A Water Wonderland In Port Stephens

Just 220 kilometres north of Sydney, Port Stephens is known for its natural deepwater harbour surrounded by 26 beautiful white beaches.

The crystal-clear waters and abundant fish of Port Stephens attract bottlenose dolphins, making dolphin-viewing cruises extremely popular. June, July, September and October also allow visitors to spot migrating humpback whales.

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Sporting and recreational activities for conference delegates include golf, bowls, fishing, bushwalking, swimming, surfing, scuba diving and boating. There’s also bike riding, camel and horse riding, 4WD tours, golden sandy beaches, unspoilt national parks and sand dunes.

Organisations that hosted conferences at Port Stephens in 2005 include NSW Rural Fire Services, pharmaceutical and clinical research company, Amgen, and telecommunications giant, AAPT. All organisations elected to stay at Shoal Bay Resort & Spa.

The resort is gaining a reputation for hosting quality, affordable conferences and incentives. Device Technologies arrived in February 2006 with 230 guests, while the Federation of Parents and Friends has confirmed for July this year.

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa undertook an extensive re-branding process in 2005 to deliver a clear and concise brand image to the marketplace. Marketing manager, Jackie McAtee, says: “We are delighted with the new branding and have carried this consistently through our internal and external marketing communications material. We have four strong pieces of collateral that truly represent Shoal Bay Resort & Spa.”

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Shoal Bay Resort & Spa was extremely successful at regional and state competitions throughout 2005, in particular winning Young Achiever of the Year in the Australian Hotel Association’s Awards for Excellence.

Spread over five acres of beachfront property, the resort has more than 200 luxurious self-contained apartments, villas and suites. Late last year management refurbished its premier dining venue, Catch at Shoal Bay.

The resort is the first in Australia to establish Ocean Wave Float Therapy in its Aqua Spa. A relaxing form of massage, it draws on a heated bed filled with water and jets that direct water to different pressure points on the body.

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa is located near the entrance to Port Stephens, two and a half hours drive north of Sydney and 25 minutes from Newcastle airport.