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Read up on the latest venues to unveil a new look or throw open its doors
Hunter Valley welcomes $ 28 million resort development
A new $ 28 million resort-style hotel at Huntlee Tavern in North Rothbury will add much-needed accommodation capacity to the Hunter Valley events market when it opens, featuring 61 guest rooms and flexible function spaces.
The five-storey development addresses a key challenge for EAs organising regional events- securing room blocks for larger groups. You’ ll find the 114-space basement car park eliminates the usual parking scramble at vineyard venues, while the penthouse suite doubles as an intimate event space for up to 80 guests – perfect for executive dinners or VIP receptions. For corporate programs, your exec will love the all-weather beer garden with a performance stage, on-site restaurant and bar facilities.
Located minutes from the Hunter Expressway, it provides easier access than many established vineyard venues, reducing transfer times and costs. The development specifically targets the short-stay business market, meaning rooms should be more readily available than at leisurefocused properties that book out months ahead for weekend weddings. S
Geelong’ s Cunningham Pier transformation
How does a waterfront conference space with views across Corio Bay sound? We’ re about to find out as Tim Gurner and Costa Property Group’ s redevelopment of Cunningham Pier creates Geelong’ s first six-star hotel and events precinct.
The mixed-use development preserves the pier’ s heritage while introducing contemporary meeting facilities, luxury accommodation and multiple dining venues under one roof. For Melbourne-based organisations, it presents a premium alternative to CBD venues at potentially lower rates, with the added appeal of a waterfront location for conferences, product launches and incentive programs. Plans include purpose-built event spaces, outdoor function areas and the infrastructure to handle executivelevel events. The proximity to Melbourne( one hour), Avalon Airport( 20 minutes) and existing rail links makes it viable for day meetings as well as residential conferences. But that’ s not all – a proposed cruise ship berth could also open possibilities for unique arrival experiences for international incentive groups.
Construction timing depends on planning approvals following a design competition in early 2026. S
44 Executive PA | Spring Issue 2025