GENERAL INFORMATION
Dates
The Conference will be held from 22 – 24 April 2010
Language
The official language of the Conference is English.
Name Badges
All delegates will receive a name badge upon registration. This badge is the official pass and must be worn to obtain entry to all Conference sessions and associated activities.
Time
Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
Climate and Clothing
With its variable climate, Melbourne is mild to cool in autumn (March to May). It is recommended that visitors bring clothing suitable for mild days and cool nights.
Average maximum temperature during April 20°C
Average minimum temperature during April 11°C
For more information on average temperatures, rainfall and lots of other great information about Australian destinations, visit www.australia.com
Flights
To research and book your international flight to Australia, please click on the following link:
http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/home/qualifier-region-au
Most International flights will fly directly into Melbourne, eliminating the need to get a connecting domestic flight.
Following is a map indicating estimated international flight times.
Passport and Visa
All travellers to Australia, other than those holding New Zealand passports, require a valid entry visa prior to travel to Australia. For many nationalities (29 in total) an Electronic Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) can be obtained from your travel agent or airline when making your travel arrangements. Please see your travel agent or airline for further details.
Airport Information
Melbourne Airport is located 20 km or 25 minutes from central Melbourne. A taxi fare is approximately A$40.
A shuttle bus service, SkyBus, operates 24 hours a day between the Airport and the city centre. The service runs approximately every 30 minutes at a cost of A$12 each way. Drop off points are located throughout the city centre close to hotels and facilities. For further information, phone: +61 3 9670 7992.
Quarantine
Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted. For more information see the ‘Information for International Travellers’ on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website, which you can access by visiting www.affa.gov.au
Getting Around Melbourne
The Conference venue is within easy walking distance to most hotels in the Melbourne central business district (CBD). Although it is rapidly expanding, the geographic area of the Melbourne central business district is around 5kms x 5kms.
The Melbourne CBD (and its suburbs) is one of a few cities in the world that has a low cost electric tram network, as well as an underground train system. There is a free-of-charge historic tram that runs regularly around the perimeter of the Melbourne CBD. This free historic tram is designed for visitors to Melbourne and has high-quality maps and tour guides on board – a most recommended means of getting around the Melbourne CBD.
The city and suburbs are also well-serviced by taxis and buses, or for something a little different, catch a water taxi along Melbourne’s famous Yarra River and docklands area. One of the reasons that Melbourne is regarded as one of the world’s safest and most liveable cities, is because it is quite safe to walk and travel around Melbourne, day and night.
Melbourne is well serviced by trains, trams, buses and taxis both in the city and surrounding suburbs. For more information about the transport network, go to VicTrip
Exchange Rate
Australian currency fluctuates on the international monetary exchange. Therefore we recommend checking with your local bank for the exchange rate just prior to your arrival in Australia.
Currency and Banking
Australian currency is the dollar. Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and AUD$1 and AUD$2; notes have values of AUD$5, AUD$10, AUD$20, AUD$50 and AUD$100.
Banks and Foreign Exchange
Melbourne's banking hours are generally Monday to Thursday 0900-1600 and Friday 0900-1700. All the major banks are equipped to exchange foreign currency. You can also exchange foreign currency any day or night at the airport o r during normal business hours in Melbourne's central business district.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% on most goods and services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, translators, food, transport (including coach, rail and cruise) and other tourism services within Australia.
Insurance
Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Conference and book your travel you take out an insurance policy of your choice. The policy should include loss of fees/ deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Conference, or through cancellation of the Conference, loss of international/ domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason, loss of tour monies through cancellation for any reason including airline or related services strikes within Australia, failure to utilise tours or pre- booked arrangements due to airline delay, Force Majeure or any other reason, medical expenses (including sickness and accident cover), loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. The Conference Managers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.
Medical Care
The addresses and telephone numbers of hospitals, health and dental clinics are available at the Registration Desk. Please ensure prior to your departure to arrange travel insurance for yourself and your accompanying persons. Talk to your travel agent or your health insurance for further information.
In the Event of an Emergency
Call 000 (triple zero) to be connected to police, fire and/or ambulance services.
Electric Current
Electric current is 240 Volt, AC 50 cycles. Two or Three pin rectangular plugs are used. For more information, please visit your local travel store.
Driving License
International Driving Licenses are recognised throughout Australia. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.
