The real West Side story
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For the beautiful beaches, sunny weather and friendly locals, visitors, both Australian and international, always enjoy their stay in Western Australia. However, it is not just the stunning natural attractions that have boosted the west’s reputation as a prime location for third sector events.
Whether you are considering a bustling, vibrant location like Perth or a quieter spot like Margaret River, Western Australia offers world-class services and venues for any business function, from conferences and meetings to cocktail dinners and balls to trade shows and launches.
Perth
In 2008, the state-of-the-art Perth Convention Exhibition Centre (PCEC) held the Fundraising Institute of Australia 31st International Conference and the Australian Pipeline Industry Association Convention. This year the centre will play host to the Hunter Hall Ethical Investments Free the Bears Fund Gala, to be hosted by Rove McManus, as well as the Australian Health Promotion Association Annual Conference.
Since the PCEC opened in August 2004, Perth’s International Congress & Convention Association rating has skyrocketed and the centre has received a number of industry awards, including the prestigious ‘Gold Plate Award 2008′ for venue caterer, which was presented by the Catering Institute of Australia.
Centrally located in the heart of the city, the uniquely designed PCEC can cater for up to 5,000 delegates. The venue’s major facilities include: six exhibition pavilions; Riverside Theatre, a 2,500-seat tiered theatre; 23 specialist meeting rooms, varying in size; and BelleVue Ballrooms, with spectacular views of Perth’s sparkling Swan River.
The $220 million PCEC offers first-class support facilities for event organisers and delegates, including a business centre, green room, organisers’ office suites, cloakrooms, VIP room, media room and cafe. Office areas and cafes are also featured within each of the six pavilions.
Another major events site is the Sheraton Perth Hotel. From the Grand River Ballroom, with its sweeping views of the Swan River and 700-person capacity, to the new executive boardrooms, the Sheraton offers facilities for a function of any size. The hotel also provides the convenience of on-site accommodation.
The Burswood Entertainment Complex offers five-star services for events large and small. The complex’s facilities include two international hotels, a range of bars and restaurants, nightclub, 24-hour casino, golf course and live entertainment, making it a choice convention package.
Fremantle
Just a short 20-minute drive from the Perth CBD is the picturesque seaside suburb of Fremantle, which boasts the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world with its world-famous heritage buildings and fascinating maritime and convict history.
Fremantle’s 4.5-star International Esplanade Hotel, which just last year hosted the annual conventions for both the National Environmental Law Association and the Australian Wildlife Management Society, houses the Southern Cross Gala Ballroom, which is West Australia’s third largest. The Esplanade Hotel offers an outstanding choice of event venues, whether it be a boardroom meeting of 10 or a conference of 1,000. The venue also won the 2006 and 2007 Australian Hotels Association Conference & Banquet Service Awards.
Margaret River
Want to avoid the hubbub of the city while still maintaining a cosmopolitan lifestyle? Located just a three and a half hour drive south of Perth, Margaret River is a charming escape with spectacular beaches, majestic forests and world-class wineries. Originally a town known primarily for its surfing, Margaret River has evolved into a cultural hub of exquisite wine, gourmet dining and has a thriving arts scene.
Bordered by the lush tranquil forest, the centrally located Quest Margaret River can cater for meetings and small conferences of up to 45 delegates. Services to provide morning tea, afternoon tea and lunch for any business function can also be arranged. Luxury on-site accommodation is also available.
If you are considering a slightly larger event in the area, the beautiful heritage-listed Caves House Hotel houses two state-of-the-art conference rooms and can cater for up to 150 delegates. Situated by the beach in Yallingup, in the heart of the Margaret River wine region, three hour’s drive south of Perth, the Caves House Hotel is set in 4.5 hectares of beautiful manicured gardens.
The 138 square metre Yallingup Room boasts high, ornate ceilings, a fireplace and glass and wooden doors that open out to a veranda overlooking the extensive gardens, which can be used as a break out area. For these events, the hotel also offers a wide variety of menu options, ranging from tea and coffee packages to breakfast, lunch and dinner, which can be served in the meeting room, restaurant or gardens. Luxury on site accommodation is also available.
Broome
Situated in Western Australia’s far north, a two-and-a-half hour flight from Perth, the exotic pearling town of Broome is an oasis of colour, culture and eclectic characters.
From fiery red ochre cliffs and bright turquoise waters to multicultural pearl diving sagas and dinosaur footprints, Broome’s history is just as captivating as its vibrant landscape.
Set against the dazzling white sands of Cable Beach and at the foot of the alluringly beautiful Kimberley region, the Cable Club Resort can cater for a range of corporate events in a wide variety of settings, comfortably accommodating groups of 10 up to 200. A wide selection of lush on site accommodation is also available.
Overlooking the spectacular Roebuck Bay, Broome’s Mangrove Resort Hotel offers excellent meeting facilities with two large, furnished function rooms. Situated a short walking distance from Chinatown and boasting several prime accommodation options, the Mangrove Resort Hotel could be an ideal setting for your next event.
