Exploring the Best of Geelong’s Venues and Incentive Experiences through Meet Geelong Famils

Over the past two months, Meet Geelong has hosted several incredible famils, inviting event planners from across Australia and internationally to discover the remarkable business event venues and incentive experiences the region has to offer. As event planners know, experiencing a destination firsthand is one of the best ways to understand how it can cater to your next conference, meeting, or incentive group. Here’s a look at the venues and activities explored by attendees of the three latest famils.

42 AIME Hosted Buyers Discovering Geelong’s Finest

Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park – High Tea Under Grand Mansion Arches

This group of 42 buyers began their famil at the historic Lancemore Mansion Hotel. Overlooking picturesque gardens, attendees indulged in a luxurious high tea lunch under Grand Mansion Arches, complete with pastries, fresh sandwiches, and champagne, all while soaking in the grandeur of the venue.

Werribee Open Range Zoo – VIP Safari Tour and Grazing Experience

Just a short bus ride away, the group continued their adventure with a VIP safari tour at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Event planners experienced the unique opportunity to get up close to wildlife in a memorable safari experience — an excellent addition to any corporate event or incentive itinerary. Following the safari, attendees were treated to a delightful grazing food experience, highlighting the zoo’s ability to cater for premium events.

Novotel Geelong – Site Inspection & Refreshments

The group then travelled to the waterfront’s Novotel Geelong for a site inspection. The venue’s modern function spaces and stunning views of Corio Bay impressed the attendees, with refreshments served to showcase the hotel’s ability to host seamless business events.

Higher Mark at GMHBA Stadium – Site Inspection and Cooking with Cooper

Next up was a visit to Higher Mark at GMHBA Stadium, where attendees participated in the exclusive Cooking with Cooper masterclass. This hands-on experience with Executive Chef Benjamin Cooper gave planners a taste of how fun and interactive team-building activities can enhance corporate events. The venue also boasts large-scale spaces perfect for hosting galas, conferences, and networking events.

Indian Buyers Famil: Culinary and Scenic Journeys

The Q Train Experience

Consisting of 12 buyers from India, this famil kicked off with a scenic rail journey aboard The Q Train, travelling from Drysdale to Queenscliff. Attendees experienced fine dining on board, enjoying the unique combination of locally sourced produce and breathtaking views of The Bellarine.

Dessert Masterclass at Tarra Searoad Ferries

Opting for the two course experience at The Q Train the planners were then transported to Tarra at Searoad Ferries to enjoy in the delights of an immersive dessert masterclass led by Tarra’s head chef. This culinary experience perfectly demonstrated how food and wine can become an interactive part of an incentive program or post conference experience. The hands-on session left a lasting impression, showcasing the creative opportunities available for group experiences in our region.

Sea All Dolphin Swims – Sightseeing Tour by Boat

After the culinary delights of the Q Train and dessert masterclass, attendees set out on an unforgettable sightseeing tour with Sea All Dolphin Swims. While cruising through the waters of Port Phillip Bay, the group enjoyed stunning views and the chance to spot local marine life, including dolphins and seals, making it a standout experience for groups seeking adventure and nature-based activities.

Overnight Stay at Curlewis Golf Resort

For their evening accommodation, the buyers stayed at the serene Curlewis Golf Resort, known for its high-quality amenities and breathtaking views over the golf course. This premium resort offers the perfect combination of relaxation and recreation, ideal for small and medium sized groups of up to 126 for an overnight stay.

Whiskey and Gin Tasting at Bellarine Distillery

The day’s adventure was topped off with a whiskey and gin tasting at Bellarine Distillery, one finest distilleries on The Bellarine. Our event planners sampled a selection of craft spirits while learning about the distilling process.

Three-Course Dinner at Portarlington Grand Hotel

To end the day, our planners were treated to a three-course dinner at the historic Portarlington Grand Hotel. With expertly prepared dishes featuring fresh, local produce and paired with premium wines, the dinner highlighted the region’s rich culinary scene and the hotel’s ability to host elegant dinner events.

Day Two – Breakfast at Curlewis Golf Resort

The second day of the famil started with a delicious breakfast at Curlewis Golf Resort, which allowed for some time to relax and ease into the days activities.

Surprise Team Building Activity with Go Ride a Wave

To inject some excitement into the itinerary, our planners were surprised with a fun-filled team-building activity organised by Go Ride a Wave. This activity provided the group with a unique and enjoyable team-building experience that included an outdoor cricket match on the greens of Curlewis Golf Resort.

Novotel Geelong – Site Inspection and Morning Tea with Meet & Greet

Next, our planners visited Novotel Geelong for a site inspection, where they explored the hotel’s function spaces, ideal for hosting meetings, conferences and events with stunning views of Corio Bay. The morning tea included a special meet and greet with the hotel’s Indian chef, providing insight into the venue’s exceptional culinary capabilities and tailored international cuisine offerings.

Lunch on the Lawn at Mt Duneed Estate

The famil culminated with a delightful Lunch on the Lawn at Mt Duneed Estate. This relaxed yet elegant outdoor dining experience showcased the estate’s expansive grounds and its ability to host large-scale events and incentive groups. Surrounded by vineyards, attendees savoured a seasonal menu featuring local ingredients while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the estate, reinforcing Mt Duneed Estate’s reputation as a premier event destination.

Unforgettable Taste of The Bellarine: AIME Buyers Explore Exceptional Business Event Venues

Mussel Masterclass and Wine Tasting at Jack Rabbit Vineyard

Focusing on the final Pre- AIME hosted buyers famil we welcomed 12 buyers for a half-day immersive experience on The Bellarine. The group began their journey at Jack Rabbit Vineyard, where they participated in an engaging Mussel Masterclass and wine tasting led by the head chef, followed by a three-course lunch. Set against the backdrop of stunning views of Melbourne and the You Yangs, this experience perfectly showcased the region’s exceptional culinary offerings.

The Art of Distilling: Tasting Experience at Bellarine Distillery

After lunch, the buyers were transported to Bellarine Distillery, where they enjoyed a guided tasting, exploring the art of distilling. The relaxed atmosphere and refined setting of this unique venue provided the perfect conclusion to a memorable day, highlighting The Bellarine’s diverse appeal for corporate events and incentive experiences.

A Picturesque Journey Back to Melbourne Aboard Port Phillip Ferries

To conclude the famil, the buyers enjoyed a scenic ferry ride back to Melbourne aboard Port Phillip Ferries. This relaxing journey across the bay provided a perfect end to the day, offering picturesque views and a seamless return to the city, showcasing yet another unique and convenient transport option for business events in the region.

These famils not only provided a firsthand look at some of Geelong’s finest venues but also demonstrated the region’s ability to create unforgettable experiences, combining world-class service, scenic beauty, and a range of activities to suit all event types. Whether you’re planning a conference, incentive trip, or networking event, Geelong’s diverse offerings make it an unbeatable choice for your next gathering.

Interested in finding out more about our region or attending a famil yourself? Contact us today, and we’ll be in touch!