Stop Googling and start planning—because the Southern Grampians is calling. This slice of Victoria is already a mecca for holiday adventure with jaw-dopping landscapes and rich heritage. It’s also a yet-uncovered region full of potential with exceptional venues, inspired experiences and a natural backdrop, ready to host your next team meeting, product launch and industry event.
Southern Grampians is approximately 3 hours west of Melbourne, accessible via the Western and Glenelg Highways. Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon) greets you as you arrive, its rugged escarpments as unexpected as it is dramatic.
Once here, the isolated and serene surroundings provide the perfect setting to step away from the daily grind and focus on meaningful business outcomes. In fact, businesses and government agencies from Southwest Victoria use Hamilton and Dunkeld – Southern Grampians’ principal towns – as meeting places.
Heritage Meets Innovation
Southern Grampians boasts a rich history as the land of the Gunditjmara people. Their ancient aquaculture system at Budj Bim—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a living testament to innovation dating back thousands of years. Modern-day Hamilton, the Wool Capital of the World, continues this legacy as a hub for agricultural excellence and as a leading producer of flaxseed products nation-wide.
This juxtaposing blend of ancient culture and contemporary achievements provides an inspirational setting for business events to spark fresh ideas and foster deep connections.
Unmatched Event Spaces
Whether you’re planning a creative workshop, a conference or industry exhibition, the Southern Grampians has venues to suit every need.
Hamilton Exhibition and Convention Centre (HECC) is a state-of-the-art facility hosting everything from private corporate workshops to the iconic Sheepvention, a cornerstone of the region’s agricultural calendar attracting 25,000 attendees annually to its exhibits, forums and presentations.
The HECC also hosts corporate training days and workshops year-round and most recently the Sow & Savour Soiree – a farm-to-table dinner with matched wines event that showcases producers in the region.
Sterling Place, Dunkeld Community Centre is a modern purpose-built venue that has capacity for up to 400 people, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Sturgeon. Sterling Place also offers adventure team-building activities like mountain biking, flying fox, campfire reflections, and bushwalks through the Grampians with its partnership with Grampians Retreat.
It currently attracts a diverse range of events, from agribusiness workshops and workplace training to multi-day festivals like the Dunkeld Writers Festival. Unsurprisingly, Dunkeld’s rugged peaks of Gariwerd and surrounding volcanic plains with its rich cultural history is a natural setting that has served up inspiration for authors such as Bruce Pascoe and Miles Franklin and influenced contemporary Australian literature in the works of Tom Winton.
Luxury, Nature, and Gastronomy
For those seeking a touch of indulgence, Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel delivers world-class dining, luxurious accommodation, and a bond with nature. Its famed restaurant, Wickens, features seasonal menus crafted from produce grown on-site, paired with wines from Australia’s largest privately owned cellar. From chef-led kitchen garden tours, hands-on cooking masterclasses to guided walks along the Grampians Peaks Trail, the Royal Mail Hotel also offers activities that seamlessly blend work, play, and relaxation.
Stargazing and Serenity
When the sun sets, the Southern Grampians unveils its own mystery and magic. With minimal light pollution, the region is unmatched for stargazing. Gaze at the Milky Way with your naked eye or join guided night sky tours to connect with the constellations and the ancient stories they inspire.
Why the Southern Grampians?
From its ancient aquaculture heritage to its modern venues, the Southern Grampians delivers more than just logistics—it offers an experience found nowhere else in Victoria. Hosting your event here means connecting your team with culture, nature, and a sense of inspiration that lasts long after the final agenda item.
So, pack your vision boards and adventurous spirit for your 2025 event calendar in the Southern Grampians. This could just be where seeds of big ideas, bold moves, and extraordinary events are sown and take root.
