Social Options
INCLUDED SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
OPTIONAL SOCIAL ACTIVITES
ACCOMPANYING PERSONS TOURS
POST CONVENTION TOURS
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
The 2012 National Convention program includes a variety of social functions, allowing you to relax and socialise with peers. The Convention Welcome Drinks and Convention Gala Dinner are included in the fee for delegates with full registrations. Additional tickets may be purchased separately using the registration form.
Convention Welcome Drinks
Convention welcome drinks
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery displays some 450 portraits of people who have shaped Australia and who continue to shape our nation. An art gallery of outstanding quality, this is the most significant building to be constructed in the Parliamentary precinct for over twenty years.
Drinks and canapés will be served in the Gordon Darling Hall, an open and inviting space reflecting the Australian character. Inspired by nature and enriched by beautiful landscape vistas, the gallery provides a wonderful welcome to the nation's capital. Coach transfers will depart from the National Portrait Gallery at 7.00pm for delegates wishing to return to the Crowne Plaza, Hyatt Hotel, Aria Hotel and Clifton Suites. Delegates participating in the optional evening activities should refer to their confirmation letter for scheduled transfer times.
Time: 5.30pm - 7.00pm
Pricing: Inclusive for all full registration delegates
Additional Tickets: $89 per person
Dress: Business Casual
Convention Gala Dinner at Parliament House
Australia's most famous meeting place, Parliament House, is the natural venue for The Tax Institute's 27th National Convention Gala Dinner. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks in The Marble Foyer, with its marble clad columns reminiscent of a eucalyptus forest, before moving to the prestigious Great Hall. One of Australia's most impressive settings, the Great Hall's soaring ceilings and backdrop of the famous Arthur Boyd tapestry make this an unforgettable Gala Dinner venue.
Coach transfers to Parliament House will depart from the Crowne Plaza, Hyatt Hotel, Aria and Clifton Suites. Return transfers will depart from Parliament House to Canberra CBD Hotels at regular intervals throughout the evening, commencing at 10.00pm. Alternatively, the venue is a 15 minute taxi ride from the CBD.
Time: 7.00pm - till late
Pricing: Inclusive for all full registration delegates
Additional Tickets: $175 per person
Dress: Evening
Option 1: Dinner at Alto Restaurant, Black Mountain Tower
Enjoy incredible views and fabulous food at Alto Restaurant, Black Mountain Tower, an innovative and modern revolving restaurant with breathtaking views of Canberra and the surrounding area. Menus reflect a progressive modern Australian cuisine with European influences using fresh produce sourced locally and regionally with occasional international gourmet specialities. A two course meal, selected beverages and return transfers are included.
Option 2: Twilight Tour of Parliamentary Triangle and Dinner at Belluci's Trattoria
Tour at twilight around the Parliamentary zone past all the national icons and see interesting extra sites as part of Canberra's 99th birthday celebrations. Take a trip up Red Hill where the breathtaking lights of Canberra will be spread out before you. Then it's on to Manuka for a relaxed and delicious three course dinner at Belluci's Trattoria. The twilight tour host, three course dinner and return transfers are included.
Option 3: Wine Tasting at the Portrait Gallery
Explore premium Australian wine and benchmark some of this country's most popular and emerging varieties. Wine Direct will take you through the nuances of classic varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay and Shiraz as well as Pinot Gris, Tempranillo and more, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Those attending will be automatically entered into a wine draw. Bookings are essential. Transfers will depart the Portrait Gallery at 8pm to take delegates back to their hotels. A booking confirmation will be provided to participants.
Option 4: Guided Tour of the Portrait Gallery
Experience an exclusive guided viewing of the national portrait collection. The National Portrait Gallery is an art gallery of outstanding quality and the most significant building to be constructed in the Parliamentary precinct for over twenty years. Home to the nation’s portrait collection the National Portrait Gallery comprises gallery spaces for the collection and temporary exhibitions. The collection display includes over 450 portraits that tell extraordinary stories of encounter, exploration, independence, individuality and achievement in Australia. Visitors to the Gallery can follow the development of portraiture from oil painting to digital media.
The Essence of Canberra
Paint the picture of how Australia came to have Canberra as its capital, visiting three of the major national institutions. The tour takes in Anzac Parade, the Embassy district of Yarralumla, the Parliamentary Triangle with its many national icons and the spectacular views from Mount Ainslie.
Walk and Be Pampered
Take a guided walk through Lennox Gardens along Lake Burley Griffin to the Parliamentary Parklands Trail (moderate level of walking). You will then be taken to Canberra Day Spa, one of the city' best, where you can indulge a service of your choice - choose from a massage, facial, foot treatment or manicure.
Family Fun Day - Questacon & National Museum of Australia
Explore over 200 interactive exhibits at the National Science and Technology Centre, Questacon. Then transfer to the National Museum of Australia where you will have a guided tour of the Museum with the opportunity to stop for lunch (not included) followed by free time to explore the centre.
Galleries Galore
Take in the highly acclaimed National Gallery including the fabulous Renaissance Exhibition. After a morning tea break walk past the High Court of Australia, along Reconciliation Walk to the National Library for the new Treasures Gallery, to see some of our nations most important documents and historic items.
Hyatt High Tea
Settle in for a scrumptious afternoon High Tea at the magnificent 1920s building, Hyatt Hotel.
Early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride - Canberra Balloon Festival
The “ Balloon Spectacular” is held on the lawn of Old Parliament House where up to 40 balloons will inflate at sunrise each morning (weather permitting), and after a gentle lift off, fly over the lake and city. There is a full program of entertainment at the Festival breakfast site with local bands performing until 10am.
Parliament House - The Old and the New
Delve into both places of our political history, Old Parliament House and “the people's house”, Parliament House.
Cool Climate Wines and World Famous Wood Art at the Bungendore Woodworks
The cool climate wines of the region offer something special. Visit two of Canberra's most prestigious wineries. The fine craftsmanship on display at the world renowned Bungendore Woodworks is sure to delight before sitting down to a relaxing country lunch.
Cotter Dam Redevelopment Bush Walk, Tidbinbilla Space Tracking Centre & Country Lunch at Lanyon
Experience the Cotter Dam redevelopment bush walk, taking in the largest engineering project ever undertaken in the ACT. Following this you will visit Tidbinbilla Space Tracking Centre, an essential part of the Tidbinbilla Valley’s life for over four decades and is an important contributor to world space exploration.
Click here for this list of recommended restaurants in and around Canberra CBD.
