MICE Port Stephens showcases Port Stephens as an ideal coastal destination for the meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) market.
A new luxury catamaran, overnight fishing expeditions and a no-suit bush retreat that allows delegates to meet around camp fires are new products in Port Stephens aimed at the group and conference market.
The experiences are being promoted by the recently launched body, MICE Port Stephens, to showcase the seaside destination, 2½ hours north of Sydney, to the high-yield meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition market.
Launched by multi-award-winning Moonshadow Cruises – the biggest cruise operator in Port Stephens – the new, luxury 15m catamaran, Moonshadow Odyssey, is tailor-made for exclusive corporate events, team-building sessions, weddings and group celebrations. Available for private yacht charter, Moonshadow Odyssey offers groups breakfast, lunch, cocktail or dinner cruises across the blue, dolphin-filled waters of Port Stephens, with whale watching also available from June to November.
Meanwhile, Port Stephens longest-operating cruise company Tamboi Queen Cruises, which started operations in the region 44 years ago, has launched a new overnight extended fishing charter adventure aimed at high-flying, adrenalin-seeking executives keen to catch and seek game fish like marlin, mahi mahi, snapper, jewfish and kingfish. This new package for 2 days/1 night, offers guests a premier fishing experience with the option to fly in or fly out with transfers included, aboard the custom-built fishing catamaran, Full Stik, which boasts the latest electronic sonar technology and 3D cartography to boost the chances of success. Operated by a Tamboi Queen captain who knows all the best fishing spots, Full Stik can accommodate up to six guests, with all meals and overnight accommodation inclusive aboard their larger, 18m ‘mother ship’, MV Spirit, anchored in the secluded coves around Broughton Island off the coast of Port Stephens. Half day and full day game and reef charters are also available for up to eight persons.
And for companies, clubs or groups seeking the chance to retreat to a bush camp, The Retreat Port Stephens is pitching its relaxed appeal to the corporate sector for the first time. Offering self-contained cabins, a pool, open spaces for team-building exercises and open fires for relaxed banter, The Retreat Port Stephens offers meeting facilities for up to 60 guests and backs directly onto the biggest sand dune system in Australia, adding to the adventure, with dune sliding, camel walks and quad bike tours available in the dunes. Catering can also be arranged.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
