Stay local with our top destinations for meetings and events in 2025
As the world embraces in person meetings and events again, there's never been a better time to explore venue options in your own backyard. From the busy city of Perth to the world-famous tropics of Cairns, each region offers something different for your next event, meeting, corporate retreat, conference, or awards night.
Feeling overwhelmed about where to go or where to start? With FCM Meetings & Events, the possibilities are endless. So, let's delve into some hidden gems across Australia together.
Perth, Western Australia
Flight Time: SYD - 5h 10m | BNE - 5h 40m | MEL - 4h 15m | ADL - 3H 30m
Population: Perth - 1.9 million / Western Australia 2.6 million
Hotels: 150+ offering over 16,000 rooms
Where soft sandy beaches meet buzzing city streets, Perth is full to the brim with small and large venues just waiting for you. The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) in the city centre features 270 meeting rooms and a 2,500-seat tiered theatre. Plus, Perth's recently upgraded $1 billion airport is just a short 25-minute train ride to the city centre, making it very accessible.
For a truly memorable experience, embrace the city's vibrant cultural scene, indulge in fine dining, or explore day trip opportunities to Rottnest Island and Margaret River. For something more adventurous, hop aboard a jet boat ride along the Swan River or a hot air balloon over the Swan Valley.
Cairns & Port Douglas, Queensland
Flight Time: SYD - 3h 10m | BNE - 2h 25m | MEL - 3h 20m | ADL - 3h | PER - 4h 15m
Population: Cairns - 169,312 / Queensland - 5.18 million
Hotels: 150+ offering over 11,700 rooms across the region
The gateway to the tropics, with average temperatures above 26 degrees celcius + all year round—what more could you want? Cairns Convention Centre, conveniently located in the city centre, has 23 meeting rooms and a 5,000-seat theatre. If this doesn't suit, the region has an abundance of venues, from hotels to restaurants to entertaining spaces.
Get the crew together, snorkel the iconic Great Barrier Reef, zip line through the rainforest, or trek Mossman Gorge. For something more casual, set sail on a sunset cruise followed by beachfront banquet dining. Cairns is nature's playground, offering world heritage sites and rich local culture at every turn.
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Flight Time: SYD - 1h 35m | MEL - 2h 15m | ADL - 2h 30m | PER - 6h 30m
Population: Sunshine Coast - 317,404 / Queensland - 5.18 million
Hotels: 150+ offering over 3,500 rooms across the region
Stretching 150km of beachfront, the Sunshine Coast offers multiple venues catering to groups of various sizes and preferences. The nearby airport directly connects with 14 domestic destinations and is just a short drive from Brisbane, making accessibility a breeze.
Whether you fancy a hinterland retreat, a luxury beachside gathering, a riverside escape, or an island adventure, the Sunshine Coast delivers. Before your event kicks off, dive into local surf lessons, kayak the calm waters, find your Zen with beachside yoga, or bond over a team cooking class using fresh, local produce. With its laid-back atmosphere, you'll find it hard to leave the Sunshine Coast behind.
Central Coast, New South Wales
Flight Time: BNE - 1h 35m | MEL - 1h 25m | ADL - 1h 50m | PER - 4h 10m (Exc. Sydney Airport)
Population: Central Coast - 351,900 / New South Wales - 8.16 million
Hotels: 150+ offering over 3,500 rooms across the region
Located just 90 minutes from Sydney and Newcastle, the Central Coast has earned its stripes as a certified ECO destination, offering coastal beauty and hinterland treasures. In this region, venues up for grabs include wineries, hotels, golf courses, retreats, and even treetop adventure parks.
Get ready for a whirlwind of adventure, sightseeing, and team bonding opportunities at every turn. Whether you're into wineries, horseback riding, quad biking, zip lining, kayaking, ocean tours, bushwalking, or cultural experiences, the Central Coast has it all. It's a destination ready to welcome you and your group with open arms.
Hosting local doesn't mean compromising on quality. Our team is here to ensure that every detail is perfectly signed, sealed and delivered! From location selection, venue, logistics, delicious treats and unforgettable entertainment right here on home soil - we have you covered.
With FCM Meetings & Events by your side, the sky's the limit! Let’s talk.
Looking for a meeting or event destination that requires a passport? Discover our top overseas picks here.