DESTINATION: MELBOURNE AND THE BELLARINE

48 Hours in Melbourne and the Bellarine

Australia’s culture capital has multifarious ways to keep delegates entertained but whisking them away for a day trip to the Bellarine Peninsula will enrich their experience in a whole new way. Lana Bogunovich savours the perfect mix of city and coastal country escape.

Day 1: Melbourne

AM

Kick off your team’s city experience with great coffee and a delicious breakfast at The Terrace at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Overlooking the Ornamental Lake and city skyline, this historic conservatory-style café also has a newly refurbished events venue for up to 300 guests. A

Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Portarlington.

fter fuelling up for the day ahead, embark on an Aboriginal guided walk through the Gardens and gain a unique perspective on the rich history and culture of this significant site for the local Kulin Nation.

NOON

Make your way to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), known for hosting some of the world’s best exhibitions. On until 20 August, Melbourne Now celebrates the city's latest art, architecture, design and cultural practice through more than 200 projects and events across a variety of mediums.

GoBoat is fun way to take in the city sights from the Yarra River.

For a different kind of group lunch, head to Queen Victoria Market and pick out a selection of fine local Victorian produce for a river boating picnic. GoBoat’s electric boats can accommodate groups of up to eight and because they’re set to speeds of under four knots, you don’t need a licence to drive one. They can be hired for up to three hours, offering a fun and unique group experience as you meander down the Yarra River taking in the city sights.

PM

Treat the team to an afternoon cocktail at Ponyfish Island, a hip and happening spot ideal for sundowners right on the river, before heading to THE LUME Melbourne. This immersive digital art gallery of epic proportions (3,000 square metres to be exact) transforms some of the world’s most famous artworks into an immersive experience that captivates all the senses.

Ponyfish Island is ideal for sundowners on the river.

Currently showing, until 4 June, is Monet & Friends, bringing to life the beautiful works of Claude Monet unlike ever before. There are also uniquely themed food and beverage offerings including a three-course French-inspired dinner that will transport your delegates to Paris in an unforgettable experience. With capacity for up to 1,200 guests, THE LUME Melbourne can be hired out exclusively for private viewings and events.

EVENING

For some pre-dinner thrills and spills, Melbourne Skydeck has all the action. At nearly 300 metres high, it is the southern hemisphere’s highest observation deck, and boasts sprawling city views as far as the eye can see. Tackle dizzying heights when you step onto the Edge, a glass cube that sticks out of the building and “suspends” you above the city streets, or head to Voyager Theatre and embark on an immersive virtual reality adventure.

THE LUME Melbourne offers a multi-sensory immersive digital art experience.

Top the night off with a high-end, high-in-the-sky fine dining experience at Eureka 89. Set against a backdrop of sprawling 360-degree views across the twinkling city lights, this elegant restaurant and events venue is perfect for intimate private dining as well as functions. Helmed by awardwinning executive chef Renee Martillano, expect a seasonally-driven menu with beautifully plated dishes that celebrate the best of regional Victoria alongside some of Australia’s finest wines.

Day 2: the Bellarine

AM

After breakfast, make your way over to Docklands and ferry across to Portarlington on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, a picturesque region of coastal farmland, beaches and wineries.

Port Phillip Ferries will get you and your groups there swiftly and safely with their purpose-built, fully accessible 400-seat catamaran ferry which features a café, fully licensed bar, complimentary WiFi and charging ports. An experienced crew and hospitality staff are on hand to ensure a premium guest experience, with catering options available for charters.

Microflite’s iconic red helicopters offer premium tours and charter flights.

It’s a scenic 70-minute direct journey from Docklands to Portarlington (and 95 minutes to Geelong), so grab a coffee or a wine and sit back and enjoy the ride.

NOON

As you disembark onto Portarlington Pier, on the north side of the Bellarine, you will be welcomed with beautiful bay views. →

After a short 10-minute drive, arrive at the famous Jack Rabbit Vineyard, just in time for a wine tasting and lunch. The unrivalled views across Port Phillip Bay to Melbourne, the You Yangs and Geelong are just the beginning at this highly acclaimed and awarded Vineyard. Known for its exemplary gastronomic offering and sophisticated cool climate wines, this popular destination has two restaurants, a winery and cellar door.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard overlooks spectacular views of the bay.

Photo credit: Tourism Australia.

Start with a guided wine tasting and learn about esteemed winemaker Nyall Condon’s minimal intervention wine making techniques. Then, head across to Jack Rabbit restaurant, for an incredible group lunch of seasonal local fare paired with excellent wines and stunning vistas.

PM

When it comes to hosting corporate golf days, conferences and team building events, Curlewis Golf Club & Resort can do all of the above and then some. It boasts one of the best golf courses in Australia, an 18-bay indoor and outdoor driving range, a mini-golf course, X-Golf simulator, a bar, restaurant and large functions venue complete with full suite of AV facilites.

Challenge the team to a round of golf (or minigolf!) and then gather together at Ivor’s Spike Bar, an intimate and relaxed space perfect for social get-togethers over a drink or two.

EVENING

Stay on at Curlewis with dinner at signature restaurant Claribeaux for a contemporary dining experience that merges French influence with sustainable local produce. For groups looking to stay overnight, Curlewis can host up to 126 in eco-suite accommodations with each one featuring a private balcony overlooking either the bay or the fairway, plush bedding and all the modern-day creature comforts.

Claribeaux restaurant and conference centre at Curlewis Golf Club & Resort.

Alternatively, surprise your guests with a helicopter flight back to the city. Microflite’s firstclass red helicopters are comfortable and wellequipped with highly experienced pilots at the control wheel. With a range of premium tours and charter flights on offer, it makes for a memorable incentive or corporate event experience.

It’s a cruisy 25-minute flight from Bellarine Peninsula back to the CBD and the bird’s eye views that go from countryside and coastline to all the city icons and skyscrapers are simply unbeatable.

Where to stay:

• The Langham, Melbourne for exceptional service and Southbank and city views

• Pan Pacific Melbourne for its uber close proximity to MCEC

• The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne for timeless luxury and a stunning infinity pool

• Le Méridien for excellent event facilities up to 240 pax

• Dorsett Melbourne for great allday dining and the swanky Jin Bar

Where to eat:

Melbourne

• Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters for the best of Victorian produce and 3,000-bottle wine library

• HER for a mix of different food, beverage and music discoveries across multiple storeys

• Stokehouse for a beachside fine dining experience with sea views

Geelong and the Bellarine

• Baah Lah! for vibrant Singaporean flavours and dishes made to share

• 1915 for the historic setting oozing old-world rustic charm

• House of Jack Rabbit for a more casual affair to that of Jack Rabbit Restaurant

• Portarlington Grand Hotel Bistro for a steaming pot of famous Portarlington mussels

On the ground

• Melbourne Convention Bureau, melbournecb.com.au

• Visit Geelong and The Bellarine, visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

• Port Phillip Ferries, portphillipferries.com.au

• Microflite, microflite.com.au