Waurn Ponds Estate
A unique conference experience just outside Geelong
Welcome to Waurn Ponds Estate, a boutique conference and accommodation venue hidden away on expansive grounds just outside Geelong.
Discover tranquil stays, seamless events, delicious food and state of the art facilities at Waurn Ponds Estate.
What sets us apart
With its secluded setting, delicious food, sustainability focus and premium facilities, the Estate is one of the most unique conference centres in Geelong.
The Estate difference:
- State of the art AV equipment for a seamless user experience
- Exciting and delicious conference menus with unique service options
- Elegant on site accommodation for true immersion and convenience
- A tranquil environment, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle
Where to find us
The Estate grounds are located at the rear of Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds Campus.
The Estate is approximately 20 minutes drive from the Geelong city centre and one hour from Melbourne.
How to get to the Estate:
- From Pigdons Road, enter Alfred Deakin Drive and turn left at the first roundabout onto Nicol Drive South
- Follow this road to the end until you reach Waurn Ponds Estate, which will be on your right
- We have put together a map to help you
While you’re here
The Estate is a true escape full of wonderful amenities on our expansive grounds. Free wi-fi and complimentary parking are just the beginning.
Our facilities
- Take a stroll along our 5 km walking track
- Enjoy the outdoor heated swimming pool and spa
- Work out in the 24 hour gym
- Play a game of tennis on the courts
- Stay in and sample our Express Dining menu
Want to find out more?
Click here to download our conference kit.
Fill in your details and we will send it stratight to your inbox.
A team member will also get in touch to see if we can assist you in any way.
Helpful Information
What are the Estate’s opening hours?
Waurn Ponds Estate is open weekdays, from 7.30am on Monday until 5pm on Friday.
We are open for conferences, events, accommodation and our Express Dining menu during this period.
The Estate opens on weekends for booked conferences, events and corporate accommodation only.
What is the Estate’s conference capacity?
Waurn Ponds Estate has eight technology rich conference spaces, with a range of sizes.
Our smaller meeting rooms can accommodate up to 10 people, while our largest conference space can hold 154 delegates.
Find out more about our different conference rooms, configurations and capacities here.
Does Waurn Ponds Estate have break out rooms?
The Estate’s six smaller meeting rooms located amongst the accommodation wings offer excellent breakout rooms with full AV facilities.
The design of the Estate’s common areas, event spaces and grounds encourage informal breakout sessions. Small groups of people can find a quiet spot to brainstorm, discuss ideas, reflect, or plan within the lounges, quiet seating corners, available event spaces and in the garden.
Find out more about our conference spaces here.
Can I make a booking at the Estate if I am not associated with Deakin?
Yes, of course. Waurn Ponds Estate offers conferences, events and corporate accommodation to everyone. You do not have to be associated with Deakin to make a booking with us.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team for a custom quote to suit your needs.
You are also welcome to join us for our Express Bistro menu Monday - Friday.
What is the Estate’s accommodation capacity?
Waurn Ponds Estate has 60 contemporary accommodation rooms that can host up to 120 guests when twinned or shared. Our rooms include two luxury suites and three accessible rooms.
Each of our rooms feature king size beds, modern ensuites, plush bedding, tea and coffee making facilities, a desk, television, and gorgeous pool, garden or Estate views.
Find out more about our accommodation options and inclusions here.
Does the Estate offer catering and events?
We offer full day conference catering at Waurn Ponds Estate, with a range of packages available, plus options for dinner. All conference packages include all-day espresso coffee and tea.
We also provide catering for events such as cocktail parties, sit down banquets, corporate lunches, morning or afternoon teas and more.
Waurn Ponds Estate can host a maximum of 100 guests seated in our Barrabool event space, or up to 300 guests for a cocktail event in the Lounge or on the Lawn.
Find out more about our catering and event options here.
What technology is available at the Estate?
Waurn Ponds Estate’s eight conference spaces are technology-rich for a seamless user experience.
Our AV equipment features one-touch operation, allowing you full access from your own laptop.
The Estate’s conference rooms also have an extra large projector screen, a lectern with microphone as well as handheld, lapel and table microphones.
The spaces include built in cameras both at the front and rear of the rooms for ease of Zoom meetings, and we have recording capabilities and hearing loop devices available.
Find out more about our conference technology here.
Do you have a restaurant and bar at the Estate?
The Estate does not have a traditional restaurant or bar.
Breakfast is an optional addition to accommodation bookings at Waurn Ponds Estate and is served in our Barrabool event space from 7.30am - 9am.
Breakfast is served to Estate guests only.
We serve an Express Bistro menu for lunch and dinner, Monday - Friday from 11am till 7pm. A full beverage menu is also available to order.
This is served in our Barrabool space, our Bistro or our Pool Terrace, depending on availability. Our friendly team will advise you where to go on arrival.
Our Express Bistro menu is available to anyone who would like to join us.
The bar in our Bistro is open on request for conference and event bookings only.
We also welcome you to our sister cafe and bar in Geelong, Waterfront Pantry.