The cane furniture will really look nice in your verandah. As for plants, jump online and browse for some hardy plants on the Aussie websites. They are a wealth of information and if you do have a large planter box or pot make sure you put it on wheels. That way you can take your plants in and out of the house. Also put a base under the pot/planter so it catches the water and does not ruin your nice floor. You can pick these from a garden store in your area. Good luck! :) btw hope you don't mind me your spelling error "taught" should be "taut", I really hope folks correct my spelling too! cheers.

Even such a large space can be hard to accommodate so many functions in a shared space. I think flexibility. I.e mobility would be a high priority. Naturally areas that are conducive to conversation, walk flow and open space entertaining are key. I would have some mobile box seating units made up with taller backs that would create screens, to help delineate the zones you may need to create, and if made of timber battens say a merbau decking for instance, they would weather well, and be on castor wheels, so most times you could simply align them all along the balustrade wall for extensive, comfortable seating, perhaps with upholstered sections on top, some with hanging plant systems on them or even change up the backing screen so some feature a design. They could en be solid with the odd one out a pop of colour concealing the skyline beyond. These would be great in a box configuration to create a lounge, or back to back to create bays or booths, leaving the remaining space open. Some could have lift up lids to store gardening items, or even house some plants as well. Add to that a communal barbecue, a system with built in sink and burners, and tub chairs or circular bean bag chairs that can easily create a cosy corner! Keeping the units available for use, but still flexible so people can determine how and when they would be used will keep everyone happy. Definately include tall plants like a strappy palm, again in a pot on castors. Plants like people prefer to change their scenery, when limited to pots on patios!

Agree with others re adding some clear roof sheets for light but they can get hot depending on the aspect. It would be a shame to get rid of the trees so maybe maybe a budget option could be some bamboo blinds attached to the side of the roof might help stop some of the mess. Add some colourful pot plants & string up some nice outdoor lights, a couple of outdoor rugs...do you have a theme or style in mind? What will the area be used for? With some paving paint on the concrete & some nice comfy outdoor furniture it could be transformed & inspire you to use it.

Thank you for your great ideas and photos. I love the concept and have been thinking about this idea also even a basic series of large timber frames to line the path. I really do need the shelter though so I pretty much want exactly what you suggest. A raised, almost floating verandah roof starting from the inside cutout of the roofline (to get height) and angled down to match the garage/stone wall but yes 600mm or so gap and say timber lined with nice chunky timber post or even stone based posts. My worry was would this look out of place in what is a simple country home and the best way to finish it off and "ground" the structure so it looks like it belongs to the original building. It is doable I'm sure but I don't want it to look odd either. The devil is in the detail so they so. Thanks again for your thoughts and ideas.