Location
The conference will be held at the Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens, located in the heart of the Hunter Valley Wine Country, one of Australia's premier wine growing regions. With over 100 wineries and cellar doors in the Hunter Valley wine country region, it is the oldest and most well-know wine region in Australia.
The Mercure Resort is located adjacent to the magnificent Hunter Valley Gardens, which span over 60 acres and include more than 10 stunning feature gardens. Guided tours allow you to explore each garden one-by-one and enjoy an exciting journey through the thousands of flowers, trees, and shrubs with an air of discovery at every turn.
Weather
The climate in the Hunter Valley is moderate, similar to a Mediterranean climate. In summer the average daily temperature can exceed 30°C and in winter the average minimum temperature can drop to 4.4°C. January is the hottest month and July the coldest. The heaviest rainfalls are in summer, with a secondary peak just before winter.
June in the Hunter valley is a beautiful time of the year, with clear blue skies and mild temperatures averaging 18°C during the day. Temperatures at night can drop to 6°C with an occasional morning frost. Even in winter, the Hunter Valley is a sight to be seen. The stark contrast of the dormant grapevines and display of winter grass and flowers in the vineyards will delight every photographer.
Local attractions
There are many attractions within the Hunter Valley region, from wineries, art galleries, gardens, bicycle tours to hot air ballooning. For detailed information on things to see and do check out the excellent and comprehensive Hunter Valley Wine Country's tourism website
The Hunter Valley Wine Country visitors guide is also an excellent resource for information about the region.