Corporate retreats provide a platform for strategising, improving morale by creating an environment gives your team a real boost. This in turn fosters better working relationships both internally and externally, ultimately improving productivity. First, it is essential to clarify the objectives of the retreat, to ensure that all activities align with your intended goal. When building the agenda and itinerary it is important to plan a range of team building activities to promote solidarity. This does not mean a trust fall exercise, there are many subtle and engaging ways to strengthen these relations, which in turn will leave attendees feeling more connected to your company’s mission and to each other.
We’ve handpicked a collection of the key corporate retreat destinations in Australia and New Zealand, in this four-part series we will explore the very best of what New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and New Zealand have to offer.
Let’s Explore Corporate Retreats in Queensland
Queensland is an Australian state covering the continent’s northeast, also known as the sunny state for its tropical and sub-tropical climates, boasting a coastline stretching almost 7,000km. The northern city of Cairns is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and tropical Daintree Rainforest. The offshore Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system which hosts thousands of marine species. The capital and the business epicenter, Brisbane, is flanked by the pristine beaches and natural wonders of the Sunshine Coast and the surfing beaches and bright lights of the Gold Coast. With so many destinations available for corporate retreats, here are our corporate retreat recommendations for Queensland.
BRISBANE & SURROUNDS
REGION IS KNOWN FOR // One of the State’s most spectacular natural wonder which sits on the edge of Sydney. The World Heritage listed destination has an abundant natural beauty ad offer a range of outdoor activities. Featuring the Three Sisters rock formation and an amazing geological landmark on the north escarpment of the Jamison Valley which is covered in rich Australian bushland.
REGION IS KNOWN FOR // Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city and offers an urban sophistication combined with its subtropical outdoor lifestyle and friendly locals. It as a sophisticated city offering a myriad of corporate retreat destinations in and within close proximity.
LOCATION // Brisbane Airport is located less than 20 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane CBD // 1 hour drive north of the Gold Coast CBD.
HOW TO GET THERE // Car, coach, or helicopter from Brisbane
KEY ACTIVITIES // Explore the burgeoning foodie scene, cruise or kayak along the Brisbane River, drink craft beer from a micro brewery by the river, visit an urban city winery, explore the many private dining experiences, delve into Brisbane's eclectic arts scene or take a cruise to Brisbane’s popular Moreton Island where delegates can try their hand at sand-boarding down the dunes or relax on a luxury yacht for the afternoon.
KEY VENUES WITH ONSITE ACCOMMODATION //
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Located in Brisbane city.
Ideal for small to medium guest numbers
This 5 star luxury hotel is quite enchanting, boosting 143 luxuriously appointed suites with uninterrupted views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline. Key features include a 23m infinity edge pool, restaurant and bar, an onsite signature restaurant featuring an extensive wine cellar housing over 6,000 bottles of the finest local and international wines paired with an exquisite private dining room seating up to 12 guests. Boasting a lavish piano bar suitable for up to 120 guests, this hotel really is a feast for your eyes and has all you need for an urban retreat. With 6 event spaces with a combined capacity of 208 guests cabaret style in the Ballroom which can be divided in to 3 smaller rooms and also 3 boardrooms, catering up to 16 guests.
Spicers Hidden Vale
Grandchester.
1 hour drive from the Brisbane city.
Ideal for up to 31 guests
A luxurious and traditional Australian homestead, specialising in genuine country hospitality, the 31 room retreat is nestled on 12,000 acres of farmland & Australian bush. Featuring a Chef’s Hat awarded restaurant - Homage, showcases the very best of the region and a walk-in 1600 bottle wine cellar for all wine lovers. The property itself features three large fireplaces, an 89 bed market garden with hand raised piglets, a smoke house and beehives. Team building group activities including Aircraft Adventure Challenge, GPS Challenge or Giant Foosball. On-site attractions include bush walking, two swimming pools and indulging in a relaxing Spa Anise treatment. With 2 meeting rooms with the largest room capacity of 96 guests cabaret style and a boardroom, catering up to 20 guests.
The Calile
Fortitude Valley.
12 minutes drive from Brisbane city.
Ideal for small to medium guest numbers
A subtropical 5 star resort on a city streetscape, exuberantes Miami and Mexico’s resort-style glamour. Located in the very trendy Fortitude Valley, the resort features 175 guest rooms, including nine suites and two premier suites, its like looking through a divine pair of rose-coloured glasses. Onsite dining experiences include delicious Greek cuisine at Hellenika restaurant, cocktails poolside, outdoor amphitheater experience ideal for exclusive performances or feast within the private dining room. Experience onsite yoga sessions, private movie sessions or explore the local area for offsite experiences. With 9 light filled meeting rooms with the largest room capacity of 72 guests cabaret style and a boardroom, catering up to 30 guests.
The Fantauzzo, Art Series Hotel
Located in the Brisbane City.
Ideal for small to medium guest numbers
Located in Brisbane’s newest hub, the revitalised Howard Smith Wharves on the Brisbane River and city. The 5 star hotel was named after award winning Australian painter Vincent Fantauzzo, renowned for his skill in portraiture and features 166-suites and apartments all with original artworks allowing you to experience art outside of a traditional gallery. Key features include an authentic Italian restaurant, Polpetta, Fiume Rooftop Bar, an infinity rooftop pool, entertainment deck for networking or private events. Access to onsite art tours, Fiat and Lekker bike hire and onsite secure parking. With 3 event spaces with a combined capacity of 48 guests cabaret style all with a private deck area, four penthouses for a more high end experience or a boardroom, catering up to 20 guests.
PROTIP: Having reliable internet access at a corporate retreat is more important than ever. Attendees expect to be able to connect a variety of devices ranging from mobile phones to tablets to laptops through a venue’s wi-fi. Presenters may have additional needs such as web demos, video streaming or video conferencing. How well a venue’s broadband service is, the speed and cost of the service or will you require a dedicate and private connection to ensure there are no interruptions by competing demands from other guests, are key factors you need to take into consideration. Also check the phone signal strength for the area too. Unless you want attendees to be completely cut off from civilisation?
SUNSHINE COAST, NOOSA & SURROUNDS
REGION IS KNOWN FOR // The region stretches north from the Glass House Mountains to regional centres such as Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum Beach and Noosa. With so much variety, ranging from the coastline to the hinterlands the Sunshine coast is a destination which can be revisited year on year.
LOCATION // The Sunshine Coast is 1.5 hours drive north of Brisbane. Noosa is 40 minutes’ drive north of the Sunshine Coast.
HOW TO GET THERE // Car, coach, or helicopter from Brisbane. Direct flights from Gold Coast and Brisbane airports to Sunshine Coast/ Maroochydore airport
KEY ACTIVITIES // There is an emphasis on outdoor experiences from water activities, trail walks, right through to ultra-adventurous activities. Indulge at one of Noosa's best day spas or explore the Hinterland food and wine scene, discover the local golf courses, farm gate tours, pick strawberries straight from the field or visit the Australia Zoo.
KEY VENUES WITH ONSITE ACCOMMODATION //
Makepeace Island
Noosa River.
30 minute drive from Sunshine Coast
2 hour drive north of Brisbane city.
The Island is a 10 minutes boat ride from the Noosa Marina.
Ideal for up to 11 guests
A 5 Star private luxury island getaway, boasting 11 villas across 25 acres of Australian bushland and wildlife, and authentic Balinese open air design. The heart shaped island is the private home of Sir Richard Branson and features, a full size tennis court, lagoon swimming pool, Hobie cat sailboats, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and equipment for wake-boarding, water skiing and river fishing. For a more slow-paced retreat, the island also has a variety of indoor and outdoor dining options locally sourced produce, an indoor theatre or outdoor moonlight cinema and cooking and cocktail masterclasses. The all-inclusive packaging allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience. With 2 meeting rooms suitable for a boardroom capacity of 22 guests.
Sofitel Noosa
Noosa Heads.
40 minutes drive north of the Sunshine Coast
2 hours drive north of Brisbane city.
Ideal for small to medium guest numbers
A 5 star luxury resort, perfectly position in the heart of Noosa, featuring 176 premium studios, suites & villas embracing a French chic yet contemporary coastal vibe. Key features include an on-site restaurant, a day spa and wellness centre, an impressively large heated outdoor pool with swim up bar, tennis court and bicycle hire, and jet skiing, sailing and private boat rental within a short walk. With 8 meeting rooms all with natural light, you'll find the ideal venue for business meetings, events & celebrations with a capacity of up to 160 guest capacity cabaret style or a boardroom, catering up to 30 guests.
Maleny, Sunshine Coast.
40 minutes drive south west from Sunshine Coast
Ideal for up to 22 guests
A 5 star stunning golf and spa resort this property is truly something special, featuring 100 guest rooms overlooking “The Vintage” fairways, Greg Norman-designed golf 18 hole golf course. Onsite features include award-winning day spa with 20 treatment rooms, Hydrotherapy lounge and two hot salt water 'thalassotherapy' outdoor hot tubs, a swimming pool, outdoor lawn areas for team building activities. The onsite a modern Australia, la carte style restaurant serves locally sourced produce & wines, also offering a wine lounge bar with an extensive, wine list and a private dining room for up to 14 guests. With 5 event and meeting rooms catering for up to 90 guests cabaret style for larger retreats or 27 guests within the Barrington Room, boardroom style.
NOT QUITE QUEENSLAND - BYRON BAY & SURROUNDS
REGION IS KNOWN FOR // Whilst located in New South Wales this popular destination is Australia's easternmost point. It has entirely transformed from hippy and artist vibes to boho-luxe wellness epicenter providing an inspirational environment to refocus, develop big ideas, flame the creative conversation, refresh and renew.
LOCATION // 1 hour drive south of the Gold Coast. 2 hours drive south of the Brisbane.
HOW TO GET THERE // Car, coach or helicopter from the Gold Coast
KEY ACTIVITIES // Enjoy whale and dolphin watching, kayaking, nature and trail walks, art tours, wellness and yoga classes, hot air ballooning and adventure tours, food, distillery and brewery tours, cooking and chocolate making classes and enjoy a visit to The Farm a foodie haven set on 80-acre farm and Macadamia Orchard.
KEY VENUES WITH ONSITE ACCOMMODATION //
Bryon at Bryon, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort
Bryon Bay. 2 hour drive south of Brisbane
Ideal for small to medium guest numbers
A 5 star luxury resort and spa with 92 self-contained rooms with kitchen, living, dining area & two balconies nestled across 45 acres of lush subtropical rainforest and only a short walk to Tallow Beach. It’s the ultimate place to switch off, escape and delve deep into corporate strategy and agendas. There are features you’d expect from a world-class hotel: an outdoor infinity pool, tennis court, yoga classes, meditation walk and lotus garden, day spa and indoor restaurant and outdoor dining. Bike rental and complimentary shuttle bus to Byron town centre. With 5 event spaces, the largest capacity of 120 guests cabaret style, and a boardroom, catering up to 20 guests.
Elements of Bryon – MGallery by Sofitel
Belongil Beach, Bryon Bay.
2 hour drive south of Brisbane
Ideal for small to large guest numbers
A 5 star absolute beachfront resort situated over 50 acres of grasslands, natural waterways and forest. The 193 free-standing luxury villas with a driftwood and neutral tone design, overlooking ocean, forest, lake or pond. Key features include an onsite restaurant, bars, a café and a private dining room with the capacity for 16 guests, also includes an infinity lagoon pool, beach club, sunken fire pit, wellness centre and day spa with 5 treatment rooms, outdoor fitness circuit, tennis courts & Bocce available, onsite forest eco walking trails and complimentary shuttles to Byron Bay city centre. With 2 indoor event spaces each with breakout courtyards and a private bar, suitable for up to 200 guests cabaret style, a collection of outdoor event spaces and a boardroom catering for up to 24 guests.
Newrybar Downs
Newrybar, Bryon Bay.
2 hour drive south of Brisbane
20 minutes from Byron Bay Centre
Ideal for up to 5 guests
A secluded luxury private estate promising total privacy across the 10 acres of park-like gardens and sweeping lawns nestled in the hinterland of Byron Bay. Boosting 5 sophisticated guest rooms and 4 bathrooms, this estate allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience that will leave them feeling nourished and revived. Key features include in house catering, private chef experience, a swimming pool, relaxed cabana area and within close proximity to external restaurants. With a range of onsite activities including art and pottery classes, work / life nutritional balance classes, yoga, and outdoor lawn areas for team building activities including a bowling green and onsite disc golf – 8 holes set up around the property. With 2 dining rooms and 2 living areas, this estate if ideal for smaller corporate retreats for 5 guests.
Planning a corporate retreat can be overwhelming. It’s not just about selecting the right destination for your audience, it’s also all those touch points that make it memorable experience. Key Society is continually exploring new concepts and interesting corporate retreat destinations and experiences that are both unique and offer something special for our clients. We will work with you to explore, curate, and confirm the most suitable destination for your corporate retreat.
States and territories have individual quarantine arrangements, social distancing and safety practices in place to stop the spread of covid-19. We are working together with resorts, retreats and other accommodation providers to find solutions as we navigate our way through this time and prepare for the different stages of government restrictions. It is essential to take this into account when planning a corporate retreat.
ABOUT KEY SOCIETY
Venue sourcing & event management specialising in corporate events, Australia-wide. We are venue matchmakers, event curators and through open dialog & collaboration, we ensure your audience understands your brand story to develop memorable experiences that stir conversations, emotions & shareable moments. From conception to delivery, it’s the personalised approach that will unlock your event's potential. Contact us to explore your event and corporate retreat options
Natalie Young – Key Society
0410 419 904