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Southern Highlands NSW conference venue news
The height of style
Close to Sydney and Canberra, the Southern Highlands recreates a bygone era of sophistication.
For more than 100 years, the Southern Highlands has represented a stylish retreat from the pressures of the city. In the 21st Century, that reputation is as important as ever. Now meetings and conference groups can access the Southern Highlands from Sydney or Canberra via a direct freeway. With such atmospheric towns as Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale and Berrima within its boundaries, it’s also a highly popular weekend escape for the leisure market.
>> Southern Highlands conference venues
Aside from lounging around the many stately country house style resorts and hotels, visitors will find much to do of an active nature. There’s horse riding, caving, abseiling, fly-fishing or 4WD expeditions. The many antique shops and antiquarian bookstores also draw collectors from around Australia.
Some of the biggest news in recent times has been the closure of the Mercure Grand Hotel Bowral Heritage Park in January, which is being redeveloped as an upmarket residential estate. The Mercure Grand, with its long and distinguished history as a prime meetings venue, will be greatly missed.
INDULGENT RETREATS
There are still plenty of other places to choose from, however. The Milton Park Country House Hotel will be expanding its attractions this year, with plans well underway for a new spa and fitness centre. The sophisticated new centre will include a full service gymnasium with machines, free weights and personal training. Reminiscent of the finest French bath houses, the spa will feature Pevonia products and offer an extensive range of massage, facials, body wraps, beauty treatments, steam rooms and a luxury spa pool.
Plans are also underway for an increase in meetings facilities. Milton Park already offers three meetings rooms, with the Bailleu Room being the largest, seating 250 people theatre style and 200 for banquets. The accommodation comprises 40 deluxe rooms and seven suites, most with spa baths and open fireplaces, and furnished with French Provincial and antique pieces.
Set apart in its own secluded estate just east of Bowral, Milton Park is proud of its fine cuisine and impeccable yet discreet service. A conference held there can be assured of the highest standards of service.
Also in the area, Craigieburn Resort & Conference Centre, Bowral was originally built in 1887 as a private country homestead and has had a long and glorious history as a country retreat. In 2003, it emerged from a multimillion-dollar refurbishment with three conference rooms. The largest, the Wilson Room, seats 240 people theatre style or 220 for banquets. An added bonus at Craigieburn is the private nine hole golf course for the exclusive use of guests. Other facilities include a trout-filled lake, gym and billiard room.
