Saturday, May 25, 2013

How Murder Mystery Parties are Organized


Head to Woodlands of Marburg for your next company team building event or a one-of-a-kind party. Murder mystery party packages range from casual mysteries where you set the pacing to full-blown costume balls where everyone must come dressed to fit their character.

How Murder Mystery Parties Work

Your guests gather in one of the historic rooms at Woodlands of Marburg and enjoy a hearty dinner. As they eat, a murder takes place. They become the witnesses, suspects, and detectives, working together to uncover the killer's identity. Because guests join forces to solve the mystery, teamwork skills take place and friendships form easily.

Settings for the Parties

Woodlands of Marburg has a few rooms available for murder mystery parties. The dining rooms are elegant settings with dark wood paneling and Victorian-style décor. The Sandstone Cellar is another excellent choice with a creepier feel as it is in the cellar with seating overlooking grand fireplaces and the stone walls.

Sample Menus

Chefs work with you to create a dinner menu for your party. Among their many succulent creations are starters like tandoori lamb served with a bok choy, green bean, and red onion salad. For main dishes, the chefs whip up hearty meals like green curry prawns served over jasmine rice. Tempting desserts include delights like a dark chocolate chili mousse with a mandarin orange compote.

Guest Accommodations

For guests who wish to spend the night, there is lodging in the Bougainvillea House or the Bunya House. The Bougainvillea House is a 4.5 star hotel with deluxe and executive rooms. Guests in the Bougainvillea House enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast or can pay a small fee and upgrade to a hot breakfast.

The Bunya House is the more economical of the two settings. There are 39 rooms in all, including half a dozen rooms suitable for families. These accommodations share one bathroom between two rooms. Rooms have a queen bed, digital television, mini-bar, and coffee and tea making facilities.

Other amenities include a half-size Olympic pool, tennis courts, and Woodlands of Marburg Winery.

About Woodlands of Marburg

Woodlands is a historic plantation-style manor built in 1890. It served as a private home until 2002 when it was opened to the public. Guests come to the Marburg, Queensland, estate to visit the small winery, stay in one of the elegant rooms, attend a special event or wedding, or enjoy a hearty meal in one of the dining rooms.

If you're interested in booking murder mystery party packages at Woodlands, complete the online form or call (07) 5464 4777.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Book Your Next Conference at Woodlands of Marburg



Great corporate conference venues can be hard to find. The ideal location needs to be spacious and classy yet affordable, with conference accommodation for out-of-town guests. Woodlands of Marburg fits the bill.

The 250-acre plantation-style estate is perfect for your next corporate event, merging old-world charm and modern facilities at a truly unique location which will enthral your guests. Woodlands’ conference rooms come equipped with whiteboards, projectors, air conditioning, a TV/DVD/VCR and ADSL 2 wireless broadband internet connection. Alternatively, those in charge of organising the event can opt to stage it in any of Woodlands’ manicured gardens or lawn areas. Whatever the event, Woodlands has the answer.

Woodlands’ conference accommodation is the perfect solution for interstate or international guests. Two accommodation buildings make Woodlands of Marburg a one-stop shop for meeting-goers. The 39-room Bunya House includes 32 standard rooms as well as six family rooms and an immaculate two-room suite.

Paired to share a bathroom with a neighbouring room, the standard rooms – containing a queen bed, digital TV, tea and coffee facilities and a mini-bar fridge - are perfect for casual conference groups, while the family rooms include one queen bed and two singles across two rooms.

Woodlands’ second accommodation building, Bouganvillea House, has 10 deluxe rooms and four executive rooms and is a traditional hotel-motel style facility equivalent to a 4.5-star hotel. Deluxe rooms feature a queen bed, mini-bar fridge, desk and lounge chair, while executive rooms include a king-size bed, double shower and sofa. Both buildings are just a short distance from the Woodlands mansion’s dining and function rooms.

But it doesn’t have to be all work and no play for those attending what is one of the region’s most popular corporate conference venues. While the sight of the spectacular, historic mansion will be enough to wow even the harshest of critics, the Woodlands half-size Olympic swimming pool and tennis courts provide guests with a perfect opportunity to use their downtime in style. Woodlands’ very own vineyard can also help conference-goers let down their hair when business is done and dusted for another day.

South-East Queensland’s Ultimate Conference Venue



When it comes to the ultimate in conference venues, Brisbane has the best right on its doorstep. Located just 15 minutes from the Ipswich CBD, and only 45 minutes from Brisbane, Woodlands of Marburg can cater for a range of corporate functions from the smallest business meeting to a conference for hundreds.

The estate’s iconic 19th century mansion and sweeping grounds provide an impressive backdrop for the modern business conference facilities onsite. Conference rooms are equipped with the latest technology while the surrounding lush, manicured gardens make for a unique discussion or meeting space.

Woodlands’ professional and dedicated conference organisers will help you stage an event your delegates won’t forget. Full catering options and on-site accommodation provide peace of mind while keeping the company budget in line.
Guests will appreciate the four-star executive and deluxe suites or three-star standard and family rooms, as well as the chance to enjoy Woodlands’ facilities including half-size Olympic swimming pool, tennis court and winery. Woodlands has also partnered with several local tourism operators, offering great packages allowing your guests to make the most of Ipswich and the surrounding region.

Choosing from the accommodation options available will mean your delegates are well-rested and stay focused on the task at hand. Rush hour traffic is replaced with a short stroll from the luxuriously appointed rooms to your meeting location of choice. Your event will run smoothly to schedule in a peaceful, stress-free environment where the only distraction is the stunning view of the picturesque Marburg Valley countryside.

It is easy to see why, when choosing a conference venue, Brisbane-based companies turn to Woodlands of Marburg. As one of the region’s leading venues, you can rest assured your next event will be a success. Arrange a personalized tour of Woodlands of Marburg today.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Four Season of Fun at Woodlands of Marburg

The cooler months are on the way but that doesn’t mean you need to lock yourself indoors. When it comes to holiday accommodation, Queensland offers no shortage of options and has long been the location of choice for vacationers. In fact, the perfect location for a getaway – at any time of year – is right at your doorstep, with Woodlands of Marburg offering holiday accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

Woodlands of Marburg is a plantation-style estate featuring a magnificent mansion nestled on 250 acres of rolling hills in the picturesque Marburg Valley in Ipswich. From the sun-kissed glow that abounds in summer to the glistening morning fog in winter, Woodlands’ lush lawns and gardens, vineyard, and majestic views look picture-perfect all year around.

Want to relax in luxurious accommodation, Queensland-style? The Woodlands estate features two accommodation buildings on site, perfect for those looking for a relaxing stay that reflects the state’s beautiful south-east region. Bunya House houses 39 rooms, including 32 standard rooms, six family rooms and one glorious two-room suite.

The standard rooms are paired to share a bathroom with a neighbouring room, making them perfect for large family groups of casual conference groups. Each standard room contains a queen bed to sleep up to two people, a digital TV, mini-bar fridge and tea and coffee facilities. The family rooms sleep four and feature one queen bed and two single beds across two bedrooms, as well as a bathroom, while the two-room suite includes a queen-size bed, ensuite bathroom and sitting room.

But the real showpiece of the Woodlands of Marburg’s accommodation buildings is Bouganvillea House, a traditional hotel-motel style facility which is equivalent to a 4.5-star hotel. The 10 deluxe rooms include a queen bed, mini-bar fridge, desk and lounge chair, with the four executive rooms featuring a king-size bed, sofa and double shower. Each room sleeps up to two people.

Both Woodlands accommodation buildings are located just a few metres away from all of the property’s facilities, including Olympic size swimming pool and tennis court, and a short stroll from the mansion’s dining and function rooms. Rates for each room also include a complimentary continental breakfast for up to two people, which can be upgraded to a hot breakfast for a small fee.

So if you’re looking this winter for Ipswich accommodation, Queensland’s provincial city certainly delivers with Woodlands of Marburg. Even locals agree that Woodlands is the place to be all year around. Experience the grandeur of this magnificent estate yourself – book your next holiday at Woodlands of Marburg.

Conference Centre Must-Haves

A conference is usually one of the largest events on a company or organisation’s calendar and being responsible for choosing a location can be a daunting task. Finding the best business conference centre is the first task on a long list of responsibilities, so it’s vital to get it right the first time. After all, first impressions last – especially in the corporate world – and the success of an event relies heavily on where and how it is staged.

Successful conferences demand high levels of professionalism from both the host and service providers. A great business conference venue will not only meet a combination of needs, but should also be willing to go the extra mile and exceed expectations. There are several things to consider when researching the location for such an important event. Here are some tips on what to look for in a business conference centre:

Location

Location is paramount, so think about who will be invited to the conference and where they hail from. A venue in a prime location will be easily accessible and generally have good transport links, which is especially important for guests arriving from overseas or interstate. Get the location wrong and people may end up getting lost on the way to the venue, arriving late or even declining the invitation in the first place.

Size and suitability

Deciding on the number of guests early in the planning stage will make it easier to choose a venue. Assess whether the venue can cater in terms of seating capacity, number of meeting rooms and the layout and design of meeting spaces. The venue should also fit the corporate image of the business. Ensure the ambience and atmosphere of the venue gives the right impression about the company and the way it operates.

Technology

Professional venues should be able to provide a good range of business conference facilities including up-to-date technological equipment to suit all requirements. Look for venues that offer digital and audio equipment and internet connectivity.

Facilities and accommodation

Aside from technological equipment, what else does the venue offer in the way of business conference facilities? Onsite business and leisure facilities can prove a real drawcard for invitees, so look for a venue that can offer an all-inclusive experience. This could include catering and accommodation, plus complimentary amenities such as a gym or pool. It’s also important to ask if the venue can cater for guests with disabilities or special requirements.

Service and flexibility

Business conference centres usually offer a dedicated onsite event planner or team. It’s their responsibility to ensure the event runs smoothly to budget without surprises or hidden costs. Ask whether the venue is flexible in terms of dates and last minute number changes, as well as what type of bond or security is required to secure the location.

Finally, be sure to visit a selection of venues before making the final decision. Photographs on an venue’s website may not always do the location justice, or alternatively, they could provide a skewed impression of what’s really on offer. Always try before you buy.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Host a Dinner to Die for at Woodlands of Marburg

Have you ever wanted to host a murder mystery party? Imagine guiding your guests through a chilling storyline as they soak up the ambience and atmosphere of an historical and majestic mansion. Make it a reality at Woodlands of Marburg.

Built in 1890, the magnificent Woodlands of Marburg mansion has become a popular and unique location for murder mystery parties. Set in the old world charm of the mansion’s cedar-panelled dining rooms or the atmospheric sandstone cellar, Woodlands’ themed murder mystery party events are a memorable, interactive and engaging occasion your guests are unlikely to forget. From fully-costumed affairs to self-paced events, it’s easy to get into character and find the murderer amongst you!

If you’re unfamiliar with the how murder mystery parties work, just remember that everyone is a suspect until the very end. A mysterious murder has taken place and it’s up to you and your guests to find the culprit. In fact, the killer could even be you! Spend the night enjoying the spooky, historic atmosphere of Woodlands and an a la carte dinner as you and your guests play the role of detectives until the murderer is revealed.

To help you make the most of the old-world atmosphere – and even the odd ghostly presence – Woodlands of Marburg offers a selection of murder mystery party packages perfect for family, friend or corporate events.
Package 1 starts at $70 per person and includes the hire of either the sandstone cellar or the cedar-panelled dining room, props, game cards and instructions plus an alternate drop dinner and staff to help facilitate the event.

Package 2 starts at $75 per person and includes venue hire, choice of mystery theme, game cards and instructions, props and a two-course alternate drop dinner.

Package 3 starts at $90 per person and includes venue hire, choice of murder mystery theme, game cards and instructions, props, staff to coordinate and run the evening, plus a three-course alternate drop dinner.
For a little extra, why not make the most of the event and stay the night at one of Woodlands of Marburg’s well-appointed accommodation rooms? From just $99 per person you will receive all of the above plus a night in a standard room. Rooms and rates include continental breakfast.  

Make your next dinner one to die for by turning it into a murder mystery party at Woodlands of Marburg. Book your killer event with the team today!

Save Money with a Budget Conference at Woodlands of Marburg

Think hosting a business conference will blow the company budget? Think again. When it comes to conference venues, Brisbane has one of the best and most affordable options right on its doorstep. Leading Ipswich function venue Woodlands of Marburg is the perfect place to host your next business conference without breaking the bank.

Of all Ipswich function venues, Woodlands of Marburg is the only historic centre nestled on 250 sprawling acres of lush and picturesque countryside. With state-of-the-art modern business conference facilities, not to mention great conference accommodation, Woodlands of Marburg is a unique location your company’s employees and delegates are unlikely to forget.

The professional team at Woodlands understands that a business conference is a great tool for generating significant benefits for your business. However, booking a venue while trying to find suitable accommodation, transport and catering can be an expensive exercise. That’s why the team at Woodlands of Marburg offers everything you need to host a successful event all in one superb and convenient location.

Minimise downtime for your business and save money by taking advantage of Woodlands’ onsite business conference facilities, technological equipment, internet access, catering and accommodation. Present your conference in a professional, memorable and effective manner with onsite data projectors, TV/DVD/VCR, whiteboards, flipcharts, PA systems and lecterns.

Forget trying to motivate tired and travel-weary employees and delegates. Book them into one of Woodlands’ accommodation suites or rooms during your event. Not only will it save the company’s travel expenses, it also means conference attendees will be well-rested and on-time for the start of the day’s proceedings. Guests are also invited to enjoy the facilities on offer including a half-size Olympic swimming pool, tennis court and winery. Woodlands has also partnered with several local tourism operators, offering great packages allowing your guests to make the most of Ipswich and the surrounding region.

Woodlands of Marburg’s onsite catering can also help save the company hip pocket. There’s no need to book a separate catering company, with the Woodlands chef and catering team capable of providing meals and snacks for the smallest of groups through to hundreds of guests.

It’s easy to see why Woodlands of Marburg has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted Ipswich function venues. From a business meeting for dozens to a corporate conference for hundreds, the professional event management team at Woodlands will ensure your function runs without a hitch. In terms of world-class conference venues, Brisbane and its nearby neighbour, Ipswich, certainly deliver.