Australia: The Magical Land of Oz
Meetings AsiaPacific
Tourism Australia may have made waves with its “Australia, where the bloody hell are you?” marketing campaign, as the television commercials were initially banned in some countries, but the slogan says much about the boldness of its people and the unwavering confidence the tourism community has about all that the land Down Under offers.
Australians may tell you that theirs is the biggest country in the world, though objective sources peg it at just a touch smaller than the continental U.S. They don’t do anything halfway here, including their descriptions of themselves. But the facts bear them out—Australia really is one of the most impressive places on Earth.
It’s not just the world-famous cities, which you can learn more on, MeetingsFocus.com, that deserve all the credit. There are many other places in Oz that have plenty of magic to offer. Here’s a quick overview:
Adelaide
The center of Australia’s wine industry—treat yourself to a fine Shiraz to understand just how good Aussie wine can be—Adelaide is also a center of arts and culture in Australia. Good wine and good food pair well, and Adelaide is no exception. For a tasty off-site, take your attendees to Barossa Valley, which is on par with Northern California’s Napa Valley when it comes to first-class vino, food and accommodations.
The convention facility is no slouch, either. The Adelaide Convention Centre was enlarged with an extension that opened in September 2001. With a total area increase of 110 percent, the extended center now hosts up to 6,500 banquet guests and offers 112,400 square feet of column-free floor space.
Off-site venues of note here include the South Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the stately Casino, and the Festival Centre. And, for an unforgettable day trip, take the 25-minute flight to Kangaroo Island, a protected wilderness area where you can see native wildlife in its natural habitat.
Brisbane
Capital of Queensland and Australia's "Sunshine State,” Brisbane boasts a world-class convention center, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, which bills itself as Australia’s most-awarded convention center.
One meeting must-do here is a formal dinner in an exclusive area of the Kangaroo Point cliffs. On top of towering sandstone cliffs that are more than a million years old, you can arrange a dinner where your attendees are treated to some of the best food and the best views for hundreds of miles around.
Perth
On the southwestern corner of Australia, Perth is located on the banks of the picturesque Swan River, which drains into the nearby Indian Ocean. The city, Australia’s fourth largest, is a favorite destination for Australians who want to see more of their own country.
Perth is famous for its friendly people and outdoor lifestyle. The western Australian capital is also well known for its Mediterranean climate and superb beaches. The view from King’s Park is how most Australians know Perth, and it’s a vista not to be missed.
After-meeting activities include water sports on the Swan River or snorkeling off nearby Rottenest Island. The sporting life is no joke here—many of Australia’s professional sports teams call Perth home and it seems that every other person does some sort of water sport, from wind surfing to “skurfing,” a popular regional pastime where people try to balance on a surfboard while being towed from a boat.
Tasmania
Australia's only island state, Tasmania has a bevy of natural wonders and a number of meeting facilities and hotel properties in scenic locations. In 2006 Tasmania was voted the No. 1 island in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific by discerning Travel + Leisure readers.
On the east coast are long stretches of pristine white sandy beaches, in contrast to the wild and rugged west coast with its Franklin and Gordon Rivers and the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. In the north of the state, Launceston is surrounded by rolling green hills and vineyards. The southern city of Hobart, steeped in maritime history, is a busy port city bounded by pristine waterways.
Whitsundays
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast of Australia, the Whitsundays are a group of 74 tropical islands. Boasting national parks and the protected waterways of the Coral Sea, the area is home to world-class accommodations and the dining to go along with them.
Hotel properties range from intimate island retreats to resorts specializing in team-building activities. Tourism officials here strongly recommend you treat your group to at least one beachside dinner—imagine Lost meets Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
As a matter of fact, that might be a good way to describe much of what Australia has to offer—mind-bending adventures in the lap of first-class service and luxuries. So, what the bloody hell are you waiting for?
|
