Apple Isle Forges Ahead

Far from the pressures of the hectic mainland lifestyle, Tasmania offers historic city attractions and picturesque rural retreats for even the most demanding corporate group.

Follow this link to >> conference venues in Tasmania.

The largest tourism operator in Tasmania, Federal Hotels & Resorts, revolutionised the state's meetings industry in 1973 by opening Australia's first Casino, West Point, in Hobart. Since that time, Tasmania has been recognised as a prime venue for conferences, with product spread throughout the island and Federal has a number of new tourism projects perfect for this special market segment.

In the north, the front wing of the Country Club Resort and Villas at Launceston has undergone a major refurbishment to all rooms as well as upgrading the eight Manor suites with spacious marble spa bathrooms and work centres with high-speed broadband internet connectivity.

The Hazards at Freycinet will open early in 2005, featuring 150 five-star suites, private sundecks and spas, a spectacular horizon pool, an exclusive spa retreat, and high-tech conference facility.

The Wild West Coast

Federal has entered the wilderness west coast town of Strahan in a big way. Its recent purchase of the waterfront Strahan Village includes cottages and terraces as well as a stylish new 4.5 star hilltop retreat and conference centre. The Strahan Village also features cafes, restaurants, shops, and an Aussie pub.

A new $4 million catamaran, the Lady Jane Franklin II, replaces the Lady Jane Franklin cruising from Strahan and is part of Federal's acquisition of Gordon River Cruises. It includes a new premium area featuring 40 leather reclining seats and personal waiters.

Federal has also recently introduced the $30 million West Coast Wilderness Railway, a spectacular 34-kilometre journey that is set to be recognised as one of the world's great railway journeys.

According to Federal Hotels & Resorts' managing director, Greg Farrell: "For decades now, Federal Hotels & Resorts has been at the forefront of Tasmania's growth as a major tourist destination but we are now entering the most aggressive, exciting and expansive chapter in our 118 year history."

Nature At Its Most Compelling

In other Tasmanian news, P&O Australian Resorts has embarked on a $15 million refurbishment to Cradle Mountain Lodge. Guest accommodation will be reduced to 90 cabins and repositioned as a premium boutique property. It includes the conversion of a number of Pencil Pine Cabins into "premium suites", some minor refurbishments to the main lodge, and the creation of the Waldheim Alpine Spa.

Peppers Seaport Hotel opens in Launceston in February with 60 guestrooms and suites as part of the $20 million Seaport Dock area, a new social hub for Launceston with retail, restaurants and entertainment options.

At St Helens on the scenic East Coast of Tasmania, the 4.5-star Doherty St Helens Resort has 60 guestrooms, two restaurants and extensive conference facilities. Renowned for its seafood and rugged landscape, St Helens is close to the Bay of Fires, one of Tasmania's most popular tourist destinations.

There are three purpose-built meeting and function rooms that cater for up to 150 people. Awash in natural light and offering the latest in technology, facilities encompass the 200 square metre Robert Burns Ballroom and two 45 square metre boardrooms. The spectacular natural surroundings give themselves over to excellent teambuilding opportunities.