Venue Details

This year's conference is being held at the stunning Shoal Bay Resort and Spa, approximately 1-1/2 hours north of Newcastle, NSW.

Nestled over 5 acres of beachfront property, Shoal Bay Resort & Spa encompasses over 200 luxurious self-contained apartments, villas and suites ideal for holidays, getaways, weekend breaks, conferences and events.

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa lies on the white sands of Shoal Bay, by the entrance to Port Stephens, overlooking the magnificent volcanic headlands and spectacular bay and surrounding area. Boasting crystal clear waterways, white sandy beaches and extensive National Parks with unspoiled bushland, Shoal Bay is certainly one of New South Wales’ best kept secrets…

Travel Information

By Car…

Port Stephens is 2 ½ hours drive north of Sydney via the F3 freeway. Join the Pacific Highway at Hornsby heading north, follow the “Pacific Highway” signs. Bear left and follow the Pacific Highway at Hexham, over Hexham Bridge and past Raymond Terrace, then take the first exit for Nelson Bay/Williamtown Airport. This will take you to Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay

By Air...

Williamtown Airport is 30 minutes south of Port Stephens with direct flights daily from Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra and Sydney. Flights from other regional cities are also available. Check flight details with airlines direct: Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Qantas. Transfers are available to Shoal Bay Resort & Spa can be arranged with your reservation or car rental is available at the airport.

Flight Options:

• Adelaide to Newcastle
• Sydney to Newcastle
• Perth to Newcastle
• Melbourne to Newcastle
• Darwin to Newcastle
• Cairns to Newcastle
• Brisbane to Newcastle

Train & Bus…

Uninterrupted train journeys are available from Sydney Central Station to Newcastle, with coach connections direct to Port Stephens. Port Stephens Coaches depart from Central Station daily. Return trips depart from Shoal Bay daily also.

A public bus service operates from Newcastle Airport with Port Stephens Coaches, route number 130, at a cost of $4.30 per person.

Transfers

Transfers to the Resort can be arranged with your reservation if required. Cost is $20/pp. Please indicate your requirements on the accommodation booking form, found HERE, or contact Kerrie at the Shoal Bay Resort & Spa on (02) 4984 8144 to make the necessary arrangements.

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FAQ

Q1. What time does the conference start/finish?

A: The conference commences on Thursday 18th November with a cocktail evening, starting at 7pm in the Whitesands Conference Centre at Shoal Bay Resort. The Friday and Saturday will commence at approximately 8.30am and finish around 4.30pm

Q2. What day(s) should I attend the conference?

A: We encourage you to attend the full conference for maximum benefit, however, if you have staff that you would like to fly in on a different day, Friday will be aimed more at the management level and Saturday will be aimed more at sales/inventory staff.

Q3. What is the nearest airport?

A: The nearest airport to Shoal Bay Resort is Newcastle, Williamtown. There are flights to Newcastle via Melbourne or Brisbane from Perth and Adelaide and direct flights from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Flights can be booked through Virgin Blue or Qantas, with the exception of the Sydney-Newcastle flight which can be booked through www.aeropelican.com.au

Q4. How do I get to the resort from Newcastle Airport?

A: There are 3 options - 1) you can arrange a hire car to collect at the airport. 2) you can take a public bus with Port Stephens Coaches, route number 130 at a cost of $4.30 per person or 3) you can pre-arrange collection by the resort shuttle bus by providing the resort with your flight details when you book your accommodation, at a cost of $20 per person.