatre programme is the precinct’s flagship offering. Popular shows can sell out, so check the events calendar and book ahead. Technical specifications and seating plans are available for presenters and planners. (Bunjil Place)

2. Visit the gallery

Bunjil Place Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and family-friendly programs — during school holidays you’ll often find workshops and drop-in activities. Gallery exhibitions are typically free, though special events may have a fee. (Bunjil Place)

3. Make use of the library

The three-level library offers quiet study spaces, events for kids (storytime and school holiday sessions), public computers, and community programs — it’s a genuine neighbourhood resource integrated into the cultural rhythm of the precinct. (Bunjil Place)

4. Enjoy the outdoor plaza and events

The covered plaza and surrounding outdoor areas host markets, open-air screenings and seasonal festivals. These free events are ideal for families and visitors wanting a relaxed, communal atmosphere. (Bunjil Place)

5. Hire a space for an event

If you’re planning a conference, wedding reception, meeting or rehearsal, the precinct offers hireable function rooms, studios and the theatre — capacity and technical specs are detailed on the venue hire pages. (Bunjil Place)

Practical travel & accessibility information

Getting there & parking

Bunjil Place is easily reached by car from the Monash Freeway/Princes Highway and has on-site parking; if you prefer public transport, Narre Warren station and local buses connect to the area. Westfield Fountain Gate is adjacent and offers additional parking and food options if needed. Always check the official “Parking & Getting Here” page before travelling for any temporary changes. (Bunjil Place)

Opening hours & contact

Different components (gallery, library, box office) have varying opening hours — the best single source for up-to-date times, contact numbers and box-office details is the official site. For general enquiries: phone +61 3 9709 9700 or email bunjilplace@casey.vic.gov.au. (Bunjil Place)

Accessibility

Bunjil Place was designed with accessibility in mind — ramps, lifts and accessible seating are part of the facilities. For show-specific access (e.g., hearing loops, companion seating), contact the box office in advance. (Bunjil Place)

Insider tips for a better visit

Time your visit: Pair a morning gallery visit with lunch at Fountain Gate or a matinee performance for an easy half-day. (Bunjil Place)
Book ahead for popular shows: The theatre is a frequent draw; secure tickets early, especially for school holiday programming and major touring shows. (Bunjil Place)
Arrive early for outdoor events: Markets and plaza activities are best enjoyed if you get there early to browse stalls and find good seating. (Bunjil Place)
Check venue hire specs: If you’re planning an event, download the technical PDF for precise theatre dimensions and seating options. (Bunjil Place)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is Bunjil Place located?
A: 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren, VIC 3805 — adjacent to Westfield Fountain Gate. (Bunjil Place)

Q: How many seats are in Bunjil Place theatre?
A: The technical specification lists the auditorium capacity at 846 in its standard configuration; different setups (apron/orchestra pit) reduce available seating. (Bunjil Place)

Q: Are gallery exhibitions free?
A: Many exhibitions and family programs are free, though special ticketed exhibitions or events can apply. Check the events page for details. (Bunjil Place)

Q: Can I hire rooms or the theatre?
A: Yes — meeting rooms, function spaces, studio and theatre hire is available; see the venue hire section for capacities and booking contacts. (Bunjil Place)

Q: Is Bunjil Place suitable for kids and families?
A: Absolutely — from interactive gallery programs to regular family shows and plaza markets, there’s plenty for children and carers. (Bunjil Place)

Image suggestions (for TheTourAustralia.com.au article layout)

Place high-quality images at the points below. Suggested captions and alt text are included to aid SEO and accessibility.

Hero image — exterior shot showing the sweeping roof and plaza
- Alt: Bunjil Place exterior and public plaza, Narre Warren.
- Caption: Bunjil Place’s signature roof shelters a busy public plaza — a modern civic landmark in Narre Warren. (ArchDaily)
Interior theatre photo (wide angle of auditorium)
- Alt: Interior of Bunjil Place theatre showing seating and stage.
- Caption: The theatre’s flexible configuration seats up to 846 patrons depending on setup. (Bunjil Place)
Gallery shot (installation or family workshop)
- Alt: Contemporary exhibition at Bunjil Place Gallery.
- Caption: Rotating contemporary exhibitions and family programs are a regular feature. (Bunjil Place)
Library / community space photo
- Alt: Inside Bunjil Place library — study and community areas.
- Caption: The three-level library provides study spaces, events and resources for the local community. (Bunjil Place)

Image credits: Use official Bunjil Place press photos or photographer credits from ArchDaily / FJMT where permitted; always include credit lines and link back to the source. (ArchDaily)

suggestions for TheTourAustralia.com.au

“Melbourne day trips” → /victoria/melbourne-day-trips (suggested)
“Fountain Gate shopping and dining” → /melbourne/fountain-gate-shopping-guide
“Best family activities near Melbourne” → /family-activities/melbourne-outer-east
“Victorian contemporary art galleries” → /art-galleries/victoria-contemporary
“How to get to Narre Warren by public transport” → /transport/narre-warren-guide

(If those pages don’t exist, consider creating them — internal links are strong on-site SEO signals.)

links and references

Bunjil Place — Official site (events, visitor info, contact). (Bunjil Place)
https://www.bunjilplace.com.au/
Bunjil Place — Location & contact page. (Bunjil Place)
https://www.bunjilplace.com.au/location
Bunjil Place — Theatre technical specifications PDF. (Bunjil Place)
https://www.bunjilplace.com.au/sites/default/files/2022-07/Bunjil%20Place%20-%20Theatre%20-%20Technical%20Specifications%20-%20July%202022.pdf
City of Casey — Bunjil Place facility listing and hire information. (Casey City Council)
https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/facilities-hire/bunjil-place
ArchDaily — architectural coverage and photo gallery of Bunjil Place (FJMT). (ArchDaily)
https://www.archdaily.com/897651/bunjil-place-fjmt

Bunjil Place is a well-designed, community-centred destination that makes an excellent half-day trip from Melbourne or a local cultural hub for Casey residents. pair a Bunjil Place visit with shopping or dining at Fountain Gate, and bookmark the events calendar to catch family-friendly programming and headline shows.

Bunjil Place — Complete Visitor Guide (Events, Gallery, Theatre & Tips)