Scene In Sydney

With many venues offering views over rivers, estuaries, bays and Sydney Harbour, Sydney is a near-perfect destination for conferences and meetings. These stunning waterfront vistas are known for their ability to lift a tired mind and spirit.

While the city’s roadways weave and wind following the bullock tracks established during early colonial days, today’s public transport system of trains, buses and ferries is large and well integrated. All major city attractions can be reached easily by foot, Darling Harbour by monorail and outlying attractions such as Manly Beach and Taronga Zoo by ferry.

Late last year, Taronga Centre added a new space in its Taronga Food Market, allowing for a cocktail party of up to 600 people. In part of the zoo’s original Wild Asia precinct, it is possible to erect marquees for up to 2,000 people on lawn space with great views over the harbour.


ANZ Conservation Theatre has a 300 seat tiered auditorium, where delegates can enjoy morning tea while watching South American monkeys.

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Darling Harbour
Sydney’s Darling Harbour has increased in popularity as a top conference destination.
Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour, adjacent to the Sydney Entertainment Centre, is a short stroll from Darling Harbour’s many attractions. The property has five fully equipped conference rooms, the largest holding 110 delegates theatre style. The Novotel’s recently refurbished historic Pumphouse has more than 50 different beers from around the world and a substantial menu.

Pittwater

Overlooking a quiet stretch of Pittwater, the Newport Mirage is making its mark with successful conferences and meetings. With plenty of access to water activities, Newport Mirage general manager, Paul Reitberger, predicted that outrigger canoes similar to those in Hawaii could become the preferred water activity for delegates this year. “Delegates are attracted to the property in spring and summer for sailing. Hands-on racing and on-board teambuilding regatta races aboard outriggers are increasingly popular,” he says.

Newport Mirage has 38 executive suites and nine waterfront spa suites. The 95 seat Mirage Restaurant with Pittwater views serves contemporary cuisine. The hotel has upgraded its soft furnishings, and boasts ergonomic individual seats, Internet and ADSL line connection, and lots of natural light. The largest room accom-modates 85 people classroom style.



Coogee
Built in the late 1880s, The Coogee Bay Hotel is one of Sydney’s notable landmarks. The venue won Hotel of the Year in last year’s AHA awards, judged on all aspects of operations, including dining, presentation and entertainment. “This is a great honour and represents the dedication, drive and commitment of all the Coogee Bay team,” says Steven Speed, hotel general manager.

The 4½ star hotel has six bars and lounges, a brasserie, gaming lounge, conference and function venue, along with boutique and heritage accommodation.
Sydney

Overlooking Hyde Park, the Sydney Marriott Hotel has been transformed with a recent multimillion-dollar re-styling. New decor uses warm tones and striking colours with stylish timbers. Rooms resemble studio apartments fitted with a kitchenette and spacious bathrooms. All have views over the city and harbour.

Two executive floors offer optimum service and 24 hour access to a private lounge overlooking the city skyline. Windows Restaurant serves modern international cuisine and Australian fare, and Archies Bar is a relaxing spot.

Atop the hotel, a recreation deck has a fitness centre, outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna, spa and steam room.

The Marriott’s 13 function rooms can cater for events and conferences for up to 300.

The iconic Menzies Sydney upgraded all guestrooms and installed modern facilities late last year. Furnishings included new beds and bedding, lighting, flat-screen wall-mounted TVs and new carpets in the hotel’s corridors.

The Menzies also invested in new technology, installing wireless Internet access in all 446 guestrooms, meetings areas and selected public areas. The largest room can hold 400 delegates theatre style.

The 4 star hotel is opposite Wynyard railway station and within easy walking distance of Sydney’s major attractions.
In a beautifully restored Neo-Gothic building, The Grace Hotel is in the heart of Sydney. Opened in 1930, The Grace Building was originally the home of Australian department store, Grace Brothers. Today, it stands beautifully renovated with many original features restored and retained.

The Grace offers old-world charm and city sophistication in its 382 superior, deluxe and new Heritage rooms. Spacious in-room workstations have fax and broadband connections, and 15 function rooms can host up to 500 people. The hotel has state-of-the-art AV equipment and facilities, and a dedicated conference concierge on weekdays.
Inner city

Contemporary-style Le Montage Bayside Events Centre at Leichardt offers two levels for meetings and conferences. Floor-to-ceiling windows have superb 180 degree water views. The venue can hold cocktail events for 1,800 guests or a lavish banquet for 1,000 guests.

Ryde
Historic Curzon Hall in North Ryde has been restored to its original splendour. Work on the sandstone manor’s grand jarrah timber doors, ornate cornices and fireplace mantelpieces has added to its appeal.

Curzon Hall’s spectacular pillarless banquet hall can hold up to 330 delegates theatre style or 360 for cocktails. The venue’s 15 metre high ceilings and wraparound balcony define space and opulence. Future extensions may see an additional ballroom added to the manor.