Coastal Reflections

TClose enough to Sydney, yet possessing a relaxed resort charm,
this stretch of the NSW close is popular with groups.

Follow this link to find conference venues in >> Central Coast, NSW >> Lake Macquarie, NSW

Just 90 minutes by freeway from Sydney, the Central Coast was once a string of sleepy villages. Now it’s a highly
sought after residential area, prized as much for its stunning coastal scenery as its close proximity to Sydney.

The main settlements are Gosford, the commercial hub of the Central Coast, and Terrigal, with its range of international standard resorts and restaurants. Beach culture remains an important part of the social scene. Summer or winter, the beaches are crowded with visitors and residents alike, taking a leisurely wander along the sands or jogging, fishing, swimming or surfing.

There are charter boats and yachts available to explore the many waterways and the coastal region and, not surprisingly, a surf school that is perfect for corporate activities. The Terry McDermott Surf Coaching school has six times Australian champion and 2003 World Masters Champion Sandra English as its principal trainer.

FLAT OUT WORKING

Inland from the beaches is a series of wilderness areas and national parks. Conference groups to the area have a staggering array of activities, both for teambuilding and for their leisure time. Bush orienteering, overnight camping expeditions, abseiling and horse riding can be easily integrated into conference programs.

Further north is Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest coastal salt-water lake. Watersports are a feature here including sailing, fishing and canoeing. The Lake Macquarie State Recreation Area occupies more than 16 kilometres of foreshore and is an important habitat for kangaroos, wallabies and other bush life. Major towns of the Lake Macquarie region include Swansea, Toronto and Morisset.

Conference groups to the Central Coast have been utilising the 196 room Crowne Plaza Terrigal’s newly refurbished Grand Ballroom and meetings space. There’s a choice of 12 meeting rooms, 5 of which have natural light, catering for groups as large as 450 people.

JEWEL IN THE CROWNE

The highlight of the refurbishment is the Grand Ballroom, divisible into five smaller spaces, and completely updated with the latest audiovisual facilities, lighting, air-conditioning, soundproofing and communications infrastructure including wireless and broadband capabilities. The spacious Hawkesbury Lobby is well utilised for cocktail parties, conference registration or product launches.

A new business centre offers high-speed Internet access, fax, copier, printer and a range of corporate requirements with multi-use workstations. The business centre is positioned for quick and easy access by conference delegates.

The Crowne Plaza Terrigal’s “Meetings Success” package comes complete with a Crowne meetings director who is available from the time of the booking through to the end of the event.

NEW INTERESTS

Dooralong Valley has a new owner, Ray Stehr, whose hotel interests over 30 years in the industry include the Rosehill International. Over the next two years, a major refurbishment and expansion program will be under way.

Forty new cottages will be constructed, along with a new restaurant and tavern seating up to 300 people. A multi level decking around Jilliby’s Restaurant will provide a great area for cocktail parties and banquets.

Such companies as AMP Retail Banking, Lend Lease and Colgate-Palmolive have utilised Terrigal based PNF Corporate Training. A range of programs is available, from yachting regattas to “boot camps” on a private island in the Hawkesbury River.

PNF’s latest corporate product is Movie Mania. In association with the Mad Cow Theatre Company, Movie Mania teaches groups how to work as a team through the medium of film-making. Conference delegates are divided into teams and assigned a PNF facilitator and a Mad Cow member, given a synopsis and kit containing costumes and props. They are then taught the basics of film making techniques including story boarding, camera angles, lighting, sound, make-up and acting. Teams are then responsible for writing, directing and acting out their synopsis.

LIGHTS, CAMERA

The course takes place at the former Old Sydney Town theme park near Gosford. Film sets include gaol cells, sandstone church ruins, western towns, a windmill and village. After the day’s filming, teams edit their work into a 5 minute short film and at a special themed dinner their films are shown on the big screen. Each delegate is also given a copy of the films on DVD.

The $110 million Star of the Sea Terrigal opened in July. The luxury 5 star apartment style resort has conference facilities for up to 40 delegates as well as an entertainment area suitable for 80 people for cocktail parties or banquets. Accommodation comprises 3 bedroom apartments with expansive views across Terrigal.

Construction is well advanced on the Outrigger Ettalong Beach Resort and Club. The first stage of the project, the Beach Club is expected to be completed by the end of 2004 with the Outrigger Resort, including 236 guestrooms and suites, open by mid-2005.

The Club will have conference and function facilities for up to 500 people. The main conference room will have extensive water views and direct access to the beach. Accommodation will include studio rooms, one and two bedroom apartments. Each of the 236 classic beach style apartments will have private balconies overlooking the resort pool and spa, and many will feature ocean views.