Heading out of the Sydney peak-hour traffic into the picturesque and serene central coast is always a welcome relief and for our group (together courtesy of Central Coast Tourism), was a great way to start our journey. Stopping off to meet our Central Coast Tourism hosts at the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park we experienced bush tucker first-hand for morning tea and explored the park’s natural surrounds. Equipped with walking shoes and khakis we were ready for our next stop, horse riding and quad biking at Glenworth Valley. Once I (not very gracefully) hoisted myself on my horse, Merlin, it was time to meander our way around one of the park’s trails. Merlin was less than inspired to go any faster than a mere slow stroll, however with much motivation he started to gallop and then I looked like a ragdoll tied to a horse.
After lunch we explored the newly opened Mantra Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa which offers conference space for up to 300 delegates. Apartment-style rooms are impressive, with views over the green 18-hole championship golf course.
Later, we ventured closer to the coastline to take a look at Kims Beach Hideaway in Toowoon Bay. This luxurious boutique-style resort features intimate bungalows and a conferencing space suitable for smaller groups. Before we knew it we had a cocktail in hand at the Quay West Resort Magenta Shores, where we had a closer look at the apartment-style accommodation and state-of-the-art conference facilities. A delicious three course feast awaited us back in the resort’s restaurant where we ate to our heart’s content before retiring for the night at the Mantra Ettalong Beach.
The Crowne Plaza Terrigal is known for its amazing breakfast, and as our first stop of the day everyone was excited to see (and taste) it for ourselves. We had a guided tour of the conference facilities, which includes 11 meeting rooms that can cater for up to 450 delegates, before we tucked into our breakfast feast. It was then time to hit the road and take an Oz trike tour of Terrigal. After a hot chocolate to warm up at the picturesque Reef Restaurant we inspected the adjacent Trojan HQ Rugby Club. Both properties overlook the beach and the oval space at the rugby club would be the perfect venue for a family fun day by the sea.
Many in our group were familiar with Ken Duncan’s artwork and his gallery was our next stop. However, our visit became a once-in-a-life time experience as we took a tour with Ken Duncan who told stories of his work on Mel Gibson’s movie The Passion of the Christ. Following lunch at the spectacular restaurant The Cowrie, which overlooks Terrigal Beach, we stopped off to checkout the Mingara Recreation Club and the Oaks Waterfront Resort.
The Mantra Ettalong Beach & Ettalong Beach Club was our last stop before it was time for some Fear Factor-style team-building at the Australian Reptile Park. Our coach ride back to Sydney was a buzz talking about our experiences with many impressed with the range of accommodation and function options on offer.
If you’re a surfer there is no doubt that you will be familiar with Wollongong with its sandy beaches and crashing waves, but take another look and it’s actually a mass of new accommodation and unique meeting spaces. The Wollongong Convention Bureau recently organised a familiarisation to showcase the region and Johanna McKinnon tagged along to get a closer look.
Our minibus departed Sydney’s central station bright and early for a memorable trip to Wollongong. Stepping off the bus for our first port-of-call at Bald Hill we were greeted by a whale breaching just off the coast, and the oohing and ah-ing didn’t stop from there. Overlooking the winding Grand Pacific Drive we indulged in morning tea and a glass of champagne. To get a closer look at the scenery delegates took turns on the back of Harley Davidson bikes around the bends of this now famous stretch of road.
With everyone sporting a wind-swept look, it was time to explore Wollongong University’s function facilities, which are perfect for large conference groups. It was then off to the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach for lunch followed by a mini-tradeshow of local operators. This was a great idea and well received by the group.
For some of our posse it was time to see Wollongong from the sky in a magical scenic tour while others enjoyed some free time. All back together after a quick change and refresh at our hotels, the Lagoon Seafood Restaurant provided a dinner feast before the spectacular Disney on Ice show and dessert at the WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre.
With the day dawning early for most of the group who could choose from a scenic flight or a bike ride along the coastline, we reconvened for breakfast at the City Beach Function Centre which overlooks the beach and features two spectacular function rooms. Needing to walk off our breakfast we took a trip to the recently opened Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, high above the canopy on the Illawarra escarpment.
We stopped off at Jamberoo Action Park to check out the rides and venue - perfect for corporate family days – before lunch at the Bellachara boutique hotel. And what a sumptuous lunch indeed!
The final day’s stop was the Grand Mercure Kiama Blue, another great local property.
Wollongong has a lot of potential for corporate groups, especially associations who may be able to bring families along for the ride. The region has a lot to offer, with a range of newly opened properties and attractions. Indeed, there is much to choose from for event planners considering Wollongong.
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