Helicopters, wineries and an action-packed safari: Your ultimate incentive itinerary
On the hunt for an event destination that will both wow your delegates and support regional tourism?
Victoria’s second-largest city is undergoing a creative transformation, with loads of impressive new experiences just waiting to be uncovered.
From devastatingly hip converted industrial areas and heritage buildings to decadent wineries and spa retreats, the Geelong region is the perfect post-conference treat or incentive trip destination.
Still not convinced?
We’ve thrown together a dreamy incentive itinerary to give you a taste of what’s on offer.
DAY ONE
Morning activities
Delegates can arrive in style, departing from Melbourne’s Docklands on the Port Phillip Ferry and take in the magnificent waterfront city from the very best vantage point.
Fresh off the ferry, delegates can explore Geelong’s waterfront including a vintage 1890s carousel, art deco swimming pool and old-world boardwalk promenade, or follow the trail of 111 iconic bollards, each with an interesting story.
Lunch
The Pier Geelong is spectacularly located 250 metres out over the stunning Corio Bay, offering guests a view beyond compare.
Aside from its opulent event offerings, the venue offers informal dining with Wah Wah Gee (an Asian-inspired restaurant) and Wah Bah (a neon-filled rooftop bar).
Afternoon activities
Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre is an award-winning cultural experience offering authentic and immersive experiences.
Delegates can experience the world’s oldest living culture firsthand and learn how to throw a boomerang and sample some bush tucker before taking a guided walk through a native garden where they can hand-feed wallabies, kangaroos and emus.
Situated in what was once a historical textile mill, Little Creatures Geelong is a flavour-loving brewery akin to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory… except for beer.
Delegates can take a guided brewery tour where they will learn about the brewing process and try the full range of beers on offer.
Dinner
Finish the day at White Rabbit Barrel Hall, which is located at the heart of the brewery and offers quality, local produce, humbly presented and matched with beer.
Overnight
Delegates can get some much-needed shut-eye at the Lancemore Mansion Hotel in Werribee Park.
The illustrious mansion dates back to the 1970s and offers 91 luxuriously appointed and individual guest rooms with all the trimmings you would expect from a five-star retreat.
DAY TWO
Morning activities
A stone’s throw away from the hotel is the Werribee Open Range Zoo, where your delegates can be completely immersed in the sights and sounds of an African wildlife adventure.
Here, they can head out on an off-road safari then slip behind the scenes to meet lions and gorillas or give the zookeepers a helping hand-feeding a graceful giraffe.
Next up, Oakdene Vineyards has a boutique feel and art-filled gardens so delegates can get a little buzzed at a wine tasting before meandering among eclectic sculptures.
Lunch
As Australia’s premier rail restaurant, the Q Train offers delegates the chance to indulge in a unique experience, providing visitors with delicious fine dining in refurbished cars whilst enjoying unique views of Swan Bay and the Bellarine.
Afternoon activities
Delegates can spend the afternoon bonding during a golfing experience like no other at 13th Beach Golf Links.
Featuring two championship golf courses designed by Sir Nick Faldo and Tony Cashmore, a large clubhouse and lawn area, al fresco dining, private conferencing facilities and luxurious accommodation, 13th Beach Golf Links is the perfect venue to reward the ‘golfer’ in your team.
Later, delegates can take in the sights from a different angle with Geelong Helicopters and see Corio Bay, Geelong CBD, Barwon River the famous Bells Beach and Torquay, the gateway to the Great Ocean Road from the sky.
Dinner
With a menu to reflect its waterfront location, 360Q offers breathtaking views over Queenscliff
Harbour. Delegates can enjoy a cocktail and gourmet a la carte menu to top off the day.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
13th Beach Golf Links 360Q Delegates geelong Geelong Helicopters Geelong's waterfront heritage buildings Incentive industrial areas itinerary Lancemore Mansion Hote Little Creatures Geelong Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre Next up Oakdene Vineyards Port Phillip Ferry post-conference Q Train regional tourism spa retreat The Pier Geelong victoria Werribee Open Range Zoo White Rabbit Barrel Hall wineriesLatest News
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