Beyond the sea

With Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait as dramatic backdrops, meetings in the Mornington Peninsula and South-East area
aim to thrill.

An hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and South-East Country region extends along the eastern shoreline of Port Phillip Bay, taking in the beachside communities of Frankston, Mornington, Rosebud and Sorrento, and into the hinterland towards Hastings, French Island and Western Port Bay.

Once it was a sleepy string of communities and something of a best-kept secret amongst Melburnians during summer holidays. But the Mornington word is out, and that extends to the conference industry. The Mornington Peninsula, with its close proximity to Melbourne via the Nepean Highway, is a getaway that is not so far from the city action, yet could be on the other side of the world as far as the issue of closeting delegates is concerned.

Best Western One Four Nelson, one of the newest conference venues on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, is just 90 minutes from the CBD. Combining 30 luxury accommodation suites and state-of-the-art conference facilities, it’s located opposite the beach and a short walk to shops, bars, restaurants and the Rye Hotel.

>> Conference & meeting venues in Mornington Peninsula

Golfing business people love the region, which has 18 distinctly different courses – from the spectacular views of Flinders Golf Club and Cape Schanck Golf Course, to Moondah Links, which hosts the Australian Open.

Conference options
Mornington has also become something of a foodie’s haven in recent times, with some 50 cellar doors offering wine-tasting, and a total of 170 vineyards. The red volcanic soil and maritime climate make for great chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot gris, while newer blends are also gaining acclaim.

Accommodation includes historic country house retreats, hotels and motels, charming B&Bs, self-contained cottages and corporate conference centres.

Many delegates have great difficulty leaving this beautiful area, incorporating pre and post-touring options, or bringing spouses and family for a little extra R&R following the meeting program.

During leisure time, there’s much to do. Tour the numerous historic attractions and museum houses, shop for art and antiques, and savour the fresh local produce and fine wines. There’s also adventure and sporting options, such as skydiving, fishing, surfing, sailing, and horse riding. For history buffs, there’s the Collins Settlement Historic Site
near Sorrento and the museum at the Cape Schank Lightstation.