A beautiful temperate climate can lend itself to some stunning outdoor experiences – both during the event and once the conference is concluded. But where in New South Wales offers this type of consistently comfortable weather alongside amazing local attractions? These are just some of the advantages of the conference destination that is Coffs Harbour, on the mid-north coast.
An easy 1-hour flight from either Sydney or Brisbane and only 8 minutes from the regional airport, BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort lies in a prime beachfront location just 5 minutes drive from the Coffs Harbour CBD. This resort is built for spectacular events, with flexible indoor and outdoor event space offering views of Diggers Beach, the coastline and lush, sub-tropical gardens.
Delegates can find inspiration and team building adventure in the many local and nearby experiences, not least World Heritage Listed Dorrigo National Park waterfalls, escarpments and breathtaking lookouts. The local seafood is famous for freshness and the region is rich in market produce.
We asked the Events Specialists at BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort for their top 5 regional experiences for organisers to pick and choose from – creative, inspiring, thrilling and adventurous things to see and do that make the most of the warm days, pastel sunsets and starry nights.
After a busy day filled with sessions, delegates often appreciate the opportunity to get outside in the fresh sea air and listen to the sound of the waves rolling in. Your BreakFree events team will place tables on the manicured resort lawns overlooking Diggers Beach – a great place to relax while dinner is served. The menu will be a showcase of fresh local produce, especially local seafood dishes like coconut prawns with citrus aioli or fresh Nambucca oysters with a raspberry and shallot vinaigrette. If you don’t think the star-studded sky will be atmosphere enough, you can opt for twinkling fairy lights and the soothing live tunes of a local acoustic guitarist.
On the odd cooler night, the BreakFree events team will set up a Gourmet Hot Chocolate Station, with freshly made hot chocolate and decadent toppings including whipped cream, marshmallows, candies and chocolate shavings. You can choose to have the station set up as an arrival treat or after dinner. Add a bit of wow by hiring the resort’s fire pits. The events team will make sure they’re fired up and fully stoked, ready for conversation around the glowing embers. Cap off the experience by having staff serve signature cocktails on the manicured lawns. Such delicacies as Diggers Dream – Baileys Irish cream, Tia Maria liqueur, dark crème de cacao and milk and cream - an indulgent treat.
One of the best ways to complete your Coffs Beach conference and take advantage of the group bond you’ve forged during sessions and group experiences is with the beach activities available, courtesy of the beachfront location. The resort team will set up the volleyball on the lawns overlooking Diggers Beach, or arrange for an expert instructor to take an exciting learn-to-surf lesson in the warm Pacific Ocean waters. If the conference timetable is full, provide a relaxing end to it by having the event team arrange a group yoga session on the beach or lawns. And ask about our Beach Olympics, an inspiring and motivating team event with plenty of cheers and laughter along the way.
While the team bonding benefits of cooking together have long been applauded, these workshops are surprisingly simple, group friendly, 100% hands on, fun and interactive. And who doesn’t love cheese? If you’re looking for something before or after the conference to add a special touch, this one will see your delegates going home with bragging rights (and the proof) of their camembert, mascarpone and fetta cheese making skills.
Coffs Harbour boasts Australia’s highest sky dive experience, as high as 15,000 feet. Imagine the spectacular views of the Coffs coast from that height, and the exhilaration of falling then floating back to earth beneath a billowing parachute canopy. This thrilling Coffs Harbour attraction makes an adrenalin pumping choice for thrill seekers wanting to cap off a great time with a unique regional experience.