Conference Central

Ease and natural appeal play a large part in many decisions to head for the NSW Central Coast Area for meetings and conferences.

In just over an hour’s drive from Sydney are pristine beaches, vast waterways, rugged cliff faces, rock platforms and secluded bays. Delegates can explore wildlife parks, scenic lookouts, Aboriginal sites and national parks. They can fish, sail, swim, kayak, cruise and enjoy watersports at places like the Entrance and Ettalong Beach.

Historic towns wait to be discovered in the Yarramalong and Dooralong valleys, while centres such as Terrigal and Avoca Beach offer a touch of sophistication with their alfresco cafes, boutiques, markets and galleries.

On 360 acres, the award-winning 4 star Dooralong Valley Resort lies near the Wattagan State Forest. Within easy reach of Newcastle and only 90 minutes drive from Sydney’s CBD, Dooralong Valley Resort is ideal for a meeting or conference in secluded surrounds. It has five conference rooms, the largest seating 110 delegates theatre style or 90 for a banquet.

The resort’s new licensed tavern, the Oxley Hotel, opened late last year for both resort guests and the general public.

>> Conference & meeting venues Central Coast, NSW

The hotel has large open verandahs, casual bistro dining, plasma TVs, dartboards, pool tables and jukebox entertainment.

Accommodation includes 17 colonial cottages, 28 semi-detached cottages and 20 lodge-style rooms. There are open fireplaces in most rooms. Activities include horse riding, tennis, beach volleyball, bike riding, swimming, bushwalking and target golf. Pamper Cottage offers beauty treatments and a chance for delegates to unwind. Day trips take in the nearby Central Coast beaches or venture to the wineries of the Hunter Valley.

Stunning Ettalong Beach Club has conference facilities for up to 900 delegates, including a spacious pre-function area with a fully equipped business centre. There are eight conference rooms, the largest capable of seating 700 people theatre style, 500 banquet style and 900 for a cocktail party.

Holding a commanding position on a picturesque peninsula surrounded by national parks and waterways, the club has balconies with stunning views. There are 236 classic beach style rooms, capable of accommodating 420 people.

Activities include aerobics, boating, swimming, horse riding, deep-sea fishing, surfing, sailing, scuba diving, abseiling, kayaking, windsurfing and bushwalking.