Sunshine Coast & Noosa conference news

Clean and green

Work and play can be easily combined in a region renowned for its diverse and colourful appeal.

>> Conference & meeting venues on the Sunshine Coast

Queensland's resort character is fairly evenly divided between the big, glitzy destinations like the Gold Coast or the smaller, more intimate places like the Sunshine Coast, an hour's drive north of Brisbane. Accessed from the southern states via the Sunshine Coast Airport at Maroochydore, regular daily flights with Jetstar and Virgin Blue connect the region with Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

From the kilometres of beaches to the green belt high in the mountains that supports such tourist towns as Maleny and Montville, conference delegates get the best of both worlds. It can be a total resort-based experience, with theme parties held around the swimming pool; or a gentler trip, with spa treatments, holistic therapy and lifestyle coaching.

Noosa Blue Resort has introduced a new product, allowing conference delegates and partners a unique opportunity to explore Noosa and its surrounds by discovering specialised local produce, gourmet delights and unique artisan products.

Half or full day tours of the Noosa hinterland, guided by Noosa Blue Resort's executive chef, highlight the region's diversity of fresh produce ñ from exotic fruit and vegetables, succulent poultry and freshly pressed olive oil, to curry paste and some of Australia's finest goats cheese.

RESORT REPORT

The new-look Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa, which includes the refurbishment of the ballroom area, is set to tackle 2005 with a renewed enthusiasm. In total, some $7 million has been spent over the last four years in upgrading this landmark Sunshine Coast conference resort.

Most recently, the Noosa Ballroom was expanded to accommodate seating for up to 350 delegates theatre style and up to 250 for banquets. Meeting planners who have found the resort extremely appealing for small to medium-sized gatherings in the past, can now offer the resort to larger groups.

At Maroochydore, 30 minutes south of Noosa and in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, the Sebel Maroochydore has 104 two bedroom apartments and six penthouses. The apartments are fully self-contained with two bathrooms and large furnished, private balconies. A conference room, with natural light, is ideal for small meetings and conferences of up to 75 delegates, or stylish cocktails for up to 100 guests. There is also a courtyard, ideal for break-outs and pre or post-meeting functions.