Producers of McLaren Vale
Hospitality, sharing food and wine and hands-on experiences are at the heart of all activities offered at the Producers of McLaren Vale.
Run by two passionate ‘makers’ of all things food and wine, Tori Moreton and David Arbon have successfully created a tourism business out of their farm located on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
While Tori and David’s inspiration came from European farm stays, the unique quality of Producers is the hands-on activities – distinctly Australian and something in demand by tourists worldwide.
Interactive and inspirational, the Producers’ packages always offer a true sense of being part of a wine and food region. Guests get the real ‘experience’ as they are a part of whatever is happening through tastings, discussion and hands-on activities.
Producers offers hands-on activities all year: winemaking, wine blending, cheese making, olive oil processing, bread making, preserving; regular workshops in sensory analysis, butchery, sausage making, smoking and curing, preserving; special events including discussion and tasting panels on wine and regional food; and weekly ‘A Shared Table’ where travellers and locals meet over lunch, a seasonal regional food and wine showcase each Sunday.
Producers Retreat Accommodation is positioned among the vines and native gardens in the Log Cabin Guest House, with four separate suites, sleeping up to 15 people. Guests can order a picnic hamper, or a supper basket, indulge in a massage, take a yoga class, or take a guided walk.
David Arbon (Owner/ Manager/Winemaker/Viticulturalist) has been a baker, sailor, duck farmer, apiarist, meteorologist, science teacher and is now the winemaker at the Producers of McLaren Vale. As well as being partner owner/manager of Producers with Tori, David manages the viticulture and winemaking operations. He is also affectionately known as the ‘mad professor’ always inventing new products: harvest wine, varietal vinegars, fresh cheeses and experimenting this year with sparkling wine, dessert wine and apple cider. David’s next crop is barley to make his own beer and wheat for Tori’s bread.
Tori Moreton (Owner/Manager/Hospitality Manager/Cook) is an obsessive foodie in every respect. Her first love is baking, followed closely by pastry making and preserving. Passion, excitement and an insatiable thirst for knowledge of all things food mean she is never lost for words when it comes to regional food – growing, making, culture, ceremonies, cuisines of the world. Tori started the region’s Fiesta food and wine festival, and currently heads up the local Slow Food Convivium where she thrives on working with fellow producers. When Tori isn’t planting, picking and preserving, she is usually in the kitchen designing dishes and menus based on seasonal food. Grapes, wine, verjuice, vinegar, vine leaves, must and grapeseed oil are all essential ingredients in the 2008 traditional Producers Harvest Lunch including almond and grape soup, chicken stuffed with grapes, cheese baked in vine leaves, beef in verjuice, figs dried in must) with preparations underway for the Olive Oil Harvest lunch in the Grove.
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The Atrium - Barossa
Setting a new standard for luxury accommodation in the Barossa, The Atrium at Greenock Creek is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom, new contemporary and private residence located on a 42-acre private parcel in the northwest Barossa. Available to only one set of guests at a time, the property offers the ultimate in privacy, extraordinary food and wine, and introductions to exclusive Barossa wine and lifestyle experiences. A house manager, discretely off-site but easily accessible, provides five-star concierge-level service throughout guest stays. A highlight of the guest experience at Atrium at Greenock Creek is the option of private access to the executive chef of Appellation, Mark McNamara, and his staff, who are available to prepare dinner on premise for Atrium guests.
More information : 08 8562 2722
Chinta’s New Luxury Air Safari – Flinders Ranges & Kangaroo Island
Luxury air safari operator Chinta Air Tours has added another South Australian tour to its schedule – a three-day/two night Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island discovery. Taking in the best views of the Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island from your very own window seat, you’ll enjoy the exclusive charter flight from Adelaide in all leather-seated comfort. Enjoy an exclusive half-day 4WD tour and authentic Australian dinner in the Woolshed Restaurant and stay overnight at the award-winning Rawnsley Park Station Eco Villas, complete with luxurious king size beds and breakfast provisions supplied. Your pilot will then fly you to Kangaroo Island where you’ll be able to take a 4WD tour of the island including a sumptuous Aussie picnic. At the end of the day, you’ll rest your head at one of Kangaroo Island’s finest B&Bs including dinner. The following morning enjoy a fully cooked breakfast before being flown back to Adelaide from Kingscote.
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The Anchorage Holiday Apartment – Port Lincoln
Located on the entrance to the Lincoln Cove Marina, the Anchorage Holiday Apartment is a luxury two storey, absolute waterfront fully self-contained apartment sleeping up to nine people with all linen supplied. Offering three bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with spa), there are three colour televisions, dvd and video players and a Playstation 2, set to keep the whole family happy. With a modern kitchen, fully equipped laundry with washing maching and dryer, this is the perfect place to enjoy a longer stay. Enjoy the passing parade of boats, spectacular views of Boston Island and Porter Bay. Relax on the upstairs balcony with a book, or downstairs try and catch the fish of the day from your front door. With a safe, sandy swimming beach 100 metres from the apartment, this property is ideal base to discover the wonders of Eyre Peninsula.
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Tammar Ridge – Kangaroo Island
Tammar Ridge sleeps up to ten people in modern luxury and style. Named after the resident wallabies, it is set on 35 acres of fields and native sugar gums teaming with native birdlife, wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas and the occasional koala. Architecturally designed by Mark Reu from Designergy, the property takes in 360-degree views from the ridge top with 2.5 metre tall aluminium shopfront windows. Tammar sleeps up to 10 people with one king-size bedroom, three queen-size bedrooms, one double bunk and two bathrooms, with fittings and furnishings are of the highest quality. Enjoy long bush walks, uninterrupted views along the North Coast, Middle River and horizon views of Yorke Peninsula. Nearby Snellings Beach is ideal for picnics, walks, swimming, surfing and fishing.
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Adelaide Boat Show 2008
17-20 July 2008
The Adelaide Boat Show will feature boating opportunities offered in South Australia with all the popular modern recreational craft on display, together with marine accessories, facilities and equipment. Holiday opportunities and leisure options form an important part of the event. More than 120 exhibitors will be at the show to discuss boating pursuits in South Australia and interactive water sport and angling activities, plus there will be an eco-learning trail for children to enjoy.
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Rally SA
25-27 July 2008
Rev-heads rejoice! Australia's most popular and spectator-friendly round of the Australian Rally Championships is on again amid the vineyards of South Australia's Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Murraylands. It’s three days of spectacular jumps, water crossings and amazing sideways, sliding, flat-out rally action and this year’s race will be all about speed, noise and excitement.
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Upcoming Events in South Australia
Bet you didn’t know…
Adelaide’s South Australian Museum is home to the largest collection of Australian Aboriginal artefacts in the world, housed in its Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery.
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Event Showcases Best of South Australia
Around 50 South Australian tourism operators showcased the State’s brilliant blend of attractions at one of the world’s largest tourism trade shows, the
Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in Perth in June.
Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith announced at the event that South Australia has won the right to host ATE for the second time in 2010, thanks to a $1.5m funding injection from the State Government.
“ATE is the ultimate chance for our tourism operators to have direct access to the people who book holidays and recommend destinations to travellers,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.
“We hosted ATE in Adelaide for the first time in 2006 and kept the momentum going last year with a strong South Australian presence at this important trade show.
“This year, our tourism operators will continue to build on the relationships they have developed to further increase international tourism to our State.
“This event, together with marketing campaigns in key international markets, will ensure we continue to attract high-yielding visitors to experience the best we have to offer.”
For all media enquiries, please contact SATC Corporate Affairs Manager Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.
New Tourism Investment in South Australia
A new tourism player is set to make its mark in South Australia, with the announcement that the Aurora Group will take ownership of the historic Ozone Seafront Hotel on Kangaroo Island from September 2008.
It is the Group’s first expansion outside of the Northern Territory, where it operates hotels in the World-heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Darwin and Alice Springs.
South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) Chief Executive Andrew McEvoy said the announcement was extremely positive for Kangaroo Island and South Australia.
“This just shows that major tourism operators are willing to invest in South Australia and see our industry as one that is well-positioned to kick some big goals going forward,” he said.
“Aurora Hotels-Resorts-Attractions have an excellent track record in the Northern Territory for operating high quality experiences and accommodation and we welcome their investment and commitment to South Australia.
For all media enquiries, please contact SATC Corporate Affairs Manager Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.
Outback Cattle Drive is back for 2010
The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive will return to South Australia in 2010, riding on the back of a new epic filmed in Australia’s Outback.
In June, the Federal Government announced plans to jointly market Australia the movie from internationally renowned director Baz Luhrmann and featuring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.
“We expect the film to generate greater interest in our Outback regions and we will ride on the back of that interest with The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive in 2010,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.
“The Federal and State Governments have jointly committed $1 million to support this event, which helps to position South Australia on the international stage.
“The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive provides visitors an unrivalled opportunity to drive cattle on horse-back along historic stock routes in some of the State’s most remote locations.
“The event positions South Australia as the gateway to the Outback, and motivates visitors from all around the world to experience the quintessential Australia.”
The 2007 Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive sold out with 302 saddles sold. 15% of visitors traveled from overseas, 56% from interstate and 29% from around South Australia, generating more than $8 million in media editorial coverage.
Details of the next The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive will be published online at www.cattledrive.com.au when available. People interested in the event should fill in a registration form on this website under the “contact us” tab.
For all media enquiries, please contact SATC Corporate Affairs Manager Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.
SA Destinations the Winners in Tourism Awards
South Australian holiday experiences have scooped the pool in an inaugural awards’ program run by Australia’s foremost inbound travel magazine, Travelling in Australia.
Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says that, of the 20 awards up for grabs, South Australia won four – the equal best result of all states.
“These awards have extra credibility because they are voted on by the travel agents from around the world who recommend and book Australian holidays for international visitors,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.
Kangaroo Island was voted Best Eco Experience, while Bookabee Australia took out the Best Indigenous Experience category.
Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island was voted Best New Product Experience and Rodney Fox Great White Shark Expeditions was judged Best Adventure Experience.
South Australian experiences were also runners up in four categories: Best Walking Experience (Adelaide Central Market Tour), Best Air Safari Experience (Banksia Adventures), Best Cultural Historic Experience (Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery) and Best Food & Beverage Destination Experience (Barossa).
“Travelling in Australia is a magazine read by 15,000 members of the travel trade around the world, as well as some of the top executives internationally and the CEOs of Australia’s top 500 companies,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.
For all media enquiries please contact SATC Corporate Affairs Manager Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.
SA’s Whale Centre Reopens to Public
Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith officially opened the redeveloped South Australian Whale Centre at Victor Harbor on 1 June 2008 to coincide with the start of the whale-watching season.
Dr Lomax-Smith says the centre is an important part of the State’s appeal to nature-based visitors who visit national parks, go bushwalking or watch for whales and dolphins.
“The South Australian Whale Centre is the State’s only dedicated whale and marine-focussed interpretive centre,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.
“The centre has grown into a pre-eminent visitor attraction, becoming the focus for the development and promotion of whale-related ecotourism in South Australia.
“Closed since March last year for redevelopment work, the centre reopens today as a marine environment centre with a focus on tourism, education and research.
“New displays portray both the historical and current relationship of whales with Victor Harbor.
“There are new interactive exhibits on other creatures of the deep, including sharks, dolphins and local endangered species.”
For all media enquiries please contact SATC Corporate Affairs Manager Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.
Tiger Airways Boosts Adelaide Flights
The South Australian Government has welcomed Tiger Airways’ decision to boost its Melbourne-Adelaide flights by five each week, in response to increased demand.
Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says Tiger will now fly the Melbourne-Adelaide route three times each weekday, with flights on sale from $39.95.
“Around half the interstate visitors coming to South Australia each year are from Victoria, and 30% are from Melbourne,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.
“Every time there is an increase in flights from Melbourne it is another opportunity to boost visitation to our State from this important market.
“The South Australian Government is making the most of those opportunities, and is currently running a $2.1 million interstate marketing campaign specifically targeted at cities including Melbourne, to make the most of South Australia’s lure as a great winter holiday destination.”
Dr Lomax-Smith says the increase in Tiger Airways flights also helps to fill the small gap in interstate flights left by Qantas’ recent decision to cut some flights into Adelaide.
“Extra domestic flights are also important for international visitors who arrive in Australia through another capital city and are looking for an affordable connecting flight into Adelaide.”
For all media enquiries please contact SATC Corporate Affairs Manager Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.
Kangaroo Island ‘Super Lodge’ Launched
The $15 million Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island offers guests the ultimate South Australian holiday, mixing incredible luxury with a brilliant nature experience – and was officially launched in June by Premier Mike Rann.
Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says Southern Ocean Lodge has already received international media acclaim, including a rave review in the New York Times.
“Southern Ocean Lodge represents the future of South Australian tourism – the best holiday experiences on offer in Australia, coupled with tourism development that is sustainable and sensitive to the environment,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.
“Located at Hanson Bay on Kangaroo Island’s south west coast, Southern Ocean Lodge will redefine benchmarks for luxury travel and sustainable tourism development in Australia and the Asia Pacific.”
Created by the partnership of James and Hayley Baillie, the lodge offers stunning ocean views from its twenty-one luxury suites, and adjoins Flinders Chase and Kelly Hill National Parks.
The tariff includes personalised tours of the Island’s unique natural attractions, as well as all meals and wines – showcasing South Australian produce. The Lodge also offers a day spa, bar and restaurant.
Southern Ocean Lodge has already won a prestigious award, being voted “Best New Development Experience” in Australia by travel agents from around the world.
The award, which was announced last week, was part of the inaugural awards’ program run by Australia’s foremost inbound travel magazine, Travelling in Australia.
For media enquiries please contact SATC Corporate Affairs Manager Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.
2009 Mutual Community Challenge Tour Early Bird Offer
The 2009 Tour Down Under’s, Škoda Breakaway Series (recreational ride program) has launched the Mutual Community Challenge Tour, kicking off an early bird registration offer for the first time.
Details announced in May by Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith and Tour Down Under’s Race Director, Mike Turtur in relation to the Mutual Community Challenge Tour have set the scene for an exciting cycling year ahead.
This announcement coincides with a further commitment from the State Government to support the Tour Down Under with an extra $14.6M to be provided over the next four years.
In 2008 more than 3400 cycling enthusiasts signed up for the Mutual Community Challenge Tour and in 2009 sights have been set high on a capped target of 5000 riders.
The 2009 Mutual Community Challenge Tour will be held on Friday 23January 2009 (Stage 4 of the Tour Down Under) and includes three distances to suit all ages and cycling ability:
Option 1 143km Burnside Village to Angaston (start at 6:30am)
Option 2 97km Mt Pleasant to Angaston (start at 7:30am)
Option 3 32km Angaston to Angaston loop (start at 12noon)
Interested participants in the 2009 Mutual Community Challenge Tour can register online at www.tourdownunder.com.au
For media information please call Events South Australia’s PR Manager Michelle Logie on 08 8463 4695
Your Guide to Fishing on the Yorke Peninsula
There’s no excuse for letting the big one get away on Yorke Peninsula, thanks to the comprehensive new Yorke Peninsula Fishing Guide written by SA fishing guru Shane Mensforth.
Yorke Peninsula Tourism Marketing Manager, Jo Barrie, says the free guide, commissioned by Yorke Peninsula Tourism Marketing, follows the coast from Port Gawler to Port Wakefield, then right around the leg to Port Broughton.
“The guide’s easy-to-read map features the location of jetties, boat ramps and (most importantly!) what species can be caught where,” Ms Barrie says.
“This guide has absolutely all the information you need to make the most of your fishing holiday on the Yorke Peninsula, including fishing charters, bait and tackle outlets, marine services, boat hire and storage, boat ramps and seafood suppliers.”
Forty thousand copies of the guide have been produced and are now available from visitor information centres, and outlets across Yorke Peninsula, and are also downloadable from www.yorkepeninsula.com.au
More information: 08 8821 2663
Greyhound Races from Roxby Downs to the Outback
Greyhound Australia is arranging hassle free travel for race lovers, providing them with transport from Roxby Downs to the Birdsville Races from 5-6 September 2008.
Greyhound Australia Chief Executive Officer, Robert Thomas, says the bus line will run a special charter tour to take punters to the track from Roxby Downs. Greyhound will operate a tour from Roxby Downs to the unique Birdsville Races from just $595pp.
The return trip includes most meals while in Birdsville, accommodation in Greyhound’s Tent City, and a commemorative Birdsville Races t-shirt.
“Catching a bus will ensure a safer and easier trip home after a weekend jam packed with horse races, whip cracking, sideshows and excited crowds,” Mr Thomas says.
More information: Media: Shaun Rigby on (07) 3251 8140
Bookings: www.greyhound.com.au or call 1300 473 946
Alexandrina Cheese Company Wins At World Jersey Cheese Awards
The McCaul Family and the Alexandrina Cheese Company, based in South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, have taken out two prizes at the prestigious World Jersey Cheese held on Jersey Island in the United Kingdom in May.
Prizes were awarded to their Cheddar (Silver for ‘British style hard cheese’) and Edam (Bronze for ‘Continental style semi hard cheese’).
Among a global line up of entrants, Alexandrina Cheese Company was the only Australian entry to exhibit at the awards.
"We are extremely proud recipients of two awards from the line up of 17 classes,” Krystyna McCaul says,
“This is our first attempt entering a competition on the International scene, and we are absolutely thrilled with the awards.
“It has given us a great opportunity to benchmark our cheese products with fellow Jersey milk producers globally, at such a unique and prestigious event.”
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Vale Ale Launched
South Australia’s newest premium boutique beer, Vale Ale was launched on 23 May, further complementing the epicurean offering of one of Australia’s premier wine regions, the McLaren Vale.
Founding Chairman of the McLaren Vale Brewing Company, Adam Trippe-Smith says it was an exciting time for the new company.
“McLaren Vale wines are internationally renowned, the quality and variety of the restaurants and food produce is second to none, but until now there hasn’t been a beer McLaren Vale could call its own.
“Vale Ale has bee a two year labour of love – seeing it come to fruition is literally a dream come true.”
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20 Hindmarsh Square set for 2010
Hines Property has announced the start of work and the awarding of the building contract to Baulderstone Hornibrook of its $150 million 20 Hindmarsh Square development.
The project will comprise a 15-level, 89-apartment tower and a 16-level, 308-room hotel to be operated by the InterContinental Hotels Group as Crowne Plaza Adelaide. Both towers will be constructed simultaneously.
In line with Hines Property’s ESD practices, 20 Hindmarsh Square will be one of the ‘greenest’ hotel and residential complexes in the country, with rainwater capture and reuse, careful selection of water and energy efficient fixtures and fittings and energy efficient air-conditioning systems.
Demolition works on the site are already finished and the hotel should be completed by early 2010.
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Wheal Hughes Mine Visitor Numbers Booming
Since it re-opened in January 2008 after a temporary closure, the Wheal Hughes Copper Mine at Moonta is successfully attracting increased visitor numbers, as reported in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times.
The Wheal Hughes Management Committee set themselves a target of 3760 visitors for the 2008, and as of May have already exceeded 2000 visitors.
Owned by the local council, the mine operates with volunteer contribution from the National Trust Moonta Branch.
Operating on Wednesdays, weekends, public holidays and school holidays, this enthusiastic band of volunteers not only takes tours underground, but also looks after visitors in the mine shop and lookout post. Times coincide with the Moonta train allowing tourists to take advantage of both attractions.
More information : 08 8825 1891
The Louise Joins Small Luxury Hotels of the World
The Arbutus Hospitality Group, owner and manager of The Louise luxury vineyard retreat, has announced that the property has joined the prestigious luxury hotel brand, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™.
As a result, The Louise will cease to participate as a property listed in the Peppers Retreats and Resorts brand within coming weeks.
Penny Rafferty, General Manager of The Louise says, “it is clear that The Louise is attracting a growing volume of international guests to South Australia and the Barossa, and that a strong global luxury hotel brand will be a good fit for us going forward.
“Additionally, the high-end Australian market is looking to reputable brands to identify domestic accommodation properties that rate highly on an international level.
“Small Luxury Hotels of the World meets all our expectations in both regards, and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them.”
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Aurora Purchases Ozone Seafront Hotel
Aurora and the owners of the historic Ozone Seafront Hotel have announced that Aurora has contracted to purchase the property and business, to be branded an Aurora Group hotel from 1 September 2008.
The Ozone Seafront Hotel has been extensively renovated and expanded in recent years and is now unquestionably one of the best hotel, accommodation and hospitality venues on Kangaroo Island.
This acquisition represents Aurora's first expansion outside of the Northern Territory and Ian Drummond, Executive Chairman says the Aurora Group is very excited to have acquired the Ozone Seafront Hotel.
“We have a great deal of admiration for what the owners have achieved with the property and the contribution it makes to the community and tourism industry on Kangaroo Island".
Long time Ozone General Manager Chris Schumann says it will be an emotional time when the final hand-over occurs.
“The hotel has been a big part of many people's lives, but we are extremely pleased it will be operated by a company that has a wealth of experience in the tourism industry".
SATC Chief Executive Andrew McEvoy says the acquisition shows that major tourism operators are willing to invest in South Australia. He says the Aurora Group has a proven track record in the Northern Territory and it is great to welcome them to South Australia.
He also paid tribute to the long-time owners and managers of the Ozone.
“Chris and Debbie Schumann have done a fantastic job managing this historic property for many years and the owners, Peter Turner, Bow Jude and the Lokan family have also been committed to raising the bar for the tourism industry on Kangaroo Island.”
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Bush to Burra Cattle Drive
The Bush to Burra Cattle Drive is inviting people to put themselves and their horse to the test while droving up 400 head of cattle from Whyte Yarcowie to Burra for five days between 7 and 11 October 2008.
The 56-kilometre ride will offer a once in a lifetime adventure, following part of the historic Sir Sidney Kidman stock droving route under the guidance of experienced drovers. Participants are encouraged to bring their own horse, support crew and camping equipment. They will experience real bush cooking with all meals provided, as well as live music by local and visiting artists each night.
A limit of 60 riding positions per day is on offer, with a minimum of two days participation required. Those without a horse or camping equipment can arrange ‘hire’ from Burra Trail Rides.
Money raised during the event will be used to support local health services in the Mid North.
More Information : Graham Radford on 08 8892 2627
Functions at The Highway
The Highway, crowned Australia’s best redeveloped hotel in 2007 by the Australian Hotels Association, now offers two sparkling refurbished function rooms. The clean, crisp lines of the white stone bars matched with neutral tones and wallpaper feature walls present a blank canvas for you to create your ideal function environment. Perfect for medium to large sized events, including corporate events and meetings.
Conveniently located six kilometres from both Glenelg and the city centre, Function Room One is the perfect size for up to 150 guests cocktail style, 20-70 guests sit down, or up to 100 guests theatre style. Function Room Two is larger, providing space for up to 300 guests cocktail style, 180 guests sit down, or 200 guests in theatre style. Both rooms can be combined to create space for an even larger function. Each room has a fully operational bar, access to AV points, data projectors, DVD/CD facilities, staging, dance floor and public address systems.
Catering on offer includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, morning and afternoon teas and canapés, all prepared by the Highway's award-winning culinary team. A variety of beverage packages can be tailored to suit your every need.
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