1 August, 2012

Destination profile: Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is known as a retirement destination, but don’t let this put you off – they retire there for a reason.

Port Macquarie’s secluded stretches of ocean and rivers, often graced by dolphins and whales, are worth the visit alone. What surprised The Nibbler on a recent MICE famil was the concentration of diverse venues that pull out all the stops when catering for business events. Well serviced by Virgin and Qantas flights, Port Macquarie offers a combination of nature, convenience and top class facilities.

The Glasshouse is a three-year old arts, conference and entertainment venue. Since opening, the venue has hosted over 1000 events, conferences and shows. The main theatre is a showstopper with curved wooden walls that permits fabulous acoustics. Exhibitions can be held in the foyer areas that accommodate up to 30 booths and feature floor to ceiling glass windows. The space is versatile enough to have hosted political party conferences and annual ironman competitions in the past.

Rydges Port Macquarie overlooks the Hastings River and glass fireplaces are the centrepiece of the restaurant and bar. The Zebu Bar and Grill offers a great ambience with first class service and stocks wine from the local Cassegrain Vineyards.

If you’re impressed by the local drop, the Cassegrain Winery is a 15 minute drive from the CBD and caters for corporate events. Drinks and dinner events can be held in the cellar door while the barrel room stacked high with wine casks makes for an intimate and unique event.

In terms of accommodation, self catering apartments provide delegates with a work and living space. One and two bedroom apartments are offered at Rydges, The Observatory and Macquarie Waters and these hotels are situated within a five minute walking radius to the CBD.

A little further out, Bonny Hills Surf Club offers views of a miles-long beach that is just as enticing as the food served by its Fat Fish restaurant. Whether you’re in a business suit or a bathing suit, all are welcome. A large event space next to the restaurant offers the same beach vista with full length windows and a balcony.

All the facilities visited take advantage of the region’s scenery so delegates’ eyes may wander. Combining your event with outdoor activities may alleviate their wanderlust and there are many to choose from.

A visit to the Amber Healing Farm will immediately acclimatise delegates to the relaxed pace of Port Macquarie. Jean Davy is the host for this organic farm stay and she is renowned for cooking delicious organic whole food. Colourful dishes of beetroot and carrot wrapped in organic nettle, sprouted alfalfa and pepita seed pastry – tastier than it sounds – can be eaten in the garden, next to a tee-pee and wind chimes. Group cooking classes can be arranged as well as seminars on reiki and healing.

The relaxation continues at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre where raised platforms enable a walking meditation without the risk of tripping on a tree root. Our meditation guide encourages the group to be present in the moment and breathe as you step. For even more nature, corporate groups can take to the sea to spot migrating humpback whales from July to October on board Port Venture Cruises.

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