NSW Central Coast venue news

Fleeing the city for the relaxed confines of a resort destination doesnít mean conference standards will suffer.

Easy access from Sydney via well-maintained freeways is an important part of the Central Coastís appeal for conferences. Extending from the beach villages bordering Broken Bay north through such picturesque settlements as Umina, Ettalong, Gosford, Terrigal and The Entrance, the Central Coast has quickly grown to become an important holiday and meetings destination. Further north, beyond the Tuggerah Lakes, sits Lake Macquarie. The largest coastal salt-water lake in Australia, the region has such centres as Swansea and Toronto, and lies at the southern edges of Newcastle.

Aside from the resort appeal of the Central Coast, with its long, uncrowded beaches and large expanses of bushland, state forests and national parks, the general laid-back ambience is another major factor in its popularity. Future business includes the Country Public Libraries 2005 Conference in October, expecting to attract some 300 delegates.

>> Conference & meeting venues Central Coast, NSW

NEW BLOOD

Dooralong Valley Resort has a new owner and new lease on life. Ray Stahr, who has spent 30 years operating such venues as the Rosehill International, the Burwood Hotel and the Bellview Hotel, brings a wealth of entrepreneurial and hospitality experience.

The recent re-launch party captured his passion for the Australian rural lifestyle. Aussie entertainer John Williamson performed his biggest hit, True Blue, and the resortís equestrian staff put on a stirring display of The Man From Snowy River horsemanship. A long-term development plan is now underway, which will include the enhancement of Dooralongís confer-ence facilities, a new licensed tavern and a new 300 seat restaurant.

SEA CHANGE

A similar sense of celebration surrounded the launch of the new Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club, representing the first stage of a $90 million development. With sweeping views across Broken Bay, the impressive new facilities include two restaurants, six bars, a health club, business centre, high-tech conferencing and event facilities for up to 600 people, a state-of-the-art gaming room, sporting facilities and entertainment lounge. The second stage of the development, comprising 236 serviced apartments managed by Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, opens in May.

Conference rooms and business programs are all well and good but the overall success of a meeting is also dependent on how the participants relax. The Central Coast has wealth of experiential and teambuilding opportunities, as well as unique and entertaining products suitable for social programs.

PICTURE PERFECT

Landscape photographer and Central Coast native Ken Duncanís famous panoramic images from Australia and around the world have put him on the map as a leader in Australian art.

The organisers of a conference for urological surgeons asked Duncan if he could organise private photographic lessons for conference delegates. He agreed to give the self-confessed ìartless wondersî a crash-course in photography around the Central Coast.

Everyone agreed the day was of immense value, a perfect way to escape from the conference responsibilities and take in the Central Coast with one of its most qualified pair of eyes. At the end of the day, the newly inducted photographers compared their images over a selection of tantalising food and drink at the Ken Duncan Gallery.

FAST THRILLS

A slightly more adrenaline-pumping activity awaits with Quad Bike King. Operating out of the Glenworth Valley Horse Riding Centre at Peats Ridge, delegates climb aboard powerful four-wheel motorcycles for an exciting team-building program.

All quad-biking adventures begin with a safety and operational briefing before riders take control and head off on a thrilling guided tour following tracks through pristine bushland, tall eucalypts, creeks, rainforests and lush pastures. After the exhilarating tour, participants relax at a picnic area and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

Adding yet another level of excitement is First Strike Laser Skirmish, which also operates at the Glenworth Valley Horse Riding Centre at Peats Ridge. At First Strike Laser Skirmish, the tactical simulation begins with a mission briefing and weapons demonstration. Squads then choose weapons appropriate for their role and embark on their designated mission. The high-tech equipment ìshootsî powerful infra-red light. Either as an exciting break away from the conference program or a way of bonding and boosting team morale, laser skirmishing is fun and challenging.

COUNTER STRIKE

The Central Coast has a great range of meetings venues for all budgets. The Ocean Front At The Entrance has 32 4 star guestrooms including four hot-tub suites and a three bedroom apartment. There are three meeting and function rooms, the largest holding to 70 people.

The prestige $110 million Star of the Sea Terrigal opened mid 2004. Each three bedroom apartment has spectacular views across Terrigal and the sea. There are conference facilities for up to 40 delegates using the sty-lish Library Room. The Pavilion entertainment area, designed around the swimming pool, can seat 80 guests for cocktail, casual or fine dining functions.