The perfect place for a company tune-upA leading car manufacturer from the United States rewarded their staff with a trip to Australia. To find out what they did and what they gained from the experience, play the video below.
Company: Leading luxury automotive company, USA If ever it was a case of the journey being as much fun as the destination, this incentive program was it. Charter jets, helicopters, luxury catamarans and SUVs were integral to the way the 42 exuberant participants experienced four Australian states in ten days. Arriving into the gateway destination of Sydney for just one day to relax after their trans-Pacific flights, the group checked into one of the city's leading hotels, which enjoys panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, the city skyline and vibrant waterfront. A variety of tours were on offer to explore the historic Rocks area, the Sydney Opera House and the shopping opportunities ahead of a sunset cocktail cruise on Sydney Harbour. The welcome dinner took place at a waterfront restaurant just a short stroll from the host hotel. On arrival into the Great Barrier Reef Airport in the Whitsundays, the guests boarded Hayman's luxury yacht for the scenic one hour transfer through the islands to the resort. On the way they enjoyed chilled Australian sparkling wine and strawberries dipped in chocolate. Most guests visited the Great Barrier Reef by luxury catamaran, with the option of a scenic sea plane or helicopter return. Other choices were a day's reef fishing aboard "Sun Aura", a round of golf on the mainland with sea plane or helicopter transfers. A busy day of fresh air and activity was topped with a dine-around in three of Hayman's restaurants, the beachside Azure, the fine dining La Fontaine and the Oriental. Couples could also arrange to have a candle-light dinner on their balconies, enjoying the warm night breezes. A charter jet swapped the exotic tropical north for the waterfront of Tasmania. Accommodation was at a newly opened deluxe hotel housed in the sandstone walls of a 19th century building on the historic Hobart waterfront. As a string quartet played, the "Tastes of Tasmania Dinner" was a showcase of Tasmania's finest produce used in the creation of innovative dishes: oysters, shellfish bisque, succulent beef, field mushrooms, walnut ice cream, cheeses and celebrated cool climate wines, including an "ice riesling". A fleet of 13 sports vans arrived the following morning for an off-road adventure where the guests were driven into the Tasmanian wilderness to experience kangaroos and wallabies in the wild at a wildlife park. There were also stops to enjoy more Tasmanian gourmet fare before lunch at a remote trout fishery where the guests had the chance to try their hand at fly fishing. The visitors also had a chance to meet with locals, undertake historic walking tours and purchase some of the produce and handicrafts for which Tasmania is renowned. After a brief charter jet flight to Melbourne, the capital of the southern Australian state of Victoria, guests had the chance to visit the Sunday Markets in St Kilda, attend a day spa and prepare for dinner, with the group splitting up to dine at four of Melbourne's premier restaurants. The following day there was golf at one of Australia's highest rated courses, whilst others took to the air in a three helicopter safari to view the Twelve Apostles, the spectacular limestone towers that rear out of the sea along the Great Ocean Road, west of Melbourne. Lunch was served at a picturesque location near the Twelve Apostles, giving the guests more time to photograph and enjoy the atmosphere of Victoria's greatest natural attraction. Other options included an Aboriginal Heritage Walk and a chance to meet and learn more about indigenous Australians and observe a traditional smoking ceremony. An expedition to Chapel Street provided the opportunity to do some shopping at the stores of some of Melbourne's top designers. The program ended up with each couple being driven in a vintage automobile to a "Marvellous Melbourne" party at the 1890s Block Arcade with a strong theme - an elegant night with music, fine food and entertainment from 3 Divas. The table and centrepiece theming reflected the late Victorian era in every respect. Human statues dressed as shoppers in the style of the period added to the conviviality. The "host" for the night was "Sir Stanley Block" who regaled the guests with stories from Melbourne's heyday. |
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