Mannered elegance

The wealth of two great regional Victorian cities, Ballarat and Bendigo, continue to inspire and delight meetings groups.
It was gold – its discovery and extraction – that made the region around Ballarat and Bendigo richer than any other part of Australia. The gold strikes that occurred from 1851 changed the way of life forever, not just in the surrounding districts but in Melbourne and throughout Australia. The legacy it bequeathed is still much in evidence today, with many stately heritage buildings and an appeal that attracts much meetings business.

Ballarat lies 110 kilometres outside Melbourne via the Western Freeway. Its appeal is as a major regional centre with great hotels, motels and conference centres. For meetings, or as a venue for special events, Sovereign Hill is a must. This expansive attraction recreates the Victorian gold-rush era with startling accuracy. Mid 19th-century Victorian buildings and working gold mines give visitors an up-close-and-personal view of life as it was once lived.

The 10th World Conference of the League of Historical Cities comes to Ballarat for the first time in late October 2006. This follows a hectic conference roster for the city, including the Association of Manufacturing Excellence 2006 Conference.

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Gold standard
In Bendigo, 150 kilometres from Melbourne, conference groups will also be entranced by this city of tree-lined streets, elegant Victorian-era sandstone buildings, and numerous parks and gardens. Another attraction for delegates is its proximity to three great wine regions, including Heathcote and the Macedon Ranges.

Recent successes include the Australian Psychological Association regional conference and the 2006 MDBC Victorian Youth River Health Conference. Surveyed delegates have stated their delight in discovering aspects of Bendigo they didn’t realise existed. Fine restaurants, highlighting fresh local produce and great wine; excellent shopping opportunities, especially antiques; the ease of getting around; and the friendliness of the locals all speak volumes for the city’s increasing prominence in the meetings sector.