Saffire Freycinet, Iron Creek Bay Estate, and MACq 01 Hotel each earned recognition for exceptional qualities – from world-class luxury to sustainability leadership and all-abilities inclusion. Below, we explore what makes these award-winning venues special for business events and conferences, and how they can inspire your next gathering.

Saffire Freycinet: Best Luxury Accommodation

Saffire Freycinet’s luxury lodge overlooks the Hazards mountain range and Wineglass Bay, offering an inspiring blend of natural beauty and indulgence. Renowned as Australia’s premier luxury lodge, Saffire Freycinet delivers an unrivalled blend of natural beauty, world-class indulgence, and immersive experiences. Honoured with a national award for its world-class luxury, this East Coast icon invites guests to disconnect from the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary amidst breathtaking views of Freycinet National Park. With 20 elegantly appointed suites, an acclaimed spa, and gourmet dining showcasing Lutruwita / Tasmania’s finest produce, every moment at Saffire is designed to inspire, rejuvenate, and delight.

For business events, Saffire offers an exclusive setting ideal for high-level retreats and intimate conferences. The lodge prides itself on tailoring each event, where even a corporate conference can feel like a prized incentive. A dedicated boardroom – equipped with the latest technology and elegant furnishings – accommodates up to 24 people for meetings or workshops, all framed by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Hazards mountains. Delegates can balance business with unique experiences like oyster farm excursions or guided hikes, making every corporate retreat unforgettable. Saffire’s individually tailored programs strike the right balance between a spectacular destination, glorious environment and world-class food and wine, ensuring that business gatherings here are as luxurious as they are productive.

 

 

Iron Creek Bay Estate: Excellence in Innovation, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Practice

Iron Creek Bay Estate earned recognition for its sustainability leadership, thanks in part to award-winning sustainable architecture set amid a picturesque coastal orchard landscape. Located at the gateway to the Tasman Peninsula, just 30 minutes from Hobart, the estate is a patchwork of cherry, apricot, and apple orchards with its own vineyard and farm animals roaming the grounds. The result is a uniquely Tasmanian rural setting that gives event attendees an immediate sense of escape into nature. Modern facilities blend with rustic charm – from indoor/outdoor dining spaces to an adventure playground and farm trails – all designed with sustainable materials and sweeping bay views in mind. It’s an environment that demonstrates why Iron Creek Bay Estate was honored for sustainability, and it provides a refreshing backdrop for corporate groups seeking a greener, more relaxed atmosphere.

When it comes to hosting business events and conferences, Iron Creek Bay Estate offers remarkable versatility. Planners can choose from picturesque indoor and outdoor venues for gatherings of various sizes – whether it’s a strategy meeting, an incentive program, or a product launch. The estate’s on-site restaurant, Orani, caters for group dining and special occasions with flexible menus that range from formal banquets to casual cocktail setups or even orchard picnics. With capacity for up to 150 in a theatre-style setting (and numerous breakout areas among the orchards), the venue seamlessly merges professional needs with pastoral charm. Attendees can pick fresh fruit during breaks, enjoy farm-to-table meals, or unwind on walking trails, making business events here both productive and rejuvenating. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Iron Creek – it’s built into the experience, ensuring your conference or retreat aligns with eco-friendly values while leaving a lasting impression.

MACq 01 Hotel: All Abilities Hotel – Accommodation Division

This 114-room hotel (87 rooms and 27 suites) is situated on Hobart’s iconic waterfront, immersing guests in the essence of Lutruwita / Tasmania’s culture and stories. Each room reflecting a unique Tasmanian character, so delegates don’t just stay in comfort – they also get a taste of Tasmanian heritage and storytelling. From the stylish Old Wharf Restaurant serving fresh Tasmanian seafood to the character-filled Story Bar and Evolve Spirits Bar, MACq 01 provides ample on-site opportunities for networking over world-class food and drink. And just outside the door lies the vibrant Hobart docks area, with Salamanca Place, galleries, and markets a short stroll away – perfect for post-conference exploration.

What truly makes MACq 01 an award-winner is its unwavering commitment to inclusive hospitality. The hotel was designed with equal access as a primary focus, ensuring all guests – and all conference delegates – can navigate and enjoy the facilities with ease. All communal spaces are wheelchair accessible, and MACq 01 offers multiple fully equipped accessible rooms and suites to accommodate guests with disabilities. Thoughtful features abound, from lift chimes and braille indicators for the visually impaired to hearing loop technology and trained staff ready with personal evacuation plans. This attention to accessibility earned MACq 01 a national accolade for disability inclusion, meaning event organizers can be confident that every attendee will feel welcome and supported.