Australia for Incentive Travel & Events – Our Sydney & Port Douglas Experience

I loved Australia! Having experienced Sydney and Port Douglas first-hand, it's easy to see why Australia works so well for incentive travel, meetings and high-end corporate events. From sailing Sydney Harbour and climbing the Harbour Bridge to experiencing the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter, Australia delivers the kind of experiences delegates genuinely remember.

It is a year-round destination which is perfectly suited as an ‘events’ location and can be undertaken within a week. The quality of the hotels, venues and restaurants is second to none, making it perfect for groups and high-end event programmes.

Sydney is such a diverse, cosmopolitan city with fantastic facilities for meetings, the world's largest natural harbour, and, of course, the Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. It is amazing how many different attractions can exist in one city - a harbour, forests, parks, urban areas, the famous Bondi Beach, and not forgetting the fun city life with fantastic shopping.

I loved Australia! Having experienced Sydney and Port Douglas first-hand, it's easy to see why Australia works so well for incentive travel, meetings and high-end corporate events. From sailing Sydney Harbour and climbing the Harbour Bridge to experiencing the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter, Australia delivers the kind of experiences delegates genuinely remember.

SYDNEY

Sydney Opera House
Over fifty years ago, a young Danish architect, dreaming of Bennelong Point, designed a masterpiece which pushed the boundaries of creativity and science and put Sydney on the map forever. Tours can be arranged at the Sydney Opera House for groups, and a private Aboriginal performance and talks can be arranged to showcase Aboriginal history.

Situated in the smallest sail of the Opera House is Bennelong Restaurant, run by Peter Gilmore, who has been the enigmatic Executive Chef at Quay restaurant in Sydney for the past 15 years. The different levels within the World Heritage-listed Bennelong provide the opportunity to offer guests several different function spaces. With The Venue, The Circle dining room and The Table available for exclusive use, Bennelong is arguably one of the most impressive Sydney event venues available today. Exclusive use for 100 seated.

For the ultimate WOW factor for groups, hire the Joan Sutherland Theatre exclusively with a private performance from Opera Australia. The Joan Sutherland Theatre is the second-largest venue, with seats for more than 1,500 guests. It is also the largest proscenium-arch theatre, with an orchestra pit that accommodates up to 70 musicians.

Bridge Climb
Enjoy this 3½ hours or 1½ hour experience climbing to the top of the world-renowned icon – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Accompanied by an experienced leader, a small team will cross the catwalk to the pylon and walk up to the summit of the Bridge’s upper arch - 130 metres above sea level. Harnessed to a static line for the duration of the climb, be treated to spectacular 360-degree views across one of the greatest harbours in the world. Number of People: Depending on your exact numbers and chosen Climb, we would split your team into groups of 14 people, with each group departing every 5-10 minutes.

Rocks Walking Tour
There is no better way to get up close and personal with Sydney's living history and heritage than on foot. Explore through hidden narrow alleyways, charming cobbled lanes and into shady courtyards, linger by quaint terrace cottages and visit a gothic church. The Rocks may be Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood, but it’s lost none of its zest for life.  Experienced guides will entertain guests with lively tales from the district’s colourful past while encouraging them to enjoy the ambience of the vibrant present. Number of People: The Daily Tour is a maximum of 25 pax, or an exclusive tour can be organised for up to 250 people over a day.

Royal Botanical Gardens
Experience the world’s oldest living culture on a guided walking tour of the Gardens where the original inhabitants of Sydney gathered plants, seeds and roots for food and medicine. Also discover how Aborigines produced a honey drink from the Banksia, roasted seeds from the Moreton Bay Chestnut and made fishing line from the bark of the Bolwarra tree. Number of People: For the Aboriginal Heritage Tour, the maximum is 90 people per 1.5-hour session, split into 3 x 30 groups. They can fit as many sessions into a day as you’re comfortable with (within garden open hours), so long as there is a 30-minute break between sessions to allow staff a quick breather

Blue Thunder DownUnder
Three of Sydney’s leading tour companies have combined forces to bring the ultimate way to experience all that Sydney has to offer on the back of a Harley-Davidson motorbike. Blue Thunder only hires the best riders.

Your group is personally picked up from across Sydney's suburbs, and groups of any size can experience Sydney together as part of a team-bonding exercise. With the help of Blue Thunder DownUnder, your group will have the ride of your life, or take you where the party or conference is in style.  Number of People: Harley Rides would operate for groups of 30, based on the use of bikes, trikes and sidecars, including 3 passengers on the trikes.

Sydney Seaplanes
Sydney Seaplanes can be used for scenic flights or a fly/dine experience to allow you to enjoy views over the harbour and Northern beaches, and you will fly to award-winning restaurants.  This experience takes around 4 hours.

Taking off from Rose Bay, it is hard not to be amazed by the aerial view of Sydney Harbour! Enjoy the stunning sandstone cliffs, and when you reach world-famous Bondi Beach, the pilot will ensure to manoeuvre the aircraft so your group has a great view of the scores of surfers waiting for the next big wave.

From Bondi, you head back into the harbour, climb to 1000 feet, then track to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. On the descent back to Rose Bay, the pilot points out the beautiful houses of the rich and famous in the area.  You can enjoy a 15-minute or 30-minute scenic flight. Number of People: This can vary from 2 to 10 depending on the type of plane. Scenic flights would operate for groups of 34 (4 seaplanes).

Sailing
Our group enjoyed sailing around Sydney Harbour and were given the chance to try it themselves. This is a great team-building experience for groups of up to 250. Guests transfer to Rushcutters Bay to join the flotilla of yachts waiting to head off across the harbour in the race for the winners’ cup.

Skippers take guests through the safety check before launching the vessels. Guests can participate in as many activities as they like, or just relax and cheer on the team. Coloured caps identify the teams as they swing around the buoys and sail back across the bay.

This is both challenging and great fun, involving plenty of cheering and whistling as the boats creep up to each other and plough through the waterways. Once the winner crosses the line, it's time for the boats to go back to the jetty and the prizes are handed out – lots of fun and laughter, handshakes and pats on the back to the winning team.

Oz Jet Boat
An Oz Jet ride is way more than just a jet boat ride. It’s an amazing and unique sightseeing adventure.  Red Shark boats adventure begins at Circular Quay in the shadow of the Sydney Opera House. It’s from this historic site, where the first Europeans landed in Australia in 1788.  You will come face-to-face with the stunning sights from the world-famous Opera House, to Clark and Shark Islands, the harbour-side mansions that are Australia’s most expensive real estate, Taronga Zoo and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There’s also a thrilling element to the rides - spins, slides, power-brake stops and fish-tails, a totally amazing experience! Number of People: There are three boats, each taking 23 pax.

Surfing at Bondi Beach
Bondi continues to capture hearts all around the world. Home to Australia’s oldest surf lifesaving club, funky beach vibe bars and restaurants, urban-style shops, hip markets, Let's Go Surfing and Bondi is an experience not to be missed. Australia’s greatest surf experience on Australia’s Greatest Beaches! Awaken the surfer within you during this 2-hour introductory surf lesson. Even if this is your first time around a board, we’ll have you safely up and onto your first wave before you’ve had time to worry about falling off.

RESTAURANTS

The Squire's Landing
James Squire Brewhouse is located in one of Sydney’s busiest cultural junctions, Circular Quay. Developed in collaboration with Mantle Group Hospitality, The Squire’s Landing tells the legend of James Squire; a convict on the First Fleet but perhaps more importantly, Australia’s first brewer. An upstairs restaurant and a downstairs brewhouse have been architecturally designed and include phenomenal views of Sydney Harbour. When hired exclusively. The Squires Landing can seat up to 1000 guests.

The Australian Hotel
The Australian Hotel was originally located on George Street and opened for business on 12th August 1824, making it the oldest continuously licensed pub in the City of Sydney. When the plague hit Sydney in 1900, many buildings, including the Australian Hotel, were pulled down to prevent further outbreaks.

The Australian Heritage Hotel still has many of its pre-existing features, such as the metal awnings, etched signage, and saloon-style bar doors, and is a great place to enjoy a beer and pizza. The pizza menu is extensive, from Kangaroo to the good old Margherita. Capacities: 96 seated and 190 for cocktails

Rockpool Bar and Grill
Over the years, Rockpool has consistently been highly recommended by food critics throughout Australia and the world. Rockpool’s reputation is due to Neil’s passion for perfection.

Neil Perry is one of Australia’s leading and most influential chefs. Neil’s passion and the importance he places on quality produce are evident in all his dishes and the business projects he undertakes. The numerous awards and accolades won by the restaurants that make up the Rockpool Restaurant Group are a testament to this. Capacities - Various dining spaces in the venue; up to 20 guests can be seated for private dining.

Café Sydney
Café Sydney captures the essence of Sydney, with its amazing rooftop location at Customs House in Circular Quay, spectacular harbour views, delicious food, an outdoor terrace, a cocktail lounge, and a relaxed, contemporary interior.  Cafe Sydney is one of Sydney's most stunning private dining rooms, with terrace access and harbour views. Capacities: 140 pax seated and 325 for cocktails

Doyles Restaurant
Doyles on the Beach is located on the promenade of Watsons Bay. Doyle’s family business started in the early 1800s when a small hut was built on the current site to sell freshly caught fish. This later became a small dining room for selling cooked fish before the business was expanded into today’s famous Doyles Restaurant. Capacity 110 pax

The Ivy
A sophisticated urban playground for grownups, Ivy Bar is purpose-built to entertain. The Ivy’s world-class design, impeccable service, and great food ensure the perfect night, and it is Sydney’s only rooftop pool bar with numerous event spaces.

InterContinental Sydney
Overlooking one of the world’s most stunning harbours, with the central business district and city attractions on its doorstep, is InterContinental Sydney.  Built around the heritage-listed 1851 Treasury Building, the hotel is a Sydney landmark, combining unique charm and ambience with the highest levels of facilities.

Located next to the Royal Botanic Gardens and Circular Quay, InterContinental Sydney’s 509 contemporary guest rooms and suites are designed along classical lines - but with a new, urban feel.

Four Seasons Hotel
Overlooking Sydney Harbour, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney puts guests near the city’s vibrant shopping and business centres. The 531 rooms and suites feature some of the most luxurious interiors in Sydney. The three-level atrium-style lobby is the gateway to the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney experience: award-winning restaurant and bars, comprehensive day spa and fitness centre with sauna and heated outdoor pool and plenty of meeting and function spaces

PORT DOUGLAS

Outer Reef Cruises
Outer Reef Cruises is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; your group is given the option to dive or snorkel to explore the stunning reef and marine life that the Great Barrier Reef has to offer. Another advantage of the boat is its unique underwater viewing platform and observatory, which enable passengers to observe marine life. Whatever your group has chosen, it’s a guarantee that you’ll take a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder. Max capacity 270 guests

Great Barrier Reef Helicopter
Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Helicopters is one of the largest and most experienced helicopter operators in Tropical North Queensland.  We were picked up from the Great Barrier Reef and flown to our hotel; it was an amazing experience travelling over the reef, and when we landed at the Sea Temple Hotel, canapés and champagne were waiting for us. An experience of a lifetime. Capacity for groups: 12 people at any one time.

Flames of the Forest Restaurant
Flames of the Forest Restaurant is 10 minutes away from Port Douglas and a world away from the everyday.

It is Australia's only rainforest-based unique dining experience, and your unique rainforest adventure comes alive at night, combining local produce with the stunning beauty of the surrounding forest! Beside the flames of the bonfire, two local Aborigines play the didgeridoo, pausing to allow guests to listen to the sounds and sights of the living forest around them.  Caters for groups of 10 to 950 guests for dinner.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
At Hartley Lagoon, you can tour the wetlands on a boat cruise and also watch a crocodile lunge out of water during pole feeding, as well as view a live demonstration of the crocodile death roll and head shake. For groups, you can arrange for a keeper to talk about the Koala habitat and the group can enjoy time interacting with a Koala. There are various event spaces, and you can arrange a fun cocktail function with the Kangaroos for 80 pax.

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
I really loved this hotel - the Sea Temple is beautifully located on the beachfront of a four-mile beach, just five kilometres from Port Douglas’ Town Centre.  It has a large lagoon pool and 194 beautifully detailed guest rooms as well as studios, apartments, penthouses and three-bedroom villas.

It also features the Sea Temple Golf and Country Club, an internationally recognised 18-hole Links-style course located directly adjacent to the resort, along with housing the newest, most luxurious day spa in Port Douglas.

All rooms feature king- or queen-sized beds, surrounded by sandstone, timber, flowing fabrics, and glass, combined to create an atmosphere of calm and tranquillity.   The Pullman also has good meeting facilities for groups.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas
The Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas is a resort in North Queensland with a four-mile beach, nestled between two World Heritage-listed attractions - The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Set on 130 hectares of tropical landscaped gardens, it offers a championship 18-hole golf course, plus 2 hectares of magnificent swimmable saltwater lagoons. The Sheraton Grand Mirage boasts superbly appointed rooms, suites and private villas.

Summary
In summary, Australia has the ‘wow’ factor: diving at the Great Barrier Reef with helicopter transfers back to the hotel through breathtaking rainforests, dinner overlooking Ayers Rock, climbing the Sydney Bridge, and a Harley-Davidson bike ride around Sydney; these are just a few highlights of this amazing destination.

Australia is well connected from the UK, with a wide choice of one-stop services and selected direct options. Our DMC partner can advise on the best routing for your group.

This visit was brought to you by our DMC, Arinex