Across The Waters

Under the right conditions, meetings by the sea may inspire teamwork and group cohesion.

Delegates might believe they’re far removed from the hustle and bustle of their office existences but the truth is the Mornington Peninsula is just 90 minutes drive away from the centre of Melbourne. On the eastern shores of Port Phillip Bay and encompassing such towns as Frankston, Mornington, Sorrento and Portsea, the relaxed seaside lifestyle makes this a very good reason for choosing the area for a conference or business event.

The opportunities for outdoor activities are almost endless. Teambuilding exercises and leisure activities can include sailing regattas, deep-sea fishing, or golf tournaments on any one of the 18 courses in the district. For something a little more exciting, how about an advanced driver training team-building session on the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, which hosts the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix?

Phillip Island itself is worth considering for group activities. Covering some 10,000 hectares, it lies at the entrance to Western Port and is renowned for its nature activities. The fairy penguin colony and koala rehabilitation centre are especially popular. Mornington is also renowned for its wines and has more than 100 vineyards and 7 distinct wine areas.

RESORT UPDATES

The biggest news in the area is the closure of Peppers Delgany Portsea. The impressive sandstone building dating from 1923 and resembling a castle, and its 5 hectares of land, is being redeveloped into a housing estate.

Shearwater Cape Schanck Resort is under new management with major plans for the future. With 48 guestrooms and 4 two bedroom suites, Cape Schanck also has extensive conference facilities. These include the Pacific Room for 250 people theatre style, the Atlantic Room and the Mediterranean Room, 8 syndicate rooms and 2 lounges. Guests at the resort also have access to an 18 hole champion-ship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Lindenberry at Red Hill is part of the Lancemore Group, which also includes the highly-respected Lancemore Hill and Lindenwarrah at Milawa. Meetings for up to 200 people theatre style can be accommodated in the Burton room, while smaller groups can take the Vaucluse or Woodclyff rooms. Lindenberry has 4 categories of boutique hotel accommodation and the Endota Retreat Spa.

Other notable conference properties in the Mornington Peninsula include the Mt Eliza Business School and the Continental Phillip Island.

Follow this link to >> conference & function venues on the Mornington Peninsula