A Place In The Sun

A cosmopolitan tropical destination perfect for
conference groups also has a nearby island playground.

Averaging some 300 days of sunshine per year, the northern Queensland city of Townsville represents great value for the conference market. It is easily accessible with several daily flights from Brisbane via Qantas, Virgin Blue and Alliance Airlines as well as regular direct connections to Sydney.

Townsville is situated in what is called the “dry tropics” and is a vibrant and colourful city, much more cosmopolitan than it is generally given credit for. The social heartland of the city is The Strand, which was rejuvenated in 2000 with a $23 million upgrade that created one of the best inner city beach fronts in the country.

Conference organisers find a wealth of opportunities. The Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre (TECC) can accommodate up to 5,200 people theatre style, with a range of smaller rooms seating from 30-350 theatre style. Jupiters Townsville Hotel and Casino has 9 meeting rooms including the Grand Ballroom, which seats up to 810 people theatre style or 440 for banquets, and is divisible into 3 separate rooms.

Recent conferences to have chosen Townsville include 3rd International Symposium on Fish Otolith Research and Application in July, 3rd Annual Tourism Futures Conference in August, and Seagrass 2004 in September.

Conference and Meeting venues in Townsville & North Queensland.

ISLAND IDYLLS

Located close to the Great Barrier Reef, visitors can access such islands as Orpheus, Hinchinbrook and Dunk, although the main focus is Magnetic Island, Townsville’s offshore playground. Lying just 8 kilometres off the coast, Magnetic Island covers little more than 5,000 hectares and is largely national park. There are a small number of settlements on the eastern side of the island and a number of new developments are currently underway. These include the Sea Temple Resort and Spa Magnetic Island, which is expected to open late in 2006.

The recent refurbishment of the Quality Hotel Southbank and Convention Centre Townsville encompassed upgraded standard rooms and the creation of superior rooms located on the top 2 floors, as well as executive rooms with spas. In addition, the former Anchorage Restaurant and Bar has emerged as the Southbank Grill.

Mission Beach lies north of Townsville and trips to the Great Barrier Reef, Dunk and surrounding islands. Lying just 50 minutes from the Great Barrier Reef, conference groups will find an unassuming resort town with a range of accommo-dation. The Horizon at Mission Beach has 55 guestrooms including 12 superior suites and 2 king suites, and conference space that can seat up to 80 people theatre style.