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There are so many good reasons to change your business latitude to Tropical North Queensland.
Millions of holiday visitors change their latitude each year as they come here to experience our iconic natural attractions of the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage rainforests, tropical islands, the delightful tablelands and dramatic outback wilderness of Cape York and the gulf savannah.
Now more and more people are discovering they can also change their business latitude by holding their business events in Tropical North Queensland.
So many in fact that Cairns ranked the number three Australian host city for major international conventions in 2006 after only Sydney and Melbourne.
Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef region has shone brightly in the global spotlight as our operators expertly catered for high profile events such as the Cairns Group and APEC meetings.
Amway Korea so enjoyed their first conference here in 2001 they returned to hold another last year. Many others have returned and chosen to experience another of our several business tourism locations of Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas, tropical islands and beyond.
Conference organisers are continually impressed by the choice of quality venues, from the world class Cairns Convention Centre to boutique meeting facilities.
They also appreciate the range of accommodation options and the professional on-the-ground support services that ensure smoothly run events and can always add the extra wow factor exclusive to our unique tropical location.
Add to this the ease with which delegates can move around here, from the nearby international airport to venues, accommodation, restaurants, shops and so on and the hundreds of exciting pre and post-touring options on offer in this tropical leisure paradise and you too will want to change your business latitude to Tropical North Queensland.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Rob Giason
Chief Executive Officer
Tourism Tropical North Queensland
• Your delegates will enjoy a memorable tropical experience full of friendly people and stunning places – from the reef and rainforest to the outback.
• You can choose from quality meeting facilities in Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas and beyond, from boutique venues to the award-winning Cairns Convention Centre.
• The region’s professional support services will ensure the smooth operation of your event and add a unique tropical WOW factor!
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Cairns & Region Convention Bureau
(07) 4015 1218. Email: crcb@tnq.org.au
Cairns is a truly tropical city. . . a modern, sophisticated destination that is not only an ideal destination from which to explore the wider region, but a perfect base for meetings, incentives and special events.
Cairns has more than 7000 rooms available in a variety of configurations – from five-star properties with views forever, to apartments and boutique venues right down to budget and backpacker accommodation.
Cairns is also home to the award-winning and environmentally sensitive Cairns Convention Centre – one of Australia’s most successful venues for playing host to domestic and international meetings, and stunning special events.
The Cairns Convention Centre is a world-class meetings venue, recognised as the World’s Best Congress Centre in 2004 by the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) and voted one of the world’s top three congress centres in 2005. Refreshed and enhanced by a major refurbishment the centre’s design is stylish, airy, welcoming and ideal for meeting and conventions for between 10 and 5000 delegates (see story page 75).
For those who have not been to Cairns for some time the destination is a welcome breath of fresh air, with some stunning new developments, venues and attractions. The biggest change in recent years has been the development of the harbour foreshore, which is now a real central point of the city, a meeting place for locals, and a spectacular backdrop for events in the great outdoors. The Cairns Esplanade, as it is known, has as its focus a 4000 square metre swimming lagoon. Surrounding this are parklands, tropical gardens and wide vistas that link to the CBD and the Cairns Foreshore Promenade with two kilometres of timber boardwalks, public space, gardens and entertainment facilities, capturing the sweeping views across Trinity Inlet.
The Esplanade is also lined with a variety of restaurants featuring various cuisines, bars, clubs, cafes and galleries, and an abundance of up-market accommodation options.
It is also here that visitors will find The Reef Fleet Terminal, the common departure point for the 2000 plus passengers who visit The Great Barrier Reef each day.
Nowhere else can visitors better experience the natural wonders of the world’s largest marine park than in the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region.
As Australia’s closest and easiest access point to the Great Barrier Reef, visitors can immerse themselves in this marine wonderland faster than anywhere else. And, with 6600 species of flora and fauna, including 1500 species of fish, 4000 species of molluscs and 400 types of coral, there is plenty to see, touch and taste.
For diving enthusiasts, the region is unsurpassed. The Cairns & Great Barrier Reef coastline is the ultimate destination for diving as it provides so many ways for visitors to participate with dive trips designed for all skill levels and budgets. Is there a better team-building option for busy conference delegates?
Beginner courses and resort dives are popular ways to be introduced to the Great Barrier Reef. Daily reef excursions offer introductory dives, with professional tutoring allowing first-time divers the chance to get a taste for the sport while exploring the marine wonderland.
Nature’s glory is beautifully showcased in Australia’s tropical World Heritage-listed rainforests, a “living museum” of flora and fauna that covers an area of nearly 900,000 hectares of rainforest and tropical vegetation.
The towering forests are the oldest surviving rainforests on earth, at an estimated 135 million years. This ancient living museum nurtures plants still to be discovered as well as vast species of marsupials, reptiles, birds and butterflies.
And like the reef, Cairns is the perfect base from which delegates can explore this stunning natural wonderland. Creative local event and theming companies even offer dinners and special events in the rainforest – giving delegates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly immerse themselves in this beautiful and awe-inspiring region.
Cairns has a unique ability to make delegates feel ownership of the destination.
Cairns is Australia’s third busiest destination for playing host to international conventions, and it continues to be the destination of choice for national meetings, incentives and a raft of special events.
Recent events held in the region are further examples of why the destination continues to be performing so strongly.
In terms of large national and international meetings, the Cairns Convention Centre is often the venue of choice. The centre has just played host to the ASEAN Taskforce for Emergency Humanitarian Relief, attended by 350 delegates, and just prior the Securitor National Convention, attended by 400 financial advisers from around Australia.
Cairns was chosen to provide delegates the opportunity to network in a professional, yet relaxed manner. And according to the national events manager of Asgard Wealth Solutions, Jan Sinclair, the event’s theme “Sustain, Grow and Prosper” was reflected in the destination.
Ms Sinclair said stunning weather made evening functions held on the Cairns Esplanade, the Waterfront Marina, and the Cairns Showground truly memorable.
Another recent event in Cairns and held at the Cairns Convention Centre was the Australian Computers in Education Conference (ACEC). With 1100 delegates, the centre was called upon to provide extensive technological requirements, which it achieved to the satisfaction of the client. ACEC program committee chair, Professor Neil Anderson, said the centre offered great flexibility for the concurrent sessions and satisfied even the most discerning sponsors and trade exhibitors. He said he would be supporting the Australian bid for a major international convention proposed for Cairns in 2013 following the success of ACEC.
Western Pacific Geophysics Meeting
July 2008 (1000 delegates)
Equine Veterinarians Association National Conference
July 2008 (350 delegates)
National Rural Health Conference
March 2009 (1200 delegates)
18th World Congress of the International Association for Mathematics and Computers in Simulation (IMACS)
July 2009 (500 delegates)
Australian and New Zealand Avocado Growers Conference
July 2009 (500 delegates)
Asian Federation for Medicinal Chemistry Conference
August 2009 (600 delegates)
ComBio 2011
September 2011 (900 delegates)
Such is the weather in Australia’s tropical north that getting delegates outside or to venues away from traditional hotel and resort banqueting rooms is a definite must during any business meeting or incentive program.
The majority of resorts are well-versed in hosting breakfasts, lunches and dinners outdoors – in stunning garden settings, or surrounding lagoon pools. Even the Cairns Convention Centre has a wonderful outdoors area where delegates can not only enjoy the fine food, but the tropical north Queensland sunshine in all its glory.
Some resorts like the Hilton Cairns also offer off-site catering. One of their most popular and certainly one of the most stunning off-site venues in Cairns, is at The Tanks Arts Centre.
The Tanks is an inspiring multi-use facility for exhibitions, performances and incentive group functions. This historic World War II site houses three oil tanks that have been transformed into a unique community arts centre. The site covers 1.6 hectares of land and is identified as a part of the Cairns Botanic - Cultural Precinct. This destination is made for special events, and is used by event planners to great effect through the clever use of lighting and simple, elegant designs.
A pathway leading to the function space – surrounded by tropical plants and rainforest- is perfect for pre-dinner drinks, small presentations and of course, wonderful memories. And just 4km from Cairns it is perfect for those who don’t want to travel too far.
Whitfield House is another inspiring venue that can play host to intimate dinners or cocktail parties in its stunning grounds. Again, just minutes from the Cairns CBD it works wonderfully well for those seeking an off-site venue.
Another strong performer for off-site events is the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park which offers large indoor and outdoor spaces.
Can there be any greater reward than cruising the Great Barrier Reef in your own private cruise ship?
Captain Cook’s MV Reef Endeavour is a superb small-ship catering to no more than 150 passengers, ensuring every guest personal attention. You can cruise for three, four or seven nights from Cairns, or if you charter the entire ship, you can plot your own course and time at sea.
Select from popular itineraries which will have you cruising as far north as Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, or south as far as the Whitsunday Islands.
The onboard conference Reef Room seats up to 60 delegates theatre-style and comes with a TV, DVD/VCR, slide projector, screen, whiteboard, microphone, lectern and tea/coffee making facilities. This room can also be used as a library, video and games room and for marine presentations.
Visit www.captaincook.com.au for further details.
Stageworks Australia produced the themes for the Australian Outback Travel’s Sunlover Holidays Stars program for the 6th consecutive year in 2007.
This year more than 180 top travel agents from Australia and New Zealand were spoiled over three days of high-octane activities at night combined with tranquil days in Port Douglas and Dunk Island.
The first evening was held at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, with Stageworks supplying the elegant theme incorporating the latest LED technology in Australia.
The final night of carnivale started casually around the resort pool with pre dinner drinks, as costumed guests mingled with Rio characters: four scantily clad young men in feathered headdress and two oversized jesters imported from the US. Guests were treated to a spectacular fireworks display on the beach to the inspiring sounds of Night of My Life echoing across the bay. Then the group were led through the rainforest gardens in a long conga line to dinner and a stunning show featuring the talented Courtney Act who had everyone on the dance floor before the entrée was served. Following Courtney, Matt Hetherington and his hot band took to the stage to help guests “funk” the night away. Dinner consisted of a sumptuous three course selection of the finest tropical fare, served on tables featuring stunning feathered decorations topped by mirror balls. The island’s indoor tennis court was entirely transformed by the talented Cairns Stageworks Australia crew, completed with LED palm trees suspended in the ceiling and strobing festoons. It proved to be a “night of their life”.
Cairns Convention Centre
The Cairns Convention Centre continues to impress delegates and meeting planners with its facilities, service and location. The venue recently hosted the 5th International Society for Stem Cell Research Annual Scientific Meeting. This was the first time the meeting had been held outside North America. Besides general sessions, the 1750 delegates enjoyed an Aussie-themed barbecue farewell dinner with entertainment on the final evening. The Cairns Convention Centre is a purpose built, international standard meetings facility, ideal for exhibitions, banquets and conventions whether for 200 or 5000 delegates. Not only is it the most innovative, flexible and functional centre of its kind, it is described as being the most stunning - both inside and out. The centre has won numerous accolades including being voted “one of the world’s top ten international convention centres” by the North American Meeting Planners in the annual USA Beyond Borders Survey. It is the only regional convention centre to be recognised in this prestigious award. For further details telephone (07) 4042 4200, email jgraham@cairnsconvention.com.au or visit www.cairnsconvention.com.au.
Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns
With a purpose built Events Centre and total of 16 technology intelligent event rooms, spectacular views, flawless service and exceptional facilities, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns is described as being the perfect event venue for all occasions. In mid-2006 the hotel’s existing meeting and banquet facilities were complemented by the launch of the new event rooms located on the mezzanine level. A separate entrance and purpose-built atrium serve as a greeting area for the new facilities, which are contemporary in style with a hint of Asian elegance. The hotel’s 16 event rooms and selection of open-air meeting and banquet locations with breathtaking views are perfectly complimented by a team of professional and attentive conference experts.
The new level of dedicated meeting space is the perfect addition to the hotel’s stylish new facilities including freshly refurbished guest rooms, contemporary lobby, innovative dining experience TIDES, Horizon Club Rooms and Horizon Club Lounge, all of which have raised the bar in accommodation excellence, and are sure to impress the most discerning corporate traveller. Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns is the city’s only five-star waterfront hotel in Cairns. For details telephone (07) 4031 1411, e-mail slmc@shangri-la.com or visit www.shangri-la.com.
CAIRNS COLONIAL CLUB RESORT
18 – 26 Cannon Street, Cairns
(07) 4032 1182
conferences@cairnscolonialclub.com.au
www.cairnscolonialclub.com.au
CAIRNS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL
17 Abbott Street, Cairns
(07) 4031 1300
sales@cairnsinternational.com.au
www.cairnsinternational.com.au
HILTON CAIRNS
34 Esplanade, Cairns
(07) 4050 2000
reservations.cairns@hilton.com
www.hilton.com
RYDGES PLAZA CAIRNS
Cnr Grafton & Spence Streets, Cairns
(07) 4046 0300
functions_plazacairns@rydges.com
www.rydges.com/plazacairns
RYDGES ESPLANADE RESORT CAIRNS
Cnr The Esplanade & Kerwin Street, Cairns
(07) 4044 9022
functions_esplanadecairns@rydges.com
www.rydges.com/esplanadecairns
RYDGES TRADEWINDS CAIRNS
137 The Esplanade, Cairns
(07) 4053 0390
functions_tradewinds@rydges.com
www.rydges.com/tradewinds
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, THE MARINA, CAIRNS
Pierpoint Road, Cairns
(07) 4031 1411
slmc@shangri-la.com
www.shangri-la.com
VOYAGES DUNK ISLAND
Mission Beach, Cairns
(02) 8296 8000
conferences@voyages.com.au
www.voyages.com.au
WATERS EDGE APARTMENTS CAIRNS
155 The Esplanade, Cairns
(07) 4044 2300
info@watersedgecairns.com.au
www.watersedgecairns.com.au
CORAL HEDGE BRASSERIE
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Cnr The Esplanade & Kerwin Street, Cairns (07) 4044 9022
functions_esplanadecairns@rydges.com
www.rydges.com/esplanadecairns
Experience the “Fire & Ice Dinner Menu”, with chefs cooking over an open fire while you indulge in a selection of chilled seafood.
JARDINES RESTAURANT
18-26 Cannon Street, Cairns
(07) 4053 8805
www.cairnscolonialclub.com.au
Popular with locals and Cairns visitors Jardines offers modern Australia cuisine under the trees or in air-conditioned comfort.
KINGSFORDS
Cairns International Hotel
17 Abbott Street, Cairns
(07) 4031 1300
sales@cairnsinternational.com.au
www.cairnsinternational.com.au
One of Cairns’ most lauded restaurants Kingsfords offers innovative Australian cuisine influenced by the flavours of Asia and the Mediterranean. Signature Dishes include Hot Rocks and Moreton Bay Bugs.
LATITUDE 137 RESTAURANT & BAR
Rydges Tradewinds Cairns
137 The Esplanade, Cairns
(07) 4053 0390
functions_tradewinds@rydges.com
www.rydges.com/tradewinds
Dine inside or poolside in the tropical ambience while enjoying modern Australian cuisine.
MONDO CAFE BAR AND GRILL
Hilton Cairns
34 Esplanade, Cairns
(07) 4050 2000
Sales_cairns@hilton.com
www.hilton.com
With Trinity Bay views, international cuisine, seafood platters and tantalizing curries, the Mondo Café Bar and Grill is a relaxed waterfront choice for alfresco dining.
TIDES SEAFOOD & GRILL
Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns
Pierpoint Road, Cairns
(07) 4052 7670
slmc@shangri-la.com
www.shangri-la.com
Exquisite dining along the Cairns waterfront.
Cairns International Hotel
The Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists recently hosted a four day conference at the Cairns International Hotel attracting more than 400 delegates and untilising the hotel’s versatile conference, hotel and food and beverage facilities to create a conference and trade show with a unique point of difference. A major highlight of the event was the hotel’s ability to service the delegates’ food and beverage needs including a partner’s high tea in the hotel’s Lobby Bar and a president’s dinner for 30 guests on Daintrees Pooldeck. A comprehensive trade show with more than 30 booths was set up in the ballroom foyer and first floor of the hotel with food and beverage facilities located as the tradeshow’s centrepiece. Presentations were held in the hotel’s newly refurbished grand ballroom which comfortably held all 400 delegates. Located in the heart of Cairns the property now offers “premium rooms” which include luxury amenities like slippers, toothbrushes, and complimentary broadband access. It has just opened a new spa facility at a cost of $2.5 million, with nine treatment rooms and a range of therapies. For details telephone (07) 4031 1300, email sales@cairnsinternational.com.au or visit www.cairnsinternational.com.au.
Hilton Cairns
The Hilton Cairns continues to be one of the strongest performers in the Tropical North, winning and hosting a range and variety of events. Creativity was the key to the success of the 20th Century Fox Conference for 72 delegates held recently. One definite highlight was an off-site dinner at The Tanks (a unique Cairns event venue) with a Rocky Balboa theme. Another event with a difference involved transforming the hotel’s usually classic grand ballroom into a “comfy” venue for delegates to lounge around in their pyjamas under the “stars” for a special movie night. The Hilton Cairns underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2006 which was capped off in early 2007 with the unveiling of the vibrant Six Degrees Bar and Lounge. The bar enjoys an elevated waterfront position in the hotel’s lobby with views over Trinity Inlet. The Hilton Cairns offers 264 accommodation rooms, seven meeting rooms, and can comfortably seat up to 300 delegates theatre-style. For details telephone (07) 4050 2000, email reservations.cairns@hilton.com or visit www.hilton.com.
STOP PRESS: To celebrate its 20th year, the Hilton Cairns has joined with Hardy Brothers Jewellers and will give away 20 half carat diamonds to 20 lucky guests staying at the hotel from now until December 15, 2007.
Rydges Hotels
Rydges offers three hotels in Cairns – Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns, Rydges Plaza Cairns and Rydges Tradewinds Cairns. The Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns offers 313 accommodation rooms, four meeting rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 250 theatre-style, swimming pools, tennis courts and numerous dining options. Located on The Esplanade it is within walking distance of all Cairns city attractions. The Rydges Plaza Cairns is said to be the closest four star hotel to the Cairns Convention Centre. It is a boutique venue, offering 101 accommodation rooms and three meeting rooms, the largest of which can seat up to 250 theatre-style. The Rydges Tradewinds Cairns, located on the Cairns Esplanade offers 246 accommodation rooms and five meeting rooms, the largest of which can seat up to 180 delegates theatre style. The hotel features a resort style walk-in pool with spa and waterfall set among tropical landscaped gardens, and a boutique style spa – Spa by the Sea – which offers a peaceful sanctuary designed around water influences. For further details visit www.rydges.com (or see the advertisement on page 77).
Waters Edge Apartments Cairns
Positioned on the Cairns Esplanade, opposite parklands and recreational facilities, and with panoramic views of Trinity Bay, the Waters Edge Apartments are Cairns’ newest luxury accommodation. Opened in 2006 there are 15 apartments on offer, each with its own distinctive style. Gourmet kitchens, large living and dining areas, spacious bedrooms, and large balconies with ocean views make this property one of the best picks for those seeking smaller, more boutique style accommodation. The ground floor apartments have their own unique swim-out decks. On-site managers Tony and Kim Hughes provide a personal service, offering local knowledge and assistance to ensure your visit to Cairns is a memorable experience. Waters Edge Apartments are said to capture the rhythm of city living in the tropics. From your Waters Edge luxury apartment enjoy a short shady walk along the Esplanade boardwalk to the local dining and cultural precinct, shopping malls, local markets, nightlife and the casino. For further details telephone (07) 4044 2300, email info@watersedgecairns.com.au or visit www.watersedgecairns.com.au.
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
The Cairns Colonial Club Resort continues to be one of Cairns’ more popular venues for conference groups, thanks in part to its stand-alone (and stylish) Queenslander-style convention centre. In recent times it has hosted the Cairns International Women’s Day breakfast, the Indigenous Community Conference, the Australian Women & Leadership Forum, Queensland Rail, and a cocktail party for the Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association. Set within 4.5 hectares of tropical gardens, and with three swimming pools and three resort restaurants, it combines the tranquillity of a tropical resort with the advantages of a mainstream hotel. The resort is located just outside the Cairns central business district, however, it offers regular shuttle services to guests. The property has 345 accommodation rooms, and with five meeting rooms and the conference centre gardens and gazebo, is said to be able to cater for functions of up to 650 people. Accommodation rooms range from functional standard rooms to spacious VIP suites, which were extensively refurbished in 2005. A total of five room types available ensures an excellent range of accommodation for guests to choose from. For further details telephone (07) 4032 1182, email conferences@cairnscolonialclub.com.au or visit www.cairnscolonialclub.com.au.
Voyages Dunk Island
A short journey from Cairns, Voyages Dunk Island is described as one of Australia’s most beautiful tropical rainforest islands. Voyages Dunk Island has 160 well-appointed rooms. The conference centre accommodates up to 180 theatre-style while a number of indoor and outdoor breakout areas are available for use. The beauty of this resort is that it lends itself wonderfully well to a great range of team-building activities such as scavenger hunts, sailing regattas or the aptly named “Land, Sea & Air Challenge”. The resort offers a variety of dining options. Guests can choose from a full range of themed dinners such as the retro beach party, Aussie bush bash or an elegant black tie and flip flop dinner under the stars. For further details telephone (02) 8296 8000, email conferences@voyages.com.au or visit www.voyages.com.au.
Cairns International Airport is Australia’s northern gateway. It is situated less than 10 minutes from the city’s central business district, making the Cairns region one of the most convenient locations to get to and from.
Primary airline services to Cairns from within Australia are Qantas, Jestar and VirginBlue, all offering flights around the country.
Internationally Cairns has links to Hong Kong with connections to Europe and the United States, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand.
For rail commuters, the Tilt Train has two return services weekly from Brisbane (departing Brisbane Monday and Friday and departing Cairns on Sunday and Wednesday).
Cairns is Australia’s busiest cruise port and Queensland’s busiest commercial port, with around 26 scheduled services each day to the Great Barrier Reef and islands.
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