A sneak peek at Australia Next

The latest edition of Australia’s incentive inspiration magazine, Australia Next, has just dropped, packed full of ideas to keep UK planners dreaming of the land Down Under until travel there is possible again.

Business Events Australia gave us a sneak peek of what’s inside.

Things that make you smile: Adopt a wild koala

During the height of Australia’s bushfires last summer, many wildlife organisations, including the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital in regional New South Wales on Australia’s east coast, provided essential assistance in triaging and sheltering vulnerable animals. Run by a team of dedicated volunteers, the Koala Hospital relies on outside support. “Adoptions through the ‘Adopt A Wild Koala’ programme play a vital role in our ongoing fight for wildlife conservation,” says President Sue Ashton. Through an online adoption, your team will be able to support the care of a sick or injured wild koala. A worthy cause to help these furry Australians get back on their paws.

Things that make you Instagram: Field of Light at Uluru

What’s more photogenic than Australia’s iconic central Australian rock, Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) at sunset? That would be Uluru illuminated by the critically acclaimed Field of Light installation by British artist Bruce Munro. Previously opened for a limited season, the exhibition, Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘Looking at lots of beautiful lights’, has now been extended indefinitely. The extensive exhibition stretches over the equivalent of seven football fields and features an illuminated garden of 50,000 swaying solar-powered lights. Enjoy the exhibition in style with helicopter transfers and an open-air dinner overlooking the lights. Maximum capacity for the helicopter transfer sits around 30 guests, but groups of all sizes can be catered for the dinner.

Where to stay: The Fantauzzo, Brisbane

First impressions: Located right on the Brisbane River in the Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) precinct, this brand-new build, which opened in 2019, brings an artistic and individual aesthetic to Brisbane.

Location: Right under Brisbane’s Story Bridge, just five minutes’ drive from the city centre and 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport.

Number of rooms: 166 suites

Event spaces and capacity: Three flexible spaces with river and city views, which can be combined to accommodate up to 148 people for cocktail functions. Alternatively, tap into one of the many other event spaces on offer at HSW.

What’s so special? The Fantauzzo is named after the award-winning Australian painter Vincent Fantauzzo, renowned for his skill in portraiture. The hotel features original artworks by Fantauzzo throughout and offers complimentary art tours. The hotel also features a rooftop pool and bar, which is available for events.

Best for: Events that take full advantage of the Howard Smith Wharves precinct and its restaurants, coffee roasters and brewery.

Venue inspo: Museum of Old and New Art, Tasmania

Since opening almost a decade ago, the unconventional Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) has been the jewel in Tasmania’s cultural crown. And sharing in the spotlight more recently is Mona’s world class food, drink and events offering. During the pandemic, Mona has continued to reinvent itself, offering Faro Luxe Dinner Experiments which saw diners indulge in a surprise menu, drink wines from owner David Walsh’s private wine bunker and access parts of the dormant museum. Once the world resumes business as usual, Mona’s full capacities will return with purpose-built event spaces Eros and Thanatos able to host up to 350 guests, Source Restaurant seating 64, The Void seating 160 for long table dinners and The Nolan Gallery catering for up to 450.

Read the digital edition of Australia Nextonline now or contact Business Events Australia to have a printed copy delivered directly to you.