Queensland ’ s Sunshine Coast plays to its natural advantages
ith an extended runway and plans for a massive upgrade of its airport , Queensland ’ s Sunshine Coast is looking to grow its international meetings and incentives market by targeting residential conferences and small incentive groups with its nature-based attractions .
The region has three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves sitting side by side , with the Sunshine Coast recently joining the existing Noosa Biosphere Reserve and Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve .
It is a region of renowned beaches , hinterland , produce and lifestyle , all attractive qualities for meeting planners that place a high emphasis on sustainable and environmental travel .
The Sunshine Coast , it was confirmed in 2022 , will play an integral role in the 2032 Olympic Games , hosting football , basketball , marathon , mountain biking , cycling and kiteboarding . The inclusion of the Sunshine Coast as a venue for a range of outdoor sports highlights the region ’ s strengths in experiential and adventure-based tourism . And Brisbane ’ s international airport is less than 90 minutes from the Sunshine Coast .
Sunshine Coast operators are offering incentive groups specialised activities using the biosphere corridor for eco-tours such as guided luxe trekking , combining the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk with a Rainforest Retreat , or kayaking in the Noosa Everglades and staying in glamping villas .
Incentive groups can have their own private sanctuary on an exclusive island just a few minutes from Noosa , part-owner Sir Richard Branson ’ s Makepeace Island is available for group bookings of up to 20 . At the southern end of the coast Australia Zoo ’ s new Crocodile Hunter Lodge includes luxury cabins , a group camping ground , a restaurant catering for up to 200 guests , animal enclosures and a 25-metre infinity pool overlooking bushland .
Along the coast you can take an Indigenous owned Saltwater Eco Tour , while Sunreef operates cruises off the coast for dolphin viewing and snorkelling , while in winter ‘ swimming with whales ’ is a big attraction .
The Sunshine Coast can offer an abundance of culinary ideas and alfresco dining to events in nature settings , as well as cooking classes with local chefs .
To accompany the local cuisine , the Sunshine Coast has recently attained the status as Australia ’ s Craft Beer Capital , with over 20 individual craft breweries producing award winning brews . Organised tours are available to take groups on farm gate and paddock to brewery tours .
One of the most significant changes to the Sunshine Coast in recent years has been the establishment of a dedicated high-tech ‘ capital ’ at Maroochydore , with a range of venues servicing the growing number of corporate groups taking advantage of Queensland ’ s first direct international data and telecommunications submarine cable connection to global markets . The Sunshine Coast now provides the fastest international connection point from Queensland and east Australia to Asia , a significant step-change in the Sunshine Coast ’ s attractiveness as a destination for global conferences .
The Sunshine Coast Convention Centre gives the destination capacity for hosting larger conferences and events for up to 1,000 delegates . And nature is at the fore at the Centre with seven of the conference spaces graced with natural light . There is resort accommodation adjoining .
The region begins at the Glass House Mountains and goes all the way to Noosa and Rainbow Beach ( the transit point for Fraser Island ) in the north . A verdant hinterland stretches up to Mary Valley in the north , where one of Australia ’ s most historic steam railways operates .
More details : https :// businesseventssunshinecoast . com /