Australia Next - Indian Famil 2024

Twelve delegates from India who attended ‘Australia Next’ in Cairns enjoyed a post famil in Adelaide between Wednesday 11 and Saturday 14 September 2024, hosted by Business Events Adelaide and their ‘Team Adelaide’ partners.

After a short 15-minute drive from Adelaide Airport, the party was delighted to find they were staying at The Oval Hotel, nestled in the historic Adelaide Oval right in the heart of the city. As the only hotel situated within a major sporting arena in Australia, The Oval Hotel seamlessly integrates high-end luxury accommodation and the passion and prestige of sport. The Oval itself is multi-purpose business event and entertainment venue with a myriad of meeting spaces. It is perfect for sports lovers, but everyone will appreciate the sense of place that Adelaide Oval holds in the city.  

The famous old ground has been the scene of many epic battles between the Indian and Australian cricket teams, and our guests soaked up the atmosphere of what was going to be their unique ‘home’ for the next three days.

A short time later, they had the opportunity to take a bird’s eye view of the Oval – as well as the city and the coastline – from the Oval Roof Climb, each taking their turn to lean out over a 50 metre drop to the lush turf below.

Dinner was held at the luxurious Mount Lofty Estate, just 30 minutes away in the Adelaide Hills but a world removed from the hustle and bustle of the city below. Dinner was prepared by Mount Lofty’s in-house Indian chef, and guests were also shown the exclusive Sequoia Luxury Lodge adjacent to the main historic hotel.

After an exhilarating first day, delegates enjoyed some free time on the second morning in Rundle Mall, the longest pedestrian shopping precinct in the southern hemisphere, before returning to the Oval for a very special ‘behind the scenes’ tour. Whilst looking at the honour boards and memorabilia in the changing rooms, guests were joined by former Australian Test batsman Greg Blewett, a proud South Australian. Greg took time to pose for photos, sign autographs and show off his ‘baggy green’ cap. He even took delegates out onto the ground to take in the surrounds of the stadium from the centre of the pitch.

The group then embarked on an afternoon in the McLaren Vale, with highlights including a whisky tasting at Beresford Estate, and the chance to get hands on and creative with a wine blending experience at d’Arenberg, a unique food, wine and art concept.  Dinner was also enjoyed at d’Arenberg, the inimitable Cube illuminated for the occasion.

Day 3 saw the group take the short trip back to the Adelaide Hills, this time to Cleland Wildlife Park to meet koalas and feed kangaroos. More animal experiences followed at the nearby Monarto Safari Park, and the Lions 360 experience with Indian canapes proved a huge hit with delegates. This blend of Australiana and the African plains demonstrates just how versatile Adelaide’s regions can be.

The final stop of the day was at The Bend Motorsport Park. Here, guests took turns being passengers in a Mustang for a ‘hot lap’ of the track, and taking a scenic flight in a helicopter to take in more of the surrounds.

A final, formal dinner was held at EOS by SkyCity and attended by the South Australian Minister for Tourism Hon. Zoe Bettison. In a private dining room, overlooking the River Torrens and Adelaide Oval packed with Australian rules fans for a big game, this was the last opportunity for photos before the group departed the following morning.   

Sporting history, unique wildlife encounters, luxury experiences, thrilling rides – all of this from a base in the heart of one of the world’s most liveable and picturesque cities. In just a few short days, our Indian guests got to see just some of the reasons why Adelaide is the ideal corporate incentive destination.