Editor Claire Muir meets the new kid on the block for business events – say hello to the beautiful rural yet conveniently-located Marnong Estate…
Already an established hospitality venue with highly rated wines and first-class on-site accommodation, Marnong Estate has recently developed its offering to meet the needs of event organising EAs. If you’re looking for a real escape for your next meeting, planning day, end of year function or retreat then add Marnong Estate to your shortlist.
Surrounded by vines and 1,200 acres of working farmland yet just a stone’s throw from the metropolis that is Melbourne, Marnong offers the perfect blend of being a real rural, away-from-the-office destination and boasting an extremely convenient location for delegates to access. You’ll find yourself a mere 15 minutes from Melbourne airport and just 35 minutes from CBD… Plus you can fly to the venue from CBD with Microflite – the landing area is close to the venue’s event and accommodation spaces.
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to organising the flow of your day. There are a multitude of meetings and events spaces; each vastly different in terms of architecture, feel and size. Keep it intimate in the Clarke Room (a cosy boardroom that dates back to 1841) or address up to 250 guests in the Angliss Room.
Don’t forget to schedule some post-work treats, too. The award-winning restaurant, Bankvale Run, is on-site and ideal for post-meeting dinners. For something a little more lavish, book one of the two private dining rooms – one of which accommodates 30 people; the other 24. Meanwhile, there are indoor and outdoor spaces galore for teambuilding activities. From wine tastings, vineyard tours and cookery demos to sunrise yoga and fitness activities, the choice is yours.
Making a weekend of it? Then you’re in the right place! Marnong offers 20 rooms across 10 cabins and with the option for twin shares, there is capacity for up to 30 guests. If your boss is looking to impress a VIP client, make sure they’re checked into Homestead, which offers four executive-level suites. Why not go the extra mile and impress them even more with a hamper of Marnong Estate wines and other locally sourced items? They are available at corporate rates for event planning EAs.
Event attendees will love the views – pore over the impressive Macdeon ranges to the west, and glorious vineyards to the south and east.
