Newcastle
Only 160kms north of Sydney, Newcastle is located in the heart of the Hunter Region and is bordered by a stunning coastline with beautiful beaches.
All within an hour’s drive, Newcastle is ideally located to access amazing beaches, world class wineries, a world-heritage listed rainforest and Australia’s largest salt water lake.
Easily accessible by air with several flights departing daily, rail, boat, interstate and local coach services. Newcastle’s proximity to Sydney and surrounds makes it a great destination.
Transport Options
There are several options for getting to Newcastle from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne.
By car
Drive into the city along the Pacific Highway, which leads straight into Hunter Street, Newcastle CBD's main drag (the mall, at the far end, allows slow-moving, one-way traffic). Trace Wharf Road east and see Nobbys Lighthouse marking the entrance to Newcastle Harbour.
By bus
Head to Newcastle on a long-distance bus - Greyhound services leave from Sydney's Central Station, Brisbane's Coach Terminal and Melbourne's Travel Centre. Newcastle's local bus network radiates from the Coach Interchange, behind Railway Station , Wharf Rd. Major bus interchanges are found at the University of Newcastle, Wallsend, Glendale, Warners Bay, Belmont, Charlestown Square, Westfield Kotara and Broadmeadow Station. Trips taken within a designated area of Newcastle's CBD are free on State Transit-operated bus services. Opal cards are used on Newcastle's local buses replacing the time-based tickets that are unique to the city. For more information visit www.newcastlebuses.info
By plane
Five airlines service Newcastle Airport at Williamtown (a 25-minute drive north of Newcastle).
- Jetstar flies from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne
- Virgin Australia flies from Brisbane and Melbourne
- QantasLink flies from Brisbane
- Rex Airlines flies from Sydney
- Fly Pelican flies from Canberra, Sydney, Ballina / Byron Bay, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour.
International delegates are encouraged to fly via Brisbane and then down to Newcastle wherever possible.
Port Stephens Coaches runs buses between the airport and the bus terminal next in Newcastle. Hunter Valley Buses runs buses from the airport to East Maitland via Raymond Terrace.
The Newcastle Airport Information Services Desk can arrange door-to-door transfers. Please phone 02 4928 9822, or email
By train
Sit back and relax by riding the rails to Hamilton or Broadmeadow Stations, with connecting shuttle buses to central Newcastle and beaches. Catch one of the regular Newcastle and Central Coast services departing from Central Station, Strathfield, Eastwood, Epping or Hornsby to continue north to Broadmeadow or Hamilton (www.transportnsw.info, www.sydneytrains.info).
TrainLink's inter-city services connect Brisbane to Broadmeadow via the regional cities of Casino, Grafton, Wauchope and Taree, before continuing to Sydney. Broadmeadow is a major railway hub: northwestern services from Armidale, Tamworth, Moree and Narrabri also arrive here.
Useful phone numbers
For bus and ferry timetables, ticket and fare information contact Newcastle Buses and Ferries: 131 500
For taxi bookings and enquiries contact Newcastle Taxis: 132 227
For train timetables and service information contact Transport NSW: 131 500
For flight and airport transfer information contact Newcastle Airport: (02) 4928 9800
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 - 30°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
New Zealand passport holders and permanent residents of Norfolk Island do not usually need to lodge a visa application prior to their departure unless they have health and/or character concerns.
Under Australia's universal visa system, all visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia (other than New Zealand passport holders who will normally be granted a Special Category visa on arrival, provided they meet health and character requirements; and permanent residents of Norfolk Island who may be granted a Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa on arrival). For more information, see the fact sheet [LINK TO http://www.border.gov.au/about/corporate/information/fact-sheets/17nz] .
A facility for electronically issuing visas, The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system, is currently available through international travel agents and airlines in over 30 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. In non-ETA countries, we recommend that you apply early for your visa.
International participants for ICLC 2016 may be eligible for the following visas:
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)(Subclass 601)(business stream)
eVisitor (Subclass 651)(business stream) visa
Visitor (business stream)(Subclass 600) visa
Temporary Work (short stay activity) (Subclass 400) visa
For event participants from non-ETA and non-eVisitor eligible countries, it is recommended by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection that you apply for a visa at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to your intended dates of travel.
For the best possible chance of obtaining a visa to travel to Australia to attend ICLC 2016, you should:
Determine which visa you are eligible to apply for, ie. ETA (Subclass 601)(business stream), eVisitor (Subclass 651)(business stream), Visitor (subclass 600)(business stream) visa
Apply for your visa at least 6 weeks before your intended date of travel to Australia (or two weeks if you are from an ETA or eVisitor eligible country) as visa processing times may vary.
Consider Australia's health and character requirements, which you will have to meet as part of the visa application process.
If you are not eligible to apply for an eVisitor visa or ETA, ensure you obtain a confirmation of your registration, or a letter of invitation, to attach to your Visitor (Subclass 600)(business stream) visa application.
For further information regarding Australian visas, please visit: www.border.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
Newcastle 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 Conference.
The program is correct at the time of printing, but the Conference Organiser reserve the right to alter the program as necessary.