Ten ideas for the perfect executive planning retreat

January 09, 2024

Hit the ground running in 2024. Plan your executive retreats now and lock in dates with these ten fabulous venue ideas. Ideal for board members, executive, leadership and sales teams to map out the year ahead and reconnect in the relaxing surrounds of regional Victoria.

King Valley

The King Valley is known as Victoria's 'little piece of Italy', set amongst the hills of North East Victoria approximately three hours' drive northeast of Melbourne.

Lancemore Milawa

Lancemore Milawa is a boutique hotel in Victoria’s wine-famed King Valley, at the base of the Alpine National Park. Drawing inspiration from the local environment, the 40-room boutique hotel is a carefully curated space that connects you to nature and its surroundings, subtly integrating the magic of the area within the design.

Conferencing facilities

Lancemore Milawa creates the canvas for a productive conference and even more productive wind down afterward, with three adaptable meeting spaces.

Buffalo Room: Offering abundant natural light, the Buffalo Room can cater for up to 30 people in boardroom-style and u-shape, 90 people in theatre-style and 200 for a cocktail reception.

Dining and entertainment facilities

Lancemore Milawa's restaurant and bar, Merlot, is within walking distance to the property. It’s the ideal venue for delegates to slow down, enjoy local produce and wine, and wanderlust at big skies with endless vistas.

Reach out to MCB with enquiries now

Daylesford and Macedon Ranges

Conveniently located around 45 to 90 minutes' drive from Melbourne, Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges offers fresh air, beautiful rural landscapes, art galleries and fantastic produce. From wineries, gin distilleries and breweries, to nature hikes and thermal hot springs, the region is perfect for meeting in nature and team bonding.

Cleveland Winery & Boutique Accommodation

Situated 40 minutes from Melbourne CBD in Lancefield and surrounded by 100 acres of vineyards and rambling country gardens, Cleveland Winery is a retreat where delegates can stop and smell the roses.

Their purpose-built conference venue is ideal for small-scale conferences to large executive corporate meetings, while the property also boasts 50 spacious suites with king-sized beds. For larger groups, consider their unique original country homestead, built in 1887, that can sleep up to 14 guests.

There is also plenty to do when the working day is over – from sampling the best wines from the local region at their underground Cellar Door, to dining on delicious wood-fired pizza and a la carte cuisine in their onsite restaurant.

Conferencing facilities

Event planners can choose from a variety of meeting and breakout spaces. Each conference serves local food and wine, to get a full taste of the Macedon Ranges experience.

Dunsfield: Ideal for 50 theatre, 30 boardroom-style.

Daniel: Ideal for 100 theatre, 70 classroom-style. 30 boardroom.

The Great Room: 150 theatre, 64 classroom, 45 u-shape, 160 cocktail.

Harvest: 50 theatre, 20 boardroom, 20 u-shape, 24 classroom

Dining and entertainment spaces

Carriage Room Restaurant: Available for private functions, the Carriage House Restaurant offers uninterrupted panoramic views overlooking the vineyard and out towards the rugged Mt William beyond.

Reach out to MCB with enquiries now

Hotel Bellinzona

Head to Australia’s spa country for an executive retreat in the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs region. Hotel Bellinzona is a landmark boutique hotel from the turn of the 20th century with 43 beautifully appointed rooms and three acres of beautiful gardens. They also offer a further 20 king bed rooms across the street at The Amalfi.

Post-meeting, gather together in The Lobby Bar, replete with plush wingback chairs, baroque lamp lighting and a cigar lounge vibe. Delegates can also take advantage of their heated indoor swimming pool, spa and sauna. Or take a short stroll to the renowned Hepburn Springs Bathhouse and bathe in its healing mineral rich waters directly from the source.

Conferencing facilities

Choose from a variety of premium corporate and event spaces. Their function rooms feature flexible furniture arrangements, hi-speed wifi, audio-visual equipment, remarkable decor and stunning views of the forest and their manicured gardens.

The Atticus: A smaller event venue suitable for 10 -20 guests, with an emphasis on privacy. Featuring second storey views of the hotel surrounds, a charming open fireplace and a substantial board table.

The Renaissance: Rich in elegance, the palatial Renaissance Room is illuminated by natural light and has sweeping balcony views of the forest. Suitable for up to 180 guests, the gorgeous design of this room stimulates creativity.

The Medici: Floor to ceiling windows flood the room with natural sunlight, while the wraparound balcony boasts views of the garden and central fountain. Suitable for 10 - 120 guests

The Piazza: Spacious and flooded with sunlight, the Piazza is a multipurpose event space suitable for up to 120 guests, with direct access to the hotel gardens and alfresco area.

Dining and entertaining spaces

The Virgin Café: Offers a magnificent breakfast, lunch and dinner menu seven days a week.

The Oxford Private Dining Room: Fine dining cuisine curated with modern sensibilities. Extensive wine list adorned with the region's best.

The Augustus Private Dining Room: Opulent, extravagant, utterly delicious on all fronts.

 Reach out to MCB with enquiries now

The Mornington Peninsula

A 75 to 90 minute drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is best known for its award-winning restaurants, picturesque wineries, stunning beaches, quaint townships and alluring landscapes. It's also Australia's number one golf destination.

Jackalope

Nestled on an 11-hectare vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula, approximately 75 minutes from Melbourne, is the boutique Jackalope property – offering 46 luxury rooms, conference space for up to 60 delegates, a 30 metre infinity pool, spa, chef-hatted restaurants, winery, cellar door and cocktail bar.

Conferencing facilities

Their contemporary conference rooms can accommodate small, intimate boardroom spaces through to large networking events, with spaces that overlook their vineyard and hotel grounds. 

Jackyak: Caters for up to 60 guests and can be configured to create a captivating corporate event, with the option of combining with outdoor spaces. 

Dining and entertainment facilities

Doot Doot Doot: Private dining is available for 12 guests or more at Doot Doot Doot, under the lights of a 10,000-globe chandelier. 

Red Hare: Jackalope also is known for Rare Hare Wine and Food Store, only a hop from the hotel that presents the best of the Mornington Peninsula’s food, wine, produce and views. Delegates can also unwind at Flaggerdoot, Jackalope's haute cocktail bar.

Reach out to MCB with enquiries now

Intercontinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula

Dive into planning and strategy at this iconic seaside hotel – the Intercontinental Sorrento, where a fresh ocean breeze will invigorate delegates, while the property’s nostalgic glamour and premium facilities offer the opportunity to unwind and clear the mind.

When the planning sessions are done for the day, staff can bask in the sun at the Mediterranean pool deck and sip a refreshing beverage or two. Or escape into a world of serene luxury and personal wellness, with a soothing massage at Aurora Spa & Bathhouse.

Conferencing facilities

Located in the limestone Heritage Wing, the Intercontinental Sorrento’s Art Deco-inspired event spaces offer breathtaking views of the foreshore and stylish furnishings bathed in natural light.

The Gallery: A sophisticated and versatile space, The Gallery is the perfect venue for an elegant meeting or intimate event. Large windows flood the room with natural light and provide ocean views.

Halcyon Hall:  Gather together beneath the ambient light of ornate chandeliers and be inspired by the extravagant Art Deco interior. Their largest event space, the Hall is lined with lofty windows and French doors, revealing ocean views and opening onto Sunset Terrace.

Grand Ballroom: For larger groups, their spectacular Art Deco style Grand Ballroom effortlessly weaves historic glamour with modern style.

Dining and entertaining spaces

The Sunset Terrace: This refined yet carefree space can be booked in conjunction with Halycon Hall and offers room to mingle and entertain, with breathtaking ocean views.

Audreys by Scott Pickett: Fresh seafood and sophisticated surrounds await at this bold expression of refined coastal dining. An iconic space reminiscent of 1920s glamour, Audrey’s is situated in their historic limestone Heritage building and features both an elegant dining room, and private dining space with sweeping views of Sorrento Village and the foreshore.

Reach out to MCB with enquiries now

Murray River and Goulburn Valley

Hold your next executive planning retreat in the sprawling Goulburn Valley wine region, an area stretching from Seymour in central Victoria right up to Echuca on the Murray River. 

Mitchelton

One of Australia’s favourite wineries, Mitchelton, on the banks of the picturesque Goulburn River, provides a unique and idyllic location for a corporate retreat or team building getaway around 90 minutes from Melbourne's CBD. Mitchelton Hotel boasts 58 luxurious and spacious rooms which boast a private balcony overlooking the river or vineyard. And when work is over for the day, delegates can enjoy the pool, day spa treatments, a meet and greet with the winemaker, or a river cruise on the Goulburn Explorer.

Conferencing facilities

Choose from a variety of unique indoor and outdoor spaces offering backdrops to suit every taste and season, perfect for an intimate leadership meeting. 

Print Room: Mitchelton’s most intimate space suitable for up to 18 guests, the Print Room features built-in AV and a large boardroom-style table, perfect for corporate events.

The Montage Room: Large-scale events find their place in The Montage Room. Take in the grandeur of the venue as you enter Mitchelton’s largest events space, suitable for 200 - 350 guests

Ashton Tower: Take in 360-degree views of Mitchelton’s estate from the iconic Ashton Tower. Perfect for unforgettable corporate event, this space is suitable for 60-100 guests.

Mitchelton Cellar: The largest in Australia, Mitchelton Cellar offers its own unique ambiance that will make your event exceptional.

The Gallery: Housing the largest private collection of Indigenous Art from around the country, Mitchelton’s underground gallery is the only one of its kind in Victoria. You can even organise a private tour with the Curator with prior arrangement. Suitable for up to 150 guests

Dining and entertaining spaces

The Muse: Inspired by fresh local produce found throughout the Nagambie Lakes district, The Muse serves modern farmhouse cuisine overlooking the banks of the Goulburn River. Offering a dining experience that is rustic yet refined, the menu has been designed by Executive Chef Daniel Hawkins with a food philosophy that favours local, sustainable and ethical farming methods.

The Provedore: Serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week, cafe favourites include stone-baked pizza, pasta and salad.

Cellar Door: Discover the flavours of Mitchelton with an unforgettable wine tasting experience. Choose your own wine experience with a standard tasting or let your senses be guided with a luxury, museum or cheese/praline pairing flight.

Reach out to MCB with enquiries now

Trawool Estate

The Trawool Estate in Victoria's Goulburn Valley offers a nature escape for small meetings and planning retreats only 60 to 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD by car or train.  

Surrounded by uninterrupted views of the Trawool Valley, this luxe hotel offers restaurants, four conference and reception rooms, 20 luxury guest rooms, seven two-room accommodation options, extensive grounds to explore and a pool to relax. It's even possible to book the entire estate for your corporate event on their ‘closed’ days, depending on availability.

For activities to refresh the mind and break up your meetings, go for a bike ride or walk along the Great Victorian Rail Trail and discover nearby wineries.

Conferencing facilities

The Trawool Estate can cater for boardroom-style meetings from 10 delegates, banquet for up to 140, theatre up to 160 and cocktail-style up to 180. They also have a stunning outdoor event space perfect for evening cocktail party surrounded by the sounds of the bush. 

Dining and entertainment facilities

Reach out to MCB with enquiries now

Sebel Yarrawonga

Consider a Murray River retreat at a lakeside golf and lifestyle resort. Sebel Yarrawonga’s luxury 4.5-star boutique hotel boasts an eco luxe design, spa and wellness centre, infinity pool and restaurants, along with lush green lawns, superbly landscaped grounds to walk and talk, and a Black Bull 18-hole Championship golf course. The Sebel Yarrawonga is located a three hour drive from Melbourne in the picturesque Murray River region, via the stunning Silo Art Trail.

Conferencing facilities

The Sebel Yarrawonga offers a unique and adaptable range of function spaces with uninterrupted views overlooking Lake Mulwala. The venue is ideal for product launches and corporate meetings through to small or mid-size conferences and events.

Boardroom: Contemporary boardroom with floor to ceiling glass doors opening onto a terrace with stunning Lake Mulwala views. Suitable for 10 guests.

Halburd Room: Capturing sweeping views across the lake the Halburd Room offers adaptable space opening onto a covered terrace. Halburd room can be opened up to the adjoining Coghill Room.

Coghill Room: Capturing sweeping views across the lake the Coghill room offers an adaptable space opening onto a covered terrace.

Dining and entertaining spaces

Elizabeth’s: Currently hosting exclusive degustation menus, Elizabeth’s is a fine dining restaurant that blends understated elegance with a refined menu, celebrating the region’s bountiful gourmet produce.

Stock & Barrel: A contemporary casual dining option accompanied by craft beer and regional wines which can be enjoyed sitting by the fireplace or on the terrace overlooking the lake.

Sunset Poolside Bar: The perfect spot for an outdoor reception with signature cocktails, chilled tunes and breathtaking views of Lake Mulwala.

Reach out to MCB with enquiries now

Bellarine Peninsula

Only an hour's drive from Melbourne, discover a place where you can explore the best parts of Australia, from the rugged country to the salty coastline. Geelong and the Bellarine is a city of natural delights, unexpected experiences and incredible food and wine. From the stunning waterfront and urban precinct to the craft breweries, award-winning wineries and world famous golf courses. This is a city enriched with an old industrial landscape which has been reclaimed and reshaped into incredible restaurant, drinking and event venues.

Curlewis Golf Club

When it comes to facilities, functions and epicurean experience, the Curlewis Golf Club & Resort is a game above the rest. Commanding in both scope and ambience, Curlewis Golf Club & Resort is nestled on the grounds of one of Australia’s top 50 Public Access Golf Courses.

Conferencing facilities

Embrace spectacular views spanning fairways, greens and bay within Curlewis’s event spaces. All which include sophisticated furnishings, cutting edge AV facilities and an array of epicurean options to suit all budgets.

Claribeaux Restaurant: A sophisticated and versatile space with natural light spanning the entirety of the room and views of the fairway. Clairbeaux can accommodate up to 200 in a boardroom layout and cater for up to 350 cocktail style.

Ivor’s Spike Bar: This versatile function space offers sweeping views of the Golf Course with the ability to accommodate 65 in a theatre style conference and up to 100 for cocktail event.

Want to take your event outdoors? Head out to Ivan's Spike Bar Terrace, soak in the fresh sea breeze from the nearby coastline. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be served here daily and there is an abundance of room to mingle and entertain out in the open air.

Reach out to MCB with enquiries now

Healesville

Just over one hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley region is well known for wineries, galleries, wildlife, walking trails, adventure activities and local produce supplies.

RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort

RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort is a relaxing country retreat with picturesque views of the Yarra Valley. When not conferencing, the resort offers a fantastic 18-hole golf course for teams to bond as they play a round in a beautiful setting. Another option is their four-hole short course that can be booked as a private space for your group’s personal use. If golf doesn’t appeal, guests can go mountain biking, play barefoot lawn bowls, Bocce, croquet or billiards.

The resort also boasts a tennis court, 25m indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room, spa and fitness centre.

Conferencing facilities

Mt Riddell Room: Perfect for a board meeting, containing a boardroom table for six, couches, a secretarial area and a private bathroom.

Syndicate Rooms: If you require am intimate environment there are six Syndicate Rooms, each with a 65 - 75” LED television, sound bar and plenty of natural light. Perfect for board meetings, workshops or executive training sessions.

Barak Room and Watts Room: Healesville Country Club & Resort offers a range of small to medium meeting rooms located on level one with panoramic mountain views and car access (perfect for product launches).

Ballroom, James, Day and Coleman Rooms: This incredibly flexible space offers stunning views of Mt Riddell. The ballroom is 3.7 metres high and completely without pillars, so the options and possibilities are virtually limitless. You can even drive vehicles from ground level into the ballroom for display.

Grand Conservatory: The perfect place to hold a cocktail party or networking event overlooking stunning Mt Riddell in the Yarra Valley.

Dining and entertaining spaces

Banyalla: Boasting stunning views of Mt Riddell, enjoy a creative dining experience with a strong emphasis on fresh local and Victorian produce.

Riddell’s Green: Their indoor/outdoor casual dining alfresco bar is the ideal location to cater for post-golf drinks or a casual meal.

Reach out to MCB with enquiries now

Need advice on where to hold your executive planning retreat in regional Victoria or Melbourne?

The Melbourne Convention Bureau can help you plan your next business event. Get in touch for free support and assistance or find out more about our services.