Macedon Ranges & Spa Country, Victoria

Long-time resort areas and the fashionable pursuit of wellness make this Victorian region a favourite for conferences.

For more than a century, people have flocked to the natural wonders of the Mt Macedon Ranges region and continued to sample the health-giving natural mineral waters of the towns known as the Spa Country.

Hepburn Springs, 111 kilometres from Melbourne, lies in the middle of this region and is renowned for its many venues specialising in hydrotherapy, massage and wellness techniques.

High altitude conference options

The Bellinzona Grange Country Retreat at Hepburn Springs is currently under construction after being destroyed by fire in 2003. Already well established in the conference market, the new Bellinzona will comprise 35 guestrooms ñ including 10 spa suites, an indoor heated pool, spa and sauna, central bar for in-house guests, lounge rooms with pool tables and open fires, and a period-style dining room.

>> Conference & meeting venues in the Macedon Ranges & Spa Country Victoria

For the meetings markets, there will be six conference rooms with natural light and the latest technology, as well as an executive board room. Meetings rooms will be fitted with Wi-Fi broadband Internet, ceiling-mounted data projectors and video conferencing facilities.

HERITAGE CHARMS

Woodend emerged as a resort town in the years following the 1850s gold rush and much of this is still in evidence. Hanging Rock, backdrop for the book and film, Picnic at Hanging Rock, is just outside town.

The Bentinck of Woodend is a boutique conference centre with 28 guestrooms, four separate lounge areas with open fires, and a restaurant considered one of the best in the region. There are three meetings rooms with a combined capacity for 120 people theatre style. Located on 1.6 hectares of English gardens, The Bentinck of Woodend is a charming boutique conference venue.

HIGH GRANDEUR

The Mt Macedon Ranges region is largely notable for its historic homes and many fine wineries. The high altitude particularly suits the production of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. There are more than 40 wineries in the region.

The Grange at Lancefield has 20 suites sleeping up to 40 delegates, as well as two conference rooms. The Trentham can seat 80 people theatre style, while the Heathcote seats 40 theatre style. Both rooms are equipped with ADSL and dial-up Internet connections. A relaxing option for delegates is the lounge and bar area with TV, stereo, open fireplace and billiard table. A sister property, the Grange at Cleveland Winery, is just three minutes drive away and has a high/low ropes course ideal for teambuilding activities.