Surf's Up!

It may be known as the Wild Coast but conference groups find
a wealth of facilities set against a majestic natural backdrop.

It’s not very often that a road becomes a tourist attraction in its own right but the spectacular scenery that’s part of the Great Ocean Road experience in regional Victoria attracts innumerable visitors. It’s a must-see part of Australia almost as popular as the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef as an example of just how dramatic Australia can be in terms of natural attractions.

Accessed from Mebourne via Geelong along the western shore of Port Phillip Bay, the Great Ocean Road begins at Torquay and continues for some 300 kilometres to Nelson, near the South Australian border. It passes through such towns as Port Campbell, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland. Visitors to the region have a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy including surfing, fishing and hiking.

The wild surf off the coast of the Great Ocean Road has always attracted thrill seeking surfers and Torquay, location of the comprehensive and very entertaining Surfworld Museum, is regarded as the surfing capital of Australia.

THE SHIPWRECK COAST

An important stop is at Warrnambool where Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village recreates the maritime life of the area in the 19th century. It has many exhibits documenting the more than 160 shipwrecks that dot this treacherous stretch, dubbed the Shipwreck Coast.

Conference groups also find the South-West Victorian Area a fascinating place to meet. A number of large scale resorts are available for groups, while smaller hotels and motels provide a budget alternative.

The Cumberland Lorne Resort has completed its multi-million dollar refurbishment. The project included a total upgrade of the resort and its 8 meeting rooms and 350 seat tiered auditorium. Rounding out the new look Cumberland Lorne is its new signature dining area, the Aqua Restaurant and Bar.

Formerly known as Chris’, it now has a large timber deck, open fireplace and glass retractable doors spanning the entire front facade of the restaurant that gives amazing views over the coastline. With a Mediterranean-meets-Asian inspiration to the menu, it complements the relaxed bar area that features tapas. Local produce is highlighted throughout the menu.

>> Great Ocean Road , Victoria meeting and function venues.

PLANS FOR EXPANSION

The popular Erskine on the Beach at Lorne has been purchased by the Queensland-based BreakFree Resorts group. An extensive refurbishment is planned as well as additional conference facilities, an indoor swimming pool, gym, saunas and day spa. Plans are also in place for an additional 64 luxury apartments. The BreakFree deal, estimated at $5½ million, includes the heritage-listed Erskine House built in 1868 and the centerpiece of the resort.

On completion, the Erskine on the Beach would become regional Victoria’s largest resort with conference facilities for up to 700 people.

At the western end of the Great Ocean Road, the Sundowner Warrnambool Mid City is popular with mid-range groups. The property, with 69 guestrooms and 5 meeting and conference rooms accommodating up to 250 people, is part of the Sundowner chain with holdings throughout regional New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.