Arriving in Melbourne

Melbourne is served by an international airport, receiving over 200 international flights per week from major cities around the globe.

Melbourne International Airport is located 22km north west of the city – approximately 30 minutes drive via the Citylink freeway. Both direct international and domestic flights arrive and depart from this airport using a single terminal complex. Transfers to the city from the airport are easily accessed. Taxis are available outside the terminal at ground floor level at a cost of approximately AUD60.00.

Alternatively, SkyBus operates an airport to city and return bus service. A return fare is AUD36.00 per person or AUD18.00 per person one way (at the time of printing). Buses depart every 20 minutes and drop off at city hotels in Melbourne.

Banks

Banks in Australia are open from 09:30 – 16:00 Monday to Thursday and from 09:30 – 17:00 on Fridays. Most banks are closed weekends and public holidays. Automatic Teller Machines are open 24 hours and are located throughout the city and surrounds. Facilities for exchange of currency are available at the airport, larger hotels and banks.

Car Rental

Cars can be rented in Australia from local or international companies. Average cost per day for a medium sized car is AUD80.00. All cars are right- hand drive.

Climate

Delegates can expect mainly fine weather in December with average temperatures ranging from 15 - 25°C.

Credit cards

Credit cards are widely accepted. Commonly recognised cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express. Only these cards are accepted by the Conference.

Currency exchange

Decimal currency is used in Australia (AUD) and currency units are dollars and cents. Australian notes are: AUD100, AUD50, AUD20, AUD10, AUD5. Coins are: AUD2, AUD1, AUD .50, AUD.20, AUD.10, AUD.05 cents

Disabled Facilities

If you require disability specific facilities, please notify the Conference Organiser by indicating on your registration form.

Electricity

The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug. Most city hotels provide 110 volts for shavers.

Health

Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from a yellow fever-infected country zone within six days prior to your arrival. You do not need any other health certificate to enter Australia. Australia has a high standard of hygiene and doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you.

Insurance

It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate travel and health insurance prior to commencement of travel. Further information can be obtained from your travel agent.

Liability Disclaimer

In the event of industrial disruption or other unforeseen circumstances, the Conference Organisers accept no responsibility for loss of monies incurred by delegates. The Conference Organisers accept no liability for injuries/losses of whatever nature incurred by participants and/or accompanying persons, nor for loss or damage to their luggage and/or personal belongings. Delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.

No Smoking Policy

Delegates should be aware that smoking is banned in public buildings and many hotels and restaurants throughout Australia, including the Conference venue.

Official Language

The official language of the Conference is English.

Passport and Visa

All international visitors require a valid passport and Visa for entry into Australia (New Zealand visitors require a valid passport only). A facility for electronically issuing visas, The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system, is currently available through international travel agents and airlines in 29 countries including the US, UK, parts of Western Europe, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This system also includes pre-clearance for entry which reduces the time needed to process passengers on arrival. Your local Australian Embassy or Consulate can advise of the availability. For non-ETA countries, visas are issued from Australian Embassies and Consulates around the world and we recommend that you apply early for your visa. 

For further information, please visit: www.immi.gov.au

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the importation of animals and plants which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted. 

For further information please contact: www.aqis.gov.au/whatcanti

Tax

Australia applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 10%.

Time Zones

Melbourne operates on Australian Eastern Standard time, which is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). For international passengers, we suggest that you try to allow yourself at least a day in which to adjust to the time difference and relax after your flight, before the Conference commences. Travellers flying westward across the Pacific Ocean are reminded that they will lose a day by crossing the International Date Line. The 'lost day' will be regained on the return journey.

Tipping

Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters, and a gratuity of about 10% is usual in restaurants if good service is received. NO service charge is added to hotel or restaurant bill.

Travel and Program Disclaimers

In the event of any travel disruptions, the Conference Organiser will not be held responsible for any losses incurred by delegates at or enroute to or from the Congress.

The program is correct at the time of printing, but the Conference Organiser reserve the right to alter the program as necessary.