Australia’s Gold Coast takes its name from the area’s golden sands that stretch as far as the eye can see. The destination offers highly tailored programmes that combine quirky teambuilding events with sophisticated locations in beach and bush settings. Best of all, most attractions are within a 30-minute drive of Brisbane’s international airport and the major hotels.
Gold Coast Convention Bureau director, Jacqui Taylor says the Gold Coast has always been attractive to groups, but it faces a lot of competition. “Our markets have shifted. China, Korea and India are growing sources of business so it’s important we’re very specific about what we are offering,” she says.
“The Gold Coast gets a big tick from visitors. It’s more appealing because it’s a leisure destination rather than a city business district. Once you are here, you can pack a lot into a short period of time because all the major attractions are close to the hotels.”
Get oriented
The Gold Coast covers a large area. To get your bearings head to QDeck, the world’s tallest residential tower, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the region. From the top floor of the tallest landmark Q1, the Gold Coast’s secrets are revealed. It’s the ideal location for welcome cocktails at sunset. QDeck is soon to open a new attraction – an exterior walking ledge on the top deck.
Unexpected locationsThe eco retreat Couran Cove Island Resort on South Stradbroke Island is a raw stretch of wilderness, accessible by boat or helicopter, the perfect reward for an incentive programme. The resort offers teambuilding, themed events and a special koala sanctuary where guests can have their picture taken with one of Australia’s most popular native animals.
Songbirds Rainforest Retreat at Mount Tamborine is a 20-minute drive into the hinterland. This luxury retreat offers high-end lunches and dinners with a focus on local produce and organic ingredients. The restaurant accommodates 80 guests and there is on-site accommodation suitable for company presidents or high performers.
Unique teambuilding
Fresh seafood
A morning excursion to the eco-accredited Catch a Crab and Birds Bay Oyster Farm offers delegates a chance to catch their own seafood lunch. Owner Lee Eyr says visitors are guaranteed a catch of juicy crabs, which are then cooked on board or at the café.
The company has also added teambuilding cooking classes ending with a chilli crab feast. With two hours on the water in a purpose-built 80-seater boat and lunch back on land, Catch a Crab is the ideal teambuilding culinary treat. After lunch, the resident eagle puts on a show when it soars in from its treetop nest for a feed.
Commando styleCurrumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has added a ‘Green Challenge’ to its teambuilding portfolio. The ropes course tests teamwork and mental resilience. With capacity for 120 people, teams scale ladders, walk tightropes and then glide their way back to base on a 50m flying fox.
The course is set high among the native gum trees and there are four levels. Recent clients include Samsung Korea and finalists in the Miss Guangzhou beauty pageant.
The sanctuary also offers a Wild Night Adventure that includes an Aussie-style barbeque, a tour of the animal park and an Aboriginal dance show by firelight.
Surfing adventuresAdventurous groups will enjoy this beach teambuilding programme by Australian Surfer International. CEO Shane Brazel says he aims to keep delegates in their comfort zone. Activities include half-day tours, teambuilding or two-hour surf lessons. Translators are on standby and surf shirts are delivered to hotel rooms along with a welcome kit. Air China was a recent client.
Theme parksThe Gold Coast’s theme parks have long been a major draw card for visitors. Heroes of the Light Horse at Australian Outback Spectacular is the newest attraction. The dinner and show captures the spirit of the Aussie Outback. Stampeding cattle, magnificent horses and skilled cattle men and women put on a show while dinner is served by 40 staff dressed by RM Williams. The venue can host up to 1,000 guests nightly. Special VIP packages include meeting the cast for photo opportunities.
Helpful resources
Gold Coast Convention Bureau
Tel +61 7 5584 6238
Web www.GoldCoastConventions.com