It may take 22 hours to reach Sydney, but the staggering sights that wait for you in the land down under make this journey worth the time. Australia, both a country and a continent, is rife with majestic architecture (don't miss the famous Sydney Opera House), natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, beautiful beachfront hotels, award-winning vineyards, and ample convention and meeting venues. Australia is also home to a wealth of natural resources. "Feedback from the Australian business events industry indicates that there continues to be a strong interest in Australia for international business events," says Jane Whitehead, vice president of the Americas for Tourism Australia, adding that its recently launched Aquatic and Coastal campaign puts the spotlight on the country's stunning beaches and waterways. "It's no wonder that the appetite for Australia as a leading business events destination continues to grow."
It would be impossible to experience all that Australia has to offer in one visit. But there are three prime cities, each with its own personality and unique opportunities for group endeavors.
Sydney
This December, the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) is slated to open. It will be capable of supporting four separate, concurrent events of more than 12,000 visitors each, with a total exhibition capacity of 376,700 square feet. In addition, the area surrounding the ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour, is in development. In 2017, a new 600-room hotel, as well as retail and entertainment spaces, will open to the public. The city is also busy improving its public transportation, providing better access to retail and dining venues. In the heart of the business district, guests can check into the 1939 Art Deco, heritage-listed, five-star Primus Hotel with its 172 rooms and suites, plus a rooftop bar available for private events.
The recently opened five-star Hotel Pullman Sydney Airport (one mile from Sydney International) offers 229 rooms, the upscale Mobius Restaurant & Bar, and three meeting and conference areas that can combine to form a larger venue for 280 guests. If you have time, head further afield from Sydney and relax at Byron Bay's five-star resort, situated in the middle of Australia's tropical rainforests. By August, the resort and spa will complete its AU$2.1 million facelift -- with updated suites and rooms, plus upgraded conference spaces, and spa amenities.
Adelaide
Fly into the state of South Australia's capital city, located at the bottom of the continent on the coast. Currently the Adelaide Convention Centre, situated on the banks of the River Torres, is undergoing a two-stage redevelopment. Stage one was completed last year and included a 600-seat ballroom and 15 breakout rooms. The second stage is scheduled for completion in 2017 and will include a plenary hall for 3,500 guests. Adelaide is brimming with cultural offerings, expansive parks and beaches, and there are multiple regional wine growers. Tour the Barossa Valley for wine tastings at any number of high-profile vineyards.
While you are imbibing, plan to dine at The Cellar Kitchen Restaurant and Bar, newly opened at the extensively refurbished Novotel Barossa Valley Resort. The restaurant is focused on "paddock to plate" dining so be prepared to enjoy seasonal food experiences drawn from the region's food and wine heritage.
Melbourne
Much like Australia's other major cities, Melbourne is enjoying a spate of new development aimed at hosting the international business community and tourists. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is undergoing an AU$210 million renovation. Its footprint will be significantly bigger -- 65,600 square feet bigger -- by the time the expansion reopens in 2018. And 2016 promises a profusion of new hotels, such as the new, five-star Peppers Docklands Hotel in Melbourne's Docklands precinct. Also in the Docklands, in the expanding Digital Harbour community, Four Points by Sheraton opens in January 2017, complete with 251 standard rooms and 18 suites set on Victoria Harbour. The Next Hotel Melbourne will soon open as part of an AU$110 million development in the city's center. The 300-room property is set to include an impressive array of commercial and retail spaces.
Questions or comments? Email [email protected]
This article appears in the July 2016 issue of Successful Meetings.
ESSENTIAL Tool Box
CONVENTION CENTERS & FACILITIES
International Convention Centre Sydney
(upon completion 376,700 sf);
Adelaide Convention Centre
(upon completion more than 215,300 sf);
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (322,900 sf)
Room Tax:
10 percent goods and services tax
Adelaide
Fly into the state of South Australia's capital city, located at the bottom of the continent on the coast. Currently the Adelaide Convention Centre, situated on the banks of the River Torres, is undergoing a two-stage redevelopment. Stage one was completed last year and included a 600-seat ballroom and 15 breakout rooms. The second stage is scheduled for completion in 2017 and will include a plenary hall for 3,500 guests. Adelaide is brimming with cultural offerings, expansive parks and beaches, and there are multiple regional wine growers. Tour the Barossa Valley for wine tastings at any number of high-profile vineyards.
While you are imbibing, plan to dine at The Cellar Kitchen Restaurant and Bar, newly opened at the extensively refurbished Novotel Barossa Valley Resort. The restaurant is focused on "paddock to plate" dining so be prepared to enjoy seasonal food experiences drawn from the region's food and wine heritage.
Melbourne
Much like Australia's other major cities, Melbourne is enjoying a spate of new development aimed at hosting the international business community and tourists. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is undergoing an AU$210 million renovation. Its footprint will be significantly bigger -- 65,600 square feet bigger -- by the time the expansion reopens in 2018. And 2016 promises a profusion of new hotels, such as the new, five-star Peppers Docklands Hotel in Melbourne's Docklands precinct. Also in the Docklands, in the expanding Digital Harbour community, Four Points by Sheraton opens in January 2017, complete with 251 standard rooms and 18 suites set on Victoria Harbour. The Next Hotel Melbourne will soon open as part of an AU$110 million development in the city's center. The 300-room property is set to include an impressive array of commercial and retail spaces.
Questions or comments? Email [email protected]
This article appears in the July 2016 issue of Successful Meetings.