10 awesome places in Australia for a corporate retreat

From the iconic curves of the Sydney Opera House to the sandstone crags of Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia is filled with natural and man-made wonders. The diverse landscapes of this country, which is the largest in the Oceania region, are famous throughout the world. Get to know Australia’s attractions on a corporate retreat. Some options for activities here include guided hikes, wine-tasting tours, snorkeling adventures, and cultural workshops. ⁤⁤Below, you’ll find ten destinations that will make your next company retreat truly unforgettable. For help planning a retreat, check out the country’s top

travel management companies

. 

No list of Australian adventures would be complete without mentioning the Great Barrier Reef. This unique attraction is one of Australia’s best-known sites. Here, your team can

snorkel

, scuba dive, go island hopping, or take a

marine biology workshop

. Venues and operators:

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort

offers 15 unique indoor and outdoor venues for all corporate occasions.

Lizard Island Resort

is another option for special events, offering 40 rooms with gourmet meals, reef diving, and spa activities. How to get there:You can get to the Great Barrier Reef from major Australian cities via Cairns or Hamilton Island airports. Boat transfers from Hamilton Island to the area’s resorts can take from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. 30-minute helicopter transfers are also available from both Cairns and Hamilton Island. Best time to visit:The best time to visit is from June to October when the weather is dry and mild. This will ensure clear waters and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.Average budget: $$$-$$$$

Approximately an hour’s drive from Sydney, the scenic Blue Mountains are perfect for team building activities such as

guided hikes

,

abseiling

, and exploring Aboriginal heritage through

cultural tours

. Venues and operators: Check out

Fairmont Resort

for extensive conference facilities and breathtaking valley views. For groups interested in a private country house with full catering options, the

Bilpin Country Lodge

is a great choice.How to get there:You can reach the Blue Mountains in a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney. You can also head to the central town of Katoomba by NSW TrainLink Intercity train. Best time to visit:If you visit in spring (September to November) or fall (March to May), you can enjoy mild weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful foliage. Average budget: $$-$$$

The Barossa Valley is known for its gourmet food and wine scene, which is centered around towns like Angaston, Nuriootpa, and Tanunda. Germans settlers reached this area in the 19th century, planting vineyards and building the region’s characteristic stone cottages and Lutheran churches. If your company chooses to visit the valley, you’ll enjoy gourmet dining experiences, wine-tasting tours, and hot air balloon rides over the vineyards.Venues and operators:

The Louise

offers luxury lodges with private villa-style suites and fine dining.

Novotel Barossa Valley Resort

provides modern conference facilities and stunning vineyard views, while

Jacob’s Creek Estate Cottage

offers a more intimate experience, perfect for a top leadership gathering or executive retreat of up to six people, in a restored Barossa cottage surrounded by wide verandas and on-site events.How to get there:You can reach the Barossa Valley from Adelaide in just an hour’s drive, or take an organized coach tour from the city center. Adelaide Airport offers domestic and international flights to other destinations. Best time to visit:Fall (March to May) and spring (September to November) are the best times to visit the Barossa Valley. These two seasons are ideal because they offer mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities and wine-tasting experiences.Average budget: $$-$$$

Uluru is the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock. This red sandstone monolith is one of Australia’s best-known landmarks, and is also one of the country’s most important Indigenous sites. Take a

guided walk

around the base of the rock, participate in

cultural tours

and activities led by Indigenous guides, or

stargaze

under the clear skies of the Australian Outback. Venues and operators: At the

Ayers Rock Resort

, you’ll find an assortment of hotels with various lodging options to suit different budgets. These include

Longitude 131°

, whose luxury tented pavilions offer unparalleled views of Uluru, as well as more affordable options like the

Outback Hotel and Lodge

. How to get there:You can catch a direct flight to Ayers Rock Airport (Connellan Airport) from major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Once you’ve arrived, rent a car or arrange a shuttle service for the 20-minute drive to the park entrance.Best time to visit:Visit Uluru from May to September, when temperatures range from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C) during the day. This means you’ll have relatively cool temperatures to hike in, and the clear skies will enhance your view of the Uluru and Kata Tjuta formations against the desert background.Average budget: $$$-$$$$

If you’re hosting a corporate retreat focused on relaxation and wellness, Margaret River is a great option. This coastal town is known for its surfing, wineries, and craft breweries.Some activities you can do in Margaret River include

wine tours

, dining in the area’s

gourmet restaurants

, exploring

caves

, or

whale watching

.Venues and operators:

Pullman Bunker Bay Resort

offers beachfront villas and modern conference facilities. You could also visit

Cape Lodge

for a luxury retreat with fine dining and wine experiences, perfect for an incentive trip. Or check out

Margaret River Resort

, which has amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, volleyball court, bar, and restaurant. Best time to visit:In the shoulder seasons (fall or spring), you can enjoy the best retreat experience with mild weather and fewer crowds. Temperatures range from 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C) during these months.How to get there:It’s a scenic 3-hour drive to Margaret River from Perth. You can also take a coach bus from Elizabeth Quay or East Perth Terminal, or take the Australind train to Bunbury and catch an onward bus from there. Average budget: $$-$$$

Retreats in the great outdoors are fun, but they’re not the only option for a company gathering. If you’re looking to save budget and cut down on planning, why not organize an indoor event in the city? As the largest city in Australia, Sydney offers a plethora of options.

Tour famous landmarks

, opt for a

harbor cruise

, or organize a team building experience.Venues and operators: Operators like

Hidden Door Experiences

and

Urban Legends Tour Co

offer team building activities. For conferences and events, try corporate retreat venues like

ICC Sydney

(for large conferences) or a hotel like the

Hyatt Regency Sydney

.  Best time to visit:September to November is a good time to visit Sydney, as the weather is pleasant and crowds are low in the spring months. Average temperatures range from 52°F to 73°F (11°C to 23°C). How to get there:You can reach Sydney via its international airport, or by bus or train from other major cities like Melbourne. To navigate the city, use the Sydney Metro, trains, buses, ferries, light rail, or taxis. Average budget: $$$-$$$$

Tasmania is a large island located south of Australia’s mainland. It’s primarily known for its wildlife, natural attractions, and stargazing. Some activities you can do here include

visiting art museums

,

exploring national parks

, and tasting artisanal food and drink on the region’s

Tasting Trail

.  Venues and operators:

Saffire Freycinet

offers luxury suites with coastal views and fine dining, while Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is a rustic option near hiking trails that’s perfect for

conferences and events

. Best time to visit:For summer activities like hiking and wildlife spotting, visit from December to February. This is also a good time to experience the

Taste of Summer food festival

. In June, visitors can see the

Dark Mofo winter arts festival

.How to get there:Travelers can reach Tasmania from Australia’s major cities via Hobart and Launceston airports, or by taking the ferry from Melbourne to Devonport, which takes approximately nine hours. Once on the island, rental cars, buses, and guided tours are available to explore Tasmania's diverse attractions.Average budget: $$-$$$

The Gold Coast is known for its beaches, theme parks, water sports, and nightlife. Some activity options here include taking a

surfing trip

, visiting a

theme park

, playing

beach volleyball

, or enjoying a

sailing excursion

. Venues and operators:

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

offers beachfront luxury and event facilities. Another luxury option is

Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

, which sets the bar with its extensive amenities and high-end dining.Team building operators and venues in the area include

Thrill Team Events

and

Thunderbird Park

, among others. Best time to visit:October to March are ideal for beach activities like surfing and swimming. June to August provide a quiet atmosphere for exploring theme parks and enjoying the outdoors, with fewer crowds.How to get there:Fly into Gold Coast Airport or drive from Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, which is about an hour away. You can also catch a bus or TransLink train connection, or take the Airtrain from the airport.  Average budget: $$-$$$

Another retreat option near Sydney is Hunter Valley, one of Australia's premier wine regions. The region is a world-famous gourmet paradise, which is particularly known for its semillon and shiraz grape variants. In the valley, teams can participate in

wine tasting tours

,

hot air ballooning

,

golfing

, and relaxing

spa treatments

.Venues and operators:

Chateau Elan

offers an on-site golf course, a day spa, and event facilities for conferences and meetings. You could also check out

Hunter Valley Resort

, a 100-acre facility perfect for teams interested in diverse recreational activities, from segway tours to grape stomping.Best time to visit:Spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) provide the best weather for outdoor activities.How to get there:A two-hour drive from Sydney will bring you to this scenic wine region. You can also join an organized coach tour departing from Sydney's city center, take the public bus or train from Sydney, or fly into Newcastle Airport. Average budget: $$-$$$

For an educational and serene experience, try visiting Kakadu National Park. The park is home to a rich Indigenous cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Your team can enjoy a

guided walk

,

wildlife tour

,

boat cruise

, or a

cultural tour

led by Indigenous guides.Venues and operators:

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

offers high-end dining and convenient access to park attractions.

Cooinda Lodge

is suitable for small or medium-sized groups. At

Bamurru Plains

, wildlife enthusiasts will find all-inclusive luxury safari-style lodgings.Best time to visit:May to October’s dry season is the best time to visit. The cooler temperatures and clearer skies make this time of year ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the park's stunning landscapes, rock art, and wildlife.How to get there:Fly into Darwin International Airport, then drive approximately three hours to the park. Visitors can also opt for guided tours departing from Darwin, or take a Greyhound coach bus from the city. Average budget: $$-$$$