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Goldfields conference venue news
The gold standard
Founded on Midas-like natural wealth, this region holds considerable richness for the meetings industry.
Ballarat and Bendigo in the Central Highlands were founded on the rush to be rich that transformed Victoria from sleepy to wildly prosperous in the mid 19th Century. Ballarat lies just 110 kilometres outside Melbourne, a 75 minute drive via the Western Freeway.
The gold that was discovered there in 1851 swiftly lured 20,000 people within a couple of months. Proclaimed a town in 1852 and a city in 1870, there’s much to remind visitors of those halcyon days, with a large number of historic buildings and attractions, many of which have been converted for use by the hospitality industry.
Ballarat is also renowned for its fine wines, especially cool-climate chardonnay and pinot noir. Nine vineyards lie within a 25 kilometre radius of the city. A thriving gourmet-produce industry has also developed, including farmed trout, and organic fruit and vegetables.
The Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn & Serviced Apartments has a range of 4½ star studio suites and one, two and three bedroom apartments. For conference groups, there are two meetings rooms and a restaurant catering for up to 150 people.
ALL THAT GLITTERS
The Doherty Ballarat Lodge specialises in conferences and functions, boasting 15 versatile meetings rooms for up to 300 people. Most have natural light and all feature independently controlled heating and air-conditioning. A business centre is equipped with computer and printing facilities, e-mail access, fax, photocopying and a range of secretarial support.
There are also 71 guestrooms, sleeping up to 158 people. The Thalgo Sanctuary is a world-class wellness centre with seven modern treatment rooms and the only affusion shower-massage rooms in Victoria.
Bendigo is located 150 kilometres from Melbourne and also grew to prominence with the 1851 gold strikes. A gold reef that originally covered some 3,600 hectares is the source of Bendigo’s fame. Until the present day, some 22 million ounces of gold have been uncovered, worth by today’s standards in the vicinity of $9 billion. Estimates suggest there is at least another 12 million ounces remaining.
Some of Australia’s largest companies, including Telstra and the National Australia Bank, have convened in Bendigo. The Quality Resort All Seasons Bendigo is the largest conference complex in regional Victoria. It has 10 separate meetings rooms, holding up to 1,100 delegates in the combined Lansell/Bassford/Fortuna rooms. There are also 71 accommodation rooms, a heated indoor swimming pool, restaurant and on-site car parking.
