Cover story
Escape and exhale
Jack Rabbit Vineyard
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
When relaxation and rejuvenation is in order, Lon Retreat is the place to be. Located in Point Lonsdale, a 30-minute drive from Geelong, Lon Retreat spans more than 250 acres of rural and conservation land owned by Claire and Rob Gemes. “Our seven individually designed suites have beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding farm landscape, where guests can indulge in our farm produce and locally sourced in-suite meals, matched with local wines from our Bellarine Taste Trail,” says Claire. Lon Retreat offers exclusive buy outs of the property for up to 16 guests, while a private meeting room and marquee spaces are also available for hire. High-end incentive groups can indulge in luxury experiences, from private mineral bathing to tasting sessions with local wine, gin and produce suppliers by the fire. “We live in a region that is so rich in talent, from incredible makers and growers to the smiling, welcoming faces that greet you at the door. We pride ourselves at Lon for seeking out local suppliers in everything that we do,” says Claire.
Leave your expectations at the door and be ready to uncover hidden gems that can only be found in Geelong and the Bellarine.
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hen you hear the word Geelong, thoughts of AFL, boardwalks, bollards and piers might spring to mind. While you’d be right in saying they’re all iconic to the Victorian port city, locals would urge you to leave any preconceived ideas at the door and to expect the unexpected in Geelong and the Bellarine. Cosy cellar doors, hidden luxury retreats and safari-style animal encounters are just some of surprising experiences awaiting incentive groups. Geelong’s location is another reason to add it to your incentive planning bucket list. If you’re arriving from interstate or overseas, Avalon Airport is less than 30 minutes away from the heart of Geelong, and for Melbourne groups, Port Phillip Ferries will have you there in just over an hour. But it’s not the location, accommodation or scenery that leaves the greatest impression on delegates. Rather, it’s the passionate people that will have your group eager to get to know the region. Here, we explore six businesses from Geelong and the Bellarine renowned for providing high-end incentive experiences to reward, reconnect and rejuvenate teams. If you're interested in holding an event in Geelong, the Business Events Geelong team can help. Contact them at info@begeelong.com.au or (03) 5244 7119.
8 Spice Summer 2020
Go behind the scenes Werribee Open Range Zoo is a unique attraction where visitors can get up close with rhinos, giraffes and zebras as they roam an open-range savannah located just a half-hour drive from both Avalon and Melbourne Airports. For groups looking to get even closer to the action, the zoo has just launched a range of behind-the-scenes experiences for small groups. The Deluxe Safari Adventure emulates a true African safari with opportunities to stop, observe, ask questions and capture the perfect photo. Meanwhile, the Early Morning Savannah Experience takes groups on an intimate tour with zoo keepers as they do their morning rounds. Director Glen Holland says the experiences allow groups to see the zoo and its animals in a completely different way. “These intimate, small-group experiences provide an exclusive glimpse into the lives of the amazing animals on the savannah,” he says.“This is the closest you can get to an authentic African safari and there’s no plane ticket required.”