Sweet Challenges

The area might be widely known for its fruit but there’s plenty to involve conference delegates at a range of fine resorts.

Follow this link to locate >> conference venues on the Coffs Coast & Coffs Harbour

There are so many fine beaches along the 30 kilometres of coastline that border the Coffs Harbour district, that it’s difficult to pick just one. Delegates could swim at a different beach every day and still have to spend another week or two beyond their conference just getting around to them all.

Located 550 kilometres north of Sydney and 430 kilometres south of Brisbane, Coffs Harbour is easily accessed by road. Virgin Blue and Qantas operate daily return services to Sydney while Sunshine Express has a daily flight to Brisbane. The flight time to both Sydney and Melbourne is just one hour.

Organisers are flocking to the newly refurbished conference centre at the Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour. Opal Cove has one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in New South Wales with seven meetings and function rooms, seating up to 550 people theatre style.

The Ocean View Foyer is perfect for exhibitions and can accommodate up to 33 trade booths. A recent success at Opal Cove was the National Budgerigar Championships, which attracted more than 300 people from throughout Australia. Other events have included the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

TEEING OFF

For three successive years, the highly respected Golf Course Guide described Bonville International Golf Resort as being “the most beautiful golf course in Australia”. At the Restaurant and Catering NSW Northern Region Awards for Excellence in Coffs Harbour recently, Bonville scooped the prize pool, taking out three awards as well as an honourable mention in the event catering division.

The Clubhouse function facilities are very popular although it’s a little surprising to learn that the golf course itself has become a favourite of event organisers; in recent times, functions have been held at the 3rd, 5th, 15th, 16th and 18th holes.

The 4½ star BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort has three plenary conference venues, the largest being the Lagoon Room, seating 200 people theatre style or 160 for banquets. Accommodation comprises studio hotel rooms, suites and two bedroom apartments.