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Sydney unveils wide range of unique venues

Monday, April 01, 2002

Sydney<.> has a proven track record for large world class events, and now offers any new unique and boutique venues for group events to satisfy the needs of event planners the world over. Managing Director of the Sydney Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB<.>), Jon Hutchison, says Sydney venues have already proven their ability to host large events, with the success of the 2000 Olympic Games and a record of major international congresses. However, since the Olympics the city has also offered a number of opportunities for planners looking to host events on a smaller scale.

Sydney`s unique venues are typical of the charm and diversity of this city, and reflect the investment made during the Olympics in growing the range and quality of venues and meeting infrastructure. In Sydney, meeting planners and event organisers are now only limited by their imagination, said Hutchison.

These venues include the spectacular Sydney Opera House, with vistas over stunning Sydney Harbour, to mingling among the indigenous displays of the Australian Museum, to a nautical theme at the Australian National Maritime Museum, or Taronga Zoo, where groups share the million dollar views with giraffes, added Mr Hutchison.

As far as unique venues go, Bennelong Lawn, behind the Opera House is a real hit with meeting and event planners. It offers a spectacular elevated outlook, with an amazing panorama over Sydney Harbour. The city`s most notable icons surround you - the Opera House, city skyline and Harbour Bridge. Guests can watch a customised fireworks display, or simply sit down for a meal with one of the world`s most stunning views.

Venues receiving the stamp of approval from meeting and incentive planners include those offering vistas of Sydney`s famous harbour. Groups can take in the awesome view of Sydney from a remote harbour island, Fort Denison, a 160- year- old stone fort situated in the heart of Sydney Harbour. The perfect setting for a themed or gala dinner, with a striking view of the city lights by night.

Other venues featuring harbour settings include the reception areas of the Sydney Opera House, with floor to ceiling glass walls overlooking the bustling harbour below or, for a touch of nostalgia, the Waterfront Restaurant located at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This features a replica square rigged sailing mast, and offers a blend of modern cuisine with colonial charm and is available for private functions up to 800.

For venues offering a `ready-made` theme, Wonderland Sydney and The Australian Wildlife Park, is a three-in-one themed venue, featuring rides and entertainment, a wildlife sanctuary, and a uniquely `Aussie` outback woolshed experience. Others include Fox Studios Australia, a working film studio with space available in function rooms, restaurants, and cinemas or, for something completely out of this world, Xerts is an exciting space and technology restaurant and entertainment complex located at King St Wharf, Sydney`s newest dining and entertainment precinct.

Vicky Karantzavelou - Monday, April 01, 2002

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