River Sojourns

A renaissance occurs at an idyllic coastal destination with conference groups flocking
to discover one of New South Wales' best kept secerets.

Port Macquarie has attracted a range of conferences and events in recent times including the NSW Local Government Women's Association Conference for 200 delegates and the NSW Coastal Conference for 500 delegates. The Greater Port Macquarie Conference and Meeting Facilities Guide is an invaluable resource tool for planners, providing full information on conference venues and delegate activities.

With its range of quality accommodation and leisure activities including sampling superb local produce and wines, Port Macquarie and the surrounding region is fast becoming a viable alternative to other regional destinations. "Meeting planners are showing increasing interest in the region's conference venues and facilities," said Greater Port Macquarie conference coordinator, Maggie Barnewall. "It's a popular destination that prospective conference delegates and their partners want to experience."

Greater Port Macquarie has also recently formed a Business Tourism networking group of local operators with a common interest in promoting the region's conference venues and associated activities.

Community Support For Meetings

Ms Barnewall said that the aim was to provide operators with an opportunity to work as a united group to maintain a uniformly high standard of conference service in the Greater Port Macquarie region.

"Port Macquarie has gone through a renaissance in recent years, with new tourism development, streetscapes, waterfront parkland and restaurants," she said. "We have a great product to offer conference organisers seeking new destinations."

The Four Points by Sheraton Port Macquarie is the city's first international chain hotel. Located on the waterfront overlooking the Hastings River, it's within walking distance of the central business district and other attractions. For conferences, the Four Points has the Bayside Room which can be divided into three separate areas. At its largest capacity, it can hold up to 175 people theatre-style or 140 for banquets. A 63 square metre pre-function area is perfect for cocktail parties while the Riverside Room can seat 90 people theatre-style or 70 for banquets.

A firm favourite for conference groups is Sails Resort with a variety of conference rooms and function facilities for up to 150 delegates. The Hastings Room can hold up to 150 people theatre-style or 100 for banquets, while a 1000-seat auditorium is available at the Port Macquarie "Panthers" RSL Club just across the road.

Successful Events

Sails Resort has 83 guestrooms, studios and suites. In August, Sails hosted the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (AECG). Thirty-five delegates from as far afield as Broken Hill utilised the Macquarie Room for meeting sessions and the Atrium for breakouts.

Sails Resort was the ideal venue; the location, aspect and proximity to all local amenities attracted us to the Resort and we were not disappointed," said NSW AECG accounts administrator, Jenni Ridley.

For small groups seeking personalised service, there are hinterland forest retreats and seaside boutique venues. The only distraction will be the breathtaking scenery, the cackling of kookaburras and rolling surf.

Port Macquarie Area is home to some of Australia's most accomplished artists and musicians. Corporate entertainment can include choirs, vocalists, string quartets, jazz, blues or rock'n'roll.

Combine a private exhibition viewing with cocktails at the Port Macquarie Hastings Regional Gallery. There's also no shortage of great cuisine and places to eat. Whether it's a well-made coffee in a sidewalk café, al fresco lunch overlooking the Hastings River, or an intimate a la carte dinner, delegates have plenty of choices.

Follow this link to >> conference & meeting venues around Port Macquarie.