FUNCTIONS Emerald Springs really does have all the ingredients to host terrific and distinctive functions, and the recipe is tried and true. It’s the perfect distance from both Darwin and Katherine to make it a real getaway, with enough accommodation options to comfortably sleep the guests. There’s an excellent restaurant manned by chefs who can create a five-star, five-course menu with wines to match just as capably as they can serve up homemade pastries and finger food, Territory style. There’s a full bar and five separate event spaces to choose from: the air-conditioned dining room, the grassy beer garden, the horseshoe garden (perfect for wedding ceremonies), ample lush lawn space and of course the enormous timber deck that’s perfect for any function. What’s more, Emerald Springs has a whole team of people experienced in the smooth delivery of fun and memorable events. They absolutely LOVE hosting functions here, and take genuine pride in doing all the little extras that blow guests’ minds time and again. What about numbers? The biggest function Emerald Springs has hosted so far was for 300 guests, which were actually two separate events run at the same time. 150 dined buffet style on the deck and in the beer garden while another 150 enjoyed a five-star, three-course meal on white linen tablecloths on the lower lawn. While the team can handle this level of catering successfully, a function of 150 guests is completely comfortable, and they guarantee every one of them will have a blast. 
Weddings More and more brides-to-be (and even some grooms) are choosing Emerald Springs for their wedding celebration. The beautiful grassy horseshoe area is a popular spot for the ceremony, with a reception to remember following on the deck and beer garden. This is mostly where the team tends to put on those little extras for guests. In the past they’ve planted flowers to match wedding colour schemes, handed out handmade confetti cones with flower petals from the garden, replaced all the artificial lighting with fairy lights, flares and candles and played DJ when the real one didn’t show up. 
Fundraisers In November 2011 Belinda raised $37,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation when she took out the U.G.L.Y. (Understanding, Generous, Likeable You) Bartender competition award not only in the NT, but topped Australia too. A big part of that fundraising effort was ‘a Night at the Springs’, a huge party Belinda and Dallas hosted for 300 guests that included an enormous marquee, a full band, big Dal’s ripper roast and some ridiculous auctions. 
Clubs and groups Emerald Springs regularly hosts car rallies and bikie groups who love the drive from Darwin or Katherine for breakfast or lunch before heading back again. They generally set up a custom buffet for large groups like this, but groups are welcome to order off the menu if they wish. 
Five-star dinners In 2011 Emerald Springs hosted a beef and burgundy night for 15 Katherine ladies, which was pure five-star opulence. Tim Story, a wine connoisseur from Darwin, came down to match wine to each of the five courses, which included dishes like duck breast with green ginger and dark plum glaze and profiteroles filled with Grand Marnier analgise coated with a Kahlua chocolate sauce. The ladies dined on the deck to full waitered service. 
Reunions When NT Police booked to host their 25-year reunion at Emerald Springs, they were treated to a very special show. The staff dressed up as English police officers and greeted the group with guns blazing as they were seated at their crime scene-themed table, complete with the silhouette of a dead body taped on the ground. The group had expected a run-of-the-mill get together and to order off the menu, but Belinda and Dallas knew they could do better than that for such a special event. Christmas parties, work functions, morning and afternoon teas, baby showers – there’s nothing they can’t help organise. And one thing is for sure – if there’s a special reason you’re coming to Emerald Springs, you’ll never sit down at a normal table and order off the menu. | 