Quality Of Life

Long considered one of New South Wales’s most civilised rural retreats,
the Southern Highlands has a wealth of old mansions and bushland getaways.

Opening early this year, after extensive renovations, is Bishopthorpe. The Neo-Gothic mansion was built in 1870 as home to Goulburn's first Church of England bishop and is one of the region's most historic, designed by renowned 19th century architect John Horbury Hunt (in association with John Frederick Hilly).

Located just off the Hume Highway at Goulburn, Bishopthorpe is set on 20 hectares and has been painstakingly and lovingly restored. Experts from around the world were brought in to transform the mansion and its extensive gardens were completely redesigned with water features and walking trails.

Ideal for executive retreats, special events or exclusive-use conferences, Bishopthorpe is resplendent in its grand country house traditions. With European-inspired interior furnishings, antiques, an extensive art collection and the glowing warmth of Australian cedar woodwork, this is a very special meetings venue in a special location.

Follow this link to find >> conference venues in the Southern Highlands.

Elegant Surroundings

Guestrooms are individually decorated and some have spa-baths. Amongst a rollcall of Australian corporates and other groups to have called it home-away-from-home is the Australian Equestrian team, which was housed at Bishopthorpe prior to the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

The Kangaroo Valley Golf and Country Club had a busy year, hosting many conferences and events as well as the Kangaroo Valley 2003 PGA Pro-Am. The 108 square metre Scanzi Room is capable of holding 80 people theatre style and the Woodfire Restaurant accommodates up to 120 people. Accommodation comprises one- and two-bedroom cabins as well as two- and three-bedroom deluxe villas.

Despite the superb facilities, one of the principal attractions for corporate groups may well be the Jack Newton-designed, par 72 championship, 18-hole golf course. A challenge from the back tees or a leisurely social game from the front, the course is designed to be enjoyed by players of all levels.

In The Rough

Newton’s original design was recently extended and upgraded. Played under the watchful gaze of the many resident kangaroos, the course sweeps across the undulating valley terrain providing the perfect opportunity to burn away the tensions of a serious conference program.

Recent improvements include the installation of ceiling fans in the cabins and villas, upgrading of the swimming pool and the creation of an alfresco dining area. A leisurely two-hour drive from Sydney, the Kangaroo Valley Golf and Country Club can be accessed from Sydney either via the Princes Highway and Wollongong or along the M5 and through the Southern Highlands.

Golf is also an attraction at the Craigieburn Resort and Conference Centre, Bowral, with the 36-hectare estate boasting a private 9-hole golf course. There are also tennis courts, a fly fishing lake, walking and jogging tracks, boules and volleyball all available on site.

Amongst Bowral’s Best

Craigieburn has been transformed with a multi-million dollar refurbishment touching on its 71 elegantly furnished guestroomsand public areas. There are three meeting rooms, the largest being the 240 square metre Wilson Room, holding up to 240 people theatre style or 220 for banquets. The two boardrooms, holding 30 and 15 people respectively, are well placed as breakout areas.

The new signature restaurant Montfort's seats up to 120 people, while spa treatments can be booked in the new Beauty Therapy Room. Craigieburn’s commitment to its clientele is legendary; no wonder its slogan is “Where tradition, friendliness and service have not been forgotten”.