Great Ocean Road conference news

The wild coast

Shaped by the wild forces of nature over millions of years, delegates will be greatly impressed by this region.

There are a number of “adventure roads” in Australia, with spectacular scenery guaranteed to generate that most supreme of awe factors – but none are as imposing as the Great Ocean Road. Easily accessed from Melbourne via Geelong along the western edge of Port Phillip Bay, the Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and continues on through such towns as Anglesea, Lorne, Port Campbell, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland towards the South Australian border.

Victoria’s second largest city, Geelong, lies 75 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. The Ford Discovery Centre is available for meetings and corporate functions, and is a fun and interactive journey along the car making process. With many vintage, classic and racing Fords on display, it is located in the waterfront district, close to where the original Fords were manufactured in the 1920s.

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The Deakin Management Centre is a world-class residential conference facility located on the 80 hectare Geelong Campus of Deakin University. It has two main meetings rooms and six break-out rooms, all equipped with the very latest audiovisual facilities. The Mercure Hotel Geelong has 137 guestrooms, four apartments and two deluxe spa suites. The largest can seat up to 260 people theatre style or 240 for banquets.

Anglesea lies 109 kilometres from Melbourne, and is a great place to play a round of golf or explore the 35 kilometre long Surf Coast Walk that follows the coast and ventures inland along the Anglesea River. The Surfcoast Spa Resort skilfully combines a resort and conference centre with an exclusive spa.

There are 37 accommodation rooms and two meetings spaces, the largest of which, the elegantly appointed Wilderness Room, can seat up to 70 people theatre style. The Poolview Room is ideal for board room style presentations and as a break-out area. The true value of this property as a corporate retreat lies in its wellbeing facilities. Executive Stress Management sessions provide professional advice on how to relax more effectively and learn the importance of regular exercise and a positive attitude to life. Delegates can also take in leadership training and teambuilding activities, along with a range of outdoor activities – including sea kayaking, horse riding, tennis and golf.

The Cumberland Lorne Resort has 99 fully serviced apartments, including 12 penthouses. One of the largest and best equipped conference facilities in regional Victoria, the resort has benefited greatly from its recent multimillion dollar refurbishment. There are eight meetings rooms, including an auditorium holding 350 people and the Loutitt Bay Room, which can seat 300 people theatre style or 250 for banquets.