Corroboree Gold Coast - October 2017

I travelled with Singapore Airlines: their economy seats are comfortable with more space than other airlines: 9 seats across instead of 10. Good food plus an entertainment system with a huge range of films, TV, music and games to keep you occupied on a long flight. Both flights were 100% full but it was a good journey with 2 hours in Singapore to stretch the legs.

We stayed at the Star Gold Coast, a huge hotel within walking distance of the conference centre and the beach and on the first day we enjoyed some of the attractions of the area.

Gold Coast Watersports at Broadwater for adrenaline-filled jet-ski, parasailing or jet boating: great fun was had by all! Southport Yacht Club, with views over the marina, hosted our lunch.

Then on to Skypoint, the tallest building at 230m above ground and with 360 degrees views from the beaches to the hinterland. Here one group climbed to the very top of the tower for even more stunning panoramas; the other group had cuddles with resident koala Sir David (guess who he’s named after!) and took part in a painting session with a local aboriginal guide; followed by a delicious afternoon tea with bubbles.

The evening welcome function was on Surfers Paradise beach where we were met by 2 giant bouncing kangaroos who escorted us into the marquees for a didgeridoo performance and welcome to country speech from the local aboriginal elder. Food and drink flowed, and it was great meet new friends and catch up with old ones.

Corroboree is run by Tourism Australia every 2 years and brings more than 100 Australian tourism companies to meet 300 Aussie specialist agents from around the world. The agents, in groups of 3, meet each company for 10 minutes to learn about their products. We have around 30 meetings each day for 3 days and its hard work, but enjoyable too. After the meetings each evening, we are taken to a different venue for dinner, to experience the local hospitality and socialise with our colleagues.

One night was a circus-themed event with street food stalls at the Burleigh Brewing Co; another was finger food and inspiring conversation from the lifeguards at Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club, and the final night was held on the Pavilion Lawn at the Star Hotel, a popular venue for local weddings.