Australia
Proven Australia, New Zealand & Fiji Destination Management Company:
DMC and Planner
for Specialist Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organisers Worldwide
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TOUR HOSTS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT
(SITE / IAPCO / ICCA / INCON) |
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COUNTRY MAP
(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)
General Information
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Government |
Commonwealth of Australia |
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Capital |
Canberra |
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GMT |
+ 8 / 11 hours |
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Online Weekly Weather |
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day |
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Yearly Weather Climate |
www.worldtravelguide.net/data/aus/aus500.asp |
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Airport |
Kingsford-Smith Int. Airport, 10km from Sydney |
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Average Flying Time from London |
22 hrs (Depending on airline) |
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Passport & Visa Requirements |
www.worldtravelguide.net/data/aus/aus040.asp |
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Health and Medical information |
www.worldtravelguide.net/data/aus/aus080.asp |
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Public Holidays |
www.worldtravelguide.net/data/aus/aus070.asp |
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Currency |
Australian dollar (AUD) |
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Currency Converter |
www.oanda.com/convert/classic |
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Language |
English, native languages |
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Electricity |
220/240 volts, 50 cycles |
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Population |
19,357,594 (July 2001 est.) |
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Total Land Area |
7,617,930 sq km |
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Coastline |
25,760 km |
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Driving |
On the left |
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Transportation |
40,478 km of railways, 837,872 km of highways, 8,368 km of navigable inland waterways
(mainly shallow draft), extensive internal flight networks & scheduled coach
operations. Taxis and rental cars are readily available. |
Company
TOUR HOSTS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT
Tour Hosts Destination Management offers a fresh approach to ground support solutions,
providing incentive, meeting and event organizers with innovative itineraries and
unparalleled client service.
Experts in developing and executing extraordinary programs, our focus is meticulous
pre-event planning complemented by extensive destination knowledge; ensuring a program
that will exceed all expectations. Strong supplier relationships achieved through
volume of business and industry recognition ensures that our clients are provided
with the best services at the best prices. This, coupled with program creativity
and strong financial skills, results in a product suite that ranges from the cost
conscious to the 5 star budget.
With a portfolio encompassing Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Tour Hosts Destination
Management is the South Pacific's leading DMC. Our parent company, Tour Hosts Pty
Limited has been operating for over thirty years and in that time we have established
an enviable and well respected reputation in the incentive and meetings industry.
Incentives and Special Interest Groups
Whether it's a well-earned incentive program or special interest group,
our objective is to ensure a sense of reward and fulfillment, achieved by well-designed
itineraries and organisation.
- Experienced dedicated operations staff
- Creative planning and attention to detail
- Reliable and respected service providers
- Great delivery of motivational and corporate events.
Conference Tours
We design and operate programs for conference organisers, travel agents, associations
and corporations worldwide to give delegates a special memory of their experiences.
Programs are designed for all nationalities, with specific attention to cultural
and dietary needs.
- Day tours in cities Australia wide
- Pre and post conference tours to the most sought after destinations in Australia
and New Zealand
- Technical tours and field trips
- Accompanying persons programs
- Social activities
- Hospitality and tours desk
- Multilingual staff and accredited tour guides
- Accommodation reservations
- Ground transportation
Destination
TOUR HOSTS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT is a member of:
- Australian Society of Association Executives (AUSAE)
- Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC)
- Australasian Incentive Association (AIA)
- Convention Bureaux throughout Australia
- Exhibition Industry Association of Australia (EIAA)
- International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA)
- International Conference Network (INCON)
- International Special Events Society (ISES)
- International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO)
- Meetings and Events Australia (MEA)
- Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
- Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE)
AUSTRALIA'S WAITING
The world's largest island - and its smallest continent - Australia is truly a land
of contrasts, where cosmopolitan cities lie side by side with graceful harbours,
spectacular mountain ranges and stunning natural landscapes. Here is a country for
all seasons, whose beauty and majestic scenery may be enjoyed all year round - perfect
summer weather is always to be found somewhere in Australia!
The vastness of the Outback will take your breath away, where red deserts run for
thousands of kilometres and Aboriginal guides tell stories of the Dreamtime. You
may prefer to hike through the ancient rainforests thrilling to the sounds of its
tropical wildlife or simply relax on one of our splendid beaches and witness breaching
whales offshore.
In contrast, Australia's magnificent coastal cities are packed with scenic and cultural
attractions from historic colonial architecture to modern skyscrapers, art galleries
and superb restaurants where the world's best food and wine can be enjoyed. The
Australian culture has been enriched by many nationalities reflected in the warmth
of our people, always ready to lend a hand and make any visitor to Australia feel
at home.
Example Programmes
Sydney
Day One
Upon arrival in Sydney, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred
by luxury coach to your city hotel.
Outside the Hotel, Harley Davidson motorbikes with drivers will be waiting to take
you on an exhilarating transfer to lunch. Explore the city centre and narrow streets
of the Rocks with your driver/guide en-route to the unique beachside suburb of Manly.
You will travel over the Harbour Bridge, through the chic suburb of Mosman, beautiful
Balmoral Beach before arriving at your lunch destination - Manly.
This evening, relax and enjoy welcome cocktails in the hotel before where a sumptuous
dinner at one the Harbour Foreshore restaurants whilst enjoying the stunning views
of the bustling Harbour and beautiful Opera House.
Day Two
Begin the day with a continental breakfast at Taronga Zoo, along with an exciting
and informative introduction to unique and fascinating wildlife including a private
viewing of some of Australia's native animals and an opportunity to have your photo
taken with them.
Take a short walk to the Sydney Opera House for a once in a lifetime performance
with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Your group will be led backstage via the dressing rooms onto the Concert Hall platform.
Using the element of surprise everyone is instructed to take a seat and pick up
the instrument placed in front of them [including ratchets, whistles, trumpets,
castanets]. The lights go up in the auditorium, the conductor enters with his baton
in hand and reality hits - you are seated next to Sydney Symphony musicians and
have been transformed into the orchestra!
With no prior musical knowledge required the conductor divides the Toy Orchestra
into sections, gives them a rhythm and leads the group through the score. The music
is carried by the string quartet of Sydney Symphony musicians and in the end they
almost sound in tune!
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is tonight's dinner venue. Enjoy pre dinner drinks
and a guided tour of the Yiribana Aboriginal Gallery.
Following your tour of Yiribana enjoy a sumptuous 3 course dinner and Aboriginal
performance in the Garden Courtyard Foyer.
Day Three
Transfer from your hotel to Rushcutters Bay, home to the Cruising Yacht Club of
Australia and the base for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Sailing competition.
A sailing regatta is a unique and thrilling way to experience Sydney Harbour. Each
team is led by a highly qualified and experienced skipper who guides and encourages
everyone to take an active part in the steering and sailing of the yacht.
The race course is strategically planned for the prevailing winds and to take the
yachts close to many of Sydney Harbour's most well known attractions, such as the
Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, North and South Head, Taronga Zoo and
Royal Botanic Gardens.
At the conclusion of race, disembark and enjoy a picnic luncheon on Clark Island,
located just off the exclusive suburb of Darling Point. A stunning island setting
for a couple of refreshing beverages, a sumptuous picnic lunch and celebrations
of your morning's race!
Following lunch, a unique opportunity is available for participants to ride in a
Thundercat - a 14ft inflatable surf racing boat powered by a 50 hp motor and capable
of 90 kph.
This evening, take part in an Australian experience like no other … the infamous
Aussie Pub Crawl. This type of local culture is not found in a museum or art gallery
and can only be experienced in the presence of other Aussies.
Begin the evening at The Lord Nelson, the oldest licensed hotel in Sydney and then
visit the Hero of Waterloo and finally The Orient, located in the centre of the
historic Rocks.
This evening's dinner will be at "Reds" a beautifully restored contemporary restaurant,
converted from a nineteenth century wool store. Red's menu is renowned for the distinctive
flavours of native Australian Bush cuisine complimented by a selection of fine Australian
wines and beers - the atmosphere is informal and relaxed atmosphere.
The Red Centre
Day One
On arrival in Alice Springs, transfer directly out to Ooraminna Bush Camp. Situated
between the MacDonnell Ranges and the Simpson Desert, the Ooraminna Ranges boast
magnificent red sand hills, weathered rocky outcrops and a profusion of plant and
wildlife.
Transfer directly to at the Bushman's camp. Join the stockman for a typical lunch
and the opportunity to experience the lifestyle of an Australian stockman. Help
them to muster the cattle with horses, motorbikes, bull-catchers and a helicopter,
a true Australian outback experience.
On arrival back at the homestead, you will be shown to your outback accommodation:
A unique and exciting way to experience the real outback is to spend a night under
the stars in a swag: a bedroll with mattress, linen and blankets all contained in
a canvas bag/envelope making a warm and cosy experience (wet or cold weather facilities
are available)!
While relaxing before dinner, the eerie sounds of the Aboriginal didgeridoo can
be heard. After his performance, the player descends from the rocks to give you
a demonstration and allows you to have the opportunity to play this unique instrument.
A camp oven-dinner, cooked in traditional cask iron cookers will be served tonight.
DayTwo
After breakfast transfer to Alice Springs for a morning at leisure before your onward
flight to Ayers Rock.
On arrival at Ayers Rock, transfer to your accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort and
enjoy time to explore the resort.
This afternoon embarks on a journey to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit Kata
Tjuta, the Olgas for a guided walk into the Valley of the Winds. Enjoy an energetic
walk and marvel at this magnificent natural formation. After your walk, transfer
to the sunset viewing site and enjoy a glass of champagne, while watching the stunning
colour display as the sun sets. Enjoy some time to practice throwing a boomerang
before a superb dinner in the desert is served.
Day Three
Arrive in darkness at Ayers Rock and be amongst the first to venture up the steep
ascent as first light arrives. Recommendation for climbing Ayers Rock (Uluru) is
only for the fit and healthy, as it is a challenging climb.
For the less active, we thoroughly recommend watching the sunrise from the viewing
area. The stark contrast of the deep red of Ayers Rock (Uluru) against the blue
sky of day will leave a lasting impression. Once the sun has risen, join your guide
for a leisurely stroll around part of the base of Ayers Rock (Uluru). This 5 kilometre
walk takes you past many sacred Aboriginal sites, water holes, waterfalls and unusual
caves with Aboriginal art.
Re-join your fellow travellers and swap tales of the adventures over a backpack
breakfast followed by a visit to the Aboriginal Culture Centre at the base of Ayers
Rock (Uluru). This informative centre offers a unique hands-on opportunity to learn
about the history and traditions of the Anagu people living around Uluru and the
area.
Tropical Far North Queensland
Day One
On arrival in Cairns, transfer to the peninsular town of Port Douglas via the Cook
Highway, known as one of Australia's most scenic coastal routes.
Whatever your passion, Port Douglas and its surrounds have it all. Spend the day
relaxing on the beach, by the pool or participate in one of the specially organised
optional tours.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- Fishing
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Aboriginal Rainforest Walk and Bike
- Sea Kayak / Bike / Rainforest Walk
- Wilderness Canoeing / Mulgrave River
- Golf
- Daintree 4WD tour
Day Two
Transfer by coach to the pier to board your high speed Wavepiercing Catamaran from
Port Douglas bound for a floating pontoon in the Great Barrier Reef.
We moor alongside a floating platform which has undercover tables and seating, an
underwater observatory, and submerged swimming platform for easy entry into the
water. On hand, there is a snorkelling safety officer to assist passengers. Afterwards,
view the marine life from an underwater observatory or take a seat on the semi-submersible
vessel which glides slowly for thirty minutes through the beautiful coral gardens
providing a diver's view and a commentary explaining the various coral formations
and magnificent reef fish, without getting wet.
A delicious buffet lunch will be served.
Tonight you are transported to a mystery destination, where you will be met by total
darkness except for a flame lit pathway. Rainforest minstrels playing medieval style
music lead the way along the lit path to the pre-dinner site. As you arrive, lights
go up and champagne cocktails and canapés are served.
The minstrels then beckon you further along the flame lit path, to the dinner site.
This rain forest clearing is lit with tall wrought iron candelabra. Beneath the
rainforest canopy, highlighted by the masses of fairy lights, are tables and chairs,
themed elegantly dressed.
Enjoy a dinner extravaganza specially designed to showcase Australian culinary creativeness
and local produce. Throughout the evening, you will be serenaded by a string trio
playing beautiful classical music complimenting the serenity of an evening in the
rainforest.
Day Three
Enjoy the facilities of your first class resort before your coach transfers you
back along the scenic Cook Highway to Cairns Airport to depart for your next destination.
For The Adventurous
Sydney
Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb: This thrilling and totally safe 3-hour
adventure takes you over the catwalk to the pylon and then to the summit of the
Bridge's upper arch, 130 metres above sea level. You will be harnessed to a static
line for the duration of the climb and an experienced team leader will be there
to assist and encourage you to the pinnacle of the Bridge. Escorted in small groups
of 10 persons, your climb leader will describe the spectacular 360-degree view across
one of the greatest harbours in the world.
Blue Mountains Adrenalin Day: 2 hours west of Sydney a great team-building
destination awaits! Start the day with Abseiling including safety briefings and
full training. Unwind and enjoy an outdoor lunch in the bush before moving onto
Canyoning. Wetsuits on, enthusiasm in full gear and venture along the rock pools
to take the first electrifying plunge into Empress Canyon. Through narrow slots,
between towering sandstone ramparts, the adventure unfolds. Swim, wade and rock
hop along the canyon bed amidst overhanging ferns and the magic of the rainforest
environment.
Sailing Regatta: Start your day with some Olympic spirit! Transfer
from your hotel to Rushcutters Bay, home to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
and the Year 2000 Sydney Olympic Sailing competition. On arrival at D'Albora Marina,
marvel at the magnificent display of luxurious yachts and motor cruises.
Sailing is a sport held dear to Sydneysiders. Hydrate your senses with the sea!
A sailing regatta offers a unique and thrilling way to experience Sydney Harbour.
Participants sail aboard high performance 10 meter Beneteau and Cavalier yachts,
and each team is led by a highly qualified and experienced skipper who guides and
encourages everyone in taking an active part in the steering and sailing of the
yacht.
Cairns
White Water Rafting: A great introduction to white water rafting
that provides enough excitement to satisfy your thirst for adventure (Grade 4 Rapids).
An early morning start as you travel south past Cairns, enjoying the scenery of
rainforest-covered mountains, sugar cane fields and tropical fruit plantations.
After detailed safety talks and instructions, you will tackle your first rapid for
the day. During the next 5 hours, you will be rafting over more than 45 rapids and
gaining a unique view of World Heritage Rainforest. A delicious BBQ is served on
the riverbank followed by more exciting rapids.
Cape Tribulation Safari: Travel north to Mossman and the Daintree
River. Enjoy a light morning tea, then join an informative Daintree river cruise
with the opportunity to view crocodiles, snakes and other wild creatures living
on the banks of the river. Continue to Cape Tribulation National Park - the oldest
rainforest in the world. Covering almost 17,000 hectares of World Heritage rainforest,
Cape Tribulation also boasts long stretches of sandy beaches. A tropical lunch will
be served at Cow Bay, where you will have time for a swim or stroll around the headlands.
Following lunch, see outstanding displays and images of the rainforest at the Daintree
Environmental Centre. After crossing the Daintree River via the local river ferry,
you will return to your accommodation in Cairns.
Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Hot Air Ballooning over the Australian Outback: Rise early
to transfer to the ballooning site. Feel the wind in your hair and the exhilaration
as your balloon rises higher and higher into the air and enjoy the glorious view
of this magnificent red country, followed by a sumptuous champagne breakfast in
the bush.
Welcome Gifts
- Hand painted wooden boomerangs: Choose from a range of designs
and sizes - a company logo or message can also be printed on the back
- Box of Australia: Made to order boxes that contain a 'taste' of
Australia; choose from a wide range of contents including: miniature boomerang,
vegemite, tin of billy tea, Anzac biscuit, eucalyptus oil, macadamia nuts; witcherty
grub sweets and much more.
- Beach towels: Printed with company logo
- Hand painted scarves and ties: Made from silk and fine wool and
hand dyed to represent the natural aspects of the Australian Landscape
- Akubra Hats: Why not give your delegates a voucher to purchase
an Akubra bush hat during their stay? This will ensure they choose the correct style
and fit
- Limited edition prints of Australia: Australia has many recognisable
artists such as Ken Done, whose work depicts the very essence of Australia
- Panoramic Australiana Photographs: Choose a landscape image of
your incentive destination
- Handcrafted pottery and ceramics: From contemporary designs to
Aboriginal dot patterns.
Theme Party Ideas for Incentives
Sydney
Rum Rebellion Ball: Dance on the wild side as you experience
life in the early days of the colony. Mix with entertaining persons of low repute
and guzzle sly grog, as the cobbled lanes resound with sea shanties, bush ballads
and the loud revelry of a rum drinking evening.
A night with the stars on Observatory Hill: Smaller groups can
enjoy a silver service meal in the historic rotunda, complete with white glove service
and a harpist serenade. Larger groups can dine in a clear marquee set up inside
the Observatory grounds. A highlight for all will be this private view of the unique
Southern Hemisphere stars.
Sydney's Past: A lavish feast waits on Fort Denison, an island
fortress in the harbour, a fascinating insight into Australia's early white settlement
history and some of the best city skyline views. A contemporary band and roving
performers wander between tables providing entertainment.
Cairns
Queensland Rainforest: The sweet smell of the rainforest
and the eerie sounds of nocturnal creatures penetrate through the softly lit palms,
ferns, creepers and masses of tropical flowers in your own private part of the rainforest.
Tables are beautifully decorated with native delights to complete the setting.
Dreamtime Evening: Take the Kuranda Train or Skyrail through the
breath-taking Barron Gorge and tropical rainforest. Witness an Aboriginal Dance
performance, see demonstrations of traditional artefact making, bush food and culture
then walk through the rainforest to an "Aussie" Barbecue.
Coral Reef Theme: Come down to the depths of the ocean to a whole
new world of coral gardens and brightly coloured tropical fish. An underwater experience
with a bountiful buffet of Australia's unique seafood - try the Mangrove Crabs,
Gulf prawns, Barramundi, Champagne Lobsters, Morton Bay bugs, and Coral trouts.
Table decorations complete the theme with sand, shells and coral.
Ayers Rock (Uluru)
A Night With The Stars: From the top of a sand dune witness
the ever-changing colours of Uluru and the Olgas as the sun casts its shadowy glow
making way for the night sky. The haunting sounds of a didgeridoo blend with this
magnificent setting to create an unforgettable ambience. As night closes in, guests
will be led along a trail to a beautiful dinner site, where flickering lanterns
reveal a lavish buffet boasting the finest of international and outback cuisine.
Bush Dance: Only a short journey away, guests will be transported
to an exclusive desert site to let their hair down and enjoy a good old toe tapping
time. An Australian folk bush band plays whilst guests enjoy the tastes of the Outback,
bush dancing, horseshoe throwing and whip cracking performances.
Suggested Sightseeing
Sydney
Sydney City sights tour of Sydney including the historic
Rocks district, Mrs Macquarie's Chair in the Botanic Gardens, Kings Cross, China
town, Darling Harbour and the renowned Bondi Beach.
Blue Mountains Scenic Coach tour including visit to Wildlife Park
and lunch at an historic mountain resort. Enroute back to the city pass the site
of the Sydney 2000 Olympics Games.
Aboriginal Cultural Tour including guided tour and opportunity
to sample some native bush food ("bush tucker") in the Royal Botanic Gardens on
the foreshores of Sydney Harbour, followed by a visit to The Art Gallery of New
South Wales to view 'Yiribana', a permanent exhibition devoted to Aboriginal art.
Wine tasting Tour to the Hunter Valley including visits to local
wineries for tasting and sumptuous lunch at a renown well-established winery restaurant.
Cruise on the magnificent Sydney Harbour. Delight in the hustle
and bustle of this busy harbour with foreshores lined by natural parklands and stunning
waterfront homes. Take in the sights of historic Fort Denison, the unique architecture
of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Flora and Fauna Tour to the Australian Wildlife Park including
opportunity to see Kangaroos, Koalas, Emu, Wombats and Echidnas. Be treated to an
Outback Woolshed Show highlighting the Bushman's way of life and taste some of Australia's
famous Billy tea and damper.
Cairns
Great Barrier Reef Cruise including opportunity to swim
and snorkel in the clear blue water, cruise through the coral gardens in an underwater
semi-submersible or glide over the reef shallows in a glass bottomed boat.
Rainforest Eco - Tour to the south of Cairns to World Heritage
listed Bellenden Ker National Park famous for its foaming cascades, rainforest walks
and crystal clear mountain water.
4WD Wilderness Safari to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest
meets the sea, with long stretches of sandy beaches and rocky headlands. Cruise
on the Daintree River, explore the ancient rainforest and walk on the warm sandy
beaches of this magnificently preserved region.
Kuranda / Tjapukai Tour including journey on the Kuranda Scenic
Railway, time at leisure in the market village of Kuranda, followed by a ride over
the rainforest canopy and entry into the intriguing Tjapukai Aboriginal Theme Park
to experience this unique ancient culture.
Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Ayers Rock Tour to the base of Uluru where a guide will
point out a number of interesting features of the monolith, including areas of Aboriginal
significance and will tell of the legends of the area. There is an opportunity to
walk into Kantju Gorge where a waterfall cascades over the side of Uluru or to visit
the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
Ayers Rock Climb is not an easy tour and visitors should be careful
if taking part in this climb. The uneven surface and many steep dips offer a challenge
as visitors walk across the top of Uluru to its highest point. The defined track
is the easiest path to follow, with the average return time for climbers being approximately
2 hours.
The Olgas - Valley of the Winds is an afternoon/evening tour to
Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), immense rock domes that dominate the western skyline. Following
this is an optional guided walk through the Valley of the Winds to a magnificent
lookout over Kata Tjuta. This unique experience can be enhanced with an Australian
barbecue dinner.
Convention Centres
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre
No of Meeting Rooms: 20
Largest Room Capacity: 3500
Cairns Convention Centre
No of Convention Halls: 4
No of Meeting Halls: 9
Largest Room Capacity: 2,330
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
No of Rooms: 17
Largest Room Capacity: 4000
National Convention Centre - Canberra
No of Rooms: 17
No of Theatres: 5
Largest Room Capacity: 2500
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
No of Conference/ Meeting Rooms 33
Largest Room Capacity: 2500
Burswood International Resort Casino - Perth
No of Rooms: 1 x 2 level auditorium
Largest Room Capacity: 1450
Adelaide Convention Centre / Exhibition Hall
No of Meeting Rooms: 19
No of Halls: 2
Largest Room Capacity: 3500
Specialist Groups
- Handle special interest groups, tour series, groups travelling to congresses, as
well as incentives and FITs.