With spectacular scenery and a climate conducive to outdoor events, Australia’s backyard makes the ultimate business events venue. We’ve rounded up a few open-air venue options to consider for a future business event, al fresco-style.
The Sugar Wharf
Port Douglas, Queensland
Capacity: 120 (cocktail)
The deck of the heritage-listed Sugar Wharf in Port Douglas offers a picturesque setting for an outdoor event on a balmy Queensland evening. Overlooking the Coral Sea, this historic building was formerly used to store sugar and cargo before being transformed into a shipwreck museum. Now a blank canvas available for exclusive event hire, delegates can sip cocktails and enjoy local tropical produce as they watch the sun dip behind the mountains of the Daintree Rainforest.
ICC Event Deck
Sydney, New South Wales
Capacity: 5,000 (cocktail only)
Boasting 5,000 sq metres of open-air event space, the Event Deck at International Convention Centre Sydney suits large-scale outdoor events. Overlooking the famous Darling Harbour, this colossal outdoor venue offers a large lounge and bar area and spectacular views of the city skyline. An extension of the upper exhibition halls, the Event Deck can play host to a range of setups, including large marquee facilities, event installations, and even pop-up swimming pools that are perfect for a warm summer’s day.
The Timber Yard
Melbourne, Victoria
Capacity: 1,500 (cocktail), 750 (seated)
Built on a philosophy of recycling and upcycling, The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne is a restored timber storage and fabrication facility that has been transformed into a landmark Melbourne event venue. The Yard itself is a 1,000 sq m turfed area ideal for large gatherings. Adjacent is the Woodstore – a long undercover structure that was once a storage and curing area for timber, which adds 400 to the cocktail capacity and 250 for a seated event.
Golding Wines
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Capacity: 500 (cocktail), up to 300 (seated)
Tucked away in the rolling Adelaide Hills, this picturesque winery is the perfect place for a future business event in Adelaide. For an outdoor function, there’s a landscaped terrace and a lush oasis of manicured gardens available. The outdoor offering also includes lawn games, a woodfired oven and plenty of wine direct from the producer.
Howard Smith Wharves
Brisbane, Queensland
Capacity: Up to 500 (cocktail), 400 (seated)
Tucked underneath Brisbane’s Story Bridge, the Howard Smith Wharves were abandoned in the 1960s and have since transformed into a heritage-listed entertainment, events and lifestyle precinct. The riverfront venue features indoor and outdoor event spaces, as well as expansive parklands and outdoor areas that can host up to 500 people cocktail-style. The precinct is also home to the 166-room luxury Art Series Hotel The Fantauzzo, so no transfers are required.
In the Hanging Garden
Hobart, Tasmania
Capacity: 600 (cocktail)
This contemporary cultural precinct in central Hobart features two levels of tiered gardens, which are ideal for large groups. The venue’s function areas include beer gardens, bars and kitchens, but it is the spacious lower lawn that can accommodate up to 600 guests for an al fresco event. Most impressive of all is the 18-metre-tall, cathedral-like structure that shelters the lawn area, providing an all-weather space for a garden gathering.
For more Australian incentive inspiration, visit www.australia.com/businessevents.
Featured photo: Hanging Garden
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