Business Events Gippsland by visitgippsland

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MEETING PLANNERS GUIDE

BUSINESS EVENTS GIPPSLAND businesseventsgippsland.com.au

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E R OAD

2 | businesseventsgippsland.com.au Charter air services available For further venue information visit businesseventsgippsland.com.au

East Gippsland Wellington

V/Line Coach Service

Dandenong

Cowes Phillip Island

A420 Grantville

Sale

Traralgon Morwell

Yarragon

Loch

Bass CWonthaggi San Remo Coast 6

Churchill

B460

Mirboo North Leongatha Koonwarra

Inverloch

A440

Latrobe

Korumburra

Tarra-Bulga National Park

Yarram

Foster

Prom Country

Port Albert

C444 Walkerville

Yanakie 12

Wilsons Promontory N.P. Tidal River 1

Lardner Park

RACV Inverloch Resort

Century Inn Traralgon

Mercure Warragul

Comfort Inn & Suites Latrobe

Wonthaggi Workmens Club

Bridges on Argyle

Melbourne to Lakes Entrance

The Riversleigh

Melbourne to Metung

3:55 hours/150km

The Moorings at Metung

Melbourne to Inverloch

2:10 hours/145km

Federation University Gippsland

Melbourne to San Remo

1:55 hours/125km

Mansi on Raymond

San Remo to Inverloch

30 minutes/35km

Great Southern Escapes

Inverloch to Wilsons Promontory

1:15 hours/85km

Refuge Cove Cruises

Traralgon to Wilsons Promontory

1:50 hours/136km

Melbourne to Warragul Warragul to Lardner Park Melbourne to Traralgon Melbourne to Sale Traralgon to Mt Baw Baw

M ty

ile

Lang Lang

Lakes Entrance

Cape Conran

Lardner

Moe

W ES H

Marlo

Metung

PRIN C

Warragul

Nowa Nowa

Paynesville

Gippsland Lakes

Orbost

SL AND HW

Walhalla

C466 4

C466 Tynong

Bruthen

GIP

T SOU I PP

Heyfield

Baw Baw w M1

Bairnsdale

Mt Baw Baw

V/Line Rail Service

E GR

SYDNEY

Melbourne

90 minutes/105km 15 minutes/12km 2 hours/165km 2:50 hours/215km 1:15 hours/70km 4 hours/155km

MELBOURNE

CONTENTS

GIPPSLAND

Be inspired by Gippsland at your next Business Event

2-3

Getting to Gippsland

2-3

Inspired by Bass Coast

4-7

Inspired by Baw Baw

8-11

Inspired by Latrobe City

12-15

Inspired by Central Gippsland

16-19

Lardner Park

RACV Inverloch Resort

Century Inn Traralgon

Mercure Warragul

Comfort Inn & Suites Latrobe

Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club

Bridges on Argyle

The Riversleigh

The Moorings at Metung

Federation University Gippsland

Mansi On Raymond

Gippsland’s inspiring touring

Great Southern Escapes

Refuge Cove Cruises

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BE INSPIRED BY GIPPSLAND AT YOUR NEXT BUSINESS EVENT Gippsland is a region of diversity, offering unspoilt beaches, patchwork perfect hills and vibrant towns and villages. The region extends east from Melbourne’s fringes to the coast in the south and the east, and into the Victorian High Country. Encompassing expansive coastal landscapes, mountain beauty, alpine forests and the signature experience of the Gippsland Lakes, the region offers the perfect backdrop for your next business event.

GETTING TO GIPPSLAND Take an easy drive east of Melbourne, and you will begin to experience the diversity of Gippsland’s mountain, coastal and country landscapes.

Venues within Gippsland vary from state of the art conference and exhibition centres to modern hotels, boutique wineries and enclaves for corporate retreats.

The local communities are warm and welcoming, offering assistance with activities to mix up your conference or event and create a memorable experience for your delegates.

We invite you and your clients to get the most out of your next planning, conference or team building event in Gippsland.

Drive Two hours’ drive from Melbourne via the M1 will see you in the heart of Gippsland in the Latrobe Valley, or via the South Gippsland Highway closer to the coastal destinations of the region. Further afield, East Gippsland’s Lakes Entrance and Metung can be reached in just under 4 hours, providing delegates to the region the chance to get away from city life and back to nature. Ride Relax and enjoy your trip to Gippsland on one of the regular V/Line train services from Melbourne to Traralgon and Bairnsdale. V/Line Coach services extend into South and East Gippsland stopping at all major towns along the route.

DISCOVER

Take your event beyond the realm of a standard business event by introducing your delegates to the wonders of the region. Discover world-class food and wine, fresh farm-gate produce, unspoilt natural scenery and adventures, plus a range of arts and cultural experiences.

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INSPIRED BY BASS COAST At just over an hour’s drive south-east of Melbourne, the spectacular Bass Coast offers an endless array of activities for business delegates, from action packed team-building, to relaxing and reflective experiences designed to inspire and rejuvenate. Bass Coast combines breathtaking natural beauty with an impressive range of venues for your business event in and around the coastal villages of San Remo and Inverloch, the hub of Wonthaggi or the pristine natural environment of Phillip Island. Explore the ‘other’ great ocean road of Victoria, the Bunurong Coastal Drive. This drive takes in expansive beaches, rugged rock formations and breathtaking ocean views, including the impressive sandstone sea stack, Eagles Nest. Capture the imagination of your delegates with a dinosaur dig or challenge them to a range of water-based activities including recreational boating, fishing, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving and windsurfing.

If you are after something to do on ‘terra firma,’ Bass Coast offers pristine coastal golf courses, wildlife experiences, or the opportunity to ride or walk the Bass Coast Rail Trail. The Bass Coast region is also home to a bounty of fresh local produce, complimented by quality cafes and restaurants that relish the opportunity to showcase regional produce. We invite you to experience all that Bass Coast has to offer to make your next business event a success. visitbasscoast.com.au

INSPIRE

Nothing enlivens the spirit quite like the ocean. The beaches of Bass Coast are wild, windswept and protected by reserves and marine parks. Rocky outcrops, crashing surf and even the odd dinosaur fossil are kept hidden from the masses, waiting to spark the imagination of your delegates and ensure your next conference is something extraordinary.

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INSPIRED BY BASS COAST TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN BASS COAST Embrace the great outdoors OutThere Outdoor Activities believe that exercise and health are bi-products of fun. They teach a range of ocean and mountain bike based activities to excite and challenge any group visiting the Bass Coast region. They take the worry and stress out of your corporate outdoor adventure.

Phillip Island SkyTrail Phillip Island SkyTrail high ropes course consists of horizontally strung cables, ropes, boards and other materials secured between 10 metre steel poles.

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Experience the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit first hand with myriad activities available to suit your needs. An itinerary can be tailored to suit your group’s needs, from go karts to driver training, hot laps and circuit tours, there is something for any corporate event.

Wonthaggi State Coal Mine experience Step back in time and explore the network of underground tunnels that form the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine. The mine remains just as it was in its working days. Tools and equipment are still in place and seams of 130 million year old coal glisten under dim lighting in silent tunnels.

Offshore Surf School Give your delegates the chance to learn to surf or stand up on a paddleboard on our serene and beautiful waterways. The Offshore Surf School offers a fun and inclusive group program for all levels of experience, it’s the ultimate corporate break!

There are 34 challenges, and thrills of manoeuvring through the varying elements.

Take to the seas Hire a boat, skippered charter vessel or take an eco-tour of the unique coastal environment surrounding Inverloch. Kayaks and self-drive boats are available for hire, with no boat license required and all safety gear supplied through Inverloch Charters. Offshore trips include a Bunurong Marine Park Eco tour, which is a two hour return trip from Inverloch to Cape Paterson, stopping in at Eagles Nest, The Caves, Twin Reefs and Shack Bay. A wildlife experience Experience Phillip Island Nature Parks - visit the Penguin Parade, take a virtual tour at the Antarctic Journey, enjoy a spectacular EcoBoat tour and experience the thrill of wildlife up close on the fastest tour available to one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies. See the koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre or step back in time at Churchill Island. Visit Maru Koala & Animal Park, where you can pat a koala, feed the kangaroos, cuddle the golden brush-tail possum and get wrapped up in a 3m python. Ride the Bass Coast Rail Trail Hire bikes from Crossover Cycles or Wheel Heat in Wonthaggi and ride the beautiful coastline along the Bass Coast Rail Trail. The trail starts in Wonthaggi and rolls on through coastal heath and farmland to the beautiful beaches of Kilcunda. It’s an easy ride that can be enjoyed by all ages and fitness levels, providing the perfect group activity to reinvigorate your business group.

Wine and Dine Bass Coast Phillip Island and Bass Coast boast some of Gippsland’s finest breweries, wineries and produce. Take your delegates on a culinary tour of the region that may include handcrafted beer, world class wineries offering up shared platters and spectacular views across the region, specialty artisan cheeses, fresh seafood, organic fruit and vegetables, chocolate and so much more. Take in a Round of Golf Bass Coast has some beautiful and challenging golf courses including those at Phillip Island, Lang Lang, Leongatha, Wonthaggi and surroundsi. If time does not permit a full round of golf, your group may enjoy the 9-hole course at the Inverloch Par 3. The course has a relaxed dress code, clubs for hire and a licensed café on site.

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INSPIRED BY BAW BAW

More than just its mountain namesake, the Baw Baw Shire is an easy one hour drive east of Melbourne. The region announces itself with rolling green pastureland and vineyards adjacent to the commercial centres of Warragul and Drouin. Business events here are uncomplicated yet professional affairs, all within a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw of Melbourne. The Baw Baw Shire combines stunning scenery in and around the villages of Noojee, Walhalla and Yarragon. Delegates can take a break to explore the stunning beauty of Toorongo Falls, or to stroll across Noojee Bridge, one of the only remaining historic trestle bridges in Victoria. A break out to Walhalla is like no other. Steeped in a rich gold mining history, Walhalla is now home to sixteen residents and twice as many activities, including riding the old railway and visiting the Long Tunnel Mine. In winter, delegates can take a snow break at Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort, and enjoy some time off in snow play or atop a Howling Husky sled dog tour. Year round, your delegates can visit The Summit Outdoor Adventure Park to unleash greatness by participating in a variety of team building exercises designed to challenge and inspire. The region is home to a range of major business events venues, including the West Gippsland Arts Centre and Lardner Park. West Gippsland Arts Centre Catering to a wide variety of events, meetings, conferences and functions, the West Gippsland Arts Centre (WGAC) will reopen mid 2018 following a $13m expansion and refurbishment. The redeveloped WGAC will seat up to 750 people in its main plenary space and as such will be well placed to

host major conferences. It offers high-quality audio, video, technical and IT facilities, as well as other function and break-out spaces able to match the significant plenary space. WGAC is well positioned to take advantage of new partnerships with the expanding accommodation and hospitality sector in Warragul, to fill an important niche in local conference services. WGAC has a dedicated Functions, Events and Business Liaison team to drive and support the conference and events business. The redeveloped WGAC will have easy access to all amenities as well as providing a lift between all levels and at-grade access from designated disabled parking spaces. To find out more about holding your next conference or function at WGAC contact the Centre at: Email: artscentre@wgac.com.au Phone: 03 5624 2456 Lardner Park Lardner Park is a versatile and modern event centre, located only 15 minutes from Warragul and perfectly positioned in the green hills that hug the Baw Baw Shire. Lardner Park boasts a wide range of indoor and outdoor facilities, suitable for exhibitions, conferences, conventions, product launches and gala functions. Set on 300 acres, the agility of Lardner Park as a destination and the wide range of venue hire options available ensure that corporate events are well catered for.

INDULGE On the urban edge of West Gippsland youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the region known as Baw Baw. The rolling green hills provide the perfect backdrop for delegates to mix business with pleasure, to relax and unwind, graze and sip on all the best that Baw Baw has to offer.

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INSPIRED BY BAW BAW THE TOP TEN THINGS TO DO IN BAW BAW SHIRE Noojee Trestle Bridge Amidst scenic eucalypt and fern forest, the Noojee Trestle Bridge is the tallest surviving wooden trestle bridge in Victoria and is a legacy of the old railway than ran through the region. The Trestle Bridge makes the perfect leg stretching break out space, and can be combined with a tour to Toorongo Falls to create a memorable half day touring experience. Toorongo Falls Toorongo Falls offer a great outdoors break to spend time with nature at its very best. The gentle walking track takes you on a loop past Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls, and an opportunity to take afternoon tea by the gently flowing Toorongo River. Learn a new skilled at a shared table The Baw Baw region abounds in locally grown produce and experiences that offer the chance to learn a new kitchen skill. Take in a cooking school experience at String + Salt, offering the perfect team building or private dining experience. A visit to Tamsin’s Table is an extraordinary private dining experience like no other. Relax and enjoy a shared luncheon table with a view that stretches across the rolling green hills of Gippsland. Depending on the time of year, you can have a hands-on kitchen harvest cooking school experience, where you pick, cook and dine from Tamsin’s garden.

Visit an Artist’s studio The West Gippsland area in and around Warragul is a creative canvas for many artists who have chosen to use the region as the inspirational background for their work. Take time away from your business event and allow delegates to immerse themselves in individual and team creativity. From Laurie Collin’s Sculpture Garden at Jindivick to the Bradley Hall Fine Art Gallery, your business event can even combine art and wine on the West Gippsland Art and Wine trail.

Visit Walhalla Hidden in a steep sided valley, Walhalla is Gippsland’s most loved historical village. After gold was discovered here in 1863, Walhalla thrived with over 4000 residents during the 1880s. Today, almost preserved in time, this charming village offers a break away from conferencing Groups can enjoy a scenic railway journey on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway or tour the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine. Meandering down the main street is also a great way to get to know this fascinating and must-do destination. Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort Mt Baw Baw alpine village is Melbourne’s closest downhill ski resort offering a fun, safe and affordable snow experience for delegates to enjoy, only an hour’s drive from Warragul. With its gentle slopes, Mt Baw Baw claims the mantle as Australia’s best place to learn to ski and snowboard. Revisit with your inner child and enjoy snow play, or take a Howling Husky Sled Dog Tour under the snowgums of this enchanting and accessible winter playground. The team at Mt Baw Baw have a range of non-snow activities for groups to enjoy in the warmer months. Let your delegates experience exhilarating downhill mountain biking, invigorating bushwalking, or just relax and unwind surrounded by the peace and serenity of the bush landscape.

Try an art class with a local artist at Nickelby at Darnum, a local alpaca textile gallery and café, and learn just why alpaca wool is so highly regarded whilst getting up close and personal with one of the many furry residents.

Wine and Dine Baw Baw Baw Baw wineries offer some of the best cool climate vintages of Gippsland, offering great cellar door dining to complement your Gippsland event program. Hogget Kitchen is just 3km from Warragul and offers local and seasonal produce. Brandy Creek Estate is situated above the surrounding vineyard offering views of the Baw Baw Ranges. Closer to town, there are a number of restaurants sure to please, including The Courthouse and the Warragul Country Club offering private dining experiences. Stroll Yarragon Village Yarragon Village is a charming, friendly country town with an eclectic range of shops, galleries and eateries. Take time out during your business event to stroll the main street and choose from an array of shopping experiences in one of the many speciality shops. Whether it’s art, craft, giftware, clothing or new age or retro homewares, Yarragon has it all. The Summit Adventure Park Located in Trafalgar East, just a short drive from Warragul, The Summit is a stand-alone conference venue, or an add-on experience with a difference. The Summit is sure to challenge and inspire your team to greater things. From laser skirmish to the ultimate survivor challenge, The Summit can tailor make an outdoor program to energise and challenge any corporate team.

Kayak or fish Blue Rock Lake Blue Rock Lake is a beautiful inland lake with Mt Baw Baw as the backdrop and hugged by Gippsland’s signature rolling green hills. Learn to paddle in the safe and still calm waters of Blue Rock Lake on a Gippsland kayak tour. Delegates can enjoy a picnic lunch in this special place, or stop at The Duck Inn and enjoy a meal in a blue rock pub.

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INSPIRED BY LATROBE CITY

Latrobe City is where the city meets the country, and the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strength is its capacity to hold major events and provide the services and facilities expected from a city, with the warmth of country hospitality.

EXPERIENCE

A valley of contrasts, Latrobe has a diverse range of experiences to add value to any type of business event. From adventurous outdoor activities, to performing arts & galleries, indulging the taste buds and challenging the mind, Latrobe Valley offers exceptional opportunities to recharge and reconnect.

Just two hours east of Melbourne along the M1 Princes Freeway, the Latrobe Valley is one of Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest regional centres. Latrobe Valley, also known as Latrobe City, encompasses the major towns of Traralgon, Morwell, Moe and Churchill plus a number of smaller rural townships. The Latrobe City Council Events Unit and Visitor Information Centre provide strong support and assistance to event organisers. The region often hosts international, national and state sporting titles, cultural performances and festivals, indoor and outdoor expos, conferences and meetings.

Latrobe City is a valley of contrasts with quality retail, vibrant night life and entertainment and a myriad of culinary experiences, giving way to vistas of rolling green hills and the beckoning of the great outdoors. Enjoy theatre, cinema, art galleries, museums, recreational centres and a choice of country golf courses. You will also find peaceful villages, serene lakes, wetlands and wide open spaces. Located in the centre of Gippsland, Latrobe City offers the perfect base to mix business with leisure, to immerse delegates in a stimulating environment, challenge them with a range of activities or reconnect with nature. visitlatrobevalley.com

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INSPIRED BY LATROBE CITY TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN LATROBE CITY Wine and Dine With over 100 restaurants and cafes, Latrobe offers a vibrant dining scene, with so many opportunities to experience Gippsland’s freshest produce. Just 15 minutes’ drive from the heart of Traralgon you’ll find Narkoojee Winery. Sample award winning wines and enjoy a seasonal menu of handmade pasta and stone baked pizza from Narkoojee’s ‘by Jorg’ restaurant. Little Prince is an edgy local restaurant serving up an Asian inspired shared dining experience. The large modern restaurant has a function room upstairs to accommodate groups. Alternatively Tokyo House Teppanyaki specialise in quality Japanese cuisine with a dash of entertainment. Visit Latrobe Regional Gallery Latrobe Regional Gallery (LRG) is one of the largest public galleries in eastern Victoria. Housing seven gallery spaces and a sculpture courtyard, the gallery presents exhibitions and curated projects across contemporary art and design, experimental and interdisciplinary practices, curated collections of note, works by regional artists and national touring exhibitions.

Photography tours Capture inspiration from Gippsland’s natural beauty. Delegates to the region are invited to spend a day or a week developing their passion for photography in a small group where no one will say “hurry up!

Embrace the great outdoors A leg stretching walk offers the perfect breakout session for your business event and the National Parks surrounding Latrobe Valley offer a range of easy to challenging walks. Explore the Fosters Gully Nature Walk at Morwell National Park, or the lush fern gullies, giant Mountain Ash and ancient Myrtle Beech of the Tarra Bulga National Park. Walk or cycle the Rail Trails, a network of former railways transformed into gently graded paths, discovering sites unseen from the highways and exploring small towns along the routes.

Darryl Whitaker has 20 years’ experience photographing Gippsland, he loves being in nature’s garden with a camera and a group of enthusiasts. He’ll help delegates to understand the camera, elements of composition, shutter speed, aperture and more. High flying Challenge individuals or build teamwork at Parky’s Adventure Ropes Course, whose 11-metre-high course will have your colleagues swinging, leaping, climbing, and ziplining across a range of exciting and challenging elements.

Enjoy a Scenic Flight What better way to experience the beauty of the Gippsland countryside than from the air? Latrobe Valley Aero Club and Bandicoot Adventure Flights both offer scenic flights from the Latrobe Valley with vintage, adventure and helicopter options available. Relax with a spa experience Encourage your delegates to strike the ideal balance and replenish their mind, body and soul with a session at one of the Latrobe Valley’s quality day spas. Traralgon’s Endota Spa , Indulge Yourself Beauty in Moe and Ultima Medi Spa in Morwell all offer special packages for corporate groups.

Power Industry Tours Latrobe City is a resource rich place, and the local economy has been underpinned by minerals and the energy sector, with the major power generators producing most of Victoria’s electricity.

Take in a round of golf Latrobe Valley region is blessed with an abundance of golf facilities that provide the ideal outdoor activity for your business group. Courses boast natural bushland settings, wide tree lined fairways and open spaces where wildlife graze. With courses in Traralgon, Morwell, Yallourn, Moe and Churchill, plus a golf driving range, the recreational golfer, corporate and social groups are made very welcome. Connect via a Cooking School Connect with your team via the shared experience of sourcing the freshest Gippsland produce and learning time-honoured techniques to bring them to life around a humble country kitchen table. Grinnery Cheese Workshops offer a fun and interactive opportunity for delegates visiting the Latrobe region. Learn the art and science of cheese making and Sourdough bread making through small, 4-5 person, half-day workshops. At the end of the session delegates get to take home to enjoy the cheese or loaf they made themselves.

Image credit: Exhibition: Home, Roger Alsop, The Cbus Collection of Australian Art, 30 January – 8 May 2016.

Or enjoy a shared table at Plough Creek Homestead with a cooking school that calls on the traditional values of a shared love of food, cooking and eating with produce sourced from the home garden.

Latrobe City business delegates are invited to take the Power Industry Tours with Mountain Top Experience. Power industry bus tours comprise a guided circuit of mines, power stations, historic sites and an overview of the history of the industrial side of the Latrobe Valley.

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INSPIRED BY CENTRAL GIPPSLAND

Located just over two hours east of Melbourne, Sale and the surrounding villages are the epicentre of Central Gippsland. The region presents some of Victoria’s greatest natural beauty, alongside booming agricultural and other industries. The diverse landscape reaches from the rugged High Country surrounding the villages Dargo and Licola to one of the world’s longest beaches, Ninety Mile Beach. Central Gippsland is the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, making Sale and surrounds the ideal destination to host your next business event. With a bounty of wildlife, historical attractions, wilderness and great food and wine, the venues in this region are well placed to provide the best possible backdrop for a regional business event. Take a break to the High Country with Mountain Top Adventures, or take in the internationally significant and RAMSAR-listed Sale Wetlands, a bird lover’s paradise. Visit the quaint and arty towns of Briagolong, Stratford and Cowwaar, or take in the stunning beauty of Tarra

Bulga National Park, home to giant mountain ash trees, beautiful fern gullies and ancient myrtle beeches. The park offers some respite from the modern world, with cool temperate rainforest surrounding the iconic and impressive Corrigan’s Suspension Bridge. Experience the food bowl that is Gippsland, with a visit to one of the fantastic wineries, all positioned with stunning views over the region’s iconic rolling pastures, or a 21st century country pub such as the Tinamba Hotel, The Criterion or Star Hotel, which offer hospitable country dining with a city twist.

AMAZE Central Gippsland is a patchwork of diversity. From the expanse of Ninety Mile Beach to the art trails of quaint country villages and on to the High Country, Central Gippsland delivers a colourful and diverse backdrop to any business event.

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INSPIRED BY CENTRAL GIPPSLAND THE TOP TEN THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL GIPPSLAND Tarra Bulga National Park A break-out session to Tarra Bulga allows delegates to actually break away in the very best that nature has to offer. Tarra-Bulga National Park’s rainforest is nothing short of breathtaking, and boasts moss and fern covered ranges, flowing creeks and charming waterfalls. Located in the Strzelecki Ranges, giant mountain ash and myrtle beech create a majestic green ambience. A must-do visitor experience is to walk across the suspension bridge through the rainforest canopy, for spectacular views of the fern-filled gully. The bridge also provides groups with the ideal photo opportunity.

Port of Sale Heritage Cruises The Rubeena, a grand old dame of the Gippsland waterways, will take your delegates on a fascinating voyage along the Sale Canal and Thomson River. Hugged by red gum, and peppered with birdsong, the Heritage cruise allows delegates to drift back to a different time, taking in the landmark Swing Bridge over the Latrobe River as they do.

The walks are short and comfortable, and visitors might see or hear a Lyrebird or other native wildlife.

Ninety Mile Beach & Seaspray for a day One of the most natural and undeveloped beaches in the world, it is a breath of fresh air to head down to Ninety Mile Beach for an early morning or sunset walk and simply enjoy the sand, the sun, the breeze, the salt water and the friendly greetings of your fellow walkers, all within a natural bush setting. Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club offers uninterrupted ocean views, and is available for private functions and meetings.

Visit the Sale Wetlands Experience the Sale Common Wetland, an expansive area of red gum woodland, freshwater marsh and grasslands. Take a break in nature and let delegates to the region walk the extensive boardwalk through a variety of fascinating habitats. Visitors often spot kookaburras, superb fairy-wrens, cormorants, pelicans and brushtail and ringtail possums. The walk along Flooding Creek Track is not to be missed.

The Rubeena is available for private charter use, and allows visitors to the region to see a different side of Central Gippsland.

Central Gippsland’s Ninety Mile Beach is the ideal place to spread out and take in a coastal vista. Lying along the edge of a slender sand dune, the absence of rocky outcrops or headlands creates a picture-perfect view that truly does stretch as far as the eye can see, and beyond. Business event delegates visiting the region can choose to spend time here surf fishing, swimming, walking, whale and dolphin-spotting, lazing in the sun, or checking out what’s happening on the other side of the sand dune. Gippsland Vehicle Collection The Gippsland Vehicle Collection houses an outstanding rotating display of vehicles: cars, motorbikes, machinery, historic vehicles, carriages, trucks and auto memorabilia. The motor museum is housed in “The Maffra Shed”, which was an old vegetable de-hydrating factory built during WW2. The venue provides a quintessential country backdrop for a range of business event moments, from meetings to cocktail parties and break out visits. Port of Sale Cultural Precinct The multi-million dollar Wellington Centre opened in January 2018, and is the home of the Gippsland Art Gallery and the Wedge Performing Arts Centre. An architectural masterpiece, the Centre will allow for a vast range of events and exhibitions of a world-class standard in Sale.

The Gippsland Art Gallery sets a new standard for regional galleries. Situated at the Port of Sale, overlooking stunning waterways and parklands, the Gallery is home to a permanent exhibition of the work of Annemieke Mein, the celebrated local textile artist. To the east of the Centre is the new Borun & Tuk Aboriginal cultural walk. The path tells the Gunaikurnai creation story of Borun the pelican and Tuk the musk duck. Experience the High country on a 4x4 adventure. Go bush in a real adventure through some of Australia’s best 4WD country, exploring the mountains, rivers and historic gold trails in the Central Gippsland High Country. Visitors can experience the fascinating townships of Licola and Dargo and experience river crossings and damper cooked over the coals on a Mountain Top Experience Tour or with JC High Country Tours. Meander the Central Gippsland art trail One of the best kept secrets in Central Gippsland is the arts trail, linking the picture perfect villages of Briagolong and Stratford and connecting them to other local art spaces found at Cowwaar. Business events are invited to connect the artistic dots and link the trails between these villages on a break out that will inspire a visual journey through this beautiful landscape.

Dine, wine and graze Gippsland’s wineries and eateries are gaining popularity and a growing reputation for being fresh, local and authentic. In Sale, the celebrated and refurbished Criterion Hotel offers warm country hospitality in private surroundings with a sophisticated choice of dishes. O’Neill’s Restaurant and Mister Raymond offer something special with a contemporary urban flair. Dining out of the main centre provides an authentic country town experience, with great options for business events groups at Duart Homestead and Tinamba Hotel. And if your group is looking for a winery outlook, try Blue Gables, Avon Ridge or Toms Cap Wineries for something unique and memorable. Visit Port Albert Port Albert is the quintessential seaside village, with picturesque bobbing boats, a fantastic Maritime Museum and opportunities for chartered boat tours and a range of dining experiences. The best place to find just-caught seafood, Wildfish Restaurant offers groups a dining experience on the jetty, trying a sumptuous array of dishes, while looking at the boats the fish came in on.

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GIPPSLAND’S BUSINESS EVENTS VENUES

Gippsland offers a diverse portfolio of venues, from state-of-the-art performing arts centres and large-scale conference facilities, to boutique corporate retreats, all within close proximity to stunning nature-based attractions.

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LARDNER PARK

155 Burnt Store Rd, Lardner VIC 3821 Phone: (03) 5626 1373 Email: office@lardnerpark.com.au lardnerpark.com.au Lardner Park is one of Australia’s premier regional destinations for conferences, conventions, exhibitions, meetings, festivals and outdoor events situated on a picturesque 300 acres surrounding a lake. Just one hour drive east of Melbourne. The Exhibition and Convention Centre capable of holding up to 1000 delegates has a modern foyer area and balconies overlooking the lake; load-in facilities capable of taking vehicles and a commercial kitchen. There is over 5,000sqm of undercover pavilion space; and breakout Boardroom facilities with an independent kitchen. Outside, Lardner Park features an historic Rotunda with undercover seating; dedicated parking; powered and unpowered outdoor

sectionalised areas; a 4WD area; and an adjoining equestrian centre. You may even be able to watch live cattle weigh-ins from livestock agistment occurring on the property! Top level service partners will ensure all your audio visual needs can be delivered through DiverseAV together with in-house WiFi, and catering from casual to gourmet with a focus on Gippsland produce through our Big Spoon Group Catering team. With 150 bookings and over 200,000 visitors a year, our events and property team can provide you with an experience that exceeds your expectations, keeps your guests focused on the business at hand and provides a relaxing, casual environment.

CAPACITIES

RACV Inverloch Resort

ROOM NAME

Metres2

Height

Cocktail Theatre

Classroom Dinner

U-Shape

Board

BP EVANS PETROLEUM

330

290

COMMONWEALTH BANK ROOM 660

660

580

ENTIRE BUILDING

1000

870

BOARDROOM

106

100

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RACV INVERLOCH RESORT

70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Rd, Inverloch VIC 3996 Phone: (03) 5674 0000 Email: racvresortinverloch@racv.com.au racv.com.au/travel-leisure/racv-resorts.html Set in the heart of Gippsland’s south coast with sweeping views of Bass Strait and Anderson Inlet, RACV Inverloch Resort delivers the ultimate experience for your delegates. A state of the art conference and events centre featuring stunning floor to ceiling glass windows offers an impressive light filled space. The Resort offers a variety of accommodation styles, many with ocean views to complement the inspiring meeting facilities on offer.

CENTURY INN TRARALGON

5 Airfield Rd, Traralgon VIC 3844 Phone: 03 5173 9400 Email: frontdesk@centuryinn.com.au centuryinn.com.au

From a relaxed outdoor BBQ or poolside cocktail party, through to elaborate gala dinners, the Resort’s experienced chefs source a selection of the region’s finest seasonal produce to deliver menus tailored perfectly to your needs. The RACV Inverloch Resort is the perfect venue to accommodate intimate meetings through to large scale events.

CAPACITIES

Century Inn brings a fresh perspective to conferencing, with five purpose-built conference rooms providing natural light and an open plan design. Century Inn has a range of accommodation to suit corporate travellers and business event delegates alike, offering a seamless visitor experience. From standard rooms and suites right through to executive apartments, there is something to cater for every event budget.

Century Inn caters for intimate cocktail parties and private dining options, through to sit down dinners for 150, and menu options that are flexible and inspiring, showcasing our region’s food and wine.

CAPACITIES

ROOM NAME

U-Shape Board Room Class Room Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

THE INLET

120

150

CAPE LIPTRAP

100

180

120

200

CAPE PATERSON

150

220

180

300

PRE-FUNCTION AREA

200

PANORAMA

200

400

250

BOARDROOM 1

BOARDROOM2

THE BOARDROOM

ROOM NAME

Metres2

Height

Cocktail Theatre

Classroom Dinner

U-Shape

Board

GRAND PROMENADE

160

2.65

200

180

140

PROMENADE A

79.7

2.65

PROMENADE B

79.7

2.65

400

CENTURY ROOM

69.7

2.65

BOARDROOM

51.1

2.65

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MERCURE WARRAGUL

23 Mason St, Warragul VIC 3820 Phone: (03) 5618 3500 Email: reception@mercurewarragul.com.au mercurewarragul.com.au

THE WONTHAGGI WORKMEN’S CLUB

75 Graham Street, Wonthaggi Vic 3995 Phone: (03) 5672 1083 Email: functions@wonthaggiworkmens.com.au wonthaggiworkmens.com.au

Ideally located in the heart of the Warragul, with direct access to shopping, restaurants and an array of local wineries and natural attractions, the multi award winning Mercure Warragul is the perfect venue for your corporate break. With three meeting rooms, the hotel caters for small intimate board meetings through to cocktail events for up to 100 people.

The Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club offers outstanding service, quality catering and attention to detail creating the perfect choice for your next function or special event. The venue can cater for up to 450 guests. The Kirrak room is the ideal backdrop for a flexible layout including audio-visual technology, private bar, large stage, dance floor, private bathroom facilities and is fully air-conditioned.

The hotel features 47 contemporary spacious rooms, a gym, restaurant, lounge, multipurpose function rooms, undercover and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The Cavil room is perfect for smaller functions including two large-screen TVs and breakout rooms for training sessions. Our Boardrooms are excellent for more intimate meetings that require a professional setting.

COMFORT INN & SUITES LATROBE

Whether it is a seminar, client luncheon, sales meeting, cocktail party or a more formal gala. The Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club can cater for your specific requirements to ensure that your function is an outstanding success.

5601 Princes Hwy, Traralgon VIC 3844 Phone: (03) 5173 7500 Email: info@comfortinnlatrobe.com.au www.comfortinnlatrobe.com.au The Comfort Inn & Suites Latrobe offers 5 Conference Rooms with the largest able to accommodate 240 delegates, theatre style. The venue also supports additional syndicate areas creating flexible meeting spaces. The spacious and flexible format of the conference centre ensures the ideal venue for your particular business event.

84/90 Argyle St, Traralgon VIC 3844 Phone: (03) 5116 7800 Email: stay@bridgesonargyle.com.au bridgesonargyle.com.au Bridges on Argyle is the only 4-star accommodation in Traralgon and is located just 500m from the town centre. Offering 57 sophisticated guest rooms, a light and airy breakfast room, bar and lounge, plus a gym and outdoor pool and BBQ area, the venue will more than satisfy the needs of business travellers. Bridges on Argyle offer two state of the art meeting spaces, plus a range of catering options including morning tea, lunches, afternoon tea plus dinner options for evening conferences.

By mid 2018 the property will finalise a soft refurbishment of the Conference Centre, creating a new level of sophistication and style for the region. Packages can be tailored to include conference facilities, accommodation, and relaxation/team building activities. As a special incentive, a spouse package can be arranged for those delegates who would like to bring a partner and/or family.

BRIDGES ON ARGYLE

The Comfort Inn & Suites Latrobe combines modern facilities & equipment with professional care and service.

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THE RIVERSLEIGH, BAIRNSDALE

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1 Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale VIC 3875 Phone: (03) 5152 6966 Email: info@riversleigh.com.au riversleigh.com.au

Federation University Australia’s Gippsland campus offers a number of flexible venue options for meetings, ranging from intimate gatherings to large conferences.

A beautiful and poised exterior leads to the restored interior, reflecting the heritage feel; classic meets contemporary with an elegant twist.

Comfortable accommodation options are located on campus, a short walking distance from the University’s conference facilities.

With 22 ensuited guest rooms, a function room that can seat up to 80 delegates, a sunlit conservatory and on-site catering the Riversleigh is the ideal venue to cater for both small or large events.

During the University summer vacation period, over 400 people can be accommodated at any one time.

• Free WI FI • Complimentary continental breakfast served daily • Off road parking • Conferences, meetings and events catered for up to 130 people • Disabled access room available

44 Metung Rd, Metung VIC 3904 Phone: (03) 5156 2750 Email: info@themoorings.com.au themoorings.com.au The Moorings is the perfect waterfront conference venue and our experienced team will help you design an event tailored to suit your business. Fully equipped conference facilities provide a comfortable and private environment for the formal component of your visit. We also carefully attend to the equally important dining and group activity options, organising quality catering and a vast array of activities, many of which incorporate an on water experience. Our fully equipped conference room can accommodate 25 delegates (boardroom style) and up to 40 (theatre style).

Northways Rd, Churchill VIC 3842 Phone: 1800 333 864 Email: info@federation.edu.au federation.edu.au

Centrally located in an iconic, century-old building in Bairnsdale, The Riversleigh is at your service.

THE MOORINGS AT METUNG

FEDERATION UNIVERSITY GIPPSLAND

MANSI ON RAYMOND

474 Raymond St, Sale VIC 3850 Phone: 0488 104 447 Email: booking@mansi.com.au mansionraymond.com.au Mansi on Raymond is a boutique meeting and accommodation facility set in the heart of Sale, in Central Gippsland. Mansi on Raymond offers modern amenities and a peaceful retreat. The venue is the perfect base to achieve strategy, team-building or to simply host a meeting, while experiencing some of what Gippsland has to offer. Mansi on Raymond have introduced Mansi Retreats, catering for corporate, wellness, environmental and cultural interests. Retreats offer a variety of activities including yoga, massage, walking, cycling, meditation, real food and more. At the end of your day, Mansi on Raymond offers a contemporary self-contained environment of studios, and one, two or three bedroom villas. All villas are inspired by the natural surroundings and seamlessly integrate this through their stylish design.

Offering high speed internet and business centre facilities, Mansi on Raymond is the perfect venue to entertain your business group.

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GIPPSLAND’S INSPIRING TOURING

Whether you’re looking for a pre or post adventure outside of Melbourne, or you’re incorporating a half or full day tour for delegates whilst in Gippsland, the region has tour operators available to work with you to make the most memorable experience imaginable. From cycling tours to hiking adventures, from coastal cruises to stand up paddling and kayaking, the region has your needs covered. In the spirit of discovery and exploration that invoke the best an incentive program can offer, Gippsland is the perfect small group incentive destination. The region offers a combination of high end accommodation with premium touring experiences. Here is just a sample of what the region can offer.

DISCOVER

AMAZE

EXPERIENCE

EVENING Overnight in the beautiful Bass Coast region, at the beautifully located RACV Inverloch or one of the boutique accommodation options available in this region. Experience the magic of Little Penguins returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia

DAY 2 – MORNING Enjoy a fresh seasonal breakfast before taking in the stunning Bunurong Coast Drive, Victoria’s ‘other’ great ocean road adventure. At certain times of the year, keep an eye out for migrating whales. LUNCH & AFTERNOON Detouring inland, arrive in the quaint village of Loch, where you can experience local tastings of cheese, wine and fresh produce, visiting the Loch Distillery & Brewery for an understanding of Gippsland’s renowned gin and whisky. Travel on to Wilsons Promontory National Park, the southern-most point of mainland Australia. Wilsons Promontory is a refuge for an array of native wildlife including kangaroos, emus, wombats, echidnas and koalas. Take in the soaring granite mountain range that plunges into the sea. EVENING Overnight in the amazing Wilderness Retreats at Tidal River, and disconnect from the world. Alternatively, try one of the region’s luxe accommodation options in Basia Mille or The Church House.

GREAT SOUTHERN ESCAPES

Wilsons Promontory touring and bespoke private touring Phone: 03 5644 3314 Email: info@greatsouthernescapes.com.au greatsouthernescapes.com.au Great Southern Escapes is an interpretive touring company offering tailor-made small group touring throughout Gippsland. Travelling in a Mercedes Sprinter mini-coach in group sizes of 10 or less, Great Southern Escapes invite delegates to Gippsland to adopt the pace of nature. Experience the extraordinary beauty of Wilsons Promontory National Park or the incredible seascape of the Gippsland Lakes with this small group touring company. The team will put together a customised program for your group, offering the best of Gippsland’s green hills, food, wine and coastal experiences.

FROM THE PENGUINS TO THE PROM DAY 1 – AFTERNOON Depart Melbourne and within an hour find yourselves amidst the verdant green hills of Gippsland. Learn some of the fascinating history of the Gippsland region as you travel to the world famous penguin parade on Phillip Island.

Gippsland offers a range of tour operators ready to cater for your business event and group needs.

DAY 3 Transfer to Port Welshpool for a full day adventure on the water with Refuge Cove Cruises, taking in the east coast of Wilsons Promontory and the islands. View seals and dolphins in their natural habitat, or whale watch in winter. EVENING Return to Melbourne.

REFUGE COVE CRUISES Phone: 0418 789 916 Email: info@refugecovecruises.com.au refugecovecruises.com.au Refuge Cove Cruises is an exciting new ecotourism cruise for Wilsons Promontory. Passengers on board the custom designed 42 passenger catamaran, will enjoy a full day tour including lunch. The boat departs daily from Port Welshpool, only two and half hours drive from Melbourne CBD. Ideal for pre or post touring in the region, or as an incentive program experience, Refuge Cove Cruises is available for private charter as well as on scheduled departures. Delegates are invited to leave their footprints on the pristine beach at Refuge Cove and marvel at the sites this area is famous for, such as Waterloo Bay, Wilsons Prom lighthouse, Skull Rock and Kanowna seal colony. Visitors learn about the area’s rich history and admire wildlife with regular sightings of dolphins, seals and whales.

PO Box 203, Mirboo North, VIC 3871 Phone: +613 5668 2141 Email: admin@businesseventsgippsland.com.au Web: businesseventsgippsland.com.au