One great thing about flying into Perth for meetings and conferences is that you don’t need to adjust your watch if you are coming from major Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing or Shanghai. Sharing the same time zone also means that Asian groups are spared the customary jetlag had they chosen a destination in North America or Europe.
A land of seemingly eternal sunshine, where rainfall is minimal and temperatures average between 13°C and 25°C, Perth provides a pleasant change of pace for event planners, who can mostly scratch off weather-related contingency planning from their to-do lists.
Like other capital cities across Australia, this primary city of the state of Western Australia is keen on carving out its own identity in a way that makes it stand out from the rest.
At the recent Dreamtime event, organised by Business Events Australia and held from November 13 to 18 last year, Perth was one of the cities selected for the four-day educational programme for corporate event buyers, before the event moved to host city Sydney for its second and final leg.
Perth seized the opportunity to show off not only its newest venues but also a series of unique experiences that could add a sparkle to any itinerary. Below were the key highlights of the programme:
BURSWOOD ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
The city’s fully integrated entertainment precinct houses two hotels, including the InterContinental Perth Burswood, where the Dreamtime group was billeted; bars, restaurants and entertainment venues such as the Burswood Theatre and Burswood Dome, which stage the latest musicals and concerts. It is also home to a unique Summer Marquee that goes up between October and January, providing companies with another outdoor entertainment option. The spacious tent can cater exclusively to more than 450 people, with enough space for a dance floor, a band, a stage and audio-visual screens.
ROCKINGHAM WILD ENCOUNTERS AND FREMANTLE VISIT
Take a 40-minute drive from Perth to Rockingham Bay and spend the morning on a private morning charter cruise with a chance to interact with wild dolphins, sea lions, pelicans and penguins. Then, enjoy the buzz and atmosphere of Fremantle’s Cappuccino Strip and explore the famed Fremantle Markets. A pre-dinner stroll with a local tour guide from Two Feet and a Heartbeat offers an insight into Perth’s past and present.
CRUISING ABOARD CRYSTAL SWAN
This unique two-storey floating venue looks nothing like a boat but it takes its passengers on a cruise up the Swan River to watch the landscape change from city skyline to riverside suburbs. Sailing can be scheduled any time of the day from breakfast to a dinner cruise. Groups can hold conferences as well as team-building sessions in the venue, which can hold up to 200 people.
TRANSFER VIA A LIMO-COACH
Let your group travel in style aboard the 30-seater Diamond Lounge, a luxury bus that has had a lavish custom refit. Passengers sit on cushioned sofas while drinks are being served from the bar. On the way to their next appointment, your group can enjoy a round of videoke or simply relax to the onboard music.
CAVERSHAM NATIONAL PARK AND SANDALWOOD WINERY
Get within touching distance of kangaroos, koalas and wombats at the Caversham National Park. Group visits are allowed and delegates get to pet and feed the animals. Afterwards, head down to Sandalwood Winery for a wine-blending competition just before lunch.
ARCHERY AND LASER CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING
Spend a few hours in the sun at the Vines Golf Resort and Country Lounge, which has spacious lawns for an outdoor team-building activity. Dig deep and connect to your inner Robin Hood as you try your hand at archery and then give your hand-eye coordination a test with a round of laser clay pigeon shooting.
DINNER AT LAMONT’S BISHOP HOUSE
This heritage building is perfect for a stylish meal for small, exclusive groups. Cocktails can be enjoyed alfresco while two country singers provide live music.
BREAKFAST PICNIC AND DRUMMING SESSION AT KINGS PARK
A gourmet breakfast spread is served under a tent in the middle of Kings Park, complete with uniformed waiters. Once you have eaten your fill, burn off some of the calories with an interactive drumming session conducted by Human Rhythms, which specialises in providing group sessions on non-verbal communication.
“A land of seemingly eternal sunshine, Perth offers a pleasant change of pace for event planners”
“The city is keen on carving its own identity in a way that makes it stand out from the Rest”
CONTACT Perth Convention Bureau
TEL +61 8 9218 2900
EMAIL info@pcb.com.au
WEBSITE www.pcb.com.au
