Destination Spotlight – NSW North Coast
Image Courtesy of Destination NSW
Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, beachside havens and expansive landscapes the New South Wales North Coast is brimming with exciting destinations for your next conference or business event.
Over my time in the industry l have been lucky enough to have explored this region extensively and with a little help from my friends at Destination North Coast l thought l would share my top 3 NSW North Coast destinations with you!
1 - Port Macquarie
As one of the fastest growing regional centres in Australia and a must-see holiday destination for most, there is no surprise that Port Macquarie has also found a thriving market in Business Events. Located a four-hour drive north of Sydney or a six-hour drive south of Brisbane, Port Macquarie is easily accessed by the business traveller via Port Macquarie Airport, located just 4.5km from the town centre. The region also boasts a long and successful history of hosting major events, conferences and expos – all set to a backdrop of some of the most pristine coastline in the world!
With an idyllic climate and spectacular blend of beaches, bush and farmland, the Port Macquarie region is relaxed, yet vibrant and progressive. Culturally, it is fast becoming known as a premier destination for food and wine, with award-winning dining, wineries, funky cafes and wine bars. Art galleries, museums, boutique shopping and live theatre complement this nature lover’s paradise – and provide a perfect assortment of leisure activities for your next conference.
For a more in-depth insight into what the Port Macquarie region has to offer click here.
Images: Rydges Port Macquarie
Accommodation options within the region are plentiful to suite al budgets and styles of events. I would highly recommend the Rydges Port Macquarie to my corporate clients seeking the pleasures of an idyllic waterfront location and a premium conference venue. Rydges offers versatile conference facilities with waterfront function rooms and terraces overlooking the Hastings River and Pacific Ocean. This prominent international 4.5 star hotel boasts contemporary and spacious guest rooms and apartments.
2 - Lord Howe Island
An island paradise with pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and just 350 residents, UNESCO World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island is a unique and untouched destination. Allowing only 400 guests at any time Lord Howe Island is an extremely special destination for business events, and is particularly perfect for incentive groups. Both QantasLink and Eastern Air Services provide convenient regularly scheduled flights for your delegates to access the island.
The tranquil waters surrounding Lord Howe Island are a unique mix of warm tropical and cool temperate ocean currents, home to over 450 fish species and 90 species of coral. Lord Howe Islands boasts vivid scenery and lush sub-tropical forests, in combination with a warm climate, vibrant community and range of world-class activities for business guests to enjoy during their stay.
If you’d like to know more about business events on Lord Howe Island, click here.
Images: Capella Lodge
Lord Howe Island is also home to some of Australia’s most luxurious boutique accommodation, including the 5-star Capella Lodge. The ultimate island castaway escape and nestled at the foot of the towering Mounts Gower and Lidgbird, Capella welcomes spectacular views of the ocean, subtropical reef and rolling green pastures. The retreats nine island-style guest suites offer a relaxed, barefoot luxury vibe designed to reflect Lord Howe’s pristine natural environment.
3 - The Tweed
The Tweed Coast offers stretches of untouched pristine beaches, world-class beach and reef breaks, natural turtle habitats and whale watching from the headlands of Fingal and Cabarita, all for a truly rejuvenating team experience. Bordered by national parks, the Tweed shares a border with Queensland to the north, whilst the warm currents of the Pacific Ocean embrace its enviable coastline. At the heart of the region, where the meandering Tweed River meets the sea, is the idyllic seaside city of Tweed Heads.
Heading inland, the Tweed Valley is a natural amphitheatre recognised as being one of the most bio-diverse regions in Australia. Formed millions of years ago by a large shield volcano, the crowning glory of the region is Wollumbin (Mt Warning), majestically dominating the landscape. Much-loved Murwillumbah is the beating heart of rural Tweed, with the quirky charm of country villages Tyalgum, Burringbar and Tumbulgum on its doorstep.
The Tweed region is a well-placed, natural choice to host your business event in a variety of fully equipped venues, with beautiful beaches and volcanic Wollumbin as your inspirational backdrop. For more on conferencing and event opportunities in the Tweed, click here.
Images: Halcyon House
As Australia’s most unique beachside property, Halcyon House is a must-stay location in the Tweed. This stunning boutique hotel holds a spectacular beachfront location in Cabarita Beach, and offers 19 rooms, 2 luxury 2-bedroom suites, a beachfront pool, terrace area and destination restaurant headed by one of Australia’s most exciting chefs, Paper Daisy. Halcyon House is more than just a boutique hotel – it’s an experience for your delegates.
Rosie Buckley