A successful corporate retreat can energize and unify your companies leadership around shared goals and priorities. Every element at the retreat from the agenda, attendees, destination, to design, must all fall from your specific business goals. What will be different as a result of this retreat? Is the purpose to foster a collective vision? Or to have attendees on the same page and working in the same direction or is it to improve working relationships increasing trust & morale? Given the disruption COVID-19 has had on many businesses, once the government has lifted the isolation restrictions, how will you travel through the road to recovery?
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 Victoria
Victoria encompasses some of the most scenic mountains, world-class wineries to natural springs, coastal villages, peninsulas and alpine towns, national parks and surfing beaches. Victoria is perfectly positioned for excellent corporate retreat destinations with most only short drive from the busy city of Melbourne. Here are our recommendations for Victoria.
DAYLESFORD & HEPBURN SPRINGS
REGION IS KNOWN FOR // Located in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range of Victoria, the region boasts the largest number of natural mineral water springs in Australia and the largest concentration of holistic therapists in the southern hemisphere leave guests feeling relaxed and revitalised. Feast on superb food and wine at its source and explore pretty townships full of country charm.
LOCATION // 1.5 hours drive north-west of Melbourne
HOW TO GET THERE // Car, coach or helicopter from Melbourne
KEY ACTIVITIES // Enjoy GPS-guided walking or running hikes through the Wombat State Forest, horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, quad biking, hot air ballooning and trout fishing or play on one of the three local golf courses, visit the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens or Wild Action Zoo. Indulge in an Italian cooking class, painting & glass art class and for well-being activities try yoga or one of the many indulgent wellness day spas or a mineral spa bath at the famous Hepburn Bathhouse.
KEY VENUES WITH ONSITE ACCOMMODATION //
Lancefield. 1 hour drive from Melbourne
Ideal for small to medium guest numbers
A 4 star resort and winery, situated in the historic country township of Lancefield, surrounded by over 100 acres of vineyards and country gardens and a small lake. The destination features 50 country style guest suites, the resort also includes an original country Homestead built in 1887 boasting private lounges, dining room and six suites. Cleveland Winery has an underground Cellar Door, onsite a la carte restaurant & wood-fired pizza oven, tennis court, cooking classes, laser clay target shooting & archery, garden maze, Segway adventures, walking and running trails including through nearby local attraction such as Hanging Rock. With 3 meeting rooms catering for up to 64 guests cabaret style and a boardroom catering for up to 10 guests.
Lake House Daylesford. 1.5 hours drive north west of Melbourne
Part of the Luxury Lodges of Australia
Ideal for up to 34 guests
A 5 star tranquil retreat set on the shores of picturesque Lake Daylesford. The village like cluster of cream buildings nestle in amongst 6 acres of towering trees, country gardens and winding paths. Featuring 34-room rural lodges and a state-of-the-art day spa with ten treatment rooms, onsite cooking classes, yoga and tai chi sessions, Visit the onsite ”ARTIST STUDIO” of Renowned artist Allan Wolf-Tasker, tennis court, outdoor hot tub & sauna, private cellar and tasting room, onsite restaurant with a private dining room seating up to 18 guests. With 5 meeting rooms catering for up to 150 guests cabaret style and a boardroom, catering for up to 50 guests.
Hepburn Springs. 1.5 hours drive north west of Melbourne
Ideal for up to 40 guests
A 4 star elegant 1930’s Daylesford hotel, transformed into a deluxe retreat that seamlessly blends heritage architecture and contemporary interiors. Featuring 40 Art Deco inspired rooms, award winning Mineral Spa and stylish dining options including the onsite signature restaurant – the Argus Dining Room with a private dining room seating up to 12 guests. This hotel really is a destination worth visiting. With 3 meeting rooms catering for up to 63 guests cabaret style and a boardroom catering for up to 30 guests.
PROTIP: Beyond the corporate retreat business agenda, it's important to also create opportunities for increasing engagement and networking. There’s a myriad of different experiences within each destination to consider and its important to cater for all interest levels, group sizes, age and fitness appropriateness of each experiences, from cheese and wine tasting, golf including lessons from a pro, cooking or painting classes, Lip Sync Battle, outdoor and adventure activities, CSR or community programs, or a chef's table experience just to name a few.
GEELONG & THE BELLARINE
REGION IS KNOWN FOR // Explore Victoria’s second largest city, Geelong, the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road. With its collection of towns fronting the sandy beaches of Port Phillip and the ocean waters of Bass Strait. The Bellarine Peninsula is also an acclaimed food destination with its collection of wineries, breweries, farm gates and dining establishments.
LOCATION // 1 hour drive south-west of Melbourne
HOW TO GET THERE // Car, coach, Port Phillip ferry or helicopter from Melbourne
KEY ACTIVITIES // Explore the burgeoning foodie scene, complete with craft breweries, 40 local cellar doors and wineries including the Jack Rabbit Vineyard. Visit farm gates and provedores. Surf, sail, paddle and swim at bay and ocean beaches, explore the local trail rides and tour the Great Ocean Road with its dramatic rock sculptures and soaring views.
KEY VENUES WITH ONSITE ACCOMMODATION //
Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
Werribee. 30 minutes’ drive of Melbourne
Ideal for small to medium guest numbers
An illustrious Italianate mansion dating back to the 1870s, the 5 star hotel was voted ninth best hotel in Australia and the Pacific in the 2019 Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Set across beautifully manicured English gardens with access to the historic Werribee Mansion, farmhouse, famous State rose gardenand only metres away from Werribee open range zoo and Shadowfax Winery. The 91 room hotel features an onsite restaurant, day spa with eight treatment rooms and indoor heated swimming pool. With 9 contemporary meeting rooms catering for up to 112 guests cabaret style and a boardroom, catering for up to 44 guests.
Lon Retreat
Point Lonsdale, Bellarine Peninsula. 1.5 hour drive from the Melbourne CBD
Ideal for up to 7 guests
A 5 star luxury retreat, with 7 suites spread throughout the sandstone retreat, each individually designed with its own unique character and connection to the ocean, lakes and surrounding farmland. Nestled over 200 acres of rural and conservation land, hidden away on a hill by the ocean in Point Lonsdale and Bellarine Peninsula. On-site attractions include private beach access, honesty bar, makers & growers pantry, a mineral water fed indoor heated pool, private art gallery exhibiting local art & photography. With 3 stylishly appointed meeting rooms catering for up 64 guests cabaret style and a boardroom, catering for up to 18 guests.
RACV Torquay Resort
Torquay. 1.5 hour drive from the Melbourne CBD
Ideal for small to medium guest numbers
A 5 star hotel perched within the backdrop of the Torquay and Jan Juc beaches, the resort is set on an expansive golf course with spectacular ocean views and beach access. Voted Australia’s 8th best luxury hotel in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2019 ranked #1 resort in the area and ranking amid the top ten of the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Australia. The property boasts 92 luxuriously appointed rooms including 4 suites. Key features include onsite an 18 hole golf course, day spa, flood lit tennis courts, and heated pool. With 11 meeting rooms catering for up to 216 guests cabaret style and a boardroom, catering for up to 36 guests.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
REGION IS KNOWN FOR // Located in south-east of Melbourne the Mornington Peninsula where seaside towns meets local wineries and some of Victoria’s most remarkable restaurants. With 60 wineries in the region, the cool, maritime climate is particularly noted for pinot noir and chardonnay. And also known for some of the world's best natural golfing terrain with 20 golf courses along the coast and country, of which three are rated in Australia’s top 10.
LOCATION // 1 hour drive south-east of Melbourne
HOW TO GET THERE // Car, coach or helicopter from Melbourne
KEY ACTIVITIES // Explore the local vineyards and cellar doors, ride, slide, zip or wander through adventure gardens, beautiful landscapes, or stroll along boardwalks through wetlands. Discover the Peninsula's love affair with wine, fresh produce, seafood and bountiful food. Visit the fragrant lavender farm, meandering hedge mazes and gardens with towering trees from the 1860s. Diving, fishing, sailing charters and swimming with dolphins. And of course, visit one of the many golf courses, suitable for a novice, regular golfer or expert level.
KEY VENUES WITH ONSITE ACCOMMODATION //
Flinders Mornington Peninsula
Ideal for up to 40 guests
A 4.5 star boutique corporate escape with 40 architecturally designed guest rooms positioned 100 metres from the coastline, at the foot of the historic Flinders village, the location is spectacular. With a warm and welcoming onsite bar and bistro, separate private dining area with seasonal menu options, a purpose built onsite Miele kitchen for hands-on cooking experiences and cocktail master classes, this hotel is s true escape. With 3 light filled meeting rooms catering for up to 80 guests cabaret style and a boardroom, catering for up to 15 guests.
Merricks North, Mornington Peninsula
Ideal for up to 44 guests
This 5 star retreat is the ultimate in luxury accommodation with 44 lavish rooms and two penthouse style lairs. The hotel boasts jet-black, zinc-clad exterior, it stands in sharp contrast to the rural farms and rolling vineyards. Featuring 5 dining options including Rare Hare Hatted dining and the Willow Creek Vineyard cellar door, the property also includes a 30-metre outdoor infinity pool and onsite day spa. This is the quintessential location for a corporate retreat with 1 meeting room overlooking the onsite 11-hectare vineyard, caters for up to 48 guests cabaret style and a boardroom catering for up to 20 guests.
Fingal, Mornington Peninsula
Ideal for small to medium guest numbers
A 5 star resort featuring 89 luxurious accommodation rooms, suites and lodges. This modern and stylish Mornington Peninsula accommodation is very popular with avid golfers, housing two onsite championship courses, driving range and putting green. This well-appointed hotel has an onsite restaurant and private dining experiences including indoor and outdoor options, heated outdoor salt water pool, Endota day spa, volleyball and badminton courts, bikes for hire and croquet grass courts. With 4 meeting room overlooking the onsite 11-hectare vineyard, caters for up to 88 guests cabaret style and 3 Executive Lodges with boardroom, catering for up to 40 guests each.
Planning a corporate retreat can be overwhelming, and it isn’t only about selecting the right destination for your audience, it’s 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 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